Experimental determination of phase diagram and modeling: Application to refrigerant mixtures

Accurate knowledge of phase diagrams is an essential step for optimized chemical engineering design and effective solution of engineering-related problem. As an example of the use of phase diagrams we have selected a topic at global concern which arose upon the discovery of the ozone depletion. In 1987, the Montreal protocol prohibited world-wide use and production of ChloroFluoroCarbons (CFCs) and of HydroChloroFluoroCarbons (HCFCs), while HydroFluoroCarbons (HFCs) were proposed as alternative refrigerants. Thus, the need arose for information required in the optimization of refrigerant production processes, particularly in the field of phase equilibria. These data can provide better evaluation of refrigerant production processes, especially with the aim of reducing global warning effects. s communication, we present VLE equipments and the obtained phase diagrams concerning several binary systems involving R32, R290, R116, R744, R116, R134a, R227ea and other refrigerants. Cubic equations of state combining with modern mixing rules based on Gibbs excess models are used for the determination of phase diagrams.