Composition Dependence of the Thermal Diffusion Factor in Binary Gas Mixtures

Abstract

The thermal diffusion factor, αT, for the gas systems He—Ar, He—Ne, Ne—Kr and Ne —Xe is measured as a function of composition in a glass two bulb apparatus, operating with its hot and cold bulbs at 373.9° and 273.3°K respectively. Gas samples are analysed with a sensitive and specially designed differential thermal conductivity analyser. The αT data are compared with similar values of other vorkers and a smooth set is recommended. The data are further compared with the predictions of rigorous theory in conjunction with realistic intermolecular potentials. An approximate prediction of the theory concerning the composition dependence of αT has been checked.