ABSTRACT

This experiment was conducted with aim of to determine gas diffusion coefficient of a volatile
component and to investigate the relationship between the time intervals with the level of the
acetone. Through this experiment, acetone was placed inside the capillary tube and was
allowed to diffuse into non-diffusing stagnant air that was passed over the test tube at the
temperature of 50°C. A constant temperature is fixed and air steam is passed over the tube to
ensure the partial pressure of the vapor is transferred from the surface of the liquid to be air
stream by molecular diffusion. Because there is different in concentration gradient and partial
pressure of the components involved in the system, therefore the mass transfer takes place
from the surface of the acetone. The initial reading is recorded after the temperature was
constant which is denoted by 𝐿0 the initial reading of level of acetone. In every 10 minutes, the
reading was taken until the minute of 60. A graph of 𝑡/𝐿−𝐿0 against 𝐿 −𝐿0 was plotted and the
best fit of straight line and slope of the graph are obtained. From the slope of graph, the
𝑚2
diffusivity of the acetone was calculated which is7.2182 x 10−4 𝑠 . The level of the acetone
increased as the time intervals increased throughout the experiment. Several recommendations
should be taken during conducting this experiment to minimize the errors. .

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PROCEDURE

Start-up procedure

1. ¾ of a water bath was filled with tap water

2. The main cable was plugged to the electrical supply and the voltage supply was

corrected to suit the experiment.

3. The main power was switched on. The temperature controller was adjusted to 50°C

Experimental procedure

1. Acetone was added to the capillary tube by using a dropper until its height reached

approximately 30mm.

2. Air pump tube was connected to the capillary tube until it fully covers the entire upper

side of the capillary tube into the water bath.

3. The vertical height of the telescope was adjusted until the capillary tube was visible.

4. The initial value of acetone inside the capillary tube was observed and recorded.

5. The air pump water bath heater was turned on.

6. The level of acetone inside the capillary tube was recorded for every 10 minutes interval.

7. Step 5 and 6 was repeated 6 times.

General shutdown procedure

1. The water heater and the air pump were switched off.

2. The temperature controller was adjusted until 5°C below the room temperature.

3. The water was let to cool down until it is safe to be touched. Valve 1 will be opened and

the water bath was emptied.

4. The flexible tubing was detached and the capillary tube was cleaned for the next use

5. The main power switch was turned off.

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RESULT

Temperature, T: 50 °c

Initial Level, Lo : 0.041040 m

Time,t (min) Reading on Vernier Level of Acetone,L- 𝑡 𝑚𝑖𝑛

,( )
𝐿−𝐿0 𝑚

Caliper,L (m) L0 (m)

0 0.041040 0 0

10 0.041040 0 0

20 0.042010 0.000970 20618.55670

30 0.043035 0.001995 15037.59398

40 0.044015 0.002975 13445.37815

50 0.044065 0.003025 16528.92562

60 0.045020 0.003980 15075.37688

By integrated this equation and substitute L=Lo at t=0

𝜌𝐿 𝑑𝐿 𝐶𝐴 𝐶𝑇
D( )( ) = D( )( )
𝑚 𝑑𝑡 𝐿 𝐶𝐵𝑚

We get:

2.𝑀.𝐷 𝐶 .𝐶𝑇
L2-Lo2 = 𝑡. ( 𝐿
) . ( 𝐶𝐴 )
𝐵𝑀

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The slope of the graph:

 𝐶
𝐿
s = (2.𝑀.𝐷 ) . (𝐶 𝐵𝑀
.𝐶
)
𝐴 𝑇

diffusivity,D:

𝐿  .𝐶𝐵𝑀
D = (2.𝑠.𝑀.𝐶 )
𝐴 .𝐶𝑇

25000
GRAPH OF (t/L-L0) AND (L-L0)
20000
y = 2539.7x + 1370.7
R² = 0.4492
15000
(t/L-L0)

Series2
10000
Linear (Series2)

5000

0
0 2 4 6 8
(L-L0)

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SAMPLE CALCULATION

𝑘𝑔
1. Molecular weight of Acetone, M= 58.08𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙

2. Temperature was converted to Kelvin,K

1𝐾
T= (50℃ x ) + 273K
1℃

= 323K

3. Pressure 𝑃0 is an atmospheric pressure, 𝑃𝑎 = 101.3kPa

𝑘𝑔
4. Density of acetone, 𝜌𝐿 = 791.0 𝑚3

5. Vapor pressure was calculated by Antoine Equation, 𝑃𝑣 = 81.9kPa

6. From the graph gradient,

𝑠
Slope,s= 1.5238x105 𝑚2

𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙
7. Total molar concentration, 𝐶𝑇 ( 𝑚3
)

𝑃 101.3𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝐶𝑇 = 𝑅𝑇 = 𝑚3 𝑥 𝑘𝑃𝐴
= 0.0377 𝑚3
8.314( )(323𝐾)
𝑘𝑔 𝑥 𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑥 𝑘

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 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙
8. Logarithmic mean value, 𝐶𝐵𝑚 ( 𝑚3
)

𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝐶𝐵1 = 𝐶𝑇 = 0.00377 𝑚3

𝑃𝑎 −𝑃𝑣 101,3𝑘𝑃𝑎−81.9𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙

𝐶𝐵2 = ( ) 𝐶𝑇 = ( ) 0.0377 = 7.2199 x 10−3
𝑃𝑎 101.3𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝑚3 𝑚3

Solve for 𝐶𝐵𝑚 ,

𝐶𝐵1 −𝐶𝐵2 0.0377−7.2199 x 10−3 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙

𝐶𝐵𝑚 = 𝐶 = 0.00377 = 0.01844 𝑚3
ln( 𝐵1) ln(
7.2199 x 10−3
)
𝐶𝐵2

𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙
9. Saturation concentration at interface ( 𝑚3
)

𝑃 81.9𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙

𝐶𝐴 = (𝑃𝑣 ) 𝐶𝑇 = (101.3𝑘𝑃𝑎) 0.00377 𝑚3
= 0.03028 𝑚3
𝑎

10. Diffusivity, D

𝑘𝑔 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝜌 𝐶𝐵𝑚 (791.0)(0.01844 3 )
𝐿 𝑚3 𝑚
D = 2𝑀𝐶 = 𝑘𝑔 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑠
𝐴 𝐶𝑇 s 2(58.08 )(0.03028 3 )(0.0377 3 )(1.5238x105 2 )
𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑚 𝑚 𝑚

𝑚2
D = 7.2182 x 10−4
𝑠

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DISCUSSION

Diffusion is known as spreading out from one substance to another. It occurs when there is any

difference in concentration gradient. Normally diffusion took place from higher concentration to

low concentration. This experiment of gas diffusion is to determine of gas coefficient a volatile

component using Winkelmann’s method. For this experiment, the acetone solution is to be used

as a volatile liquid and diffuse into gas. Acetone has the higher concentration while air has lower

concentration. Thus, an acetone diffuse in the air. Another factor that affects the heat diffusion is

heat. Heating caused the particles to act way faster and collide with each other in a not oriented

path. If this happened in the experiment, it is easier to evaporate, resulting in an increase of rate

of diffusion.

Based on the collection data, the ratio of the time to the different in height of acetone

was calculated. Besides, graphs of the ratio against the difference in liquid level were also

plotted in order to determine the slope. This slope from the graph was used to calculate the

diffusivity of the acetone at the temperature was 50°C. From the results of this experiment,

the diffusivity of the vapor of acetone at 50°C were determined which is 7.2182 × 10−4

m2/s. Theoretically, the molecules of substance possess higher kinetic energy and move more

freely from the energy gained at higher temperature. Thus, this will increase the rate of diffusion

into the gaseous area.

Before the experiment started, the temperature controller has been set only at 50°C.

This is because the boiling point of Acetone is at 50°C. Say that the temperature went beyond

that temperature, diffusion will still happen but in a higher rate of diffusion. This is because

Acetone is a substance that volatize easily. The molecular attractions of the particles in Acetone

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if the temperatures exceed more than 50°C become unstable. Thus, making it easier to

evaporate. This is the reason why the temperature was set up not beyond 50°C.

However, during conducted the experiment there were a few error that affecting slightly the

result was obtained. First, during taking level of acetone, the eye position must be parallel to the

meniscus. Second, the capillary tube should be cleaned and rinsed with distilled water before

using it. Be careful during filled the acetone in capillary tube make sure there was no bubble

formed.

Another ways to improve the efficiency of this experiment is by ensure there is no

existence of air bubble inside the capillary tube. If this situation happen, the reading recorded d

for throughout the experiment are wrong and invalid. Secondly, the eye level of an experimenter

must be parallel to the meniscus level of acetone when reading is taken so that the parallax

error can be avoided. Moreover, it is crucial to not disturb the position of the telescope when

adjusting the scale of vernier calliper so that the meniscus level of the acetone does not fall off

from the observation.

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CONCLUSION:

As a conclusion, this experiment is to study the diffusivity of the gaseous based on theory of

mass transfer using Wilkelmann’s method. Based on the results, the diffusivity of the acetone at

50 ˚C was determined, which is 7.2182 × 10−4 m2/s. Based on the graph the diffusivity of the

acetone is changes as the time goes by. We can conclude that the time goes will increase the

rate of diffusivity of the gas in acetone. By that, this experiment has accomplished is with the

study of diffusivity coefficient using Wilkelmann’s method.

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RECOMMENDATION

 Before the acetone was pumped, make sure there no air bubbles inside the capillary

tube.

 The telescope reading must be only one person in the team to read because the eye

level of the team members is different to reduce the parallax error.

 Eyes level must be parallel to meniscus level.

 When adjusting the vernier scale, the position of travelling telescope should not be

disturbed.

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REFERENCES
Book:

 Rousseau, R. M. (2017). Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes 4th edition. John Wiley &

Sons Singapore Pte. Ltd.

 Geankoplis, C. J. (2013). Transport Processes & Separation Process Principles (includes Unit

Operations). Pearson Education Limited.

 Ghajar, Y. A. (2011). Heat and mass transfer (4th ed). New York: McGrawHill.

 José Coca, J. L. (1980). Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Fundamentals. Gaseous Diffusion

Coefficients by the Stefan-Winkelmann Method Using a Polymer-Solvent Mixture as Evaporation

Source, 219-221.

 CengelGhajar. (2015). Heat and Mass Transfer Fundamental & Application.Fifth

Edition.McGraw Hill Education. Page 839-840

 Pommersheim, J. (1984). Fundamental of Momemtum, Heat and Mass Transfer, page 12, page

246.

 Cussler, E. L (2003). Diffusion: Mass Transfer In fluid System, 2nd edition, page 234-235

 Geankoplis, C.J. (2014). Transport Processes & Separation Process Principles (Includes

Unit Operations). Forth Edition. Pearson Education Limited.Page 417.

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Website:

 Richard Price, Ben Lund, David Judd. (2012).

http:/www.academia.edu/5244084/Full_report. Retrived 15 September 2018

 Jamal, M.M (16 June 2016) Gas Diffusion Coefficient. Retrieved 9 September 2018,

from https://datospdf.com/download/66948484-exp-4-gas-diffusion-

_5a4bcce5b7d7bcb74fcc371f_pdf

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APPENDICES

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