Separation techniques are methods used to separate a mixture or solution of chemical substances into two or more distinct product mixtures. Separation techniques are essential for the modern industrial economy, as raw materials often exist in an impure state and must go through a separation before they can be put to productive use. There are several types of separation techniques that are used in segregating a mixture of substances, including:
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Filtration: Separates an insoluble solid from a liquid or solution by using a porous material to capture particles/02%3A_Matter_and_Change/2.10%3A_Separating_Mixtures).
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Crystallization: Separates a solute (solid that has been dissolved) from a solution by evaporating the solvent and allowing the solute to form crystals.
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Distillation: Separates a liquid (the solvent) from the solution it is part of by heating the mixture and collecting the vapor that is produced/02%3A_Matter_and_Change/2.10%3A_Separating_Mixtures).
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Chromatography: Separates substances based on differences in molecular characteristics and interaction type. There are several types of chromatography, including thin layer chromatography (TLC), column chromatography, and gas chromatography.
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Separating Funnel: Separates two immiscible liquids by taking advantage of the unequal density of the particles in the mixture.
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Magnetic Separation: Separates magnetic materials from non-magnetic materials by using a magnet.
The choice of separation technique depends on the physical states of the substances being separated and the physical properties of the components.
