Simple Distillation: Good Ideas

• Use a fresh boiling chip to prevent bumping
• Double check all hoses for kinks that would interfere with the water flow. Avoid water balloons!
• Use a metal utility clamp around the neck of the round bottom flask.
• Support all glassware with utility clamps. DON'T OVER TIGHTEN the clamps or the glass may break.
• Use plastic clips between vacuum adapter, three way adapter and condenser.
• Use a laboratory jack to support the thermowell. Leave enough space to lower the thermowell when fast cooling is necessary.
• Keep the armpit of the three way adapter even with the top of the thermometer's Hg bulb.
• Fill the boiling flask no more than 2/3 full. Use a larger flask if necessary.