ABSTRACT

A molecular diffusion experiment was conducted with the goal of determining the
diffusion coefficient of acetone into air. For this experiment, acetone was placed in a capillary
tube and was allowed to diffuse into non-diffusing air that was passed over the test tube at the
temperature of 40oC. The temperature is kept constant and air 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
be air stream by molecular diffusion. The initial reading and every 2 minutes subsequent reading
of the liquid acetone level are determined, and the experiment is conducted for 10 minutes. The
experiment is repeated by changing temperature to 45 oC and50 oC. A graph of t/L-Lo against L-Lo
is plotted and best fit of straight line and slope of the graph are obtained. The diffusivity of
acetone at two different temperatures is determined through calculation. The diffusivity of
acetone at temperature of 40 oC, 45 oC and 50 oC are 8.415 x 10-5 m2/s , 3.6006x 10-8 m2/s and
2.3980 x 10-8 m2/s respectively. Throughout the experiment, the diffusivity of acetone is determined to be
higher at higher temperature. This fits the theory where temperature affects the diffusion rate. Several
recommendation should be taken during operating this experiment to minimize the errors.

INTRODUCTION

Mass transport in a gas or liquid generally involves the flow of fluid (e.g. convection
currents) although atoms also diffuse. Solids on the other hand, can support shear stresses and
hence do not flow except by diffusion involving the jumping of atoms on a fixed network of
sites. Diffusion can be divided into two types which are diffusion in a uniform concentration
gradient and diffusion in a non-uniform concentration. Uniform concentration obeys Fick’s first
law where the constant of proportionality is called the diffusion coefficient in m2s−1. Fick’s first
law applies to steady state flux in a uniform concentration gradient. The diffusion in non-uniform
concentration gradients obeys Fick’s second law of diffusion with assuming that the diffusivity is
independent of the concentration.

Molecular diffusion is the transfer or movement of individual molecules through a fluid

by random molecular movements . In the diffusion process, the molecules of interest flow from
regions of high concentration to low concentration. Molecular diffusion can occur in both
directions with the system.

The diffusion mechanism happen when the particles near each other at the corner of
glass. Then, as time goes by, the particles will “move randomly around” in the water, which by
means diffuse. Then, the particles will distribute randomly and uniformly in the water. The
diffusion will still continue to occur but there is no net flux. The magnitude of this flux depends
on both the magnitude of the concentration gradient and on the diffusive properties of the soil, as
represented by the diffusion coefficient, D.

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 This machine used for this experiment is to determine the gas diffusion coefficient by
evaporation from a liquid surface for acetone-air system. In the case of study, acetone diffuses
through non-diffusing air, which is passed over the top of the test tube containing the acetone.
The air is allowed into the test tube, but does not diffuse into the acetone.

The diffusivity of the vapor of a volatile liquid in air can be determined by using
Winklemann’s method. In which liquid was contained in a narrow diameter vertical tube,
maintained at a constant temperature, and air stream passed through over the top of the tube. All
these are to ensure that the vapour partial pressure was been transferred from the surface of the
liquid to the air stream by molecular diffusion.

OBJECTIVES

There are two objectives that are needed to be achieved while conducting this experiment.

The objectives are as follows:

 To determine the diffusivity of the vapour of acetone

 To study the effect of different temperatures on the diffusivity

THEORY

The Armfield 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 surface 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/air meniscus within the capillary.CERa Gaseous Diffusion
Coefficients Apparatus. The relation between the measured molar mass transfer rate
(‘NA’ per unit area), the partial pressure gradient and the diffusion coefficient D is deduced from
the one dimensional steady state version of Fick’s Law with bulk flow.The vapour of a volatile
liquid in air diffusivity can be determined by using Winklemann’s method. In which liquid was
contained in a narrow diameter vertical tube, maintained at a constant temperature and an air
stream is passed through over the top of the tube. These are to ensure that the vapour partial
pressure was been transferred from the liquid surface to the air stream by molecular diffusion.

2
The derivation of equation to solve the objectives:

A) Rate of mass transfer, NA’

NA’ = D. ( CL ) .( CC )
A T

BM

Where; D is diffusivity (m2.s-1)

L is effective distance of mass transfer (mm)

CA is saturation concentration at interface (kmol.m-3)

CT is total molar concentration , CT = CA + CB (kmol.m-3)

CBM is log mean molecular concentration of vapour (kmol.m-3)

B) Evaporation of liquid

From (A) equation, consider the evaporation of liquid

❑L dL
NA’ = ( M ) .( d )
t

Therefore,
CA CT ❑L d L
D. ( )( ) ( )( )
L
.
C BM
=
M
.
dt

Where; L is density of liquid (kg/m3)

M is molecular weight (kg/kmol)

3
C) L-Lo at t=0

By integrating and substitute L=Lo at t=0

CA . CT
L2-Lo2 = t . ( 2. M❑ . D ) .( C )
L BM

So,
2. M . D C A . C T
(L-Lo).(L-Lo+2Lo) = t . ( ❑L )(
.
C BM )
Otherwise,

t ❑L C BM ❑L C BM
( L−Lo ) = ( 2. M . D ) .( C . C )(L-Lo)+( M . D ) .( C . C )(Lo)
A T A T

Where; L-Lo is the value differences of liquid level ,L – liquid level initial,Lo (mm)

t is time (min)

*Note that Lo and L cannot be measured accurately except for L-Lo can be measured accurately
by vernier on microscope.

D) Slope of graph (s.m-2), s

❑L C BM
s= ( . )(
2. M . D C A . CT )

E) Diffusivity (m2.s-1), D

4
 ❑ L .C BM
D= ( 2. s . M . C A .C T )

F) Saturation concentration at interface (kmol.m-3), CA

CA = ( PvPa ). C T

G) Total molar concentration (kmol.m-3), CT

CT = ( 22.41kmol ) .( Tabs¿ )
H) Log mean molecular concentration of vapour (kmol.m-3),CBM

CB1 = CT

CB2 = ( Pa−Pv
Pa )
.C T

C B 1−C B 2
CBM = C
(
ln ⁡[ B 1 ]
CB2 )

5
APPARATUS

Figure 1.0: The Gas diffusion Apparatus

Figure 1.1: The ‘T’ shaped capillary tube with the air pump tube connected

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APPARATUS

1. Gas Diffusion Apparatus

2. Acetone
3. Water bath
4. Microscope
5. Capillary tube
6. Syringe
7. Stop watch

7
PROCEDURE

1. The distillate water was filled into the water bath until 35mm of the capillary tube was
obtained.

2. The capillary tube is then filled with acetone until the height is approximately 35mm with
use syringe.

3. The air pump tube is filled into the capillary tube until it had fully covered the entire
upper side of the capillary tube then the capillary tube is inserted into the water bath.

4. The vertical height of the microscope was then adjusted until the capillary tube was
visible.

5. If the capillary tube was not visible, the distance from the object lens was adjusted to the
tank until the meniscus of the acetone inside the capillary tube was clearer and if
necessary the position of the viewing lens in or out the microscope body can be adjusted.

6. When the capillary tube was viewed, the image of the meniscus will be upside down so
that the bottom of the meniscus of acetone would be at the top of image.

7. When the meniscus of the acetone has been determined, the sliding vernier scale should
be aligned with a suitable graduation on the fixed scale.

8. The air pump and the water bath heater are turned on.

8
 9. The initial value of the acetone inside the capillary was observed and recorded.

10. The temperature was set to 40 0C and a steady temperature was obtained.

11. The level of the acetone inside the capillary was recorded for every 2 minutes. The
experiment was then repeated at 2 different temperatures of 45 0C and 50 0C.

RESULTS

Temperature : 40oC

Lo : 55.04 mm

Time, Reading on vernier of Liquid level, t min

t (min) time, L-Lo (mm)
,
L−L o mm ( )
L (mm)
0 55.04 0 0
2 55.04 0 0
4 57.06 2.02 1.9802
6 58.07 3.03 1.9802
8 60.09 5.05 1.5842
10 61.10 12.06 0.8292

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 Graph of t/L-Lo against L-Lo
2.5

1.5
y
t/L-Lo

f(x) = 0.04 x + 0.9

1 R² = 0.05 Linear (y)

0.5

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
L-Lo

Temperature : 45oC

Lo : 58.07 mm

Time, Reading on vernier of Liquid level, t min

t (min) time, L-Lo (mm)
,
L−L o mm ( )
L (mm)
0 58.07 0 0
2 58.09 0.02 100.0000
4 58.10 0.03 133.3333
6 58.10 0.03 200.0000
8 59.05 0.98 8.1633
10 59.05 0.98 10.2041

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 Graph of t/L-Lo against L-Lo
250

200

150
t/L-Lo

y
100 Linear (y)
f(x) = − 100.52 x + 109.46
R² = 0.37
50

0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2
L-Lo

Temperature : 50oC

Lo : 59.08 mm

Time, Reading on vernier of Liquid level, t min

t (min) time, L-Lo (mm)
,
L−L o mm ( )
L (mm)
0 59.08 0 0
2 60.09 1.01 1.9802
4 61.10 2.02 1.9802
6 59.07 -0.01 -600.0000
8 60.08 1.00 8.0000
10 61.09 2.01 4.9751

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 Graph of t/L-Lo against L-Lo
100
0 f(x) = 150.96 x − 248.89
-0.5 -100 0 R² = 0.31
0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5

-200
t/L-Lo

y
-300
Linear (y)
-400
-500
-600
-700
L-Lo

SAMPLE CALCULATION

Calculation for 40°C

 Liquid level, L-Lo = 55.04 – 55.04

= 0.00 mm

t 2
 =
L−L o 0

= 0 min/mm

t
 Plot the graph of against L-Lo.
L−L o

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 From the graph plotted,
 Slope of the graph, s = 0.043min/mm2

0.043 min 60 s 10002 mm2

= × ×
mm2 1 min 1m

= 2.58x 106 s/m2

 Molecular weight, M (kg/mol)

Molecular weight of acetone = 58.08 g/mol
= 58.08 kg/kmol

 Total molar concentration, CT (kmol/m3)

C T= ( kmol1 Vol ) ¿
= ( 22.41 )( 273+
273
40 )
= 0.0389 kmol/m3
 Logarithmic mean molecular concentration of vapour, CBm (kmol/m3)

CB1 = CT

CB1 = 0.0389 kmol/m3

C B 2= ( Pa−Pv
Pa )
C T

101.3−56
C B 2= ×0.0389
101.3

= 0.0174 kmol/m3

( C B 1−C B 2 )
C Bm=
(C B 1 )
ln
(C B 2 )

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 (0.0389−0.0174)
= 0.0389
ln
0.0174

= 0.0267 kmol/m3

 Saturation concentration at interface, CA

Pv
CA = ( ) C
Pa T

56
= ( 101.3 ) 0.0389
= 0.0215 kmol/m3

 Diffusivity, D (m2/s)

ρL = 790 kg/m3

( ρL C Bm )
D =
s (2 M C A C T )

kg kmol

=
( m3
790
)
(0.0267 3 )
m
s kg kmol kmol
( m ) (
2.58 x 10 6 2 ( 2 ) 58.08
kmol )( )
0.0215 3 ( 0.0389 3 )
m m

= 8.415 x 10-5 m2/s

 Repeat the calculation for temperature 45°C and 50°C.

For 45°C, the diffusivity,

D = -3.6006x 10-8 m2/s

For 50°C, the diffusivity,

D = 2.3980 x 10-8 m2/s

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DISCUSSION

Gas diffusion refers to one of mass transport process whereby molecules of interest flow
from regions of high concentration to low concentration. Through this experiment of gas
diffusion, we have to determine the diffusivity of the vapour and study the effect of temperature
on the diffusivity. This experiment procedure was performed using the gaseous diffusivity
apparatus. The diffusion of acetone which is a volatile liquid into another gas (in this experiment
is air) can be conveniently studied by confining a small sample of acetone in a narrow vertical
tube while maintaining a constant temperature of water bath, and observing its rate of
evaporation into a stream of air passed across the top of the tube. This method is known as
Winklemann’s method.

The procedures were repeated three times by varying the temperature at 40°C ,45°C and
50°C and the level of the acetone inside the capillary tube was recorded for every 2 minutes.
Note that the temperature we specified should not be more than the boiling point of the fluid.
Acetone liquid has a lower boiling point which is 56°C, therefore the temperature set up should
less than that temperature or otherwise the acetone will be vaporised into the atmosphere instead.

Based on the collection data, the ratio of the time to the different in height of acetone
were calculated. Besides, graphs of the ratio against the difference in liquid level were also
plotted in order to determine the slope. This slope was useful in order to calculate the diffusivity
of the acetone. From the results of this experiment, the diffusivity of the vapour of
acetone at 40°C,45°C and 50°C were determined which were 8.415 x 10-5 m2/s , 3.6006x
10-8 m2/s and 2.3980 x 10-8 m2/s respectively. It has also being analysed from the graphs
that the slope with lower temperature was more stepper than slope of higher temperature hence
causing the diffusivity of the acetone with higher temperature will have a higher value.
Theoretically, the molecules of substance possess higher kinetic anergy and move more freely
from the energy gained at higher temperature. Thus, this will increase the rate of diffusion into
the gaseous area.

However, during conducting the experiment there were several experimental error or
mistake occurred effecting slightly the result we obtained. The first one was during taking the
reading of meniscus of acetone. The eye position should be parallel to the meniscus in order to
get accurate precise measurement. While adjusting the meniscus, make sure the meniscus is
located most nearer to the horizontal line before taking the reading from the vernier scale. On top
of that, the interval time to get another reading is too short which is 2 minutes thus causing the
result to be unchanged sometimes. Therefore, the experiment should be carried out in longer time
to get better results.

The apparatus used in this experiment such as the capillary tube and syringe should be cleaned
and rinsed with distilled water before using them in this experiment. When confining the acetone
into the capillary tube, make sure there is no bubble formed. The temperature specified also must

15
be constant through out the experiment.

In carrying out the laboratory experiments, safety takes precendence over all other
consideration. Proper clothing and laboratory helmet sould be wear all the time in the pilot plant
laboratory. Gloves should be wear while handling the acetone.

CONCLUSION

This experiment was performed to determine the diffusivity of the vapour and to study the effect
of temperature on the diffusivity. From the analysed data and calculated results the diffusivity
of the vapour of acetone at 40 ̊c ,45 ̊c and 50 ̊c were determined which were 8.415 x 10-5
m2/s , 3.6006x 10-8 m2/s and 2.3980 x 10-8 m2/s respectively. We can conclude that diffusivity
of the acetone with higher temperature will have a higher value. Besides that, it has been
theoretically proved that higher temperature causing the molecules of substance to gain higher
kinetic energy and moves randomly and freely hence increasing the rate of diffusion. Finally, the
experiment has accomplished us with the study of diffusivity coefficent and familiarity with the
use of laboratory instruments to achieve accurate measurements of data required for industrial
process design.

RECOMMENDATIONS

 Before the acetone was pumped, make sure there was no air bubble inside the capillary
tube
 Use different capillary tube when start with different temperature
 The travelling microscope that attached to the vernier scale must be tightly installed and
stable
 The level of the travelling microscope also must be paralleled with the capillary tube
 Eye level also must be parallel to the meniscus level
 When adjusting the vernier scale, the position of the travelling microscope should not be
disturbed
 The method of recording the reading from the vernier scale must be correct
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REFERENCES

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my&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESiDEIAcYF_uM31f3C98IHGIjlrsNf9H6wdVnVK3FFAXCn7vmzW0zwsGUg
MbAWAvdizPR0oYz9HN4K4p_X80xENZs4WhgOm08j-
zsk_hALSPSDAoyqIdRPyV52pNI0W3qiu4TYMt&sig=AHIEtbTZyypIRmBSpWJCQM7Z_PvdvAIkgg&p
li=1
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 http://www.scribd.com/doc/39000629/Gas-and-Electrolyte-Diffusion-Presentation
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 http://www.discoverarmfield.co.uk/data/pdf_files/cer.pdf
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 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fick's_laws_of_diffusion
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 http://thesis.library.caltech.edu/1586/11/10Chapter2.pdf
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 http://www.reference.com/motif/Science/does-temperature-effect-diffusion-rate
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 http://www.studyzones.com/questionzone/answer/73267x1565/How-does-temperature-
affect-the-rate-of-diffusion
accessed on 3rd APRIL 2012,20:45

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