Solvent Efficiency
Advanced chemical analysis uses high temperature and pressure to remove contaminants from solid samples with minimal liquid waste. Utilizing pressurized liquid extraction allows labs to test paper and board for mineral oils or plasticizers much faster than traditional soaking methods. The process relies on the increased solubility of compounds at elevated states.
Thermal Acceleration
Heating the solvent above its normal boiling point increases its ability to penetrate the tight fiber network of the board. Because pressurized liquid extraction keeps the solvent in a liquid state even at high temperatures, it maintains high surface contact with the sample throughout the cycle. The pressure forces the liquid into the microscopic pores where traditional atmospheric extraction would fail to reach.
This method reduces the total volume of solvent needed, which lowers the cost and the environmental impact of the laboratory operations. Modern automated systems can process multiple samples in a single run, providing high throughput for quality control departments in large mills. The extracted compounds are collected in a vial for immediate injection into a gas chromatograph.
Sample Processing
Preparation involves grinding the board into a fine powder to maximize the surface area. Uniform particle size ensures that the solvent can access all parts of the fiber matrix equally. Reliable results depend on consistent packing of the extraction cell.
