Automatic Electrically Heated All Glass Distillation Apparatus

Quick Answer: An automatic all glass distillation apparatus is an electrically heated water still in which the parts in contact with the water are glass, so the water touches no metal. It boils tap or pre-treated water and condenses the steam to give distilled water, with automatic features to control the process.

What Automatic Means on a Water Still

The title calls the apparatus automatic but does not list the features. On electrically heated glass stills the term commonly covers a constant-level device, which keeps the water in the boiler at the right height by feeding it from the condenser’s outgoing cooling water, and a cut-out that switches the heater off if the water supply fails or the boiler runs low. Together they let the still run with far less supervision, but which of these this model has should be confirmed.

All-glass construction is chosen where distilled water must not pick up metal ions from a copper or steel boiler, for example water for EDTA titrations, conductivity work or biological media. Glass is also easy to inspect, so scale, cracks and the water level are all visible. In stills of this type the heating element is sealed in glass or quartz, so the water meets no metal; the output, heater power and supply voltage are not given in the title.

For water of higher purity, the all quartz double distillation apparatus distils twice through quartz. For general supplies, a single all-glass stage suits most teaching and routine uses.

Applications

• Distilled water for preparing reagents and standard solutions in college labs
• Water for titrations and conductivity measurements where metal ions must be avoided
• Final rinsing of volumetric glassware
• Topping up water baths and humidifiers to limit scale

Specifications

Care & Handling

• Site the still on a firm bench within reach of a tap and a drain, and get cooling water running through the condenser before the heater goes on.
• Descale the boiler and heater sheath regularly; scale insulates the heater and makes it run hot.
• Throw away the opening run of water whenever the still has been descaled or has stood unused for some days.
• Keep electrical connections dry and have the installation checked by a qualified electrician.

Why Choose LabEquip

Teaching institutions and routine testing labs that want metal-free distilled water on site buy an automatic glass still for routine supply. LabEquip lists it in its chemistry lab equipment range; describe your daily water need and electrical supply on the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does automatic mean on this still?

It usually means the still keeps its own water level and switches off the heater if the water supply fails or the boiler runs low. The exact features of this model are not listed in the title.

Why choose an all-glass still instead of a metal one?

In an all-glass still the water touches only glass, so it picks up no copper, iron or other metal ions. That matters for titrations, conductivity work and biological media.

Is the distilled water pure enough for trace-metal analysis?

For routine work it usually is. For trace-metal analysis, water distilled twice in quartz, or further purified, is normally used.

How often should the still be descaled?

Whenever white scale builds up on the heater or boiler wall; with hard tap water that can be every few weeks. Softened or deionised feed water reduces scaling greatly.

What happens if the cooling water stops?

Steam is no longer condensed and the boiler level falls. A still with a water-failure cut-out switches the heater off; without one the heater can overheat, so such a still should never be left running unattended.

Why should the first distillate be discarded?

It rinses out anything left in the condenser and outlet after cleaning or standing idle. Collecting from the second portion onward gives water of consistent quality.

Last Updated: September 2026