Let’s Dive into Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-228 Single Thickness, Pack of 25
The Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-228 Single Thickness, Pack of 25, may not be the sexiest piece of kit in my arsenal of outdoor and tactical gear, but trust me, they play a crucial role. These unassuming cellulose thimbles, manufactured by Whatman, are essential for anyone involved in serious analytical chemistry, environmental science, or even certain culinary applications (more on that later!). They offer a reliable and consistent method for solid-liquid extraction, a process that’s surprisingly relevant in diverse fields.
My need for these thimbles arose during a project involving the analysis of soil samples from a remote wilderness area. I needed to extract specific organic compounds for contaminant analysis, and reliable extraction was paramount. Traditional methods were too cumbersome and lacked the precision I required in such a sensitive environment.
Upon unboxing the Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-228 Single Thickness, Pack of 25, I was immediately impressed by their uniform construction and smooth interior surface. The single thickness design (approximately 1mm) felt robust enough for my needs without being overly restrictive. This immediately suggested a good balance between filtration efficiency and solvent flow rate.
Compared to using loose filter paper or less specialized extraction devices, the Whatman thimbles offered a significant advantage. They promised a seamless and controlled extraction process within a Soxhlet apparatus. I considered using alternative cellulose thimbles from other brands, but Whatman’s reputation for consistent quality and purity ultimately swayed my decision.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to see how these thimbles would perform in the field, but I also knew that the success of my project hinged on their reliability.
Real-World Testing: Putting Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-228 Single Thickness, Pack of 25 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real-world test took place in a makeshift lab set up at my base camp, deep within the Olympic National Forest. I used the Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-228 Single Thickness, Pack of 25, with a Soxhlet extractor to analyze soil samples for persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The conditions were far from ideal – fluctuating temperatures, high humidity, and the ever-present risk of contamination.
The thimbles performed admirably even under duress. The single-thickness allowed for consistent solvent flow and efficient extraction, even with relatively fine particulate matter in the soil samples. I didn’t experience any tearing or collapse of the thimbles during the extraction process.
Using the thimbles was straightforward. I carefully weighed and loaded my soil samples into the thimbles, placed them in the Soxhlet extractor, and initiated the extraction process using a high-purity solvent. No real learning curve was involved, thanks to the simplicity of the design and the compatibility with standard Soxhlet equipment.
After the first extraction run, I noticed a slight discoloration of the thimbles due to the extracted organic matter. Other than that, there were no unpleasant surprises or issues.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of continuous use in the field, the Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-228 Single Thickness, Pack of 25, continued to deliver consistent and reliable results. I processed hundreds of soil samples, and only a handful of thimbles exhibited minor signs of wear and tear after prolonged exposure to solvents and repeated extraction cycles. This speaks volumes about their durability.
The thimbles showed no significant signs of degradation despite constant use. Minor discoloration was normal, but there were no structural weaknesses.
The Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-228 Single Thickness, Pack of 25, are not really designed to be cleaned and reused. For my application, they were single-use consumables to prevent cross-contamination. Compared to my previous experiences with alternative filtration methods that required extensive cleaning and calibration, these thimbles were a significant time-saver, especially in a remote environment.
Breaking Down the Features of Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-228 Single Thickness, Pack of 25
Specifications
- I.D., mm: 22
- Overall Length, mm: 80
- Whatman No.: 2800-228
- Unit: Pack of 25
- Material: High-grade cotton cellulose
- Thickness: Single thickness (approximately 1mm)
- Seamless Construction: Absolutely seamless to prevent bypass.
- Compatibility: Fits most Soxhlet extraction devices.
These specifications are critical for ensuring proper fit within standard Soxhlet extractors, efficient solvent flow, and reliable retention of solid particles. The seamless construction is particularly important because it prevents the solvent from bypassing the sample, leading to inaccurate extraction results.
Performance & Functionality
The Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-228 Single Thickness, Pack of 25, excel at their primary task: providing a reliable and consistent method for solid-liquid extraction. The controlled porosity of the cellulose material ensures optimal solvent flow, while the seamless construction prevents any leakage or bypass.
The main strength lies in the Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-228 Single Thickness, Pack of 25‘s consistency and reliability. It provides predictable results every time. The only potential improvement would be to offer a wider range of sizes to accommodate different Soxhlet extractor models.
The product exceeds my expectations in terms of ease of use and reliable performance. The purity and consistency are a must for sensitive chemical analyses.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-228 Single Thickness, Pack of 25, is elegantly simple. The high-grade cotton cellulose provides excellent filtration properties while remaining relatively lightweight and easy to handle. The seamless construction ensures structural integrity during the extraction process.
The thimbles are inherently user-friendly. Their straightforward design eliminates any learning curve, making them accessible to both experienced chemists and novices.
Durability & Maintenance
The Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-228 Single Thickness, Pack of 25, are designed as single-use consumables. This ensures that there is no cross-contamination from previous runs.
Due to their single-use nature, maintenance and repair are not applicable. However, proper storage in a dry, cool place will help to preserve their integrity and prevent degradation.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-228 Single Thickness, Pack of 25, themselves don’t require any specific accessories. They are designed to be used with a standard Soxhlet extraction apparatus. The most important consideration is selecting the appropriate solvent for your specific extraction needs.
While the thimbles themselves are not customizable, the extraction process can be tailored by adjusting solvent type, extraction time, and temperature to optimize the recovery of target compounds.
Pros and Cons of Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-228 Single Thickness, Pack of 25
Pros
- Consistent and Reliable Performance: Provides predictable results for consistent extraction.
- High-Quality Material: Made from high-grade cotton cellulose for optimal filtration.
- Seamless Construction: Prevents solvent bypass, ensuring accurate results.
- Easy to Use: Simple design eliminates any learning curve.
- Fits Most Soxhlet Extractors: Compatible with standard Soxhlet equipment.
Cons
- Single-Use: Designed for single-use applications only.
- Price: Can be expensive for high-volume extraction needs.
Who Should Buy Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-228 Single Thickness, Pack of 25?
The Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-228 Single Thickness, Pack of 25, are perfect for analytical chemists, environmental scientists, and food scientists who require a reliable and consistent method for solid-liquid extraction. They are also suitable for researchers in pharmaceutical and biochemical fields.
This product might not be necessary for those involved in simple filtration or clarification tasks that don’t require the precision and consistency of a Soxhlet extraction. Labs that perform quick, approximate extractions may not need the high purity provided by Whatman.
Essential accessories include a Soxhlet extraction apparatus, a suitable solvent for the target compounds, and a drying oven or rotary evaporator for concentrating the extracted analytes.
Conclusion on Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-228 Single Thickness, Pack of 25
The Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-228 Single Thickness, Pack of 25, are a valuable asset for anyone involved in solid-liquid extraction processes. They provide consistent, reliable results, are easy to use, and are compatible with standard Soxhlet equipment. While they are designed for single-use applications and can be relatively expensive for high-volume needs, their performance and reliability justify the cost for critical analytical applications.
The price is certainly justified, considering the reliability and consistency Whatman brings. If you’re seeking consistent and reliable extraction results, I wholeheartedly recommend the Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-228 Single Thickness, Pack of 25. Add them to your lab kit and experience the difference in extraction quality!