ABSTRACT

Gas diffusion is process where the diffusion of vapor takes place from volatile liquid into another
gas. The process required the movement of substances from high concentration gradient to
lower concentration gradient. The experiment was conducted to determine the gas diffusion
coefficient using Winkelmanns method, relationship between time interval and level of acetone,
the mass transfer equation and the diffusion equation. The experiment is conducted based on
mass transfer theory which used Gas Diffusion Coefficient Apparatus. The level of acetone is
being observed every 10 minutes by using microscope and Vernier scale. The diffusivity of the
gas is 2.44610-4 m2/s. The longer the time interval of the diffusion, the higher the level of
acetone being observed. The experiment is completely and successfully done.

INTRODUCTION
The diffusion is a process where the substance is moving from the higher concentration gradient
to lower concentration gradient without bulk motion. The diffusion of the gas can be calculated
using Ficks Law. Ficks Law states that the diffusion of flux is proportional to the negative
gradient of the concentration. This law is according to the higher concentration region to lower
concentration region that varies along the time interval. Then, the process consists of
transformation and distribution of the material property such as diffusivity. The mass transfer
coefficient can be estimated from the theoretical equations, correlation, and analogies that
function with the property.
The diffusivity of the gas is proportionally constant between the molar flux due to the molecular
diffusion and the gradient in the concentration of the species. The diffusivity can be determined
by Ficks Law. The higher the diffusivity of the substance, the faster the time needed for the
substance to diffuse. The diffusivity is a physical constant dependent on molecule size and other
properties of the diffusion and temperature also the pressure of substance. For ideal gas, the
diffusivity does not depend on the substance concentration.
The diffusivity of the vapor of a volatile liquid can be determined using Winkelmanns method.
This method is done by evaporation of liquid contained in the glass tube over the stream of the
vapor. The tube is placed in the water bath to maintain the temperature of the substance. This is
to ensure there are no eddy current in the narrow diameter tube occur during the experiment.
Then, there is air passed over the tube to ensure that the partial pressure of the vapor
transferred through the stream air by molecular diffusion. The transfer of the molecule through
the fluid by random molecular is known as molecular diffusion. The microscope is being placed
to determine the movement of the substances. The mass transfer by diffusion is taken place
when there is difference in the concentration gradient of the diffusing component. Then, the
diffusivity of the vapor of volatile liquid can be calculated.

PROCEDURE
Start-up Procedure
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

The water bath was filled in the equipment to approximately 30 mm from the top.
The main cable was plugged to the electrical supply.
The main power was switched on the control panel.
The set-point value was adjusted on the temperature controller by 400C.
The heater was switched on. The water temperature being observed and remained

constant at 400C.
6. The air pump was switched on. The needle valve was adjusted so the steady low
velocity of air stream is detected at the end of the flexible tubing.
7. The equipment was ready for experiment.

Procedure for the capillary tube

1. The weak solution of detergent was prepared.
2. The Hinschmann pipette was used to fill the tube with the solution. Tapping the outside
of the tube may be necessary if solution is trapped and not flow down.
3. The tube was turned upside-down and shake. The tube was emptied.
4. The step 2 and 3 were repeated with acetone.
5. The tube was ready for the experiment.

Shut-down Procedure
1. The heater and pump was switched off.
2. The set-point value of the temperature controller was adjusted to approximately 5
degree below the room temperature.
3. The water was cooled down until it is safe to touch. The drain valve was opened and the
water tank was emptied.

4. The flexible tubing was detached and cleaned the capillary tube for next use.
5. The main power was switched off. The main plug was unplugged if the equipment will
not being used for long time.