This project provides funds for two different items of specialized research equipment. The first includes various pieces of equipment to build a static vapor-liquid equilibrium cell. This equipment would allow for the measurement of vapor-liquid equilibrium in classes of mixtures, of both industrial and academic importance, that are not currently possible at the University of Delaware. The second item is a Sun Workstation for use in theoretical and modelling related to phase equilibrium studies, as well as a gateway for use in supercomputer work. Uniqueness/Innovation: The vapor-liquid equilibrium data to be obtained are for new mixtures of interest in process modelling, developing and testing new thermodynamic models, and determining the applicability of group contribution methods. Current equipment restricts studies to mixtures whose relative volatility is approximately ten or less. The new phase equilibrium equipment would allow for a large extension of this, and, thus, allow for consideration of many mixtures that cannot now be studied. Currently, the data obtained are being used to determine new group contribution parameters and to test the industrially important group contribution method. In addition, some data are used directly by industry for example, by DuPont in the design of a process to make a new polymer and by Chevron in reservoir simulation.
