Uses of Distilling Flask

Kids, do you know what is distilling flask? You might not be familiar with the process distillation process, but a distillation flask is one of the most widespread devices used during the process. Distillation flasks can be found in labs, where they have used on a daily basis in various experiments. They are typically used for separating mixtures of different chemical components in labs.

In this article we will see how and why distilling flasks are important to us, we will also look at the uses of distilling flasks and the precautions we should take while using the distilling flask. So, let’s dive right in! 

Applications of Distillation Flask

Distillation flasks are used in chemistry labs for various works. They are used to heat some mixtures of chemical compounds as it is impossible to heat them with bare human hands. They are generally made of glass because glass can bear high temperatures without breaking.

Distillation is a process in which a particular compound is taken out from a mixture by heating up the mixture in order to change the compounds from liquid to gaseous state. The change in the state happens from the lowest boiling point compounds to the highest boiling point compounds. And distillation flasks are widely used in this process. 

Finding a distillation flask should not be difficult as they are widely sold at electronics stores or even online stores. There are even some places that can be rented or borrowed.

Distillation Flask

How Distillation Flask Works?

A distillation flask can be made of either glass, plastic or metal. It has a long neck, which is bent with a downward angle to prevent the volatile liquids from evaporating too early into the condenser. The bulbous bottom part houses the heating source, while the column-like part is used as a still pot in which volatile chemicals are distilled.

The liquid with the lowest boiling points vaporises first and gets condensed in the neck and later is collected in a separate container through the side arm. The side arm also makes adding more liquids to the flask easier. A thermometer can also be inserted in the neck of the flask so that the boiling points can be measured and recorded. Have a look at the distillation flask diagram given below.

Distillation Process

Uses of Distillation Flask in Everyday Life

Although the distillation flask mostly plays an important role in the scientific community, it can also be very useful in everyday life. The distillation flask is used in labs and industrial uses. The best part about it is that it is easy to use and can be used for various applications. Some of the everyday uses of distilling flask include:

• It is used for teaching kids in science labs in schools and colleges. It is a widely used laboratory apparatus.

• They are used to store various chemicals since some chemicals are dangerous, even in small quantities.

Precautions While Using Distilling Flask

Although using distilling may sound easy and interesting, it is a pretty tough task to catch up to. One should be aware of the harmful consequences of not using the distilling flask properly. So, let us learn how to be careful while using a distilling flask:

• Always ensure that the connection joining the flask to the rest of the apparatus is properly and tightly secured.

• Always clean the flask after using it, as the leftover chemicals may cause problems like they can mix up with the chemicals that are to be used in the next experiment.

• Since the flask is usually made up of glass, make sure you do not break it while using it.

Summary

To conclude the above article, we would say that distilling flasks are crucial for science experiments. They help us with our experiments as we cannot use the chemicals with bare hands. But, with a distilling flask, it becomes easier. We should be very careful while using it; otherwise, we might cause serious problems due to minute negligence.

We would wrap up the article here, we have already discussed the uses and details of the distilling flask. We have also discussed the precautions that should be taken while using the flask, and in addition, we also looked at some distillation flask diagrams.