Separation Techniques: Distillation

Distillation is used to separate the solvent from a solution of solutes. It can also be used to purify water. In fact, many industries use distillation to manafacture clean water, hence the name distilled water.

How to carry out simple distillation:

Step 1 - Set up the bunsen burner

Step 2 - Clamp the distillation flask in position

Step 3 - Place the three way connector into the distillation flask

Step 4 - Place the thermometer into the top of the distillation flask

Step 5 - Place the receiving flask

Step 6 - Attach the tubing to the water inlet and water outlet condenser

Step 7 - Ensure all joints are not under stress

Step 8 - Turn on cold water supply to the condenser (and check for water leaks)

Step 9 - Add the liquid to your distillation pot and then the boiling stones to ensure smooth boiling

Step 10 - Start heating the liquid and collect product in the flask

How does it work?

As the temperature rises, substances with a lower boiling point rises first, allowing us to isolate different components of the mixture. Since different substances have different boiling points, and by using the thermometer to take accurate temperature readings, we can determine which substance will be received by the flask. Once the vapor comes into contact with the cooler surface of the condenser, the substance then condenses into its liquid state and drips into the receiving flask.

Hence, distillation is based on the principle of evaporation and condensation.

What is it used for?

Distillation is used in Desalination plants such as NeWater, to obtain pure drinking water. It is also used in oil refineries to separate crude oil from petroleum.

e collecting at any given stage of the distillation as we do not want to be collecting any harmful substances