What the heck is a binary interaction parameter? 1

[KernOily]

OK, I'm a dumb ME pretending to be a process engineer. My simulation software is asking me about binary interaction parameters. Can someone please explain what these are so an ME can understand and put the information to work? Let's hold the integrals and PDEs to a minimum, please.

Thanks ! ! ! Thanks!
Pete
P. J. (Pete) Chandler, PE
Mechanical, Piping, Thermal, Hydraulics
Processes Unlimited International, Inc.
Bakersfield, California USA
pjchandl@prou.com

 

[MortenA]

I think that most manuals will explain it but anyway: Some Equation of State and other phase eq. models will include parametres to quantify the deviation from a model of pure component deviation from ideal gas for mixtures of components. It is assumed that if a gas is a mixture of n components then e.g. n*n interaction parametres will describe the deviation from a model with only pure component.

Most programs will know the parameters for common components and can estimate the interaction parameter for new "theoretical components" based on input data such as normal boiling point, density and mol weight. Or if you have experimental data then this can be inputted.

Best Regards

Morten