⚗️

Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium Flash Calculator

GPSA Method · Rachford-Rice · Wilson Correlation

Advertisement
Isothermal Flash Calculator
Calculates vapor-liquid phase split for hydrocarbon mixtures at specified temperature and pressure using the Rachford-Rice algorithm with Newton-Raphson iteration. Returns equilibrium K-values, phase compositions, and molar flow rates per GPSA Engineering Data Book methodology.

Operating Conditions

psia
°F
lb-mol/hr

📋 Typical Conditions

  • Wellhead separator: 200-1000 psia
  • Production separator: 50-300 psia
  • Flash tank: 15-100 psia

Feed Composition

mol%
mol%
mol%
mol%
Total: 100.0%

K-Value Method

Wilson Correlation
K = (Pc/P) × exp[5.373(1+ω)(1-Tc/T)]
✓ Recommended for P < 500 psia
Accounts for molecular shape via acentric factor (ω)

📖 Flash Calculation Theory

Solves the Rachford-Rice equation iteratively:

f(β) = Σ zi(Ki-1) / [1 + β(Ki-1)] = 0

β = vapor fraction (V/F), zi = feed composition

📚 Learn the Theory

Understand flash calculations principles, calculations, and industry applications

Read Engineering Guide →

📚 References & Standards

  • GPSA Engineering Data Book, 14th Ed., Sections 23 & 25
  • Rachford & Rice, J. Pet. Tech., 1952
  • Wilson, G.M., AIChE Paper 15C, 1969
  • Reid, Prausnitz & Poling, Properties of Gases and Liquids, 4th Ed.

Critical Properties Source

Component Tc, Pc, and ω values from NIST Chemistry WebBook and DIPPR database, validated against GPSA Table 23-3.

⚠️ Validity & Limitations

Wilson: P < 500 psia, Tr < 0.9
Raoult: P < 100 psia, ideal mixtures
Components: C₁ through nC₄ paraffins

For higher pressures or near-critical conditions, use equation of state methods (SRK, PR).

🔬 Component Properties

Comp Tc (°R) Pc (psia) ω
C₁ 343.0 667.8 0.012
C₂ 549.8 708.3 0.100
C₃ 665.7 617.4 0.152
nC₄ 765.3 551.1 0.200

Source: NIST/DIPPR, verified against GPSA Table 23-3

Advertisement
Advertisement