Step 1: Physical Separation
- Take a separating funnel and pour the mixture of petrol and paraffin into it.
- Allow the mixture to settle for some time. Petrol, being less dense than paraffin, will float on top. Paraffin will settle at the bottom due to its higher density.
Step 2: Draining Paraffin
- Carefully open the stopcock of the separating funnel and drain the lower layer of paraffin into a separate container.
Step 3: Washing with Water
- Add a small amount of water to the petrol remaining in the separating funnel. Water will help remove any remaining traces of paraffin.
- Shake the funnel gently to mix the water and petrol.
- Allow the mixture to settle again. Water will settle at the bottom, and petrol will float on top.
Step 4: Draining Water
- Carefully drain the water from the bottom of the separating funnel.
Step 5: Drying Petrol
- Add a few teaspoons of anhydrous calcium chloride (a drying agent) to the petrol remaining in the separating funnel. Shake the funnel to mix thoroughly.
- Allow the mixture to settle. Calcium chloride will absorb any remaining water from the petrol.
Step 6: Filtering
- Filter the petrol through a filter paper to remove any solid impurities or traces of calcium chloride.
Step 7: Collecting Pure Petrol
- Collect the filtered petrol in a clean container. The petrol is now separated from paraffin.
Remember to perform this separation process in a well-ventilated area and exercise caution while handling flammable liquids. It is also advisable to wear appropriate safety gear such as gloves and eye protection.
