VAPOR-LIQUID EQUILIBRIUM MODELING FOR MIXTURES OF HFC-32

Vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) have been successfully modeled for the binary mixtures of difluoromethane (HFC-32) + isobutane and difluoromethane + trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze(E)). These mixtures are considered as possible replacements for conventional refrigerants far from negligible global warming potential (GWP). A multifluid approach explicit in the Helmholtz free energy forms the basis of the model. The independent variables are the temperature, density, and composition. Accurate published equations of state for pure HFC-32, isobutane, and HFO-1234ze(E) are incorporated to calculate the Helmholtz free energy of each component. Typical uncertainties of bubble-and dew-point pressures calculated using the model are within 2%. Although adjustable parameters of the model are determined only from experimental VLE data, it is highly probable that the model reasonably predicts other thermodynamic properties such as enthalpy and heat capacities. Therefore, the model allows practical design and simulation of refrigeration systems using the mixtures as a working fluid.