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This experiment was conducted to find out the gas diffusion coefficient, D of acetone in the
air by using Winklemans method. Gas diffusion occurred when diffusion of vapor takes
place from volatile liquid into another gas. 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 incorporates an air pump and the necessary electrical
controls for the equipment. The experiment is run at constant temperature of 50C and
atmospheric pressure. Every 10 minutes, the liquid level is observed. This is to study the
effect of liquid level on the diffusivity of the vapour of acetone. At the first 10 minutes, the
diffusivity of acetone that obtained is 2.00 ks/mm. Meanwhile at the 60 minutes, the
diffusivity of acetone that obtained is 1.63 ks/mm. Several errors are made in this experiment
which causes the value of diffusion coefficient to deviate which will be discussed later in
discussion section.
.
THEORY
The diffusivity of the vapour of the acetone in this experiment can be determined by the
Winkelmanns method. Mass transfer take place in either a gas phase or a liquid phase or in
both simultaneously. The diffusion of vapour A from the volatile liquid into another gas B can
be conveniently studied by confining a small sample of the liquid in a narrow vertical tube.
Normally, B is air and A is an organic solvent such as acetone.
The apparatus consist of a glass capillary tube place 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 the small pump included within the unit. A travelling microscope
with sliding vernier scale, is mounted on a rigid stand alongside the thermostatic bath and is
used to measure t in the rate of fall of the air meniscus within capillary.
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;
CA CBm
+
(kmol/ m3)
L
Where
Thus,
Lo and L cannot be measured accurately but L-Lo can be measured accurately using the
vernier on the microscope
Or
Where:
Where
t
L LO
against L - Lo then:
Or
Where:
PROCEDURE
syringe.
The air pump and water bath temperature was switched on.
The air pump was tested and adjusted.
The water temperature was set up to 50oC and the steady temperature was obtained.
The capillary tube was placed in the water bath and the air pump tube was placed in
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