CHE391A Lab Report: 2023-24-II
Experiment No. 8: Vapor in Air Diffusion
Date of Experiment:13 /03/2024 Date of Report Submission:17/03/2024
Date of Revision:N/A
Group Number:10 Batch:Wednesday
Name of Contributing Students:
[Link] Singh Sengar(210055) 2. Diptansu Poddar(210347)
3. Naveen Yadav(210656) 4. Rohan Batra (210868)
Executive Summary: The study aimed to determine the diffusion coefficient of
carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) in air and explore the effect of temperature on this coef-
ficient. The experiment involved evaporation from a liquid surface in a narrow bore
tube, with measurements of the surface level taken before and after evaporation over
a specific period. By achieving steady-state diffusion and applying Dalton’s law,
the total concentration of the components involved was maintained. Utilizing the
integrated form of Fick’s Diffusion equation, the partial pressures of CCl4 at the
diffusion boundaries were determined.
Problem Statement:To determine the diffusion coefficient of an organic vapor
(i.e. CCl4 ) in air.
Key Findings: The diffusion coefficient of CCl4 increases with temperature.
Short Conclusion: In conclusion, our experiment successfully determined the diffu-
sion coefficient of CCl4 in air and investigated the impact of temperature on diffusion
(positive correlation).
1
Recommendations:
1. Instead of relying on manual readings from a Vernier caliper, consider integrat-
ing 2D axis points into the experimental setup. This would enable precise and
automated measurements.
2. Providing insulation to the heating element can help maintain a stable and con-
trolled temperature. This insulation would minimize temperature fluctuations
and external influences, ensuring more consistent and reliable results.
3. Upgrading the resolution of the camera used in the experiment can significantly
improve the quality of observations.
1 Aim and Line Diagram
Aim:
1. To study the effect of temperature on the diffusion coefficient and determine
the diffusion coefficient in air.
2
JEET BINDRA UNIT OPERATIONS & INNOVATION LAB
DEPT. OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, I.I.T. KANPUR
Date:
LAB DATA SHEET
Experiment Name:
ChE 391 Name of studen ts Roll No.
Exp. No.
Group No. - l. Diptamu Pa-ddas 21034
Name & Sign of T.A. 2. Rshan Batho 2|0%68
210656
UTKAR Sk TRLPATHI 3. Nawein Vada 20055
utkans 4. Addik S
Sngag
mptne on
Objective: To Bhe t t
CCl4
Relevant Equation(s):
(xo- x) = 20 MD B ACT
CA
2M DA C4CT Ha DAg CT
Line Diagram:
AiY
feadback
Temperauw
Contro Wate bath temp
Ondicator T
DATA SHEET for Air Diffusion Date:
Initial Reading (Xo) Time (min) Reading (X) Xo-X
Temp C
Main Scale (P) Vernier scalematched X=po+(qx0.001)
number of division (g)
1. Main scale (po) Xo = yS 0-0S
X= 8445
Vernier Scale Matched
22
30
Numbar Of Div(q)
X=po+(qX0.001)
2 Main scale (po) 0 Xo =
X= 8"35 S
Vernier Scale Matched
30 30 933o
Numbar Of Divlg) 8-301
X=pot(qx0.001)
3 Main scale (po) Xo =
X=
Vernier Scale Matched
30 310 00S
Numbar Of Div(a)
2-134
X=pot(qxo.001)
T/-3/24
2 Detailed Theory and Analysis
2.1 Theory and Formulae:
Steady-state diffusion is a fundamental process that occurs when two gases, intermin-
gle continuously within a confined space. This phenomenon occurs under conditions
where there is a continual influx of fresh gas molecules and the removal of diffusion
byproducts, resulting in the establishment of an equilibrium state. In this equilib-
rium state, the concentration gradients of gases A and B remain constant throughout
the system. The below figure describes the experimental setup.
The main component of the setup is a T tube made of glass. This T tube serves
as the chamber in which the diffusion process occurs. The T tube is placed inside
a constant temperature water bath. This water bath is equipped with a Digital
Temperature Controller (DTC) to maintain a stable and controlled temperature en-
vironment throughout the experiment. The temperature of the water bath can be
adjusted according to the experimental requirements to study the effect of temper-
ature on diffusion. An air pump is used to supply a continuous flow of air into the
T tube. The air passes through the T tube, facilitating the diffusion of the organic
vapor (CCl4 ) into the air. The organic vapor, CCl4 , is introduced into the T tube
as the volatile component for the diffusion experiment. CCl4 is selected as the test
substance due to its well-defined properties and suitability for experimental analysis.
A sliding microscope is employed to observe and measure changes in the level of the
liquid surface within the T tube. According to Dalton’s law the total concentration
of the two components CA and CB is constant,
5
The total transfer of A is the sum of this proportion of the flow and the transfer by diffusion.
2.2 Calculations and Graphs:
Calculations: The calculations can be found at: Calculation:
Constant Used: Density of CCl4 at different temperatures (from Aspen):
54 o C-1529.181 kg/m3
60 o C-1517.586 kg/m3
64 o C-1509.78 kg/m3
7
_
E Y re r " - n ~
~t \ b'r i; 4 0 C.
jf. C.i'"'
0
= x~ +;(
C..i\ - c _ l,
UI\ l ~.2)
- ~e
p
• • ~ti'WY'\ -
c6 M
_L
' ,
c... ll-1
'l 3& +- () , 0 0( ))
l
6 O\ l
~d 2.'7 .. 1..\ 't 'l 1 4 9 ·S ~ )
h? tt ::::-l ~ ti ).
~ '} .
l
q-
ht t,, 2_
'Z-
P/rt o -D & b o 2 -l ,1
C t? - C s\
-=1 M ,.1.- -.,_
~,
.J! :.~
+- --.'\ A~,: - 0 .0 0 0 ~ ~ 1 .o
~ tA
- \
p ->i o..t
-f\ (2/).-
C.
t) eo,,_g
·'\ - D ,C ll g ~g
+-- o, o' t) bo 1. t
o -~ tt ~ ~ i 3 1 ·, _'1 -l ~ ,l \
• ,
r • ?, 1~1-"l -1 ,. 1
1 o ,<0 ll
.f- 0~ oo o3 'b ~
'31 .. ~ ,
-
3 Results and Discussion:
The values for the Diffusion Coefficients at different temperatures are
−6
1. at T=54 o C, DAB = 7.05 x 10
−6
2. at T=60 o C, DAB =9.84 x 10
−6
3. at T=64 o C, DAB =8.7 x 10
4 Remarks:
1. We had a large scatter of points for 60 o C hence we got a poor fit and thus a
little error in the estimation of the diffusion coefficient.
2. We have not used Method 2 for the estimation of the diffusion coefficient as we
got negative slope through the plot for some tempeartures.
10
4.1 Precautions:
1. To mitigate potential delays and errors in noting readings from the Vernier
caliper, consider taking screenshots of each reading.
2. Establish a fixed reference point for consistent and accurate readings. This
reference point should be clearly marked and remain unchanged throughout
the experiment.
4.2 Sources of Error:
1. Manual readings from a Vernier caliper may introduce inaccuracies due to
human error. Misalignment, parallax, or misinterpretation of scale divisions
can lead to imprecise measurements.
2. Air bubbles within the experimental setup can interfere with the diffusion pro-
cess of CCl4 in air. These bubbles may disrupt the uniform flow of air over the
volatile CCl4 component.
11