Experimental (ρ,P,T) data of H2 + CH4 mixtures at temperatures from 278 to 398 K and pressures up to 56 MPa

Abstract

The blending of hydrogen and natural gas (H2-NG) has emerged as a crucial and cost-effective means for processing hydrogen fluids through natural gas networks thereby aiding transition to net-zero energy. Nonetheless, the effective adaptation of H2-NG mixtures, especially up to 20% hydrogen concentrations, to existing natural gas distribution and storage facilities relies heavily on a comprehensive understanding of their thermophysical properties. We measured densities of three binary mixtures of hydrogen and methane (xH2 = 0.0532, 0.0858, and 0.2031) at temperatures between 278 and 398 K, and pressures up to 56 MPa using a vibrating tube densimeter (VTD). The VTD was calibrated using H2 and H2O. The measured densities were in reasonable agreements with the predictions of two thermodynamic equations of states (EoSs), Multi-Fluid Helmholtz Energy Approximation (MFHEA) and Peng-Robinson (PR). The average absolute relative deviation (AARD) for the measured density against the predictions of the PR EoS are 1.07%, 1.09%, and 0.89% for xH2 = 0.0532, 0.0858, and 0.2031 mol fractions respectively. While the AARD for the measured density against the predictions of MFHEA EoS are 0.16%, 0.16%, and 0.32% for xH2 = 0.0532, 0.0858, and 0.2031 mol fractions respective. The MFHEA EoS, which has the structure of GERG-2008, has better agreements with our density data than the PR EoS. The relative high deviations with PR EoS results from the PR's simple structure making it deficient in calculating thermal properties of natural gas in saturated-liquid and homogeneous states. In addition, the uncertainty of the measured density was determined, and the experimental data were compared with available literature data. Finally, the compressibility factor (Z), speed of sound (w), specific heat capacity at constant volume (CV), and specific heat capacity at constant pressure (Cp) were obtained from the experimental results and were compared with the predictions of MFHEA EoS. This work provides accurate density and other thermophysical data useful for engineering/process designs and modelling of H2 and natural gas systems thereby enhancing energy transition strategy.