Introduction

Mass transport in a gas or liquid generally involves the ow of uid (e.g.

convection currents) although atoms also diuse. Solids on the other hand, can
support shear stresses and hence do not ow except by diusion involving the
jumping of atoms on a xed network of sites. Diffusion can be divided into two types
which are diffusion in a uniform concentration gradient and diffusion in a
non-uniform concentration. Uniform concentration obeys Ficks rst law where the
constant of proportionality is called the diusion coecient in m2s1. Ficks rst law
applies to steady state ux in a uniform concentration gradient. The diffusion in
non-uniform concentration gradients obeys Ficks second law of diusion with
assuming that the diusivity is independent of the concentration.

Molecular diffusion is the transfer or movement of individual molecules

through a fluid by random molecular movements . In the diffusion process, the
molecules of interest flow from regions of high concentration to low concentration.
Molecular diffusion can occur in both directions with the system

The diffusion mechanism happen when the particles near each other at the
corner of glass. Then, as time goes by, the particles will move randomly around in the
water, which by means diffuse. Then, the particles will distribute randomly and
uniformly in the water. The diffusion will still continue to occur but there is no net flux.
The magnitude of this flux depends on both the magnitude of the concentration
gradient and on the diffusive properties of the soil, as represented by the diffusion
coefficient, D.

This machine used for this experiment is to determine the gas diffusion
coefficient by evaporation from a liquid surface for acetone-air system. In the case of
study, acetone diffuses through non-diffusing air, which is passed over the top of the
test tube containing the acetone. The air is allowed into the test tube, but does not
diffuse into the acetone.

The diffusivity of the vapor of a volatile liquid in air can be determined by using
Winklemanns method. In which liquid was contained in a narrow diameter vertical
tube, maintained at a constant temperature, and air stream passed through over the top
of the tube. All these are to ensure that the vapour partial pressure was been transferred
from the surface of the liquid to the air stream by molecular diffusion

Objectives

1.To determine the diffusivity of the vapour of acetone

2. Ficks Law measurement of diffusion coefficients

3.To study the effect of different temperatures on the diffusivity

Theory

When a concentration gradient exists within a fluid consisting of two or more

components, there is a tendency for each constituent to flow in such a direction as to
reduce the concentration gradient. This is called mass transfer. Mass transfer takes
place in either a gas phase or a liquid phase or in both simultaneously. When a liquid
is allowed to evaporate in a narrow vertical tube and a steady temperature is
maintained, mass transfer takes place from the surface by molecular diffusion alone.
This is the technique developed by Winkelmann to determine the diffusivity of the
vapor of a volatile liquid. By monitoring the evaporation rate, which is the rate of fall
of liquid surface, and with the knowledge of concentration gradient, the diffusion
coefficients may be calculated.

The rate of mass of mass transfer is expressed as below

Where,
D is the diffusivity for the system, m2/s
CA is the saturation concentration at interface, kmol/m3
L is the effective distance of mass transfer, m
CT is the total molar concentration, kmol/m3
CBM is the logarithmic mean value of CB, kmol/m3
And the evaporation rate is :-

Where,
L is the density of liquid, kg/m3
M is the molecular weight of liquid, kg/kmol
Solve the equation above:-
D can be calculated using equation below:-

Where,

Find CT using formula:

Materials and Apparatus

1. LS-32136-A Gas diffusion coefficient apaaratus

2. Acetone ( test fluid )

3. Small syringe

4. T-glass tube

5. Water

Procedure

1) The tap water was poured into the water bath tank then water was filled till
water level of 8000mL.
2) The test liquid was filled into the capillary of T-tube by using syringe to level
of -60-80mm.
3) The T-tube was connected to the air blower by using flexible tubing.
4) The T-tube was inserted into the T-tube holder and water bath tank cover was
closed.
5) The level of the test liquid was set to be lower than the water level or the
T-tube holder (K). The air inlet connection of the T-tube was ensured -10mm
above the water level.
6) The telescope was adjusted until it focused the test liquid level at the T-tube.
7) The main switch on the panel was switched on.
8) The heater was turned on and expected temperature of water bath was set, and
the water was let to heat up to the setting temperature of 40 C.
9) Wait till the water reached the setting temperature, the blower was switched
on to high air flow and then the initial effective distance of mass transfer was
measured and Lo was stated.
10) The stopwatch was started and the reading of the digital Vernier scale was at
zero. At the same time, keep an eye on the liquid level.
11) For every 20 minutes elapsed, the new test liquid level in the T-tube was read
by adjusting the telescope level. The value was recorded. The readings would
be in negative reading, the negative sign can be ignored.
12) Step 11 in order to get 4 sets of data was repeated.Steps 2 to steps 12 was
repeat by using temperature 50C and 60C.
Figure 1 : Gas Diffusion Coefficient Apparatus