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RSS 2.0Research and Development: Physical Properties of Fluids
Physical properties of Fluids
NEL has an extensive track record in the area of physical properties of fluids, ranging from fundamental research into specific fluid properties, to the provision of such data via an industry standard software package called PPDS (physical properties data service).
Click for details of research into Physical Properties of CO2 or Metrology for Biofuels.
Traceable Database
PPDS is used to simulate and model many chemical combinations to look at suitability of materials, equipment and processes. By using the fully traceable database of 1500 chemicals, the software can input into many aspects of product design and development, and the software package can be integrated into bespoke company systems.
Theoretical and Practical
The combination of the traceable database, industry-standard calculation procedures and an expert assessment system provides quality codes for output data. This gives users a complete audit trail compared to the use of in-house or black-box software approaches. Our Density Standards facilities enable the density of liquids and gases to be measured very accurately across an extended temperature and pressure range.
Densitometers
Recent work has included the characterisation of fluids for use in the calibration of the densitometers used throughout the North Sea oil industry. We have also carried out traceable calibration of densitometers to national standards and also for research in complex fluids such as live crude oils and biofuels.
Evaluation of the Physical Properties of CO2 Mixtures Within the CCS Chain
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is seen as a major contributor to reducing man-made carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions as part of a secure and sustainable global energy supply. There is a need to develop reliable and accurate physical properties data for mixtures of CO2 and to understand density and phase behaviour (gaseous, liquid and supercritical) resulting from changes in pressure and temperature.
Accurate density measurement is required to convert volumetric flow into mass flow for regulatory reporting purposes, and to establish phase behaviour and compressibility. The technical challenge here is the development of equations of state capable of calculating phase boundaries and densities of CO2 mixtures at the temperatures and pressures that will prevail in CCS applications. With initial funding from the National Measurement Office Engineering and Flow Programme, NEL has commenced a research project to address these challenges and provide accurate underpinning data on the physical properties of CO2 mixtures. As well as improved CO2 metrology, this knowledge will act as an enabler for companies to develop their products for use in new CCS applications.
This research project is just the first phase in extending industry knowledge of CO2 mixtures. We are currently seeking partners to extend the project to cover an even greater range of CO2 mixtures to suit a wider range of industrial applications.
If you are interested in participating in this project, please contact us.
Metrology for Biofuels
As part of a European Metrology Research Programme funded by Euramet and the UK government, NEL is partnering with a number of European NMIs to provide validated, traceable and reliable methods for the measurement of physical and chemical parameters of liquid biofuels. The results of these measurements will support compliance testing and regulatory enforcement of the contribution of biofuels to sustainable European energy supplies.
The legal demands of the transport and trade of liquid biofuels requires very precise measurement of physical properties such as density, viscosity and calorific value. The inter-comparison of laboratory measurement of reference materials will validate measurement methodology, providing precise data to support these legal demands.
NEL is participating in the inter-comparison measurement of liquid biofuel density and viscosity parameters to support development of these quality measurement methods. Also, applying its in-house developed physical properties software package, PPDS, NEL will calculate the essential equations of state (EOS) that will be used to determine data for biofuel blends not directly measured within the project programme. These EOS could then be applied to other blends in regular use.
We are currently seeking industrial partners, particularly from the automotive and aviation sector, who would benefit from an increased knowledge of the behaviour of liquid biofuels at elevated pressures typical of modern internal combustion engines. This will enable designers and manufactures of these systems to optimise engine performance and reduce emissions. If you are interested in participating in this project, please contact us.