Equations of state in three centuries. What have we learned and some future expectations.
Prausnitz together with Buck, Fredenslund and Hala stated in 1983 (Fluid Phase Equilibria, 14: 403-408): ”At present,... we use the Wilson equation for mixture of water and ketone; the Redlich-Kwong EoS for a mixture of methane and CO2; the Flory-Huggins for polymer solutions and some form for the Debye-Huckel theory for aqueous solutions of salts. I see a trend which will both extend and consolidate many of these theories and correlating equations. At present, applied thermodynamics is a toolbox with very many tools, each designed for a particular job. I expect that, if current trends continue, in a few years we will have not only better tools but also fewer tools for covering a much wider range of problems”.
Where do we stand 40 years later?
Equations of state represent the cornerstone of thermodynamic models. They exhibit broad applicability across various disciplines, including chemical, energy, and environmental fields, due to their versatility. Equations of state with great potential appeared first in the 19th century in the form of the van der Waals and for almost 150 years, both these classical and more advanced equations of state have shown great potential. Especially those models based on statistical thermodynamics have been particularly useful.
This presentation will discuss the capabilities, limitations, current status, and future challenges of select equations of state, focusing on those with potentially general applicability. The presentation is based on the authors’ experience from their collaboration with industry and involvement with a wide range of diverse general equations of state. An area of special importance in recent years is aqueous and electrolyte systems and several recent developments will be presented.
The views expressed in this presentation are personal, but we hope that the talk can contribute to a useful debate on the actual status and future perspectives of the important field of equations of state.
Prausnitz together with Buck, Fredenslund and Hala stated in 1983 (Fluid Phase Equilibria, 14: 403-408): ”At present,... we use the Wilson equation for mixture of water and ketone; the Redlich-Kwong EoS for a mixture of methane and CO2; the Flory-Huggins for polymer solutions and some form for the Debye-Huckel theory for aqueous solutions of salts. I see a trend which will both extend and consolidate many of these theories and correlating equations. At present, applied thermodynamics is a toolbox with very many tools, each designed for a particular job. I expect that, if current trends continue, in a few years we will have not only better tools but also fewer tools for covering a much wider range of problems”.
Where do we stand 40 years later?
Equations of state represent the cornerstone of thermodynamic models. They exhibit broad applicability across various disciplines, including chemical, energy, and environmental fields, due to their versatility. Equations of state with great potential appeared first in the 19th century in the form of the van der Waals and for almost 150 years, both these classical and more advanced equations of state have shown great potential. Especially those models based on statistical thermodynamics have been particularly useful.
This presentation will discuss the capabilities, limitations, current status, and future challenges of select equations of state, focusing on those with potentially general applicability. The presentation is based on the authors’ experience from their collaboration with industry and involvement with a wide range of diverse general equations of state. An area of special importance in recent years is aqueous and electrolyte systems and several recent developments will be presented.
The views expressed in this presentation are personal, but we hope that the talk can contribute to a useful debate on the actual status and future perspectives of the important field of equations of state.
