By: Marika Hirvimäki, Heidi Piili, Arttu Jussila, Tuomas Purtonen, Matti Manninen, Petri
Uusi-Kyyny, Aarne Sundberg, Ville Alopaeus, Antti Salminen
Lappeenranta University of Technology, Finland
Aalto University, Department of Biotechnology and Chemical Technology, Finland
Machine Technology Centre Turku Ltd, Finland
The knowledge of phase equilibrium is critical for the modeling and operation of reactors and separation units. Vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) is defined as a state in which the component flux between the phases is equal in both directions. In the VLE-measurement the temperature, pressure and composition of both phases are determined for a range of concentrations. Typical volume of chemicals used in a VLE- measurement is 100 cm3 or above. When studying components that are either very expensive or hazardous the amount of chemicals used is preferably minimized. The other advantages of micro-VLE devices are e.g. small equipment size, surface area-to-volume ratio increases, which allows the unit to reach the temperature of the water faster and reduction of inside dimensions reduces the time required to reach equilibrium. In this study the volume of the measurement cell of micro-VLE was approximately 2.5 cm3.