Documentation:Standard Operating Procedures for Labconco Goldfisch Apparatus
- Please obtain proper training from the FNH teaching lab technician Imelda Cheung (Imelda.Cheung@ubc.ca) prior to using the Goldfisch apparatus.
- A video on lipid extraction using Goldfisch apparatus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3d3I_JZI59w is also provided for review purpose and can be viewed as needed.
- The day prior to experiment, label and place the solvent beakers in the oven to dry overnight.
- Sample must be dried prior to using Goldfisch fat extractor for accurate results.
- Place dried beakers in a desiccator to cool.
- Weigh the dried beakers.
- Place the Labconco Goldfisch Apparatus in the fume hood (if not already in the fume hood).
- Connect the left side tubing to the water tap and the right side tubing insert into the drain.
- Turn on the water to ensure moderate water flow and no water is flooding out of the drain.
- Plug in the apparatus to the outlet.
- Label the thimbles and weigh appropriate amount of samples (usually ~ 1 – 2 g) into the thimbles.
- Place the thimbles in the sample glass tubes.
- Insert the sample glass tubes into the assembly by gently pushing into the clip and sliding upward until the bulb of glass tubes touches the clip.
- Pour the appropriate amount of solvent into pre-weighed beakers and assemble to retainer ring with wave washer inserted onto the apparatus. Twist to lock securely.
- Raise the heater to touch the bottom of beaker by pulling downwards the black control knob, turning clockwise and slowly releasing.
- Select heat rate “HI” for all heaters.
- Each heat controller regulates for 2 heaters so you need to utilize the Goldfisch apparatus either as 2, 4 or 6 samples extraction. Using only one heater may damage the unit.
- Turn on the main power switch (right side) and begin extraction at "HI" power setting for 30 min.
- After 30 min, fast reflux should be established. Turn off the main power switch, then turn the heat rate to “LO” for all heaters and continue extraction for another 2 hr and 30 min.
- It is very important that you turn OFF the main power prior to changing the heater setting. Failure to do so will damage the system!
- When extraction is complete, turn off main power, lower heaters, and when cool, remove beakers and glass tubes.
- Remove thimbles from the glass tubes and place in a container to dry (if samples need to be retrieved, for defatting purpose).
- Place the swing beaker holder on the heater, place the beaker on the holder, set the heat rate to “LO”, and turn on main power switch to accelerate the evaporation of solvent.
- When most solvent has been evaporated, turn off the main power and turn off the water.
- Unplug and if needed, remove the apparatus from the fumehood.
- Place the beakers in the oven at 100oC for 30 min, then cool in a desiccator and record weight.
- The oil in the beakers is usually hard to clean. Soak the beakers in 6% Extran solution for 30 min and wash using regular cleaning procedures.
- To reserve a time to utilize the Labconco Goldfisch apparatus, please visit https://www.qreserve.com/r/resource/QR00182651