- Leaching: This is the process of extracting soluble components from a solid material by continuously washing the material with a solvent. Leaching is often used to extract metals from ores or to remove contaminants from soil.
- Percolation: This is the process of passing a solvent through a column of solid material. The solvent dissolves the soluble components of the solid material and carries them down the column, while the insoluble components remain in the column. Percolation is often used to extract essential oils from plants or to make coffee.
- Maceration: This is the process of soaking a solid material in a solvent. The solvent dissolves the soluble components of the solid material, and the resulting solution is then separated from the solid material. Maceration is often used to extract active ingredients from herbs or to make tinctures.
- Reflux extraction: This is the process of heating a mixture of solid material and solvent in a closed container. The solvent vapors condense on the walls of the container and then drip back down onto the solid material. This process is repeated several times, which helps to dissolve more soluble components from the solid material. Reflux extraction is often used to extract organic compounds from plant material.
