Creating Phase Envelopes by Using Equilibrium Calculations
Application ID: 16089
This is a demonstration of how to use the thermodynamics functionality in the COMSOL Multiphysics® software to make flash calculations.
A flash calculation is an equilibrium calculation of a system where several species and phases are present at the same time.
The system in this model is an azeotropic mixture of chloroform and methanol. The plots show the temperature–mole fraction phase envelope and the enthalpy–mole fraction diagram for the system.
Flash calculations are used for processes with vapor–liquid–equilibrium (VLE). A typical process that requires flash calculations is when a feed stream (F) is separated into a vapor (V ) and liquid (L) product. In principle, flash calculations are straightforward and involve combining the VLE equations with the component mass balances, and in some cases the energy balance.
Some flash calculations are (with a comment on their typical numerical solution or usage):
- Bubble point at given T
- Bubble point at given p
- Dew point at given T
- Dew point at given p (need to iterate on T)
- Flash at given p and T (relatively easy)
- Flash at given p and H ("standard" flash, e.g., for a flash tank after a valve)
- Flash at given p and S (e.g., for condensing turbine)
- Flash at given U and V (e.g., for dynamic simulation of an adiabatic flash drum)
This model example illustrates applications of this type that would nominally be built using the following products:
however, additional products may be required to completely define and model it. Furthermore, this example may also be defined and modeled using components from the following product combinations:
The combination of COMSOL® products required to model your application depends on several factors and may include boundary conditions, material properties, physics interfaces, and part libraries. Particular functionality may be common to several products. To determine the right combination of products for your modeling needs, review the Grille des Spécifications and make use of a free evaluation license. The COMSOL Sales and Support teams are available for answering any questions you may have regarding this.