The act of filtration is essential in most laboratories to remove contaminants, separate components, and fulfill other necessary applications. Because the method used to filter a specific mixture will vary depending on several factors, such as chemical composition, most labs are stocked with multiple different types of filtration equipment. To get an idea of which science lab gear may benefit your lab’s applications, take a look at this list of some of the many different types of filtration equipment in labs.

Separatory funnels

Separatory funnels are types of lab glassware used for liquid-liquid extractions. They separate or filter a mixture of liquids into two distinct solvent phases of different densities.

When a mixture of liquids is poured into the funnel, the liquid with the higher density will sink to the bottom. Once the higher-density liquid is at the bottom of the funnel, it can be drained out so that only the less dense liquid remains.

Buchner funnels

One of the most common types of filtration equipment used in laboratories is a Buchner funnel. A Buchner funnel is used as a means to speed up the gravity filtration process through a vacuum, which is located under the filter in the flask. This vacuum forces the liquid mixture through the filter more quickly.

Combining this vacuum with pressure-assisted filtration, Buchner funnels can greatly decrease the amount of time it takes to filter a mixture. In addition to their efficiency, Buchner funnels also remove residual liquid more effectively to yield a purer solid—typically a recrystallized compound.

Absorbents

Absorbents are types of filter media that separate liquids by absorbing a particular fluid and leaving the other. The process that absorbents use to filter liquid works much like a sponge does. By drawing a certain liquid within itself, the remaining product is effectively purified of that liquid. Once the liquid has been absorbed, the absorbent will retain it until it either evaporated or solidifies. This form of filtration is extremely easy to complete, as it simply requires the absorbent to make contact with the liquid.

You can find each of these different types of filtration equipment in labs at USA Lab Equipment. Our extensive stock of new and used lab equipment is composed of a wide variety of laboratory filtration equipment, extraction equipment, lab glassware, distillation equipment, and other lab essentials. For more information regarding our competitively priced products, contact us today.