Vapor-liquid equilibrium UNIFAC method

These models are semiempirical and are based on the concept that intermolecular forces will cause nonrandom arrangement of molecules in the mixture. The models account for the arrangement of molecules of different sizes and the preferred orientation of molecules. In each case, the models are fitted to experimental binary vapor-liquid equilibrium data. This gives binary interaction parameters that can be used to predict multicomponent vapor-liquid equilibrium. In the case of the UNIQUAC equation, if experimentally determined vapor-liquid equilibrium data are not available, the Universal Quasi-chemical Functional Group Activity Coefficients (UNIFAC) method can be used to estimate UNIQUAC parameters from the molecular structures of the components in the mixture3. 

A model is needed to calculate liquid-liquid equilibrium for the activity coefficient from Equation 4.67. Both the NRTL and UNIQUAC equations can be used to predict liquid-liquid equilibrium. Note that the Wilson equation is not applicable to liquid-liquid equilibrium and, therefore, also not applicable to vapor-liquid-liquid equilibrium. Parameters from the NRTL and UNIQUAC equations can be correlated from vapor-liquid equilibrium data6 or liquid-liquid equilibrium data9,10. The UNIFAC method can be used to predict liquid-liquid equilibrium from the molecular structures of the components in the mixture3. 

Solubilities of 1,3-butadiene and many other organic compounds in water have been extensively studied to gauge the impact of discharge of these materials into aquatic systems. Estimates have been advanced by using the UNIFAC derived method (19,20). Similarly, a mathematical model has been developed to calculate the vapor—liquid equilibrium (VLE) for 1,3-butadiene in the presence of steam (21). 

Aage Fredenslund, Jurgen Gmehling, and Peter Rasmussen, Vapor-Liquid Equilibriums using UNIFAC. A Group-Contribution Method, Elsevier, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 1977. 

Vapor/liquid equilibrium (VLE) block diagrams for, 382-386, 396,490 conditions for stability in, 452-454 correlation through excess Gibbs energy, 351-357, 377-381 by Margules equation, 351-357 by NRTL equation, 380 by Redlich/Kister expansion, 377 by the UNIFAC method, 379, 457, 678-683... 

In using simulation software, it is important to keep in mind that the quality of the results is highly dependent upon the quahty of the liquid-liquid equilibrium (LLE) model programmed into the simulation. In most cases, an experimentally vmidated model will be needed because UNIFAC and other estimation methods are not sufficiently accurate. It also is important to recognize, as mentioned in earlier discussions, that binary interaction parameters determined by regression of vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) data cannot be rehed upon to accurately model the LLE behavior for the same system. On the other hand, a set of binary interaction parameters that model LLE behavior properly often will provide a reasonable VLE fit for the same system—because pure-component vapor pressures often dominate the calculation of VLE. 

As another example of low-pressure vapor-liquid equilibrium, we consider the n-pentane-propionaldehyde mixture at 40.0 C. Eng and Sandler took data on this system using the dynamic still of Fig. 10.2-5. The x-y-P-T data in Table 10.2-1 and Fig. 10.2-8fl and b were obtained by them. (Such data can be tested for thermodynamic consistency see Problem 10.2-12.) As is evident, this system is nonideal and has an azeotrope at about 0.656 mole fraction pentane and 1.3640 bar. We will use these data to test the UNIFAC prediction method. 

Alternatively, the van Laar, NRTL. and UNIQUAC activity coefficient models could be used, yielding more accurate results. (The UNIFAC method can also be used to predict liquid-liquid equilibrium, but only with different main group interaction parameters than are used to predict vapor-liquid equilibrium.)... 

At 20°C, estimate with the UNIFAC method the liquid-phase activity coefficients, equilibrium vapor composition, and total pressures for 25 mole% liquid solutions of the following hydrocarbons in ethanol. 

The regular solution model approach is very similar to the UNIFAC model developed by Fredenslund et al. [23,24], where the interactions between molecules are estimated on the basis of the groups present in each molecule. Extensive tables of interaction parameters [24,25] for vapor-liquid equilibrium data prediction are weii deveioped, and the method has found applicability in the modeling of deodorizer performance [26],... 

Values of the activity coefficients are deduced from experimental data of vapor-liquid equilibria and correlated or extended by any one of several available equations. Values also may be calculated approximately from structural group contributions by methods called UNIFAC and ASOG. For more than two components, the correlating equations favored nowadays are the Wilson, the NRTL, and UNIQUAC, and for some applications a solubility parameter method. The fust and last of these are given in Table 13.2. Calculations from measured equilibrium compositions are made with the rearranged equation... 

The compositions of the vapor and liquid phases in equilibrium for partially miscible systems are calculated in the same way as for miscible systems. In the regions where a single liquid is in equilibrium with its vapor, the general nature of Fig. 13.17 is not different in any essential way from that of Fig. I2.9< Since limited miscibility implies highly nonideal behavior, any general assumption of liquid-phase ideality is excluded. Even a combination of Henry s law, valid for a species at infinite dilution, and Raoult s law, valid for a species as it approaches purity, is not very useful, because each approximates real behavior only for a very small composition range. Thus GE is large, and its composition dependence is often not adequately represented by simple equations. However, the UNIFAC method (App. D) is suitable for estimation of activity coefficients. 

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