Estimating Physical Properties for Process Development

To develop a new chemical process we invariably need values for physical properties: vapor pressures for separation design; heat capacities for thermal systems design; diffusion coefficients to analyze mass transfer; viscosities to select pumps. Very often experimental values for these physical properties are not available and the expense of laboratory measurements cannot be justified. Fortunately there are numerous computational methods that can provide adequate estimates of these needed physical property values.

We will discuss various methods for estimating physical properties. We will focus on their applicability and accuracy as well as how and when to use these methods. We will also show how a focus on physical properties provides a systematic, thorough, and rapid means to evaluate process alternatives. The development of a process for the removal of carbon dioxide from a flue gas stream will be used as an example throughout the presentation.