Mass Transfer 681

The situation has got no counterpart in heat transfer.

For equimolar counter diffusion the partial pressure gradients of the two diffusing species must be equal
but of opposite sign.

10.3 MOLECULAR DIFFUSION THROUGH A STATIONARY GAS

Let us consider a gas A diffusing through a stationary gas B into a liquid–vapour interface where the gas A
is absorbed (Fig. 10.3). Since the gas A is diffusing towards the interface, there must be a partial pressure
gradient for A in the direction of diffuson. The rate of mass transfer of A is
NA D dp A
=-
A RT dy

Fig. 10.3 Distribution of partial pressures pA and pB for unidirectional diffusion of gas A through gas B

Now, the total pressure, P = pA + pB

dp A dp
=- B (10.10)
dy dy
A gradient in pA will cause a gradient in pB in the opposite direction. This gradient will force diffusion of
gas B away from the interface.
NA D dpB D dp A
=- = (10.11)
A RT dy RT dy
Since B is not produced at the interface, even though it is diffusing away from the interface, some other
mechanism must supply gas B to maintain a constant concentration of gas B at the interface. A bulk flow
of gas towards the interface replenishes gas B which is diffusing away. The bulk flow consists of a mixture
of A and B. The bulk flow of B toward the interface must equal – NB/A to balance the diffusion of B in the
opposite direction. The presence of A in the bulk flow will effectively enhance the rate of transfer of A
towards the interface. The bulk flow rate of A (NA/A) towards the interface equals
Moles of A in bulk flow
¥ Bulk flow of B
Moles of B in bulk flow