Which are the different separation methods?
There are several methods that are usually employed to separate substances. The method chosen depends upon what needs to be separated and it is being separated from which substance.
The various separation methods are:
- Handpicking
- Sieving
- Threshing
- Winnowing
- Sedimentation
- Decantation
- Filtration
- Evaporation
- Condensation
What is Handpicking?
Handpicking is a separation method in which the components of a mixture can be separated by just picking them out by hands. This method is employed to separate solid particles from other solid particles.
For example, Separating hunks and stones from the rice grains before the rice is cooked.
Though it is a cumbersome process, it is a very efficient method if done carefully and meticulously.
What is Sieving?
This is another method to separate solid particles from other solid particles.
In this separation technique, a porous sieve is used to remove the impurities from the mixture. It can be used to only remove those impurities whose size is larger than the pores in the sieves.
Flours are usually sieved so that any granule or hunk in it gets separated.
Sieving in kitchen
Sieving is not only used in the kitchen but also at construction sites to separate pebbles from the sand.
Sieving in construction sites