What are the Uses of Laboratory Filter Paper in Chemistry Lab?

If you have ever worked in a chemistry lab, you must be equitant with the importance of filter papers. Filtration, as is it commonly called, is a process of separating solids and fluids by imposing the mixture through a medium which only allows the fluids to pass. The medium used in chemistry labs is known as lab filter paper which keeps the solids on the surface and let the fluids pass through it. However, it is not a highly effective medium of separation but it serves the motive of simple separation.

Apparently, the filter papers in chemistry labs are used for a single purpose, to separate the solids from the fluids. However, they can be used in different ways and at different places depending upon the nature of components to be separated. Depending upon their usage, there are various applications in which these papers can be used such as:

• Lab filter paper is used as a separation media where we need to exclude the solids and liquids from a mixture. Depending upon the mixture, either solid or liquid may be isolated.

• These papers are used to separate two substances with different chemical compositions. Due to the fact that both the components in the mixture are different in their chemical composition, a solvent is used to dissolve one of these components leaving the other one. While poured on the filter paper, the liquid passes through it and solids remain on its surface. Therefore, these papers can also be used for purification.

• Filter papers are also used in chemical engineering. They are used in other unit operations for feed stream. One example of it is Biofilter, a combination of filter and biological digestion device.

• The filter papers are made of several special components which give them unique chemical properties. These filters are also used for different examinations, such as burning the filter or mixing its ash with other chemicals to examine their properties.

There are various types of filtration and each of them is used for different purpose. Depending upon the properties and nature, their usage can be classified as:

Hot Filtration:

This process is mainly applied where the motive is to separate solids from a hot solution. This process is used to prevent the formation of crystals on filter funnel. The best way to achieve this is using stem less filter funnel which decreases the area of contact between the solution and stem of filter.

Cold Filtration:

In this process, ice bath is used to cool down the solution to be crystallized. This results in formation of very small crystals. On the other hand, when the solution is left in room temperature, it forms larger crystals.

Vacuum Filtration:

Vacuum filtration is the best technique to dry out the small crystals, and this process is generally used in small batches of solution. This process uses Buchner funnel, a lab filter paper smaller than the funnel, a Buchner flask and rubber tubes to connect these apparatuses.

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