Select Thermodynamic Models for Process Simulation

The selection of the most adequate thermodynamic model in a

process simulation is an issue that most process engineer has to

face sooner or later.

This book, conceived as a practical guide, aims at providing adequate

answers by analysing the questions to be looked at. The analysis

(first chapter) yields three keys that are further discussed in three

different chapters. (1) A good understanding of the properties

required in the process, and their method of calculation is the first

key. The second chapter provides to that end in a synthetic manner

the most important equations that are derived from the fundamental

principles of thermodynamics. (2) An adequate description of the

mixture, which is a combination of models and parameters, is the

second key. The third chapter makes the link between components

and models, both from a numerical (parameterisation) and physical

(molecular interactions) point of view. Finally, (3) a correct view of

the phase behaviour and trends in regard of the process conditions is

the third key. The fourth chapter illustrates the phase behaviour and

makes model recommendations for the most significant industrial

systems. A decision tree is provided at the end of this chapter. In the

last chapter, the key questions are reviewed for a number of typical

processes.

This book is intended for process engineers, who are not specialists

of thermodynamics but are confronted with this kind of problems and

need a reference book, as well as process engineering students who

will find an original approach to thermodynamics, complementary of

traditional lectures