Abstract

Regarding to the experiment objectives which is to determine the diffusivity of the vapor of
acetone and to study the effect of temperature on the diffusivity, this experiment is based on the
mass transfer theory. The instrument used is the Gas Dispersion Apparatus that consists of an
acrylic assembly which is sub-divided into two compartments. One compartment is constructed
from clear acrylic and is used as a constant temperature water bath. The other compartment is
incorporating an air pump and the necessary electrical controls for the equipment. At temperature
of 40˚C, the diffusivity of acetone that obtained is 3.91 ×10−5 m2 /s , this experiment showed that
gas diffusivity decreased with increasing temperature. However, supposedly the temperature
increase with the diffusivity of the vapor of acetone increases as well.

Introduction
Molecular diffusion, a fundamental concept in chemistry and physics, describes the movement of
molecules from regions of high concentration to regions of low concentration. This process
occurs spontaneously and is driven by the constant motion of molecules, which is a result of
thermal energy. As molecules move randomly, they collide with one another and spread out,
eventually leading to an even distribution of particles throughout a given space. Molecular
diffusion plays a crucial role in various natural and artificial processes, including biological
systems, chemical reactions, and environmental phenomena. For instance, in biological systems,
molecular diffusion is essential for the transport of nutrients and waste products within cells and
tissues. Similarly, in industrial processes, such as the mixing of chemicals in manufacturing or
the diffusion of gases in air pollution, understanding molecular diffusion is vital for optimizing
efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. Understanding the physical and chemical
properties of materials in process engineering is crucial because processes involve transforming
and distributing these materials in large quantities. One essential property to consider is
diffusivity. Mass transfer coefficients, which play a key role in these processes, can be calculated
using theoretical equations, correlations, and analogies that depend on these material properties.
The Winklemann method is a common experimental approach for studying molecular diffusion.
It allows researchers to measure diffusion coefficients by observing how particles disperse in a
solution over time. In this experiment, we will use the Winkler method to investigate molecular
diffusion in a controlled laboratory setting. By introducing a solute into a solvent and tracking its
spread, we can observe how molecules move from areas of high concentration to low
concentration until equilibrium is reached. Through careful measurements and calculations, we
can determine the diffusion coefficient of the solute in the solvent. This experiment provides
insights into molecular diffusion and its applications in various scientific and industrial fields. By
applying the Winklemann method, we aim to deepen our understanding of molecular diffusion
and its significance in practical contexts. In this paper, we will explore the diffusion coefficient
experiment using Winklemann method while also taking into account the mechanisms
underlying molecular diffusion, the factors that influence its rate, and its significance in diverse
fields of science and industry. By gaining a deeper understanding of molecular diffusion, we can
better comprehend its role in shaping the behavior of matter at the molecular level and its
broader implications for society and the environment.

Gaseous diffusivity or gas dispersion apparatus which involves diffusion with bulk flow is one of
the items of laboratory equipment that have been designed to allow measurement of molecular
diffusivities and also to make the students become more familiar with the basic notions of mass
transfer theory. This apparatus is a bench mounted apparatus for the determination of diffusion
coefficients of a vapor in air, which uses the method of measuring the rate of evaporation of a
liquid through a stagnant layer into a flowing air stream, comprising a precision bore capillary
tube, which may be filled from a syringe and the top of which means are provided to pass air (or
an inert gas) stream to remove vapor. The apparatus also comprises an air pump, a travelling
microscope with accurate focus adjustment and mounted for vertical axis movement against a
Vernier scale and thermostatically controlled water bath, in which to place the capillary tube,
capable of accurate temperature control.
The experimental capabilities of this apparatus are direct measurement of mass transfer rates in
the absence convective effects, use of a gas laws to calculate concentrations differences in terms
of partial pressures, use of Fick’s Law to measure diffusion coefficients in the presence of a
stationary gas, measurement of the effect of temperature on diffusion coefficients and gaining
familiarity with the use of laboratory instruments to achieve accurate measurements of data
required for industrial process design.
The diffusivity of the vapor of a volatile liquid in air can be conveniently determined by
Winklemann’s method in which liquid is contained in a narrow diameter vertical tube,
maintained at a constant temperature, and an air stream is passed over the top of the tube to
ensure the partial pressure of the vapor is transferred from the surface of the liquid to the air
stream by molecular diffusion. The molecular diffusivity, D, is a kinetic parameter associated
with static and dynamic conditions of a process. All the complexity and unwieldiness of many
calculations is, indeed, connected with the determination of this quantity.

Types of Diffusion:
1. Diffusion in uniform concentration
2. Diffusion in non-uniform concentration

Factors affecting the rate of diffusion:

1. Temperature: The temperature affects the rate of diffusion in the following way, as the
temperature increases, the rate of diffusion increases.
2. The concentration gradient: When the concentration gradient is high, the rate of diffusion is
also high.
3. The size of diffusing molecules: Large-sized particles slow the rate of diffusion, while small
particles fasten the rate of diffusion.
4. The size of the membrane: When the size of the membrane in which the particles are diffusing
is large, the rate of diffusion will also be slow compared to when the thickness of the membrane
is small.
5. Surface area to volume ratio: A large surface area is associated with a high rate of diffusion.
At the same time, a small surface area to volume ratio is associated with a low rate of diffusion.
6. Density of diffusing molecule: Particles with large density are associated with more collision,
which increases the rate of diffusion. Therefore, the larger the density of particles, the high the
rate of diffusion.

The Stefan-Winkelmann method for measuring diffusivities of vapors is based on determining

the rate of evaporation of a volatile liquid that can be followed by the rate of descent of the liquid
surface in a glass tube or diffusion cell. The diffusion cell shown in Figure 1 contains a liquid
mixture of a volatile solvent A and a high boiling point compound, I, that does not diffuse into
the gas phase. At the top of the cell there is a flow of gas B insoluble with the liquid at the
bottom of the cell. The diffusivity of the vapor of a volatile liquid in air can be determined by
Winkelmann’s method in which liquid is contained in a narrow diameter vertical tube,
maintained at a constant temperature. A stream is passed over the top of the tube to ensure that
the partial pressure of the vapor is transferred from the surface of the liquid to the air stream by
molecular diffusion. With this method, the diffusion is the same as gas A diffusing in stagnant,
non-diffusing B.

Objectives
 Determination of acetone vapor diffusivity in atmospheric air using Winkelmann’s
method.

Theory
The diffusion of vapor A form a volatile liquid into another gas B can be conveniently studied by
confining a small sample of the liquid in a narrow vertical tube and observing its rate of
evaporation into a stream of gas B passed across the top of the tube. Normally, for simple
instructional purposes, gas B is air and vapor A is an organic solvent such as acetone or methyl
alcohol.
The apparatus consists essentially of a glass capillary tube placed in a transparent-sided
temperature controlled water bath. A horizontal glass tube is fixed to the upper end of the
capillary tube and air is blown through this by a small air pump included within the unit. This
arrangement allows the maintenance of a partial pressure difference within the capillary tube
between the evaporating liquid surfaces and the flowing air stream. A travelling microscope,
with sliding Vernier scale, is mounted on a rigid stand alongside the thermostatic bath and is
used to measure the rate of fall of the solvent or air meniscus within the capillary.
we use ‘Winkle Mann’s method’ for measuring diffusivity of the vapor of volatile component in
air. For example, if we put a rapidly evaporating liquid such as acetone inside a capillary tube
and put it in a hot water bath, and we pump air at the top of the capillary tube using a small
pump, we will notice that the level of acetone in the capillary tube began to rise. Thus, we find
that acetone diffuses in the air, and from studying the relationship between the rate of diffusion
of the substance and the concentration, we conclude Fick's Law:
The relation between the measured molar mass transfer rate (Na per unit area), the partial
pressure gradient and the diffusion coefficient, D is deduced based on the following:

N A =D ( CL )( CC ) … … …(1)
A T

BM

Where

D = Diffusivity (m2 /s )
C A = Saturation concentration at interface (kmol /m3 ¿ ¿

L = Effective distance of mass transfer (mm)

C BM = Logarithmic mean molecular concentration of vapour (kmol /m3 ¿ ¿

C T = Total molar concentration = C A + C BM (kmol /m3 ¿ ¿

Considering the evaporation of the liquid:

N A= ( )( )
ρL
M
dL
dt
… … … (2)

Where
ρ L is the density of liquid.

M is molecular weight.
Substituting (2) into (1)

( )( ) ( ) ( )
ρL
M
dL
dt
=D
CA
L
CT
C BM

Integrating and putting L - Lo at t = 0

( )( )
2 2 2 DM CA CT
L −L 0= t
ρL C BM

Lo and L cannot be measured accurately but L-Lo can be measured accurately using the Vernier
on the microscope

( )( )
2 DM C A CT
( L−L0 ) ( L−L0+ 2 L0 ) = ρL C BM
t

OR

t
= (ρL
L−L0 2 DM )( CC C ) ( L−L )+( MDρ CC C ) L
A
BM

T
0
L BM

A T
0

t
Drawing a graph ( ¿ against (L−L0 ) then:
L−L0

s= ( 2 DM
ρ L
)( CC C )A
BM

Where s is the slope

So;
 D= ( )(
ρL
2 sM
C BM
C A CT )
Where

C T= ( )( )
1
Vm
T
Ta

C B 1−C B 2
C BM =
ln
( )
CB1
CB2

C B 1=C T

C B 2=
( )
p a − pv
pa
CT

C A=
( )
pv
C
pa T

Assume standard conditions (P = 101.32 kN/m2, V=22.4 m3 /mole , T = 273 K )

Temperature Ta= 50 ℃=¿323 K

and vapor pressure pv =56kN/m2

Apparatus and materials:

Apparatus

1. Gaseous diffusion apparatus (figure 1).

2. A capillary tube in the shape of the letter (T) containing acetone (figure 2).
3. Water bath.
4. Diffusion pump (figure 3).
5. Travelling microscope and Vernier callipe.
6. Control unit.

Description of apparatus

The SOLTEQ Gaseous Diffusion Coefficient Apparatus consists of water bath tank, capillary
tube, air pump and travelling telescope. In water bath tank, there are some additional parts that
help this experiment works such as heater W1, temperature sensor, temperature controller and
level switch. The purpose of heater WI is to heat up the water in the water bath to the
temperature desired. Temperature sensor is to measure the temperature by correlating the
resistance of the element with the temperature. Temperature controller is about controlling the
temperature following the experimental temperature and water bath itself can maintain 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. Next, the T-shape vertical capillary tube is used
with the air pump which has been attached to the one end of the T-Tube. The purpose is to allow
the maintenance of a partial pressure difference within the capillary tube between the
evaporating liquid surface and the flowing air stream. The travelling telescope equipped with a
Vernier scale is used to measure the level of the acetone meniscus within the capillary.

Figure 1: Gaseous Diffusion Apparatus

 Figure 2: Tube of Diffusion

Figure 3: Diffusion Pump

Materials
1. Acetone
2. Water

Experimental procedures

1. The water bath was filled with filtered water to approximately.

2. The air pump was switched on.
3. The level inside the capillary tube was recorded.
4. The temperature controlled water bath was switched on and a steady temperature was
obtained.
5. The capillary tube was cleaned up and partially filled with acetone to a depth about 5mm.
6. The capillary tube was carefully inserted through the fitting on top of the water bath
cover.
7. We adjust the microscope lens to obtain a clear image, noting that the image is upside
down.
8. The reading was taken every 5 minutes for 6 times. The experiment was done at
temperature 50°C.
Data set

Time (min) Level of acetone L (cm )

0 5.00
5 4.80
10 4.65
15 4.50
20 4.30
25 4.10
30 3.90

Calculations and results

Time Level of acetone Liquid level L−L0 t

(s) L (cm) (cm) L−L0
( s/cm ¿ ¿
0 5.00 0 0
300 4.80 0.20 1500
600 4.65 0.35 1714
900 4.50 0.50 1800
1200 4.30 0.70 1714
1500 4.10 0.90 1666
1800 3.90 1.1 1636
 (L-L0) VS (t/(L- L_0) )
1900
1800
1700
1600
1500
1400
1300
0.2 0.35 0.5 0.7 0.9 1.1

t/(L- L...

slope of the graph is 573.3 S/cm2 = 573.3 ×10 4S/m2

Assume standard conditions

P = 101.32 kN/m2
V m =22.4 m3 /kmole (molecular volume)

T = 273 K
Ta= 50 ℃=¿323 K

pv =56kN/m2 (vapor pressure)

ρ L=¿790 kg/m 3 (density of acetone)

Molecular weight of acetone = 58.08 kg /kmole

C T=
( V1 )( TT )
m a

C T= ( 22.41 )( 273
323 )
=0.0377 kmol/m 3

3
C B 1=C T =0.0377 kmol /m

C B 2=
( p a − pv
pa )
CT

C B 2=
( 101.32−56
101.32a )
( 0.0377 )=0.0169 kmol /m3
 C B 1−C B 2
C BM =
ln
( )
CB1
CB2

0.0377−0.0169 3
C BM = =0.0259 kmol /m
ln (
0.0377
0.0169 )
C A=
( )
pv
C
pa T

C A= ( 101.32
56
) ( 0.00377)=0.0208 kmol/m 3

To find diffusivity (D):

D= ( )( ρL
2 sM
C BM
C A CT )
D=
( 790
( 2 ) ( 573.3× 10 ) (58.08)
4 )( 0.0259
(0.0208)(0.0377) ) −5 2
=3.91× 10 m /s

Rate of mass transfer:

N A =D ( )( )
CA
L
CT
C BM

N A =3.91× 10
−5
( 50.0208
×10
−2 ) ( 0.0259 )
0.0377
=2.368 ×10
−5 2
kmole /m . s

Discussion:
In this gas diffusion experiment, equipment used was the Gaseous Diffusion Apparatus. This
equipment has been designed to study the application of mass transfer focusing on the gas
diffusion...This experiment was conducted to realize the main objectives which are to study the
gas diffusion coefficient. the responding variable was the level inside the capillary tube, L which
was taken every 0.3 ks until 1.8 ks was reached. This experiment was carried out for at 50ᴼC
with respect to gas diffusivity. In particular, gas diffusivity of vapor acetone is calculated.
Utilizing the data obtained, graph of L−L0 against t/ L−L0 was plotted as shown in chart , the
gradient or also known as the slope,s was calculated. However, due to the present of errors, data
collected has shown to deviate variedly. A linear graph was not able to be obtained and thus to
overcome this problem the slope was calculated taking from two points relative to the line
obtained.
The calculations were proceeds with the aim to find the diffusivity of vapor acetone. It was based
on the data collected D equivalent to 3.91 ×10−5 m2 /s while at T = 50 ℃ .

Conclusion:
Overall, the experiment produces results agreeing to theory. Based on the Obtained result, the
level of acetone decreased as the time increased caused by diffusion. By using Winkelmann's
method the gas diffusion coefficient of acetone was determined. As the acetone evaporates into
surrounding air the vapor concentration slowly decreased from high to low concentration. The
molecules move from capillary tube to surrounding air due to driving forces.

Recommendations
1-every experimenter must make sure to avoid parallax error while taken the readings of level of
acetone from the Vernier scale because it will deviate the data and results calculated at the end of
experiment.
2- Before the acetone was pumped, make sure there was no air bubble inside the capillary tube.
3- Temperature of path must not be above 50C to keep amount of acetone in liquid phase.
4-Make sure the microscope is in good condition before run the experiment.
5- The level of the travelling microscope also must be paralleled with the capillary tube.