METHODS OF SEPARATION FOR MIXTURES

Since the metals we use are extracted from ores, they are impure. However, they are never in a pure form. There is a need to separate them through chemical or physical processes, depending on the  nature of the mixture. There are two types of mixtures. The first is Homogeneous and Heterogeneous. This decides what our method of separation is going to be. In the article, I will be talking about how we go about separating components of a mixture and the different techniques involved in separating two or more mixtures.

MIXTURE AND ITS CLASSIFICATIONS

A mixture is an impure form of a substance made from two or more compounds. Mixtures are when there are impurities present, and hence we need to use various separation techniques for separating the components of the mixture. Since almost everything around is a mixture of one or more compounds, it has led to extensive research and inventions of methods of separation based on whether they are homogeneous or heterogeneous.

HOMOGENEOUS AND HETEROGENEOUS MIXTURES

Homogeneous mixtures are those that are consistently blended or combined, making separating components of the mixture an ordeal. For example, the air is a homogeneous mixture, and it is almost impossible to separate Nitrogen, Oxygen, and Carbon dioxide.

On the other hand, Heterogeneous is one where the components in the mixture are not consistent or uniformly blended. This makes the separating of the components of the mixture much more effortless. Oil and Water is a great example of a heterogeneous mixture as it does not mix or blend.

MISCIBLE AND IMMISCIBLE LIQUIDS

Miscible liquids are homogeneously mixed liquids. One can not quickly identify the two liquids separately. Water and Ethanol are apt examples of this. When you combine Water with Ethanol, you get a clear, uniform  solution. This makes separating the components of the mixture nearly impossible.

Immiscible liquids are those liquids that do not mix or blend entirely and can be differentiated when seen visibly or externally. The most valid example would be oil and Water. They are two liquids that do not conform and are visibly identifiable. Now the methods of separation will be covered under heterogeneous and homogeneous.

HOMOGENOUS METHODS OF SEPARATION

EVAPORATION: It is the method or process of separating solvents that have been dissolved in a homogeneous solution. It involves heating the solution till it boils and only the soluble salts remain. It is ideal for separating components of a mixture where one is a liquid and others are solutes.

DISTILLATION: It is a quick method of separation of two miscible liquids. The process is to evaporate the two liquids (one will have a higher boiling point or will be more volatile) and then later will be condensed back into liquid form. This condensed liquid is what we call a distillate.

SEPARATION FUNNEL: Now, the question of how do we separate two immiscible liquids? Well, this is your answer. This method’s separation depends on the density of the two liquids. The denser liquid is going to sink, and the other will float. Using a conical flask and other apparatus, the floating liquid is seeped into an adjacent beaker, leaving behind the denser fluid. Oil and Water are separated using the above method.

HETEROGENEOUS METHODS OF SEPARATION.

SIEVING: This is the separation of two solids that are mixed well but can still be physically differentiated. It has a logical science. The particles of the two solids are of varying sizes. The ones that are needed fall through, the unwanted ones stay back.

MAGNETIC SEPARATION

This one is self-explanatory. Two particles, one magnetic and the other nonmagnetic are mixed. The magnetic (generally a wanted mineral) particles are pulled apart using a magnet while the unwanted material stays back.

FILTRATION: This process is commonly used to separate insoluble solids in a solvent. This simple process involves filter paper, a funnel, and a flask. The solution is passed through the filter, holding the solid particles and only letting the liquid particles go through. This is the basic working principle of a modern-day water filter.

SEDIMENTATION: It is also used to separate insoluble solids in a solvent. This process lets the solids in the solution settle down, and then the liquid above is drained out.

CONCLUSION

These filtration methods are crucial and extremely useful for the extraction of metals from their ores. These methods are convenient in identifying the nature of certain elements. They are also used in the distillation of alcohol, water filters, purification of metals, and testing the authenticity of metals. Metallurgy and many related concepts heavily depend on the separation, filtration, and purification processes.