Laboratory Apparatus: Dean and Stark & Clevenger Systems
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3380 – Distilling Apparatus
With Friedrichs Condenser, Interchangeable Joint and StopperView Details -
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Applications of Dean and Stark & Clevenger Apparatus
While both apparatuses operate according to distillation principles, their applications differ significantly depending on the density of the substances being separated and the objective of the analysis.
Dean and Stark Apparatus
The Dean and Stark apparatus is primarily used for the estimation of moisture content in substances. It operates on the principle of azeotropic distillation, where water is separated from a sample using an immiscible solvent.
- Moisture Determination: It is the standard method for determining water content in petroleum products, bituminous materials, and food samples.
- Solvent Recovery: In specific chemical syntheses, it allows for the continuous removal of water produced during a reaction, driving the equilibrium towards product formation.
Clevenger Apparatus
The Clevenger apparatus is designed specifically for the estimation of volatile oil content in organic matter. It is extensively used in the essential oil industry and pharmacognosy research.
- Volatile Oil Estimation: It extracts essential oils from plant materials (such as cloves, fennel, or citrus peels) through hydro-distillation.
- Quality Control: Pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries rely on this apparatus to ensure the potency and purity of raw herbal materials.
The following table highlights the primary differences in application:
| Feature | Dean Stark Distilling Apparatus | Clevenger Apparatus |
| Primary Use | Estimation of moisture content | Estimation of volatile oil content |
| Principle | Azeotropic distillation (using solvents) | Hydro-distillation |
| Key Industries | Petroleum, Food, Bitumen | Pharmaceuticals, Essential Oils, Cosmetics |
| Solvent Type | Immiscible organic solvents (e.g., Toluene, Xylene) | Water (steam generation) |
Key Features of Our Lab Apparatus
Borosil Scientific ensures that every distillation assembly meets rigorous standards for accuracy and durability. The Dean Stark Distilling Apparatus and Clevenger apparatus are engineered to withstand the thermal demands of distillation while maintaining precise measurement capabilities.
Material Specifications
All components are fabricated from 3.3 Low Expansion Borosilicate Glass. This material offers:
- Chemical Inertness: Resistant to attack from water, acids, salt solutions, organic solvents, and halogens.
- Thermal Resistance: Capable of withstanding high temperatures and thermal shock during heating and cooling cycles.
Design and Configuration
Both systems are available in defined configurations to support standard analytical requirements.
- Dean Stark Distilling Apparatus:
Available with graduated receiver capacities of 5 ml and 10 ml. These receivers are supplied as part of a complete distillation assembly, which includes a compatible round-bottom flask and a condenser suitable for moisture determination by distillation. - Essential Oil Determination Apparatus (Clevenger Apparatus):
Supplied with a 5 ml graduated receiver with stopcock. The apparatus is available in two design variations based on oil density:- Oil Heavier than Water: Design intended for essential oils with a density greater than water.
- Oil Lighter than Water: Design intended for essential oils with a density lower than water.
This distinction in Clevenger design supports effective phase separation and accurate volumetric measurement during essential oil determination.
Why Choose Borosil Scientific’s Apparatus?
Selecting the correct glassware is critical for experimental accuracy and safety. Borosil Scientific provides laboratory apparatus that aligns with international quality standards.
- Manufacturing Precision: Our glass-blowing process ensures uniform wall thickness, reducing the risk of breakage under vacuum or thermal stress.
- Standard Compliance: The Dean Stark Distilling Apparatus is manufactured in accordance with Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) specifications, supporting its use in recognised moisture determination methods. The Essential Oil Determination Apparatus (Clevenger apparatus) for oils heavier than water is manufactured in accordance with IS 1797.
- Clarity and Graduation: High-quality glass ensures clear visibility of the meniscus, and permanent amber graduations allow for precise readings of the separated volume.
By utilising Borosil Scientific’s Dean Stark Distilling Apparatus and Clevenger apparatus, laboratories can achieve consistent, reproducible results in moisture and volatile oil estimation.
The Clevenger apparatus works through hydro-distillation. The plant material is boiled with water, generating steam that carries the volatile oils. The vapour condenses, and the oil separates from the water in a graduated receiver based on its density, allowing for direct measurement.
Yes, both apparatuses are manufactured from 3.3 low-expansion borosilicate glass, which provides excellent chemical resistance and thermal stability.
Yes, the Dean Stark Distilling Apparatus is compatible with various immiscible solvents used in moisture determination, such as toluene and xylene, due to the high chemical resistance of the glass.
Yes, the Clevenger apparatus is the standard instrument for extracting and quantifying essential oils from plant materials in research and quality control laboratories.
Yes, spare parts such as receivers, condensers, and flasks are available. Please refer to the Borosil Scientific e-Catalogue for specific part numbers and compatibility details.