Separatory Funnel: Draining


Remove the stopper and drain the lower layer into a clean container by opening the valve.

Failure to remove the stopper while draining will produce a partial vacuum in the funnel that will prevent much of the liquid from flowing.

 

 

 

 


Drain slowly as the interface between the two solvents approaches the valve.

By turning the valve to the near off position it is possible to slow the flow of liquid to a slow drip. Avoid draining the separatory funnel too fast as you might accidentally drain a small amount of the upper layer.

 


 

Trap the solvent interface within the valve.

Go slowly. The moment the interface enters the valve turn the valve to the full OFF position. A negligible amount of each solvent is trapped and lost within the valve when performing this technique but the best separation of solvents is achieved.

 

Remove the upper layer pouring it out the top of the separatory funnel.