Mass Transfer

Fundamentals
(ChE-206)
Lecture No. 4
Fick’s Law of Diffusion
•  The molar flux of a species relative to an observer moving with molar average
velocity is proportional to the concentration gradient of the species.
• If component A is diffusing in a binary mixture of A and B, the flux of A will
be:
 𝐽 ∝ 𝑑𝐶 𝐴
𝐴
𝑑𝑧

 𝐽 =− 𝐷 𝑑𝐶 𝐴
𝐴 𝐴𝐵
𝑑𝑧
• DAB is the proportionality constant, called the diffusion coefficient or
diffusivity of A in a mixture of A & B.
• JA is a positive quantity. The negative sign is due to the decreasing
concentration
• What are the dimensions of Diffusion Coefficient?
Diffusion Co-efficient
• The diffusion coefficients, are highest in gases and lowest in solids.
The diffusion coefficients of gases are several orders of magnitude
greater than those of liquids.
• Diffusion coefficients increase with temperature.
• Example: The diffusion coefficient (mass diffusion rate) of carbon
through iron increases by 6000 times as the temperature is raised
from 500°C to 1000°C.
 Gases >>(5*10-6----1*10-5 )

DAB Liquids>>(10-10----10-9)
2
(m /s)

Solids>>(10 ----10 )
-14 -10
Analogy between heat, mass and
momentum transport
• Fick’s law of diffusion
𝑑𝐶 𝐴
𝐽  𝐴 =− 𝐷 𝐴𝐵
𝑑𝑧

• Fourier’s law of heat conduction

𝑑𝑇
𝑞  𝑧 =− 𝑘
𝑑𝑧

• Newton’s law of viscosity

𝑑𝑢 𝑥
𝜏  𝑧𝑥 =− 𝜇
𝑑𝑧
Molar flux in a stationary frame of
reference
• Derivation on board
Self Study
Argument:
• Expressions for JA and NA should be expressed in terms of mole
fraction rather than the gradient of concentration or partial pressure.
For an ideal gas mixture
• The mutual diffusivities of A and B will be equal.
Steady state molecular diffusion
through a constant area in a binary
mixture
• Calculation of molecular diffusion rate from one point to another is
necessary.
• Flux equation cannot be used directly, since it includes the
concentration gradient.
• Concentration gradient is difficult to measure, however concentration
can be measured easily.
• Rate of diffusion can be calculated by integrating the flux equations:
Basis for integration
• The are through which diffusion occurs is constant.
• The gas mixture is ideal.
• The temperature is uniform.
• Diffusion occurs at steady state.

Different cases of steady state molecular diffusion

• Diffusion of A through Non-diffusing B
• Equimolar counterdiffusion of A and B
• Non-equimolar counter diffusion of A and B
Diffusion of A through Non-diffusing
B
• One component is diffusing and other is non-diffusing.
• In a sulphuric acid plant, dry air is required for burning of sulphur.
• Air is dried in a packed tower.
• Moisture (A) diffuses through a layer or film of air (B) reached the acid
surface and gets absorbed in it.
• Moisture has a source (bulk air) and a sink (acid) while dry air has a
source but no sink.
• Air is non-diffusing, hence its flux will be zero.
Partial pressure distribution of A and
B
Self study
• Example 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5