Does the Buchner funnel have a better alternative with less loss?

  • Thread starter Biochemgirl2002
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In summary, the conversation discussed the use of Buchner funnel and the potential for transfer loss in filter paper. The suggestion of using sintered glass funnels with different pore sizes was mentioned as a potential alternative. The convenience of not needing filter paper and the cost difference between the two options were also considered. The importance of application and potential losses with different filter types were brought up as well. It was also mentioned that cleaning sintered glass funnels may be more difficult compared to Buchner funnels.
  • #1
Biochemgirl2002
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the Buchner funnel is used often in the lab, but i was wondering if there was a great enough transfer loss in the filter paper to switch to an alternate funnel for filtering by suction. I've looked into sintered glass funnels but i don't know if it would have the same transfer loss since the substance could get sucked through the holes as well.
 
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Sintered glass funnels come with different pore sizes (usually listed as fine, medium, coarse, or some variation thereof). They work about as well as a Buchner funnel with a piece of filter paper, but they're a bit more convenient in that you don't have to go begging for filter paper when you run out. That said, the Buchner funnel is usually fine as long as 1) you're crashing out decent sized crystals, and 2) you do the filtration slowly. You can always refilter if stuff pulls through.
 
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  • #3
Consider cost. Buchner and paper are cheap, sintered glass is expensive.
 
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It would depend on your application. Small samples can suffer serious losses when using large filters. The filters I have used with the smallest losses is micropore PTFE filters but they aren’t the best for all applications.
 
  • #5
KevinMcHugh said:
Consider cost. Buchner and paper are cheap, sintered glass is expensive.

and isn't it more difficult to clean, and to know when you have sufficiently cleaned of stuff stuck in the glass afterwards?
 

1. What is a Buchner funnel and how does it work?

A Buchner funnel is a laboratory tool used for filtering solids from liquids. It consists of a funnel with a perforated plate or filter paper at the bottom, and a sidearm for attaching a vacuum source. The vacuum creates suction, pulling the liquid through the filter while leaving the solid particles behind.

2. Is there a better alternative to using a Buchner funnel?

Yes, there are several alternatives to using a Buchner funnel, depending on the specific needs of the experiment. Some common alternatives include gravity filtration, centrifugation, and membrane filtration.

3. How does the Buchner funnel compare to other filtration methods in terms of loss?

The Buchner funnel is known to have a higher loss of material compared to other filtration methods. This is because the vacuum suction can sometimes cause the solid particles to become dislodged and pass through the filter. However, this can be minimized by using the appropriate filter paper and adjusting the vacuum pressure.

4. Are there any factors that can affect the efficiency of the Buchner funnel?

Yes, there are several factors that can affect the efficiency of the Buchner funnel, including the size and shape of the solid particles, the type and quality of the filter paper, and the strength of the vacuum pressure. It is important to choose the right combination of these factors to achieve the desired results.

5. What are some tips for reducing loss when using a Buchner funnel?

To reduce loss when using a Buchner funnel, it is important to use the appropriate filter paper with the right pore size for the solid particles being filtered. Additionally, adjusting the vacuum pressure to a lower setting and using a larger surface area for filtration can also help minimize loss. It may also be helpful to pre-wet the filter paper before use to prevent particles from becoming dislodged.

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