Computing the Composition of Ethanol-Water Mixtures Based on Experimental Density and Temperature Measurements

Two correlations were developed to calculate the composition of binary ethanol-water solutions from experimental temperature and density inputs. The first correlation is based on a Redlich-Kister (R-K) expansion and computes mixture composition within an average accuracy of +/- 0.45 wt.%. The R-K model is a non-linear function of composition and therefore requires the use of an iterative solving tool. A polynomial correlation was additionally developed which utilizes a direct solving method, and computes ethanol composition over a range of 0-100 wt.% [283.15-313.15 K] with an accuracy better than +/- 0.37 wt.%. The polynomial model is particularly advantageous as it can be tailored to specific composition ranges for increased accuracy. Both correlations are intended to provide a method for monitoring ethanol concentration within a chemical process in real time without off-line sample analysis, allowing for precise in-situ system control and optimization.