ERT 245- Heat and Mass Transfer in Biological Systems Laboratory Module

EXPERIMENT 6
DETERMINE GAS DIFFUSION COEFFICIENT

1.0 OBJECTIVE

To determine gas diffusion coefficient of acetone using the established Winkelmann’s

method.

2.0 INTRODUCTION

The knowledge of physical and chemical properties of certain materials is important

because very often process engineering deals with the transformation and distribution of
these materials in bulk. One such property is diffusivity. The SOLTEQ® Gaseous
Diffusion Coefficient Apparatus (Model: BP 10) has been designed for students
experiment on the technique of determining diffusivity of the vapour of a volatile liquid
based on the established Winkelmann’s method. In this method the volatile liquid is
allowed to evaporate in a vertical glass tube over the top of which a stream of vapour-
free gas is passed. A water bath is provided for maintaining a steady temperature so that
there is no eddy current in the vertical tube and mass transfer takes place from the
surface by molecular diffusion alone. The rate of evaporation can be followed by the rate
of fall of the liquid surface. A digital balance is provided for determining, indirectly, the
liquid fall. With the knowledge of the concentration gradient, the diffusivity of the vapour
of the volatile liquid can then be calculated.

3.0 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.

-1-
ERT 245- Heat and Mass Transfer in Biological Systems Laboratory Module

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:

(1)
where, D = diffusivity [m2/s]
CA = saturation concentration at interface [kmol/m3]
L = effective distance of mass transfer [m]
CT = total molar concentration [kmol/m3]
CBm = logarithmic mean value of CB [kmol/m3]

Considering the evaporation of the liquid:

(2)
where, ρL = density of liquid [kg/m3]
M = molecular weight [kg/kmol]

Combining equations (1) and (2) we get,

(3)

Integrating and putting L = L0 at t = 0:

-2-
ERT 245- Heat and Mass Transfer in Biological Systems Laboratory Module

(4)

Values of L0 or L will not be measured accurately but accurate values of (L – L0) are
available.
Thus, rearranging equation (4):

(5)

A plot of t/(L − L0) against (L − L0) will give a slope s:

(6)

Diffusivity D can then be calculated from equation (6):

-3-
ERT 245- Heat and Mass Transfer in Biological Systems Laboratory Module

4.0 ASSEMBLY OF APPARATUS

Figure 1: Unit Construction for Gaseous Diffusion Coefficient Apparatus

Description

The BP 10 consists of these main components:

1. Constant Temperature Water Bath

a) Rectangular Water Tank
Capacity : approx. 7.5 L
Material : Clear Acrylic
b) Cartridge Heater, W1
Power : 2 x 500 watts
c) RTD Temperature Sensor, TIC01
d) Temperature Controller, TIC01
Brand/Model : SHINKO/ACS-13A
Input : RTD
e) Level Switch
Brand/Model : RIKO/RFS-11A-2

-4-
ERT 245- Heat and Mass Transfer in Biological Systems Laboratory Module

2. Capillary Tube
T-shape Vertical Tube
Material : Borosilicate Glass
O.D. : 6 mm
Thickness : 1.5 mm
Height : 100 mm

3. Aquarium air pump

Brand/Model : SHANDA – SP-1000

4. Traveling Telescope
Brand : Specwell

5.0 PROCEDURES
5.1 Experimental Procedure

a. Fill the water bath with clean (preferably filtered) water to approximately 20
mm from the top.
b. Plug the mains cable to the electrical supply. Be sure that the voltage of the
supply is correct to suit the equipment.
c. Switch on the main power on the control panel.
d. Adjust the set-point value on the temperature controller to 50 °C.
e. Warning!! Do not set the temperature controller beyond 70 °C.
f. Switch on the heater. Observe the water temperature heats up to 50 °C and
remains constant.
g. Partially fill the capillary tube with acetone to a depth of about 30 mm.
h. Carefully insert the capillary tube through the fitting on top of the water bath
cover. Do not over-tighten the fitting.
i. Observe the initial level of acetone through the telescope. Increase the tank
water level if the acetone level cannot be observed by using telescope.
j. Connect the flexible tubing from the air pump line to one end of the capillary
tube. Switch on the air pump.

-5-
ERT 245- Heat and Mass Transfer in Biological Systems Laboratory Module

k. After 30 minutes, switch off the air pump. Disconnect the flexible tubing and
close the two capillary tube ends with the cap provided. Observe and record
the level of acetone.
Note:
Make sure there is no condensation occurs in the tube before collecting the
result.
l. Repeat steps i to k at 30 minutes intervals.

6.0 RESULT AND CALCULATION

6.1 Complete the experimental data sheet.

Time, t Level of acetone, L L - L0, dL t/dL
(ks) (mm) (mm) (ks/mm)

6.2 Plot t/ (L − L0) against (L − L0). Determine gas diffusivity,

D from the obtained slope, s. Use Antoine equation to
determine the partial pressure of acetone.

-6-
ERT 245- Heat and Mass Transfer in Biological Systems Laboratory Module

7.0 ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

7.1 Discuss any discrepancies and sources of error that influence the
reproducibility of the experimental result.
7.2 Discuss other parameter(s) beside concentration gradient that could affect
the rate of diffusivity of the component.
7.3 Discuss the importance of conducting the priming procedure for capillary
tube in relevant to the experimental theory.

8.0 CONCLUSION
8.1 Based on the experimental procedure done and the results taken, develop
some conclusions of the experiment.

-7-