Gases diffusion and

As discussed elsewhere in detail (Chapter 5, [B.13b, B.48, B.97]), while particulate solids are densified, the fluids that occupy the inter-particle pore space must be removed instantly and completely as this volume diminishes. When very high compaction forces are applied, towards the end of pressing, fluids in pores within breaking and/or deforming particles must be considered, too. During this removal process, which is controlled by fluid flow and diffusion, gases and liquids behave quite differently. 

Permeation of gases through composite systems is a complex event and is influenced by a number of system parameters (Mai et al., 2004 Shields, 2008 Robeson, 2003 Bhardwaj, 2001) like the aspect ratio of the filler, extent of filler dispersion, orientation of the fillers and interparticle dispersion distance, filler loading fraction by volume, the density and crystallinity of the matrix, and the affinity between diffusion gases and the composite system. However, for modeling the permeabUity behavior, much simpler approaches have been used successfully. 

Graham showed that the rate of diffusion of different gases through a porous diaphragm was inversely proportional to the square roots of their densities this is the basis of a method of separation of gases, and has been applied successfully to the separation of hydrogen and deuterium. 

These effects of differential vapor pressures on isotope ratios are important for gases and liquids at near-ambient temperatures. As temperature rises, the differences for volatile materials become less and less. However, diffusion processes are also important, and these increase in importance as temperature rises, particularly in rocks and similar natural materials. Minerals can exchange oxygen with the atmosphere, or rocks can affect each other by diffusion of ions from one type into another and vice versa. Such changes can be used to interpret the temperatures to which rocks have been subjected during or after their formation. 

Table 5. Values of the Diffusion Coefficient and of M-c/T Apc Various Gases in Air at 0°C and at Atmospheric Pressure ...

Gases and vapors permeate FEP resin at a rate that is considerably lower than that of most plastics. Because FEP resins are melt processed, they are void-free and permeation occurs only by molecular diffusion. Variation in crystallinity and density is limited, except in unusual melt-processing conditions. 

The permeabUity of ceUular polymers to gases and vapors depends on the fraction of open ceUs as weU as the polymer-phase composition and state. The presence of open ceUs in a foam allows gases and vapors to permeate the ceU stmcture by diffusion and convection dow, yielding very large permeation rates. In closed-ceUed foams the permeation of gases or vapors is governed by composition of the polymer phase, gas composition, density, and ceUular stmcture of the foam (194,199,215,218,219). 

A closer look at the Lewis relation requires an examination of the heat- and mass-transfer mechanisms active in the entire path from the hquid—vapor interface into the bulk of the vapor phase. Such an examination yields the conclusion that, in order for the Lewis relation to hold, eddy diffusivities for heat- and mass-transfer must be equal, as must the thermal and mass diffusivities themselves. This equahty may be expected for simple monatomic and diatomic gases and vapors. Air having small concentrations of water vapor fits these criteria closely. 

The degree to which inhaled gases, vapors, and particulates are absorbed, and hence their potential to produce systemic toxicity, depends on their solubihty in tissue fluids, any metaboHsm by lung tissue, diffusion rates, and equiUbrium state. 

The stmcture of residual char particles after devolatilization depends on the nature of the coal and the pyrolysis conditions such as heating rate, peak temperature, soak time at the peak temperature, gaseous environment, and the pressure of the system (72). The oxidation rate of the chat is primarily influenced by the physical and chemical nature of the chat, the rate of diffusion and the nature of the reactant and product gases, and the temperature and pressure of the operating system. The physical and chemical characteristics that influence the rate of oxidation ate chemical stmctural variations, such as the... 

Ordinary diffusion involves molecular mixing caused by the random motion of molecules. It is much more pronounced in gases and Hquids than in soHds. The effects of diffusion in fluids are also greatly affected by convection or turbulence. These phenomena are involved in mass-transfer processes, and therefore in separation processes (see Mass transfer Separation systems synthesis). In chemical engineering, the term diffusional unit operations normally refers to the separation processes in which mass is transferred from one phase to another, often across a fluid interface, and in which diffusion is considered to be the rate-controlling mechanism. Thus, the standard unit operations such as distillation (qv), drying (qv), and the sorption processes, as well as the less conventional separation processes, are usually classified under this heading (see Absorption Adsorption Adsorption, gas separation Adsorption, liquid separation). 

Sluggish chain mobility and low free volume result in low diffusion constants, and when combined with low solubiUty of gases lead to very low permeabihty. The diffiisivity of several gases in butyl mbber and natural mbber are shown in Table 3 (82) (see Barrier polymers). 

Lee-Thodos presented a generahzed treatment of self-diffusivity for gases (and liquids). These correlations have been tested for more than 500 data points each. The average deviation of the first is 0.51 percent, and that of the second is 17.2 percent. 8 = PyVr, s/cm and where G = (X - X)/(X - 1), X = p,/T h and X = p /T evaluated at the solid melting point. 

Riazi-Whitson They presented a generahzed correlation in terms of viscosity and molar density that was apphcable to both gases and liqmds. The average absolute deviation for gases was only about 8 percent, while for liquids it was 15 percent. Their expression relies on the Chapman-Enskog correlation [Eq. (5-194)] for the low-pressure diffusivity and the Stiel-Thodos correlation for low-pressure viscosity ... 

Ejectors are available in many materials of construction to suit process requirements. If the gases or vapors are not corrosive, the diffuser is usually constructed of cast iron and the steam nozzle of stainless steel. For more corrosive gases and vapors, many combinations of materials such as bronze, various stainless-steel alloys, and other corrosion-resistant metals, carbon, and glass can be used. 

Plasticization Gas solubility in the membrane is one of the factors governing its permeation, but the other factor, diffusivity, is not always independent of solubility. If the solubility of a gas in a polymer is too high, plasticization and swelhng result, and the critical structure that controls diffusion selectivity is disrupted. These effects are particularly troublesome with condensable gases, and are most often noticed when the partial pressure of CO9 or H9S is high. H9 and He do not show this effect This problem is well known, but its manifestation is not always immediate. 

Slime is a network of secreted strands (extracellular polymers) intermixed with bacteria, water, gases, and extraneous matter. Slime layers occlude surfaces—the biological mat tends to form on and stick to surfaces. Surface shielding is further accelerated by the gathering of dirt, silt, sand, and other materials into the layer. Slime layers produce a stagnant zone next to surfaces that retards convective oxygen transport and increases diffusion distances. These properties naturally promote oxygen concentration cell formation. 

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