Effect of Concentration Gradients in Barrier Separation Cells

Abstract

Concentration gradients in the gas phase above and below the barrier in separation cells were measured. The experimental data were compared with existing theories and none of the theories adequately correlated the data over the range of parameters studied. A new, geometry-dependent, theory was formulated. This theory, which allows for mixing by diffusion above and below the barrier, gave better predictions, both for product concentrations and for permeated flow rate, than any of the existing theories, and also predicts concentration profiles. Although the theoretical model was developed in a study of separation of gases, it could be applied to other systems as well, if the proper permeability and diffusion coefficients were used.