Round funnels

Round Separatory Funnels for Liquid-Liquid Extraction

Round separatory funnels deliver reliable phase separation through their spherical body geometry, which minimizes surface adhesion and facilitates complete drainage of immiscible solvent systems. Borosilicate glass construction withstands thermal shock from -70°C to +500°C while maintaining chemical inertness across organic and inorganic solvent matrices. Standard taper joints (14/20, 19/22, 24/29) ensure compatibility with existing Glass apparatus configurations in analytical workflows.

Liquid-Liquid Extraction Using Round Separatory Funnels

Spherical body design provides optimal surface-to-volume ratio for biphasic systems, reducing emulsion formation during aqueous-organic extractions. Precision-ground PTFE stopcocks enable dropwise control necessary for clean phase boundaries in dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and hexane extractions. Capacities from 50ml to 2000ml accommodate both microscale synthesis workups and preparative-scale separations, contrasting with Graduated cylindrical funnels used for simple transfers rather than extraction protocols.

Stopcock Mechanisms for Controlled Phase Separation

• PTFE plug stopcocks: Self-lubricating design eliminates grease contamination in sensitive analytical procedures, critical for GC-MS and HPLC sample preparation
• Glass-to-glass stopcocks: Require thin silicone grease film but offer superior solvent resistance for prolonged contact with chlorinated solvents
• Bore diameter selection: 2mm standard bore for aqueous layers, 4mm for viscous organic phases requiring faster drainage
• Locknut assemblies: Prevent stopcock rotation under pressure during vigorous shaking cycles

Optimal Shapes for Immiscible Solvent Processing

Round body geometry eliminates corners where residual solvent accumulates, unlike Measuring cylinders or Measured cylinder, plastic basis equipment unsuitable for extraction work. Spherical surface tension distribution prevents droplet retention during aqueous backwashing steps. Graduated markings at 50ml intervals enable volume tracking without transferring to separate Measuring cylinders, streamlining workflow efficiency. Compare extraction efficiency against Soxlet extraction apparatus for solid-liquid applications versus liquid-liquid separations.

Maintenance and Cleaning Protocols

Immediate rinse protocols: Flush with acetone followed by methanol within 30 minutes of use to prevent residue polymerization on glass surfaces. Stopcock care: Disassemble PTFE plugs weekly, sonicate in 2% Alconox solution for 15 minutes, dry completely before reassembly. Storage orientation: Hang inverted with stopcock open to prevent moisture accumulation and maintain bore precision. Chromic acid cleaning removes stubborn organic residues but requires 24-hour contact time for complete surface restoration.