Norman Mpofu [MPFNOR001]

i)

Figure 1: Schematic of the Arnold/Stefan diffusion cell ii) The derivation of an expression for the molar flux of organic vapour, assuming that air is

a single species and that the molar flux of air cannot be ignored. Let = (flux of air/ flux of organic vapour). = -.NA = NB Using Ficks first law for binary systems: NA = (NA+NB) yA - DAB.c. Substitute: -.NA = NB

NA = (NA - .NA )yA - DAB.c. Grouping like terms: NA (1-(1-)yA) = - DAB.c. Therefore NA =

Separating variables and integrating: NA NA

( )

( ) ( )

Given Boundary conditions: z=0 z=L(t) NA = *

( ( ) ) ( ( ) )

YA(z=0) 0 YA (sat) = pvap/ p

( )(

Applying Boundary Conditions:

Norman Mpofu [MPFNOR001]

NA =

( )(

)+ where

{ Equation 1}

iii) Derivation of an expression for the organic vapour diffusivity, in terms of change in vapour space height with time. Rate of evaporation of organic liquid A = rate at which A leaves by diffusion , ( ) ] =| |

Adding terms in order for units to match in our mass balance: , ( ) ] =| |

Now substituting {Equation 1} , ( ) , ( )

(

=|

( )(

( ( ( (

( ) ) )

) )|

( )(

( ( (
)

) )t

( ) =
)

))

=
( ( (

( )( )

))

DAB =

))

iv) An approximation of : Consider the flow of species B (air) into straw Flow of B into straw = Rate of change of vapour space X Concentration of B in generated space . /=
( )

.c.

( ))

[1]

Flow of species A out of straw = rate if change of liquid level X Concentration of A Rate of change of vapour space X concentration of A. . /= ( X )( )

.c.

( )) )

Norman Mpofu [MPFNOR001]

. Dividing [ 1 ] / [ 2 ]:

/= (

)+

.c.

( )) )

[2]

( ( )

( )) ( ( )

((

Therefore since =

={

( )) ( ( ))

v) Simplifying

by setting =0 because of the flow of air passed over the top of the tube at >> .

a rate such that the vapour pressure is maintained at almost zero. DAB = vi) Error introduced by assuming flux of air, Error=|
( )

( (
(

) ) )

=0:
)

| X 100% ={(

( ) (

)
(

( ))

} X100%

Figure 2 Apparatus and Experimental Set-up at Room temperature and pressure

Figure 2 shows a water bath system with a syringe as a container for the sample and a straw attached at the outlet of the syringe. The outlet cylinder of the syringe was coincidentally a tight fit with the straw. The syringe arrangement was advantageous in the sense that leakage problems were eliminated, the initial level of sample in the straw could be easily adjusted and juxtaposed with the ruler, and because syringes take up a minimal amount of

Norman Mpofu [MPFNOR001]

space, both the acetone and methylated spirit experiment can be performed simultaneously in the same water-bath system. Furthermore, because the ratio between the space taken up by the syringe as compared to the water volume of the system is higher than if we used a larger vial, fluctuations in temperature are further dampened. Having a smaller container means there is relatively more water in the system, and because water has a high heat capacity, a larger water body means temperatures will not change rapidly. Much emphasis is placed on temperature control because if the apparatus is maintained at steady temperature, there will be no eddy currents in the vertical tube, and mass transfer will take place from the surface by molecular diffusion alone, Coulson (1999: 582). A steady temperature buys the experimenter time to take the required measurements. The blower will ensure that the mole fraction of the sample at the top of the straw is zero. The smallest graduations on the ruler used for the experiment will be 1mm. In order to avoid parallax error in the reading of the temperature and length a clean and transparent glass beaker will be used. In order to get accurate readings, the syringe and straw will have to be uncompromisingly vertical. This will be achieved by filling the syringe first with the sample, then securing it to the bottom of the beaker (in the position indicated Figure 2) with a dollop of epoxy resin. Lastly a stopwatch will be used to measure the time taken for liquid level to drop a certain level every 30 minutes. Experimental Set-up for Higher temperature (T2) Using the same system as Figure 2, a radiator will be used to increase the surrounding temperature to 30C. After an ample amount of time, the water bath system temperature will also reach the same temperature. In order to determine the time for a L change in length in the straw, taking into account the starting point
( )

, the equation from part 5 will be used: DAB =

( (
(

)
))

Density (kg/m3) Diffusivity (m2/s) Molecular mass (g/mol) Total Concentration (mol/m3) Vapour pressure (Kpa)
( )

calculated

Acetone 791 1.24E-05 58 40.9 30.9 0.31 -2.08E-03

Methylated Spirit 789 1.02E-05 46 40.9 7.7 0.076 -2.20E-03

Table1: Literature values for Acetone and Methylated Spirit

Norman Mpofu [MPFNOR001]

Safety Assessment Keep out of reach of children. Wear eye protection, if Acetone or Methylated spirit makes contact with eyes; wash out immediately for more than 10 minutes. Seek medical attention. Both chemicals are flammable, be aware of sources of ignition and have fire extinguisher or blanket at hand. Perform experiment in well ventilated room to prevent inhaling of fumes, and in case of spillage take note that both chemicals are toxic, therefore mop up spillage immediately. In the case someone ingests any of these chemicals, immediately seek medical attention. Gloves are to be worn since both chemicals cause skin irritation. Proper disposal of waste required, the chemicals are not to be thrown down the drain.

Uncertainty Budget
Variable Temperature Pressure Length Density Time Units K Pa m kg/m3 s Typical Value 298K 101325Pa 0.01 791 3600s Range 5K 2837 0.001 5 1 Distribution Standard Uncertainty Triangular 0.82 Triangular 1200 Triangular 0.0008 Rectangular 2.9 Rectangular 1.8 Comment Fluctuating temperature Change in Humidity differential reading Changes almost negligible nearest second

Norman Mpofu [MPFNOR001]