separating funnel

Chemistry apparatus used to separate two or more liquids that are immiscible (do not mix together). For example, a mixture of oil and water forms two layers when mixed; the oil being less dense floats on the water's surface. To separate them, the mixture is added to a separating funnel. The funnel is usually a glass tube with a tap at the bottom. The lower layer of liquid is allowed to run off and the tap is closed just as the upper layer reaches it. The second layer can now be emptied into a different container.