15) Lab Essentials : Separating Funnel

Microbiology Lab Essentials : 

Glasswares : 

15) Separating Funnel :

Separating Funnel is used to separate a mixture of two immiscible liquids. The liquid with higher density is at the lower level of the funnel and when the stopcock is opened it passed into a flask and then stopcock is closed and the two liquids are separated.

A separating funnel takes the shape of a cone with a hemispherical end. It has a stopper at the top and stopcock (tap), at the bottom.

To use a separatory funnel, the two phases and the mixture to be separated in solution are added through the top with the stopcock at the bottom closed.

A separating funnel can be used to separate the components of the mixture of immiscible liquids. 

How this can be done ? 

To understand this let us perform a following activity. Let us try to separate kerosene oil from water using a separating funnel.

     ✓ Techniques/Methods of Separations :

1)Handpicking.

2)Threshing.

3)Winnowing.

4)Sieving.

5)Evaporation.

6)Distillation.

7)Filtration or Sedimentation.

8)Separating Funnel.

Two immiscible liquids, such as oil and water, can be separated by using a separating funnel. Later the mixture is placed in a separating funnel or colloquially sep funnel and allowed to stand. The oil and water form two separate layers, with the less dense liquid being on top.