[ketone]

 I am learning Fractional Distillation, i was advised to use a pump at 30 psi, however im not sure what the use of the pump is for? i have watched countless you tube videos and can not see a swimming pool pump at 30 psi. (please do not get confused with a fish tank pump to pump the ice cold water through the distillation column).

[Arkcon]

It depends on how the pump was used.  Where was it connected, and what did it do.  Did it pump air?  But which way?  The answers to the questions is important, and may help you figure the answer out on your own.  That's what we do on these forums, so I hope you'll work with us to figure it out.

[curiouscat]

Batch mode or continuous?

[ketone]

I have performed basic distillation however i have recently come to light that i have to perform a vacuum distillation, will that be quite hard? It IS Involving a fractional column should i use a vigreux column 300mm length or a condenser column stuffed with beads and glass wool? also soon we are performing reductive amination and refulx methods and i am not even sure if i am using the right size columns for this. Should i use 200mm or 400mm length condenser, distillation column ect... I cant help but come across dyslexic in this class...

[Arkcon]

Its hard for me to understand what the problem with your classwork is.  If you have to do a vacuum distillation, you have to use the pump they give you.  I find it hard to believe there's a vastly different variety of pump and condensers available.  If there are, the class discussion may give you better hints than we can.

[ketone]

They do however they grow tired of my questions, could you please tell me the differences between the length of glassware used here? and what would be best? i will try and be more specific, its just a few really basic things i am stuck on, i would hate to use the wrong equipment and incur another verbal bashing.

[orgopete]

Look at the person to your left. Look at the person to your right. They will be using the equipment available. Copy them.

Re: pump, I'm guessing it will be a ($10-50) water aspirator.

[curiouscat]

What vacuum level do you need / want?

[ketone]

Apparently i am using a 30 psi swimming pool pump with a water aspirator, there is definitely a problem here i think it might be the glassware length as i am not managing to fractionally distill does anyone know the difference in glassware length? what would be appropriate length for this? i do as you suggested copy the others, its just good to know what im doing wrong without peeping other someones shoulder every time we get equipment ect... i should also add that some people alike me are cluless as well so looking over there shoulder is useless.