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DIY Separation Funnels

A separatory funnel, or sep funnel, is a specialized piece of chemistry lab equipment. The separator is a glass bulb that tapers on one end to form a narrow opening. This opening has a valve that allows liquids within the separator to flow or stop, depending on whether the valve is open or closed. The wider end of the separator is at the top and has a glass stopper. Researchers fill the separator and wait until the liquid separates; the lighter portion of the liquid rises to the top. The researcher then opens the valve at the bottom and drains the heavier liquid.

Things You'll Need

Liquid dish soap bottle
Knife
Oil and vinegar mixture
2 measuring cups
Plastic wrap
Rubber band

Instructions

- 1
  Wash a liquid dish soap bottle thoroughly. Unscrew the top and wash the valve. Replace the valve and push the valve closed. Remove any labels.
- 2
  Cut a 1-inch hole in the bottom of the bottle. This is now the top of the separator.
- 3
  Pour the oil and vinegar mixture into the hole at the top of your separator.
- 4
  Tear off a 6-inch piece of plastic wrap and place it over the top of the separator. Hold the wrap in place with the rubber band around the plastic wrap and the bottle.
- 5
  Place the separator with the valve facing downward in the measuring cup. Leave the separator in place for 2 hours.
- 6
  Lift the separator from the measuring cup carefully, jostling it as little as possible. Pull the valve open and let the vinegar drain into the measuring cup. Place your finger over the opening as the oil reaches the valve to prevent the oil from spilling into the measuring cup. Press the valve closed.
- 7
  Remove the plastic wrap and pour the oil from the separator into a second measuring cup.

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