EXPERIMENT NO.

- 1

MEASUREMENT OF DIFFUSIVITY OF CARBON TETRACHLORIDE IN AIR

Introduction:

In a solution (liquid or gaseous), if the concentration of a constituent is not uniform everywhere, the solution
is spontaneously brought to uniform concentration by movement of individual molecules. This process is
known as diffusion. The rate which a constituent at a point moves in a particular direction depends on
concentration gradient of constituent at that location in the given direction.

Objectives:

Determination of the diffusion coefficient of an organic vapor (i.e. Study the effect of
temperature on the diffusion coefficient

Theory:

If two gases are inter-diffusing with continuous supply of fresh gas and removal of the products of diffusion,
diffusion reaches an equilibrium state with constant concentration gradients. This is known as steady state
diffusion. If also there is no total flow in either direction the rates of diffusion of A and B, NA and NB are
equal but have opposite sign.

According to Dalton’s law the total concentration of the two components CA and CB is constant

Then using the integrated form of the Fick Diffusion equation for equimolal countercurrent diffusion

Contd-P/2

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Where PA1 and PA2 are the partial pressures of A at the boundaries of the zone of diffusion and X
is the distance over which diffusion occurs.

In case where gas A is diffusing through stagnant gas, B(non –diffusing), the flow carries
both components in proportions to their partial pressure.

The total transfer of A is the sum of this proportion of the flow and the transfer by diffusion

Or

And
Contd..p/3

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This is the expression used for the experimental determination of vapor diffusion coefficients in
gases by evaporation from liquid surface in a narrow bore tune and measuring the fall of level of
this surface.

The distance of the liquid surface below the open end of the tube is measured before and after
evaporation over a definite period. If the variation in level is small then arithmetic mean of these
two readings is taken as the value of X.

In case there is appreciable change of level, the value of x is determined by integration between
the initial and final readings of level.

The rate of evaporation is thus given by:

Integration of this expression yields:

Therefore

Other form of the equation that is convenient to use is:

----------------------------- (Eq.1)

In terms of concentration terms the expression for D is:

( )= --------------------------- (Eq.2)

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Usually, neither x0 nor the effective distance for diffusion, x, at time θ will be measured
accurately. Accurate values of (x-x0) are available, however, and hence:

Rewriting Eq.2 as:

----------------- (Eq.3)

A graph between θ / (x-x0) against (x-x0) should yield straight line with slope

-------------------------------- (Eq.4)
Or

----------------------- (Eq.5)
To determine total concentration

CT = P / RT Kmol/m3 at operating temp. of T K

Where

P=101.3 KN/m2

R=8.314 m3-KPa/Kmol-K

If the vapor pressure of the evaporating liquid (A) is V.P (kN/m2) at the operating temp. of T K

Effect of temperature and pressure on co-efficient of diffusion, D is expressed as:

D = const. T1.5 / P ---------------------------- (Eq.6)

Contd………P/5

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GILLIL AND’S CORRELATIO N FOR EST IMATING THE DIFFUSIVIT IE’ S OF GASES:

---------------------------------- (Eq.7)
Where

V = molar volume, cm3 / g mol,

M = mol. Wt., g/g mol

Atomic volume of C = 14.8 cm3/ g atom

Atomic volume of C1 = 21.6 cm3/ g atom

Atomic volume of Air = 29.9 cm3/ g atom

T = Temperature in K

P = System Pressure (ambient pressure), atm

D = Diffusivity in cm2/s

(Molar volumes of components can be obtained from Perry’s Handbook)

Contd---P/6

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Experimental Set-Up:

The equipment consists of a T tube made of glass, placed in a constant temperature water bath.
Temperature of the bath is controlled by the DTC. Air pump is used to supply the air, passed
through the T tube. Volatile component is filled in the T tube and air passed over it by the pump
and change in the level is seen by sliding microscope.

Experimental Procedure:

Clean the apparatus and make it free from dust.

Fill 3/4th water bath with water.
Set the water bath temperature at the desired level (up to 500C) and wait till the bath
attains the set temperature. Note the steady temperature of the bath.

Fill the T-tube with CCl4 to within two centimeters of the top of capillary leg. Note the
initial height of liquid in the capillary.

Make the connection with the air or vacuum pump and allow a gentle current of air to
flow over the capillary.

Record the height of liquid (z) in the capillary after every 30 min.
Repeat the steps 1 through 5 for different water bath temperatures.
Organic liquids selected are ethanol, toluene, hexane etc. Tabulate the results and
discuss.

Data Analysis:

Tabulate all raw data and the required calculated values for all the test runs.

Extra Information:

Specifications:

Capillary Material - Borosilicate Glass.

Water Bath Specifications:
Material - Stainless Steel 304 grade,
Capacity - 8 Ltrs.
Fitted with heater (Nichrome Wire Heater) and stirrer (Stainless Steel 304 grade Impeller and shaft
coupled with FHP motor)

Contd----P/7
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Air-Circulation by FHP pump

Traveling Microscope = 0-150×0.1 mm resolution

Temp. Sensor - RTD PT-100 type

Control panel comprising of Digital temperature controller Cum-Indicator (For Water Bath)
0-199.90C, RTD PT-100 type. Standard make On/off switch, Mains Indicator etc.
The whole set-up is mounted on a powder coated base plate

Precautions:

1. Don’t switch on the heater before filling the water in the bath.
2. Microscope focus should be clear or else adjustment is necessary.

Troubleshooting:

1. If the temperature is not increasing after switching on the heater, check the
continuity of heater.
2. If the DTC displays 1 on the screen it means the computer socket is not connected so
connect that.
3. If the meniscus is not clear adjust the focus of the lens.
4. If the movement of the microscope is not smooth put some lubricating oil on it.

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