Physical separation of mixtures

In order to separate mixtures into their components a chemist needs to know the properties of the components so
that a suitable technique can be used. For example: solubility in different solvents, particle size, melting and boiling
points.
Separating solids of different particle size
Sieving uses sieves of different mesh size and is important in mining industry.
Centrifuging is useful when solids of different sizes are suspended in a liquid such as water. The process of these
solids settling under gravity is accelerated by the centrifuge. Heavier particles are more rapidly separated from
lighter particles. It is used to separate whole blood, smoke particles from gas emissions.
Separating solids with different properties
Froth flotation is a specific method of separation used in industry, particular the copper mining industry. It works
by separating minerals from unwanted rock. A foaming substance (e.g. detergent) along with other oily chemicals
are added to the mineral and water. Air is bubbled through and the mineral adheres to the surface of the resultant
froth, which can then be decanted from the waste material.
Magnetic separation can be used separate magnetic materials from the mixture from non-magnetic metals. Iron-
containing minerals such as magnetite are separated from iron ore in this way.
Separating solids from liquids
Filtration is very common and separates insoluble solids from liquid. For effective filtration to occur the size of
particle must be greater than pore size of filter.
Sedimentation occurs when solid particles are allowed to settle from water (or other liquids) or air. It occurs most
readily if the water or air is not moving.
Decantation is the process of pouring off a liquid from above a solid that has been allowed to settle by
sedimentation
Separating dissolved solids from liquids
Evaporation is a common procedure to separate soluble solid from the solvent and can be achieved if the
volatility of solid is much less than solvent.
Crystallisation depends on the components of the mixture having different solubilities in a selected liquid, usually
water.
Separation of immiscible liquids
Liquids that do not mix with each other are said to be immiscible. They form separate layers,
with the less dense liquid floating on top of the denser liquid
A separating funnel separates these liquids efficiently. The denser liquid is run off through a tap at the bottom of
the flask, leaving the less dense liquid in the funnel.
Separating mixtures of liquids or gases
Distillation depends on components having significantly different boiled points.
Fractional distillation of liquefied gas mixtures is a common procedure used to separate the components of the
air. Gas centrifuges can be used to separate gases of different molecular weights. Chemical separation of selected
gases can be achieved by taking advantage of the chemical properties of the gas. Fractional distillation can also be
used for separating mixtures of liquids that have more than one component.

Chromatography
Chromatography is a relatively recent development useful for separating components in small quantities of mixtures.
There are several different chromatographic techniques including column chromatography, paper chromatography,
thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography. The separation of the components in the mixture occurs because
the components absorb, or cling, to the surface of the inert surface with different strengths.
Gravimetric analysis
Determining the quantities (mass) of the substances present in a sample is called gravimetric analysis which is
analysis by weight or mass. In gravimetric analysis, the mass of each component needs to be determined.
Many industrial situations use gravimetric analysis:
to determine if a mineral deposit contains a high percentage of required compound
to determine the composition of soil
to determine the amount of pollutants in water or air
to determine whether a commercial mixture has the required percentage composition
comparison of products