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Home Physical Properties
PhyPropData
Obtaining and correctly using physical property data is one of the most important parts of good chemical engineering.  This section gives advice on where to find data and how to use it.
 

Relative Volatility, Alpha

alpha_figure

Relative volatility (a) gives a measure of how easy two components can be separated by distillation.  This article introduces the term and how it can be estimated.

 

Viscosity

water_tap_smallViscosity is a key physical property used in many areas of chemical engineering - not least in calculating pressure drop.  This article discusses the importance, gives typical values for common fluids.

 

Vapour Pressure Data

antoine_spreadsheet_smallA spreadsheet giving vapour pressure data for almost 700 components downloadable here. 

 

Steam Tables in Excel

steam_engine_smallThis spreadsheet can be used to provide steam property data over a wide range of temperatures and pressures.

 

Obtaining Physical Data

Distillation Still

A calculation is only as good as the data used in it.  Process  engineering calculations are based on physical data: distillation calculations need information on relative boiling points, while pressure drop calculations rely on fluid viscosity data.  This article gives guidance on how to find good quality information on chemicals.