A Comprehensive Guide to NIST Standard Reference Database 23 REFPROP v9.0-HS: Features, Models, and Applications
What is NIST Standard Reference Database 23 REFPROP v9.0-HS?
NIST Standard Reference Database 23 REFPROP v9.0-HS is a software program that provides reference fluid thermodynamic and transport properties for a wide range of pure fluids and mixtures. It is developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as part of its Standard Reference Data Program.
NIST Standard Reference Database 23 REFPROP v9.0-HS
The database contains data for more than 120 pure fluids and more than 2000 predefined mixtures based on rigorous equations of state and transport models that have been validated against experimental data from various sources. The database can calculate various thermodynamic and transport properties such as pressure, temperature, density, enthalpy, entropy, heat capacity, speed of sound, viscosity, thermal conductivity, surface tension, saturation properties, phase equilibrium properties, critical points, etc.
The database also provides a user-friendly graphical interface that allows users to access and display fluid properties in various formats such as plots, tables, diagrams, etc. The database also provides an Excel spreadsheet that allows users to access fluid properties from within Excel and perform calculations using Excel functions. The database also provides FORTRAN files that allow users to access fluid properties from their own programs using different programming languages such as C++, MATLAB, Python, VB, etc.
The database is designed for engineers, scientists, researchers, students, educators, and anyone who needs accurate and reliable fluid property data for various applications such as refrigeration systems, combustion systems How does NIST Standard Reference Database 23 REFPROP v9.0-HS work?
NIST Standard Reference Database 23 REFPROP v9.0-HS works by using equations of state and transport equations to calculate fluid properties for pure fluids and mixtures. These equations are based on the best available theoretical and empirical models that have been fitted to experimental data from various sources. The database also uses calculation methods to solve for various properties that are not directly given by the equations.
Equations of state
An equation of state is a mathematical expression that relates the pressure, temperature, and density of a fluid. It is used to describe the thermodynamic behavior of the fluid under different conditions. The database uses different types of equations of state for different fluids and mixtures, depending on their accuracy and applicability.
For pure fluids, the database uses either Helmholtz energy equations of state or virial equations of state. Helmholtz energy equations of state are based on the Helmholtz free energy function, which is a thermodynamic potential that can be used to derive all other thermodynamic properties. Virial equations of state are based on the virial expansion, which is a series expansion of the pressure in terms of the density. Both types of equations of state can represent the fluid behavior over a wide range of conditions, including the vapor-liquid equilibrium and the critical point.
For mixtures, the database uses either mixing rules or explicit mixture models. Mixing rules are methods of combining the equations of state of the pure components to obtain an equation of state for the mixture. They usually involve parameters that account for the interactions between the components. Explicit mixture models are equations of state that are specifically developed for mixtures, without relying on the pure component equations of state. They usually involve more parameters than mixing rules, but they can represent the mixture behavior more accurately.
Transport equations
A transport equation is a mathematical expression that relates the transport property of a fluid, such as viscosity or thermal conductivity, to the pressure, temperature, and composition of the fluid. It is used to describe the transport behavior of the fluid under different conditions. The database uses different types of transport equations for different fluids and mixtures, depending on their accuracy and applicability.
For pure fluids, the database uses either empirical correlations or kinetic theory models. Empirical correlations are based on fitting experimental data to a functional form that depends on the pressure and temperature. Kinetic theory models are based on applying statistical mechanics to the molecular motion and collisions of the fluid particles. Both types of transport equations can represent the fluid behavior over a wide range of conditions, including the vapor-liquid equilibrium and the critical point.
For mixtures, the database uses either mixing rules or explicit mixture models. Mixing rules are methods of combining the transport equations of the pure components to obtain a transport equation for the mixture. They usually involve parameters that account for the interactions between the components. Explicit mixture models are transport equations that are specifically developed for mixtures, without relying on the pure component transport equations. They usually involve more parameters than mixing rules, but they can represent the mixture behavior more accurately.
Calculation methods
A calculation method is a numerical algorithm that solves for a property that is not directly given by an equation of state or a transport equation. For example, some properties that require calculation methods are saturation properties, phase equilibrium properties, critical points, speed of sound, etc. The database uses different types of calculation methods for different properties, depending on their complexity and accuracy.
Some examples of calculation methods used by the database are:
The saturation method: This method calculates the saturation pressure and temperature for a given fluid or mixture at a given density or enthalpy.
The flash method: This method calculates the phase equilibrium composition and properties for a given fluid or mixture at a given pressure and temperature or enthalpy and entropy.
The critical point method: This method calculates the critical point properties for a given fluid or mixture using an iterative procedure.
The speed of sound method: This method calculates the speed of sound for a given fluid or mixture at a given pressure and temperature using an analytical expression.
What are the applications of NIST Standard Reference Database 23 REFPROP v9.0-HS?
NIST Standard Reference Database 23 REFPROP v9.0-HS has a wide range of applications in various fields and industries that require accurate and reliable fluid property data for modeling and design purposes. Some examples of these applications are:
Refrigerants
Refrigerants are fluids that are used to transfer heat in refrigeration systems, such as air conditioners, heat pumps, chillers, etc. Refrigerants undergo phase changes between liquid and vapor states as they circulate through the system, absorbing and releasing heat. The performance and efficiency of refrigeration systems depend on the thermodynamic and transport properties of the refrigerants, such as pressure, temperature, enthalpy, entropy, density, viscosity, thermal conductivity, etc.
The database can be used to model and design refrigeration systems using various refrigerants, such as R-134a, R-410a, R-1234yf, etc. The database can calculate the refrigerant properties at different conditions, such as saturation, subcooling, superheating, etc. The database can also calculate the refrigerant cycle performance parameters, such as coefficient of performance (COP), cooling capacity, power consumption, etc. The database can also compare the performance and environmental impact of different refrigerants, such as ozone depletion potential (ODP), global warming potential (GWP), etc.
Fuels
Fuels are fluids that are used to produce energy in combustion systems, such as engines, turbines, boilers, furnaces, etc. Fuels undergo chemical reactions with oxygen or air as they burn, releasing heat and producing exhaust gases. The performance and efficiency of combustion systems depend on the thermodynamic and transport properties of the fuels and the exhaust gases, such as pressure, temperature, enthalpy, entropy, density, viscosity, thermal conductivity, etc.
The database can be used to model and design combustion systems using various fuels, such as methane, propane, ethanol, etc. The database can calculate the fuel properties at different conditions, such as vapor-liquid equilibrium, critical point, etc. The database can also calculate the combustion parameters, such as heating value, adiabatic flame temperature, stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, etc. The database can also calculate the exhaust gas properties, such as composition, molar mass, specific heat, etc. The database can also analyze the emissions and environmental impact of different fuels, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, etc.
Environment
Environment is the natural system that surrounds us and affects our lives in various ways. Environment involves various aspects such as climate change, air quality, water quality, etc. The thermodynamic and transport properties of fluids play an important role in understanding and predicting the environmental phenomena and issues related to fluid properties, such as greenhouse gas emissions, ozone layer depletion, global warming, etc.
The database can be used to model and analyze environmental issues related to fluid properties, such as greenhouse gas emissions, ozone depletion potential, global warming potential, etc. The database can calculate the fluid properties at different conditions, such as atmospheric pressure and temperature, stratospheric pressure and temperature, etc. The database can also calculate the environmental parameters, such as radiative forcing, lifetime, indirect effects, etc. The database can also compare the environmental impact of different fluids, such as natural gases, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), etc. How to use NIST Standard Reference Database 23 REFPROP v9.0-HS?
NIST Standard Reference Database 23 REFPROP v9.0-HS is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface. The database can be installed and activated on different platforms, such as Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, etc. The database can be accessed and displayed in various ways, such as graphical interface, Excel spreadsheet, FORTRAN files, etc. The database also provides sample programs and documentation to help users get started and learn more about the database and its usage.
Installation
The installation of the database is simple and straightforward. The database can be purchased online from the NIST website or from authorized distributors. The database comes with a CD-ROM or a download link that contains the software program and the activation code. The user needs to follow the instructions on the screen to install the software program on their computer. The user also needs to enter the activation code to activate the software program and access the full features of the database.
The database can be installed on different platforms, such as Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, etc. The user needs to make sure that their computer meets the minimum system requirements for the database, such as processor speed, memory size, disk space, etc. The user also needs to make sure that their computer has the necessary software components for the database, such as Microsoft .NET Framework, Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package, etc.
Graphical interface
The graphical interface is a convenient and intuitive way to access and display fluid properties using the database. The graphical interface can be launched by clicking on the REFPROP icon on the desktop or in the start menu. The graphical interface consists of several windows and menus that allow users to select fluids and mixtures, enter input conditions, choose output properties, create plots and tables, export data, etc.
The graphical interface has four main windows: Fluid Information window, Input window, Output window, and Plot window. The Fluid Information window shows the information about the selected fluid or mixture, such as name, formula, molecular weight, critical point properties, etc. The Input window allows users to enter the input conditions for the calculation, such as pressure, temperature, density, enthalpy, entropy, composition, etc. The Output window shows the output properties for the calculation, such as pressure, temperature, density, enthalpy, entropy, viscosity, thermal conductivity, etc. The Plot window allows users to create plots of fluid properties versus various variables, such as pressure, temperature, density, enthalpy, entropy, etc.
The graphical interface also has several menus that allow users to access various functions and options of the database, such as File menu, Edit menu, View menu, Options menu, Help menu, etc. The File menu allows users to open, save, print, and export data files. The Edit menu allows users to copy, paste, and clear data. The View menu allows users to switch between different views of the windows, such as normal view, minimized view, maximized view, etc. The Options menu allows users to change various settings of the database, such as units system, decimal places, plot style, etc. The Help menu allows users to access various resources of the database, such as user's guide, reference manual, sample programs, FAQs, contact information, etc.
Excel spreadsheet
The Excel spreadsheet is a useful and flexible way to access and display fluid properties using the database. The Excel spreadsheet can be launched by clicking on the REFPROP.xls file in the REFPROP folder or by opening Excel and selecting REFPROP from the Add-Ins tab. The Excel spreadsheet consists of several worksheets and macros that allow users to access fluid properties from within Excel and perform calculations using Excel functions.
The Excel spreadsheet has four main worksheets: Fluids worksheet, Setup worksheet, Main worksheet, and Plot worksheet. The Fluids worksheet shows the list of fluids and mixtures available in the database and allows users to select up to 20 fluids or mixtures for calculation. The Setup worksheet allows users to change various settings of the database, such as units system, decimal places, plot style, etc. The Main worksheet allows users to enter input conditions for calculation and choose output properties for display. The Plot worksheet allows users to create charts of fluid properties versus various variables.
The Excel spreadsheet also has several macros that allow users to access various functions and options of the database such as REFPROP function SATSPLN function CRITP function REFPROPdll function etc. The REFPROP function calculates a single output property for a given fluid or mixture at a given input condition such as =REFPROP("P","T",300,"Q",0,"R134a") The SATSPLN function calculates saturation properties for a given fluid such as =SATSPLN("R134a"). The CRITP function calculates the critical point properties for a given fluid or mixture, such as =CRITP("R134a"). The REFPROPdll function calculates multiple output properties for a given fluid or mixture at a given input condition, such as =REFPROPdll("R134a","TP","P;T;D;H;S",300,101.325). FORTRAN files
The FORTRAN files are a powerful and versatile way to access and display fluid properties using the database. The FORTRAN files can be used by users who want to write their own programs using different programming languages such as C++, MATLAB, Python, VB, etc. The FORTRAN files consist of several subroutines and functions that allow users to access fluid properties from their own programs and perform calculations using various input and output parameters.
The FORTRAN files have two main files: REFPROP.FOR and REFPROP.F90. The REFPROP.FOR file is the original FORTRAN 77 file that contains the core subroutines and functions of the database. The REFPROP.F90 file is the updated FORTRAN 90 file that contains the same subroutines and functions as the REFPROP.FOR file, but with some enhancements and modifications. The user can choose either file depending on their preference and compatibility.
The FORTRAN files also have several sample programs that demonstrate how to use the FORTRAN files with different programming languages such as C++, MATLAB, Python, VB, etc. The sample programs show how to call the FORTRAN subroutines and functions from the programming language, how to pass input and output parameters, how to handle errors and warnings, etc. The sample programs also show how to create plots and tables of fluid properties using the programming language.
Where to find more information about NIST Standard Reference Database 23 REFPROP v9.0-HS?
NIST Standard Reference Database 23 REFPROP v9.0-HS is a comprehensive and reliable source of fluid property data, but it is not the only source. There are other resources that can provide more information about the database and its models, such as references, FAQs, and contact information.
References
The database is based on rigorous equations of state and transport models that have been developed and validated by various researchers and publications. The user can find more information about the database and its models by reading the references that are cited in the database documentation. Some examples of these references are:
Lemmon, E.W., Huber, M.L., McLinden, M.O., NIST Standard Reference Database 23: Reference Fluid Thermodynamic and Transport Properties-REFPROP, Version 9.0, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Standard Reference Data Program, Gaithersburg, 2010.
Lemmon, E.W., McLinden, M.O., Wagner, W., Thermodynamic Properties of Propane. III. A Reference Equation of State for Temperatures from the Melting Line to 650 K and Pressures up to 1000 MPa. J. Chem. Eng. Data 54 (2009) 3141-3180.
Huber, M.L., Laesecke A., Perkins R.A., Model for the Viscosity and Thermal Conductivity of Refrigerants, Including a New Correlation for the Viscosity of R134a. Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 42 (2003) 3163-3178.
FAQ
The database is designed to be easy to use and understand, but it is not perfect. There may be some questions or issues that arise when using the database or its features. The user can find answers to some of the frequently asked questions about the database and its usage by reading the FAQ section in the database documentation or on the NIST website. Some examples of these FAQs are:
Q: How do I update my version of REFPROP?
A: You can update your version of REFPROP by purchasing the latest version from the NIST website or from authorized distributors. You can also download patches and updates from the NIST website for free.
Q: How do I add my own fluids or mixtures to REFPROP?
A: You can add your own fluids or mixtures to REFPROP by creating your own fluid files or mixture files using the format and instructions provided in the database documentation. You can also use the graphical interface or the Excel spreadsheet to create your own fluid files or mixture files.
Q: How do I report errors or bugs in REFPROP?
A: You can report errors or bugs in REFPROP by contacting the NIST customer support team via email or phone using the contact information provided in the database documentation or on the NIST website. You can also submit feedback or suggestions using the online form on the NIST website.
Contact
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