Vapor-liquid equilibrium method

It is also necessary that the condensate be a homogeneous mixture.. Thus, if the condensate separates into two layers, the operation is not satisfactory. The other vapor-liquid equilibrium methods are suitable for multilayer systems either in the stiU or in the vapor sample. 

Unfortunately, many commonly used methods for parameter estimation give only estimates for the parameters and no measures of their uncertainty. This is usually accomplished by calculation of the dependent variable at each experimental point, summation of the squared differences between the calculated and measured values, and adjustment of parameters to minimize this sum. Such methods routinely ignore errors in the measured independent variables. For example, in vapor-liquid equilibrium data reduction, errors in the liquid-phase mole fraction and temperature measurements are often assumed to be absent. The total pressure is calculated as a function of the estimated parameters, the measured temperature, and the measured liquid-phase mole fraction. 

The maximum-likelihood method is not limited to phase equilibrium data. It is applicable to any type of data for which a model can be postulated and for which there are known random measurement errors in the variables. P-V-T data, enthalpy data, solid-liquid adsorption data, etc., can all be reduced by this method. The advantages indicated here for vapor-liquid equilibrium data apply also to other data. 

The design of a distillation column is based on information derived from the VLE diagram describing the mixtures to be separated. The vapor-liquid equilibrium characteristics are indicated by the characteristic shapes of the equilibrium curves. This is what determines the number of stages, and hence the number of trays needed for a separation. Although column designs are often proprietary, the classical method of McCabe-Thiele for binary columns is instructive on the principles of design. 

By using vapor-liquid equilibrium data the above integral can be evaluated numerically. A graphical method is also possible, where a plot of l/(y - xj versus Xr is prepared and the area under the curve over the limits between the initial and fmal mole fraction is determined. However, for special cases the integration can be done analytically. If pressure is constant, the temperature change in the still is small, and the vapor-liquid equilibrium values (K-values, defined as K=y/x for each component) are independent from composition, integration of the Rayleigh equation yields ... 

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. 

Although the methods developed here can be used to predict liquid-liquid equilibrium, the predictions will only be as good as the coefficients used in the activity coefficient model. Such predictions can be critical when designing liquid-liquid separation systems. When predicting liquid-liquid equilibrium, it is always better to use coefficients correlated from liquid-liquid equilibrium data, rather than coefficients based on the correlation of vapor-liquid equilibrium data. Equally well, when predicting vapor-liquid equilibrium, it is always better to use coefficients correlated to vapor-liquid equilibrium data, rather than coefficients based on the correlation of liquid-liquid equilibrium data. Also, when calculating liquid-liquid equilibrium with multicomponent systems, it is better to use multicomponent experimental data, rather than binary data. 

Unfortunately, the analysis of chemical absorption is far more complex than physical absorption. The vapor-liquid equilibrium behavior cannot be approximated by Henry s Law or any of the methods described in Chapter 4. Also, different chemical compounds in the gas mixture can become involved in competing reactions. This means that simple methods like the Kremser equation no longer apply and complex simulation software is required to model chemical absorption systems such as the absorption of H2S and C02 in monoethanolamine. This is outside the scope of this text. 

So far, the separation of azeotropic systems has been restricted to the use of pressure shift and the use of entrainers. The third method is to use a membrane to alter the vapor-liquid equilibrium behavior. Pervaporation differs from other membrane processes in that the phase-state on one side of the membrane is different from the other side. The feed to the membrane is a liquid mixture at a high-enough pressure to maintain it in the liquid phase. The other side of the membrane is maintained at a pressure at or below the dew point of the permeate, maintaining it in the vapor phase. Dense membranes are used for pervaporation, and selectivity results from chemical affinity (see Chapter 10). Most pervaporation membranes in commercial use are hydrophyllic19. This means that they preferentially allow... 

In contrast to the Gibbs ensemble discussed later in this chapter, a number of simulations are required per coexistence point, but the number can be quite small, especially for vapor-liquid equilibrium calculations away from the critical point. For example, for a one-component system near the triple point, the density of the dense liquid can be obtained from a single NPT simulation at zero pressure. The chemical potential of the liquid, in turn, determines the density of the (near-ideal) vapor phase so that only one simulation is required. The method has been extended to mixtures [12, 13]. Significantly lower statistical uncertainties were obtained in [13] compared to earlier Gibbs ensemble calculations of the same Lennard-Jones binary mixtures, but the NPT + test particle method calculations were based on longer simulations. 

In the book, Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium Data Collection, Gmehling and colleagues (1981), nonlinear regression has been applied to develop several different vapor-liquid equilibria relations suitable for correlating numerous data systems. As an example, p versus xx data for the system water (1) and 1,4 dioxane (2) at 20.00°C are listed in Table El2.3. The Antoine equation coefficients for each component are also shown in Table E12.3. A12 and A21 were calculated by Gmehling and colleaques using the Nelder-Mead simplex method (see Section 6.1.4) to be 2.0656 and 1.6993, respectively. The vapor phase mole fractions, total pressure, and the deviation between predicted and experimental values of the total p... 

Acetic Acid-Water Mixture. CRUZ (4) chose this example to illustrate his method of representation of vapor-liquid equilibria of volatile weak electrolyte and to show how to obtain simply from experimental vapor-liquid equilibrium data the significant parameters. ... 

TABLE 1. Ammonia-Mater Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium Measurements at 80 C by Flow Cell Method... 

Several techniques are available for measuring values of interaction second virial coefficients. The primary methods are reduction of mixture virial coefficients determined from PpT data reduction of vapor-liquid equilibrium data the differential pressure technique of Knobler et al.(1959) the Bumett-isochoric method of Hall and Eubank (1973) and reduction of gas chromatography data as originally proposed by Desty et al.(1962). The latter procedure is by far the most rapid, although it is probably the least accurate. 

Prediction of Salt Effect in Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium A Method Based on Solvation... 

A method of prediction of the salt effect of vapor-liquid equilibrium relationships in the methanol-ethyl acetate-calcium chloride system at atmospheric pressure is described. From the determined solubilities it is assumed that methanol forms a preferential solvate of CaCl296CH OH. The preferential solvation number was calculated from the observed values of the salt effect in 14 systems, as a result of which the solvation number showed a linear relationship with respect to the concentration of solvent. With the use of the linear relation the salt effect can be determined from the solvation number of pure solvent and the vapor-liquid equilibrium relations obtained without adding a salt. 

The establishment of the method of prediction has been attempted by the reverse calculation of the preferential solvation number from measured values, using Equations 4 and 7 which are based on the assumption that the salt effect in the vapor-liquid equilibrium is caused by the preferential solvation formed between a volatile component and a salt. The observed values were selected from Ciparis s data book (4), Hashitani s data (5-8), and the author s data (9-15). S was calculated by Equation 7 when the relative volatility as in the vapor-liquid equilibrium with salt is increased with respect to the relative volatility a in the vapor-liquid equilibrium with salt, but by Equation 4 when as is decreased. The results are shown in Figures 5-12. From these figures, it will be seen that the following three relations exist ... 

The thermodynamic excess functions for the 2-propanol-water mixture and the effects of lithium chloride, lithium bromide, and calcium chloride on the phase equilibrium for this binary system have been studied in previous papers (2, 3). In this paper, the effects of lithium perchlorate on the vapor-liquid equilibrium at 75°, 50°, and 25°C for the 2-propanol-water system have been obtained by using a dynamic method with a modified Othmer still. This system was selected because lithium perchlorate may be more soluble in alcohol than in water (4). 

Vapor-liquid equilibrium data obtained for the 2-propanol-water binary system at 75 °C agreed well with the values calculated from the total pressure data used in the numerical method of Mixon et al. (9). Thus, the apparatus used in this work gives consistent data. 

Vapor-liquid equilibrium data at atmospheric pressure (690-700 mmHg) for the systems consisting of ethyl alcohol-water saturated with copper(II) chloride, strontium chloride, and nickel(II) chloride are presented. Also provided are the solubilities of each of these salts in the liquid binary mixture at the boiling point. Copper(II) chloride and nickel(II) chloride completely break the azeotrope, while strontium chloride moves the azeotrope up to richer compositions in ethyl alcohol. The equilibrium data are correlated by two separate methods, one based on modified mole fractions, and the other on deviations from Raoult s Law. 

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). 

The same reference (standard) state, f is chosen for the two phases, so that it cancels on both sides of equation 39. The products stffi and y" are referred to as activities. Because equation 39 holds for each component of a liquid—liquid system, it is possible to predict liquid—liquid phase splitting when the activity coefficients of the individual components in a multicomponent system are known. These values can come from vapor—liquid equilibrium experiments or from prediction methods developed for phase-equilibrium problems (4,5,10). Some binary systems can be modeled satisfactorily in this manner, but only rough estimations appear to be possible for multicomponent systems because activity coefficient models are not yet sufficiendy developed in this area. 

Basically, DESIGNER can use different physical property packages that are easy to interchange with commercial flowsheet simulators. For the case considered, the vapor-liquid equilibrium description is based on the UNIQUAC model. The liquid-phase binary diffusivities are determined using the method of Tyn and Calus (see Ref. 72) for the diluted mixtures, corrected by the Vignes equation (57), to account for finite concentrations. The vapor-phase diffusion coefficients are assumed constant. The reaction kinetics parameters taken from Ref. 202 are implemented directly in the DESIGNER code. 

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

Flash Calculations. The ability to carry out vapor-liquid equilibrium calculations under various specifications (constant temperature, pressure constant enthalpy, pressure etc.) has long been recognized as one of the most important capabilities of a simulation system. Boston and Britt ( 6) reformulated the independent variables in the basic flash equations to make them weakly coupled. The authors claim their method works well for both wide and narrow boiling mixtures, and this has a distinct advantage over traditional algorithms ( 7). 

Leesley, M. E. Heyen, G., "The Dynamic Approximation Method of Handling Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium Data in Computer Calculations for Chemical Processes", Comp. Chem. Eng. (1977) 1, No. 2 109-112. 

Until recently the ability to predict the vapor-liquid equilibrium of electrolyte systems was limited and only empirical or approximate methods using experimental data, such as that by Van Krevelen (7) for the ammonia-hydrogen sulfide-water system, were used to design sour water strippers. Recently several advances in the prediction and correlation of thermodynamic properties of electrolyte systems have been published by Pitzer (5), Meissner (4), and Bromley ). Edwards, Newman, and Prausnitz (2) established a similar framework for weak electrolyte systems. 

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