Destilleerimiskolb

Destilleerimiskolb, known in English as a distillation flask or retort, is a piece of laboratory glassware essential for the process of distillation. Its primary function is to hold the liquid that is to be heated and vaporized. Typically, destilleerimiskolb is made of heat-resistant glass, such as borosilicate glass, to withstand the high temperatures involved in boiling. These flasks come in various shapes and sizes, but a common design features a rounded or flat bottom for even heating and a long, narrow neck. The neck is crucial as it connects to other apparatus in the distillation setup, allowing vapor to travel and condense.

The specific design of a destilleerimiskolb can vary depending on the type of distillation being performed. For simple distillation, a basic round-bottom flask is often used. In fractional distillation, where separation of liquids with close boiling points is required, a flask with a more complex neck designed to hold a fractionating column might be employed. The flask is usually heated using a heating mantle or a Bunsen burner, with careful temperature control being paramount to ensure efficient separation of components. The liquid inside is heated until it boils, producing vapor that then moves up the neck of the flask.