ETHOS X

The ETHOS X performs solvent-free microwave extraction of fragrances in plant material, such as essential oils, at atmospheric pressure. To run a sample, the operator places the material into the reactor without any added solvents or water, and then selects the pre-stored methods to start the run. Within minutes, the system's accelerated heating and water-cooling process enables the first drops of essential oils and water to condense in the fragrances glassware vessel, restoring the sample's in-situ water, while the essential oils are collected into the fragrances glassware available in glass and in stainless steel. Once the essential oils have been extracted, they can be analyzed directly by GC-MS without any preliminary clean-up or solvent exchange steps. The system's fast process also avoids thermal degradation, as the sample and the essential oils are exposed to heat for only a few minutes.

The microwave hydro-diffusion and gravity technology (MHG) is an original “upside down” microwave alembic, combining microwave heating and gravity at atmospheric pressure. This technology allows flavour to diffuse outside the plant material, dropping by gravity out of the microwave reactor. A cooling system outside the microwave oven continuously condenses the extract. While traditional processes are carried out in 3 hours or more, solvent-free microwave hydro-diffusion requires less than 30 minutes. Once the essential oils have been extracted, they can be analyzed directly by GC-MS without any preliminary clean-up or solvent exchange steps. The ETHOS X in the flavors configuration allows for the microwave extraction of natural flavoring substances and non-volatile compounds such as pigments, flavonoids, and carotenoids.