DIFFUSION COEFFICIENT Aim: To find the diffusion coefficient of Acetone Vapor in air using Stefans Tube apparatus.

Theory: The molecular diffusion coefficient of a vapor in a gas is measured using a Stefan tube arrangement. Here a vertical tube is partially filled with Acetone and air is passed continuously over the top of the tube. The Acetone evaporates and the vapors diffuse through a stagnant gas film, which is present above the liquid surface inside the tube. The diffusion coefficient is determined by noting the liquid level from the top of the tube for a known interval of time. A tube is filled with Acetone (A) such that the liquid level is at a distance z from the top end of the tube. Air which is having a partial pressure of P A2 of A is passed slowly over the top of the tube. Vapors of Acetone diffuse through a stagnant gas film of thickness z. Partial Pressure PA1 in the gas adjacent to the interface is equal to the vapor pressure of A at the temperature of the experiment. The partial pressure at the top end of the tube is PA2 . Although this is a case of transient diffusion, it can be analyzed as a quasi-steady state model. The steady-state flux of A for diffusion of A through stagnant B at a given z is NA = DAB P ( PA1 PA 2 ) RTz PBM (1)

Where, DAB is the molecular diffusion coefficient of A in B P is the total pressure R is the universal gas constant T is the temperature on absolute scale PBM the log mean of PB1= P-PA1 And PB2 = P-PA2 If is the density of liquid A then, NA =

dz M A dt

(2)

Where, T is the time taken MA is the molecular weight of A

Eliminating NA from equations (1) and (2) and rearranging it DAB dt = RTPBM zdz P ( PA1 PA2 ) M A (3)

If z = z1 at t = and z = z2 at t = t then by integrating equation (3)

2 RTPBM ( z2 z12 ) = 2 P ( PA1 PA 2 ) M At

DAB Experimental Setup:

(4)

The experimental set up consists of a diffusion cell and inside the diffusion cell there is a central vertical glass tube (which is opened at the top and closed at the bottom end), which is surrounded by another glass tube. The air, which is admitted into the cell, flows up around the tube through the annular between the glass tube and the surroundings and escapes from the topside of the tube. Experimental Procedure: 1. The vertical glass tube is filled with Acetone liquid up to about 6-10 cms from the top of the tube and fitted in a position in the cell. 2. By focusing the cathetometer at the top end of the tube and at the liquid surface the length z1 is measured accurately. 3. The air (B) flow is started and kept steady at a very low rate. Simultaneously a stopwatch is also started. 4. Measure the height of Acetone in the tube at every 30 minute interval and tabulate.

Calculations: DAB = of Acetone is =0.7857 g/cc PBM = PB 2 PB1 P ln B 2 PB1

2 RTPBM ( z2 z12 ) 2 P ( PA1 PA 2 ) M At

OBSERVATION FOR DIFFUSION COEFFICIENT

Initial Height of the liquid z1 Final Height of the liquid z2 Time taken Density of Acetone Temperature Universal Gas Constant Molecular weight of Acetone

= = = = = = =

Report the Following 1. The Diffusion Coefficient of Acetone in air is 2. Write about the effect of air flow rate and temperature on Diffusion Coefficient 3. Give any five differences between Mass Transfer and Diffusion Coefficient 4. Give any five inferences from the experiment 5. Five industrial uses 6. Suggestions to improve the experiment.