Properly
support the apparatus with laboratory utility clamps and ring stands. Simple Distillation: Supporting the Apparatus
Properly
support the apparatus with laboratory utility clamps and ring stands.
When performing a simple distillation be sure to properly secure the apparatus. This insures that delicate glassware will not be accidentally broken and that there will be no leaks during the experiment. The photo at left illustrates a properly supported simple distillation apparatus. Notice that two ring stands and utility clamps are used to support the boiling flask and condenser. A partially extended laboratory jack is used to support the thermowell heating unit. Thus, additional temperature control is available by adjusting the position of the thermowell heating unit with the lab jack knob.
Use
the
blue plastic clips to secure the connection between the three-way adapter and
the condenser.
Position the large opening of the clamp over the distillation head part of the connection and slide the clamp gently over the connection until it snaps into place.
Use
the
blue plastic clips to secure the connection between the vacuum adapter and
the condenser.
The other side of the distillation head is usually attached to an elbow shaped piece of ground glassware known as the vacuum adapter (See figure at right). In most simple applications, the vacuum adapter is used to direct the distillate into a receiving flask The connection between the vacuum adapter and the distillation head is also secured with a blue plastic clamp.
Use
a utility clamp to support the boiling flask.
The boiling flask containing the sample is NOT attached to the three-way adapter using the plastic clips. These clips would melt when exposed to the heat generated by the thermowell heating source. Rather, a heat resistant utility clamp is used to support the boiling flask (Figure at right). This also prevents the thermowell heating source from being used as a support. If it is necessary to lower the thermowell to quickly cool the boiling flask, the thermowell can be lowered and the boiling flask remains attached to the apparatus.