GAS DIFFUSION

(LEVEL 2)
 OBJECTIVES
• To determine gas diffusion coefficient of a
volatile component using Winkelmann’s
method
• To design the experimental procedure for gas
diffusion a volatile component
 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 vapour 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, one
may then calculate the diffusivity.
The rate of mass transfer is given by
𝐶𝐴 𝐶𝑇
𝑁′𝐴 = D( )( )
𝐿 𝐶𝐵𝑚
Considering the evaporation of the liquid:
𝜌𝐿 𝑑𝐿
𝑁′𝐴 = D( )( )
𝑚 𝑑𝑡
Combining equation 1 and 2, we get:
𝜌𝐿 𝑑𝐿 𝐶𝐴 𝐶𝑇
D( )( )= D( )( )
𝑚 𝑑𝑡 𝐿 𝐶𝐵𝑚

Solving the integration at L=L0 at t=0, a plot of

t/( L-L0 ) against ( L-L0 ) can be obtained.

Diffusivity ,D, can be calculated from the of the graph.

 PROCEDURES
1. ¾ of water bath is filled with tap water
2. The main cable is plugged to the electrical supply. The voltage supply is corrected to suit the
equipment
3. The main power will be switched on at the control panel
4. The temperature controller is adjusted to 40 and remained constant
5. 30 mm of capillary tube in the water bath is filled with tap water
6. Acetone is added to the capillary tube by using a dropper until the height is approximately 30 mm
7. Air pump tube is connected to the capillary tube until it fully cover the entire upper side of the
capillary tube into the water bath
8. The vertical height of the telescope is adjusted until the capillary tube is visible
9. If capillary tube is not visible, adjust the distance from object lenses to the tank until capillary tube is
visible
10. The initial value of acetone inside the capillary tube was observed and recorded

11. The air pump and the water bath heater are turned on

12. The level of acetone inside the capillary tube was recorded for every 5 minutes interval.
 RESULT
Time, t (min) Reading of time, Liquid level, Time Interval,
L (min) L (L-L0 ) (m) t/(L-L0 ) ( min/mm)
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
 EXPECTED RESULT
• As the time increase, the rate of gate diffusion
increases.
References