ENGINEERING, CHEMICAL DATA CORRELATION

Theoretically based correlations (or semitheoretical extensions of them), rooted in thermodynamics or other fundamentals are ordinarily preferred. However, rigorous theoretical understanding of real systems is far from complete, and purely empirical correlations typically have strict limits on applicability. Many correlations result from curve-fitting the desired parameter to an appropriate independent variable. Some fitting exercises are rooted in theory, eg, Antoine s equation for vapor pressure others can be described as being semitheoretical. These distinctions usually do not refer to adherence to the observations of natural systems, but rather to the agreement in form to mathematical models of idealized systems. The advent of readily available computers has revolutionized the development and use of correlation techniques (see Chemometrics Computer technology Dimensional analysis). 

An overview of some basic mathematical techniques for data correlation is to be found herein together with background on several types of physical property correlating techniques and a road map for the use of selected methods. Methods are presented for the correlation of observed experimental data to physical properties such as critical properties, normal boiling point, molar volume, vapor pressure, heats of vaporization and fusion, heat capacity, surface tension, viscosity, thermal conductivity, acentric factor, flammability limits, enthalpy of formation, Gibbs energy, entropy, activity coefficients, Henry s constant, octanol—water partition coefficients, diffusion coefficients, virial coefficients, chemical reactivity, and toxicological parameters. 

Correlation methods discussed include basic mathematical and numerical techniques, and approaches based on reference substances, empirical equations, nomographs, group contributions, linear solvation eneigy relationships, molecular connectivity indexes, and graph theory. Chemical data correlation foundations in classical, molecular, and statistical thermodynamics are introduced. 

In the broadest sense, thermodynamics is concerned with mathematical relationships that describe equilibrium conditions as well as transformations of energy from one form to another. Many chemical properties and parameters of engineering significance have origins in the mathematical expressions of the first and second laws and accompanying definitions. Particularly important are those fundamental equations which connect thermodynamic state functions to real-world, measurable properties such as pressure, volume, temperature, and heat capacity (1—3) (see also Thermodynamic PROPERTIES). 

The phase rule specifies the number of intensive properties of a system that must be set to establish all other intensive properties at fixed values (3), without providing information about how to calculate values for these properties. The field of applied engineering thermodynamics has grown out of the need to assign numerical values to thermodynamic properties within the constraints of the phase rule and fundamental laws. In the engineering disciplines there is a particular demand for physical properties, both for pure fluids and mixtures, and for phase equilibrium data (4,5). 

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