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Diffusion coefficients in hydrocarbon systems: n ‐Hexane in the gas phase of the methane—, ethane—, and propane— n ‐hexane systems
Author(s) -
Carmichael L. T.,
Sage B. H.,
Lacey W. N.
Publication year - 1955
Publication title -
aiche journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.958
H-Index - 167
eISSN - 1547-5905
pISSN - 0001-1541
DOI - 10.1002/aic.690010318
Subject(s) - fugacity , propane , hexane , methane , diffusion , chemistry , thermodynamics , hydrocarbon , phase (matter) , hydrocarbon mixtures , molecular diffusion , analytical chemistry (journal) , ideal gas , chromatography , organic chemistry , physics , metric (unit) , operations management , economics
Experimental information concerning the molecular transport of the lighter hydrocarbons in the gas phase is limited. For this reason a study was made of the Maxwell diffusion coefficients of n ‐hexane in the gas phase of the methane‐ n ‐hexane, and propane‐ n ‐hexane systems. Maxwell diffusion coefficients were determined at steady state for pressures up to 70 lb./sq. in. at temperatures between 70° and 220° F. The effects of interfacial resistance were considered and uncertainties as to the behavior at the end of the transport path were eliminated. Coefficients were reported with partial pressure and with fugacity as the potential. Fick diffusion coefficients were calculated for each component on the assumption that the gas phase was an ideal solution. These data indicated that the Maxwell hypothesis with fugacity as the potential in an ideal solution is a fair description of the transport characteristics of the lighter hydrocarbons in the gas phase at relatively low pressures. A regular decrease in the Maxwell diffusion coefficient with an increase in the molecular weight of the stagnant component was observed.