A decantation is the action to separate two produced Liquide S from Polarité S and different densities. Some liquid are polar (for example the Eau) and the other non-polar ones (for example the Huile). These compounds are nonmiscible (they do not mix). At rest, under the action of gravity, the two products will separate into two phases. The phase having the the largest Density going to the bottom and the lightest phase (the lowest density) being with the top. To separate the two products, one uses a Funnel then separating.

The decantation is a simple technique used to separate two nonmiscible products. There exists a solution so that the emulsion is quasi stable and cannot elutriate easily, one uses a Tensio-actif. During the decantation, from time to time, it is necessary to depressurize. I.e. to evacuate gas by opening the tap and by stopping the other end.

Solid matter decantation

The decantation can also refer to the solid matter separation in suspension, like desanding at the time of the Traitement of the waste water. This process is sometimes preferred with the Filtration in particular when volumes are important. This phenomenon in a natural state takes then the name of Sédimentation.

How to elutriate in chemistry

Into a funnel separating, one introduces the aqueous mixture and the organic Solvant S. One agitates the whole in the funnel separating by carrying out time with other a degasification, to make leave gas appeared during agitation. One lets put back a few moments the bulb, two phases liquid appear. The higher phase is the solvent S, which generally contains the product that one seeks to purify. The lower phase is the aqueous phase. One separates the two phases while letting run out the liquids to their surface of separation.

How to elutriate the wine

After having let the wine (or liquor) rest, one it (it) pours gently by leaning the vase and thus separating the clear part, which is above, of that which precipitated.