Suction Filtration is a method of filtration which allows for a greater rate of filtration. Whereas in normal filtration gravity provides the force which draws the liquid through the filter paper, in suction filtration a pressure gradient performs this function. This has the advantage of offering a variable rate depending on the strength of the pump being used to extract air from the Büchner flask. A Büchner flask, also known as a vacuum flask, filter flask side-arm flask or Kitasato flask, is a thick-walled Erlenmeyer flask with a short glass Care must be taken not to use such a strong vacuum that the filter paper does not rip (in which case all the filtrate will be lost back into the solvent) or in extreme cases break the glass flask.
Suction filtration is used in recrystallisation experiments. Recrystallization (see also Crystallization) is a physical process that has meanings in Chemistry, Metallurgy and Geology.
References
FIltration techniques, <http://orgchem.colorado.edu/hndbksupport/filt/filtration.html>. Retrieved on 7 December 2007
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