Abstract
Two correlations were developed to calculate the composition of binary ethanol-water solutions from experimental temperature and density inputs. The first correlation is based on a Redlich-Kister (R-K) expansion and computes mixture composition within an average accuracy of ±0.45 wt.%. The R-K model is a non-linear function of composition and therefore requires the use of an iterative solving tool. A polynomial correlation was additionally developed which utilizes a direct solving method, and computes ethanol composition over a range of 0–100 wt.% [283.15–313.15 K] with an accuracy better than ±0.37 wt.%. The polynomial model is particularly advantageous as it can be tailored to specific composition ranges for increased accuracy. Both correlations are intended to provide a method for monitoring ethanol concentration within a chemical process in real time without off-line sample analysis, allowing for precise in-situ system control and optimization.
Highlights
The global ethanol market was valued at 85.64 billion dollars in 2016 and continues to experience significant growth [1]
The increased ethanol demand is primarily attributed to its use as an oxygen containing additive for transportation fuels, replacing methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) which was banned by the EPA due to persistent impacts on the potable water supply [2]
Few methods exist which are capable of measuring ethanol concentration within a chemical process and most require off-line sample analysis
Summary
The global ethanol market was valued at 85.64 billion dollars in 2016 and continues to experience significant growth [1]. Several groups have developed methods using advanced analytical techniques to obtain on-line ethanol concentration measurements, including: gas chromatography [4,5], high-performance liquid chromatography [6,7,8,9], infrared spectroscopy [10,11,12] and microfluidic membranes [13] While effective, these techniques require specialized equipment not traditionally found in fermentation processes. We have developed a correlation which directly computes ethanol composition using a polynomial equation with density and temperature dependent parameters Both correlations, in combination with an on-line Coriolis mass flow meter which can simultaneously measure both density and temperature, will allow for in-situ calculation of ethanol concentration within fermentation and chemical processes
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