| Abstract: | A model for the diffusion of gases through polymeric tubing was derived which predicts that the amount of gas transferred is proportional to the tubing length and inversely proportional to the pumping rate. The model was experimentally tested and confirmed for oxygen transfer through fluorinated ethylene-propylene copolymer (FEP) tubing using tubing lengths and flow rates typical of ground water sampling. Diffusion can introduce measurable concentrations of oxygen into initially anoxic water. Diffusive loss of carbon dioxide from water that is oversaturated with respect to atmospheric CO2 does not measurably affect pH under similar usage conditions. |
