Conditions of thermodynamic equilibrium and stability as a basis for the practical calculation of vapour-liquid equilibria

Some main aspects of the thermodynamics of vapour-liquid equilibrium are considered together with a brief review of classical thermodynamic methods. The general thermodynamic-topological singularities of the structure of phase diagrams are discussed, as are the possible use of differential and integral thermodynamic relationships for the analysis and verification of phase equilibria. Special attention is given to results from the work of Russian researchers. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.