Download - Basic Separation Techniques
BY PROF. LIWAYWAY MEMIJE-CRUZ
Basic Separation Techniques
Classification of Matter
Matter can be classified into two categories: pure substances and mixtures. This classification is based on the internal composition of that matter. Using composition to describe matter is better than using its state, because the internal makeup makes matter unique, and not its phase or state. Example, water (H2O) can be vapor, solid or the usual liquid. This means that scientifically, it is not correct to say water is a liquid, even though we all know that water is usually a liquid.
Classification of Matter
Mixtures
formed of little bits of one or more substances mixed together. Usually, the parts can be separated from each other by physical means, because it does not involve any chemical reactions or bonds.
Types of Mixtures
Separating Mixtures
Mixtures come in many forms and phases. Most of them can be separated, and the kind of separation method depends on the kind of mixture it is
Filtration
a more common method of separating an insoluble solid from a liquid. An example of such a mixture is sand and water.
used in water treatment plants, where water from rivers is filtered to remove solid particles.
Evaporation
great for separating a mixture (solution) of a soluble solid and a solvent.
involves heating the solution until the solvent evaporates (turns into gas) leaving behind the solid residue.
Simple distillation
best for separating a liquid from a solution. In a way, the concept is similar to evaporation, but in this case, the vapor is collected by condensation. For example, if you want to separate water from a salt solution, simple distillation would be great for this.
Magnetism
ideal for separating mixtures of two solids with one part having magnetic properties. Some metals like iron, nickel and cobalt have magnetic properties whiles gold, silver and aluminum do not. Magnetic elements are attracted to a magnet.
Separating funnel
two liquids that do not dissolve very well in each other (immiscible liquids) can be separated by taking advantage of their unequal density. A mixture of oil and water, for example, can be separated by this technique.
References
http://www.eschooltoday.com/science/elements-mixtures-compounds/what-is-separation-funnel.html
http://amrita.olabs.edu.in/?sub=73&brch=2&sim=96&cnt=1