Cheap alternatives to seperation funnel?

[EvilSparx]

I'm curious to know what sort of equipment everyone uses, mainly to separate out the liquids. I don't have access to a separation funnel, and a turkey baster seems to be the best option so far, however if anyone has a faster or more efficient method that they use, please share it. The turkey baster is just painfully frustrating for removing the tiny amounts of Shellite (Naptha) on top of the liquids, and also the liquid as it requires many "sucks".
I have looked online for DIY separation funnel and have found Ziplock bags, which don't seem to be a great idea because they are mostly LDPE. Also, using plastic bottles for a ghetto separation funnel doesn't tickle my fancy, so I'm wondering if anyone has any tips on an easier method. I'm not very keen to go and buy a separation funnel online either.
Thanks for your help.

 

[Earthwalker]

Don't no if all Gatorade bottles are the same but I've herd in Australia a Gatorade lid with the twist can be used upside down efficiently but I haven't tried it yet so I can't say for certain if it works !!

 

[d*l*b]

In order for the liquid to come out effectively when inverted you also need a hole at/toward the top (that would be the bottom if you are using a bottle like that).

I have used milk bottles like this before. Using milk bottles is potentially very messy and dangerous, I guess the same will be the case with bottles with valves like the Gatorade bottles.

Keep your wits about you, think logically and do not skimp on protective clothes, goggles and gloves if working with strong bases or acids (I hope that is obvious already!).

Another option is to use a glass syringe and stainless steel needle. It is far more accurate than a turkey baster and you can get them in many sizes. I have large and small ones and a 100mm stainless steel needle for most operations at the moment.

 

[EvilSparx]

Where did you find these? I have only found small sized plastic syringes, the larger ones are also plastic.

 

[3rdI]

Another option is to use a glass syringe and stainless steel needle. It is far more accurate than a turkey baster and you can get them in many sizes. I have large and small ones and a 100mm stainless steel needle for most operations at the moment.

^^^this

ebay is your friend for glass syringe

 

[Kash]

Turkey baster or ball pipet works well for the large volume of liquid. When you want to seperate the last small amount of liquid left, one can simply pour it into a small glass and seperate the liquid layers with a small 10ml syringe.:thumb_up:

 

[Tranzcentral]

I originally bought a sep funnel to do extractions, but in the end, a glass baster just seems to be much cleaner and less work.

For the last amount you use the baster itself, no need to throw everything into a smaller jar/container, etc.

I use lab grade glass for everything, beakers, glass stirring bars, digital PH tester, buchner funnel, vacuum and vacuum flask, and a big large glass desiccator to dry my crystals, i can vacuum them dry, or i swap lids and let them dry over 24hrs, purest and cleanest way of ever drying your xtals.