Florida Wastewater Practice Test

What device is used with the vacuum apparatus during solids testing?

1. Funnel filter

2. Büchner funnel

3. Sample jar

4. Separatory funnel

The correct answer is: Büchner funnel

The Büchner funnel is specifically designed to facilitate the filtration process in conjunction with a vacuum apparatus. When testing for solids in wastewater samples, the use of a Büchner funnel allows for efficient removal of solids from liquids under reduced pressure, enhancing the speed and effectiveness of the filtration. Its wide base and perforated design enable a uniform and quick passage of liquid while retaining solids on the filter medium. This method is particularly effective in laboratory settings where the accurate determination of solid content is essential for wastewater analysis. The funnel's integration with vacuum suction helps in creating a strong flow that pulls the liquid through the filter, allowing for precise measurement of the remaining solids. Other options, while used in different contexts, do not serve the same purpose or interface with vacuum systems as effectively as the Büchner funnel does. For instance, a regular funnel is not designed for vacuum applications, a sample jar does not aid in filtration, and a separatory funnel is primarily intended for separating liquids based on density, rather than for solid-liquid separation through filtration.