Q&A: Is it typically safe to apply heat to a vacuum filtration flask, with only the sidearm left open?

Posted by on January 21, 2014 · 1 Comment 

product design flaws
by Wootang01

Question by Chem Kid: Is it typically safe to apply heat to a vacuum filtration flask, with only the sidearm left open?

I am considering distilling some 70% (mass) store-bought ethanol with a somewhat makeshift apparatus. The top is stoppered with a rubber stopper, and the sidearm is connected to some tubing which runs down a chilled receiving flask. I’d like to make sure that there isn’t some obvious flaw that I’m overlooking.

Best answer:

Answer by Caligula
yeah it should work
maybe the rubber will get attacked by the ethanol vapors over time
maybe the tubing too depending on its material

but if you manage to get a vacuum filtration flask, why cant you get a proper laboratory condenser

What do you think? Answer below!

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Comments

One Response to “Q&A: Is it typically safe to apply heat to a vacuum filtration flask, with only the sidearm left open?”
  1. jonal says:
    January 21, 2014 at 8:44 pm

    Vacuum assistance is a normal procedure in chemistry labs using Buchner flasks with paper filters in specially designed funnels and also with sintered glass filters to increase the filtration rate over normal filtration.
    Buchner flasks are not made to withstand heating but boiling flasks with sidearms can be made up with connecting condensers and tubes to enable safe heating and distillation..
    http://www.google.com/imgres?q=buchner+flask&hl=en&sa=X&tbm=isch&tbnid=M0icZkOGctaffM:&imgrefurl=http://forums.mycotopia.net/botanicals/76533-peek-into-clandestine-chemistry-lab.html&docid=B_WPGZYCcV5usM&w=299&h=249&ei=tEYsToGOJpC4hAe66sCqCw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=145&vpy=114&dur=230&hovh=199&hovw=239&tx=157&ty=129&page=3&tbnh=135&tbnw=162&start=34&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:34&biw=1024&bih=612
    The point to note though is the home distillation of alcohol which is illegal under the Customs and Excise regulations of most western countries whether or not the alcohol is intended for consumption.
    There is also a very great fire risk if the procedure is not done with proper apparatus to enable alcohol fumes and liquid to be properly isolated.Electric heating mantles or wrap-around electric heating elements are normally used in laboratories to avoid having naked flames around.
    You won’t want one for this price though
    http://www.labdepotinc.com/Product_Details~id~94~pid~59620.aspx . . .
    Take great care about legal and personal safety especially if naked flames and neighbours or passers by with good noses are involved.
    .

    Reply

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