Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am making a desalination system and need to know what material catches evaporation from the saltwater the most. Thank you for you comments!

Hannahbanana3197 wrote:what material catches evaporation from the saltwater the most

I'm not sure what you mean by "catches". Are you thinking about something like a sponge that will absorb the distilled water? Most distallation systems use a solid material with a smooth surface formed so that water will bead up into droplets and run down into a collection pan. The material choice is usually based on what can be shaped and will be chemically inert and not leach impurities (or absorb them should the aparatus be flooded with the impure input water) and can be heated and cooled without breaking.

Craig_Bridge wrote:

Hannahbanana3197 wrote:what material catches evaporation from the saltwater the most

I'm not sure what you mean by "catches". Are you thinking about something like a sponge that will absorb the distilled water? Most distallation systems use a solid material with a smooth surface formed so that water will bead up into droplets and run down into a collection pan. The material choice is usually based on what can be shaped and will be chemically inert and not leach impurities (or absorb them should the aparatus be flooded with the impure input water) and can be heated and cooled without breaking.

Yes I need something exactly like that, i need the condensation to run off into a straw and then into the collection beaker. I am making a Disalination System but I am boiling the water, not letting it sit in the sun. Thank you for your input.