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Problems 1

The document outlines a series of problems related to transport processes in the environment, focusing on diffusion in various scenarios. It includes calculations for mass flux, the effect of temperature on molecular diffusivity, and experiments involving fluorescent dye in a laboratory tank. Additionally, it addresses the diffusion of CO2 in different mediums and the impact of a fuel spill in a canal on concentration levels at a nearby house.

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José de Jesús Treviño Reséndez
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4 views4 pages

Problems 1

The document outlines a series of problems related to transport processes in the environment, focusing on diffusion in various scenarios. It includes calculations for mass flux, the effect of temperature on molecular diffusivity, and experiments involving fluorescent dye in a laboratory tank. Additionally, it addresses the diffusion of CO2 in different mediums and the impact of a fuel spill in a canal on concentration levels at a nearby house.

Uploaded by

José de Jesús Treviño Reséndez
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MIT OpenCourseWare

http://ocw.mit.edu

1.061 / 1.61 Transport Processes in the Environment


Fall 2008

For information about citing these materials or our Terms of Use, visit: http://ocw.mit.edu/terms.
Problem 1

A circular tube is filled with still water. The concentration


at each end of the tube is maintained at a constant value.
Estimate the magnitude and direction of mass flux through
the tube. The cross-section is A = 1 cm2 , and diffusion is
molecular, D = 10−5 cm2 g −1 .

Problem 2
Based on the conceptual model for diffusion, how might molecular diffusivity, D, change with
temperature and molecule size?

1
Problem 3
As part of a water quality study, you have been asked to access the diffusion of a new fluorescent
dye. To accomplish this, you do a dye study in a laboratory tank (h = 40 cm). You release 100g of
the dye at a depth of 20 cm (spread evenly over the area of the tank) and monitor its development
over time. Vertical profiles of dye concentration in the tank are shown in the figure below; the
x-axis represents depth and the y-axis represents the reading on your fluorometer.

Question 1

Estimate the diffusion coefficient of the dye, D, based on the evolution of the dye cloud.

Question 2

Predict at what time the vertical distribution of the dye will be affected by the boundaries of the
tank.

2
Problem 4
An infinitely long cylinder with a diameter of 10 cm is filled with a stationary fluid. A mass input
(M = 0.1 g CO2 ) is introduced instantaneously at t = 0 and uniformly at the center of the tube
(x = 0). Find the time for the CO2 to reach a concentration (mass fraction) of 1 ppm at x = 50 cm
for

i) Molecular diffusion in air.

ii) Molecular diffusion in water.

Note:

(a) the densities of air and of water are 1.23 and 1000 kg/m3 respectively

(b) the diffusion coefficient of gaseous carbon dioxide is 0.14 cm2 /s in air and 1.71 × 10−5 g/cm3
in water

Problem 5

You own a house and dock along a long boat canal. One day your neighbor has a small fuel spill.
Due to the boat traffice, the diffusivity in the canal is quite high, D = 0.01 m2 /s. The current in
the canal is negligible, such that the fuel is transported to your house by diffusion only. Assume
the fuel mixes rapidly across the width and depth.

A) How long does it take for the spilled fuel to reach your house?

B) For the time found in A), what is the concentration at your house?

C) What is the maximum concentration at your house?

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