Simple Distillation: Recycle waste from biodiesel production Virtual Lab

Resources in your new colony on Mars are limited, so anything you can do to convert waste into a useful product can be a life-changer.

In this simulation, your mission is to use the distillation technique to separate and recycle the waste compounds generated by the production of biodiesel from algae (water, glycerol, and methanol) so they can be reutilized.

Set up the distillation equipment

Start by setting up the equipment correctly. Every part of the apparatus has a function and needs to be assembled properly for the experiment to be successful. Make sure everything is in the right place before you start the experiment.

Follow the distillation experiments in real time

Once you start the distillation, you will be able to follow the temperature versus volume plot in real time. You will need to collect different samples during the experiment and Dr. One will provide you the boiling point composition curves so you can understand what is happening during the distillation process in both the distillation apparatus and the collection flasks.

Analyze your results. Did you complete your mission?

Look at your data and reflect about your results. Were you able to separate the three components from your sample? Are there any other experiments you can do to further optimize the mixture separation?