Let’s Dive into Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-432 Single Thickness, Pack of 25
For over a decade, I’ve worked with outdoor and tactical gear, from high-tech optics to essential survival tools. But sometimes, the most unassuming pieces of equipment are the linchpins of critical processes. The Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-432 Single Thickness, Pack of 25, may seem like simple cellulose tubes, but they are critical for sample preparation in countless scientific and industrial applications. Whatman, a trusted name in filtration and lab supplies, offers these thimbles as a reliable solution for solvent extraction, ensuring accurate and consistent results.
My work in environmental monitoring often requires analyzing soil and water samples for contaminants. Traditional methods were time-consuming and prone to error. These thimbles promised a more efficient and reproducible extraction process, so I decided to give them a try.
Upon unboxing the pack, I was immediately impressed by the uniform shape and smooth interior surface of each thimble. They felt sturdy and well-made, a testament to Whatman’s reputation for quality. The single-thickness design felt appropriate for the types of samples I routinely process, providing a balance between flow rate and retention of particulate matter.
Compared to other extraction methods I’ve used – like liquid-liquid extraction or solid-phase extraction cartridges – these thimbles offered a simpler, more direct approach for certain applications. This promised reduced solvent usage and less hands-on time. My initial excitement stemmed from the potential to streamline my workflow and improve the accuracy of my analyses.
Real-World Testing: Putting Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-432 Single Thickness, Pack of 25 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test involved extracting organic pollutants from soil samples collected near an industrial site. I used a Soxhlet extractor, a common apparatus for this application, carefully placing a Whatman Extraction Thimble containing the prepared soil sample into the extraction chamber. The solvent, hexane in this case, cycled through the thimble, dissolving and carrying away the target pollutants.
The performance was impressive. The solvent flowed smoothly through the thimble, and the extraction process seemed more efficient than previous methods I had employed. There were no signs of the thimble degrading or releasing fibers into the solvent, ensuring a clean extract.
The ease of use was a major benefit. The Whatman Extraction Thimbles fit perfectly into my Soxhlet apparatus, requiring no adjustments or modifications. This saved valuable time and reduced the potential for errors during setup.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Whatman Extraction Thimbles have proven to be remarkably reliable. They consistently deliver clean extracts, free from particulate contamination. The single-thickness design provides a good balance between flow rate and retention.
The durability of the thimbles is commendable. Even after repeated cycles of solvent extraction at elevated temperatures, they maintain their structural integrity. This minimizes the risk of sample loss or contamination due to thimble failure.
Maintenance is simple. After each extraction, the thimbles can be discarded, eliminating the need for cleaning or regeneration. This saves significant time and resources in the lab. My previous experiences with other extraction methods often involved tedious cleanup procedures.
Breaking Down the Features of Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-432 Single Thickness, Pack of 25
Specifications
- I.D.: 43 mm. The internal diameter ensures compatibility with a wide range of Soxhlet extractors.
- Overall Length: 123 mm. The length is suitable for holding sufficient sample volume for most extraction procedures.
- Whatman No.: 2800-432. This number ensures easy reordering and identification.
- Single Thickness (approximately 1mm wall thickness). This provides a good balance between flow rate and particulate retention.
- Material: High-grade cotton cellulose. This ensures purity and minimal interference with downstream analyses.
- Unit: Pack of 25. The pack size is convenient for both small and large laboratories.
These specifications are crucial for ensuring consistent and reliable extraction results. The internal dimensions guarantee a proper fit within the extraction apparatus, while the cellulose material minimizes the introduction of contaminants. The single thickness design offers a good compromise between efficient solvent flow and retention of unwanted particulate matter.
Performance & Functionality
The Whatman Extraction Thimbles excel at their primary function: providing a porous, inert matrix for solvent extraction. They allow solvents to permeate through the sample, effectively dissolving and carrying away target compounds. The results are consistently reproducible and accurate.
The primary strength of these thimbles lies in their simplicity and reliability. They require no special training or techniques to use effectively. Their weakness might be that single thickness thimbles, while promoting efficient flow, might not be appropriate for samples containing a high proportion of fine particulate matter that could potentially pass through the thimble.
These thimbles meet and often exceed my expectations. They have significantly improved the efficiency and accuracy of my extraction processes.
Design & Ergonomics
The Whatman Extraction Thimbles are designed for ease of use and compatibility with standard laboratory equipment. The high-grade cellulose material is pure and inert, ensuring minimal interference with downstream analyses. The uniform shape and smooth interior surface contribute to consistent solvent flow and efficient extraction.
There’s no learning curve associated with these thimbles. They are a simple, straightforward tool that integrates seamlessly into existing extraction protocols.
Durability & Maintenance
The Whatman Extraction Thimbles are designed for single use, minimizing the need for cleaning or maintenance. They are durable enough to withstand repeated cycles of solvent extraction at elevated temperatures. However, they are ultimately disposable items and should be discarded after each extraction.
Accessories and Customization Options
These thimbles are not designed for customization. However, they are compatible with a wide range of solvents and extraction apparatus. No accessories come with the product itself, besides the 25 thimbles. Proper selection of the appropriate extraction solvent and apparatus is crucial for optimal performance.
Pros and Cons of Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-432 Single Thickness, Pack of 25
Pros
- Reliable and consistent performance.
- Made of high-grade cotton cellulose for purity.
- Easy to use and requires no special training.
- Compatible with a wide range of solvents and extraction apparatus.
- The single thickness provides a good balance between flow rate and particulate retention.
Cons
- Single thickness may not be suitable for samples with very fine particulate matter.
- Relatively expensive compared to other extraction methods for high-throughput applications.
Who Should Buy Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-432 Single Thickness, Pack of 25?
These Whatman Extraction Thimbles are perfect for: environmental scientists, chemists, food scientists, and researchers who require reliable and efficient solvent extraction for sample preparation. They are especially well-suited for applications using Soxhlet extraction techniques.
Those who should skip this product: laboratories performing very high-throughput analyses where automated extraction methods may be more cost-effective or those working exclusively with samples containing extremely fine particulate matter may require double thickness thimbles.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality Soxhlet extraction apparatus.
Conclusion on Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-432 Single Thickness, Pack of 25
The Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-432 Single Thickness, Pack of 25, are a reliable and effective tool for solvent extraction. They offer consistent performance, ease of use, and compatibility with standard laboratory equipment. While they may not be the cheapest option for all applications, their reliability and purity make them a worthwhile investment for those who require accurate and reproducible results.
The price of $385.99 is justified by the quality and performance of these thimbles. They save time, reduce errors, and ensure the integrity of your samples. I would personally recommend these Whatman Extraction Thimbles to anyone who needs a dependable solution for solvent extraction.
If you are looking for a reliable and efficient way to prepare your samples for analysis, consider investing in the Whatman Extraction Thimbles, Whatman 2800-432 Single Thickness, Pack of 25. You won’t be disappointed.