• 230 V / 50-60 Hz (Power: 115w)
• *Glassware Kit and Crucible Holder NOT Included*
• LCD Display
• Handles 6 samples at the same time
• Provides effective filtration and rinsing

Preliminary Hydrolysis for total fat determination

*Glassware Kit and Crucible Holder NOT Included*

The VELP Scientifica Hydrolysis Unit HU 6 is the ideal solution for the sample preparation prior to solvent extraction for the determination of the total fat content to free the fat molecules ready for extraction.

This procedure is required in several AOAC Official Methods to determine the fat content of food samples such as meat, cheese, seafood, chocolate, cereal flours, etc.

The HU 6 performs hydrolysis in complete safety and handles six samples at the same time to maximize productivity.

The samples are heated in test tubes in an aluminum heating block, offering excellent thermal homogeneity. Hydrolysis is performed in an acidic environment (4N hydrochloric acid) and in some cases, also in a basic environment (20% w/v ammonia) for about 60 minutes at a temperature of 170°C. The hydrolyzed sample is then filtered in a glass crucible and washed with warm deionized water to eliminate traces of hydrochloric acid.

The HU 6 is supplied with a vacuum pump that ensures safety thanks to the reduction of acid fumes.

The glass crucible containing the hydrolyzed and washed sample is oven dried before being placed in a desiccator. The crucible is then transferred directly to the SER 158 and SER 148 Solvent Extraction Unit, avoiding any possible sample loss and ensuring improved accuracy of results.

In some samples, direct solvent extraction is not efficient because the lipids are chemically bound to other components. The determination of the total fat content of these samples requires preliminary hydrolysis, followed by filtration and washing, in order to completely release the fat molecules.

The hydrolyzed sample is finally ready for extraction and can be easily transferred to the SER 148 or SER 158 Solvent Extraction Unit, avoiding any possible sample loss and ensuring better accuracy of the results.

The HU 6 provides effective filtration and rinsing of 3 or 6 samples in parallel. The valves allow to selectively interrupt the vacuum in each position speeding up the filtration process.