THERMOPROP (FR6.1)

The facility THERMOPROP is one element of the CTP, research center of the Common Center DR to ARMINES and MINES ParisTech, which is competent in the field of thermodynamics of fluid phase equilibria (VLE, VLLE, LLE, SLE, density, heat capacity, etc…) and determination of thermophysical properties. In our research group, two ways are applied: modeling (and simulation) and experimental work. Data are particularly important to define thermodynamic models, which will be used by engineers in charge of the design and development of new processes (for CO2 capture and transport), gas reservoirs modelling, etc... The new regulations regarding energetic and environmental aspects lead industry to get exactly accurate information on the physics and the chemistry of their systems and so to use more and more sophisticated models. In THERMOPROP, 4 equipments are available and described below for VLE measurements (solubility and bubble pressure), density and critical point.

Health and Safety

Strict laboratory policies are in place, in addition to general practices, for safe work practices in the CTP and so in the facility. The research group follows the recommendations of INRS (http://en.inrs.fr/) for experimental activities particularly with toxic fluids and the certifications of equipments and experimental procedures (particularly for H2S). Since 2002, the Centre is equipped with a high Safety laboratory (http://www.ctp.mines-paristech.fr/Recherche/Moyens/Laboratoire/). Moreover, the workshop of the CTP maintains the equipment in good working conditions.

(See picture 1.)
Picture of fume hood of THERMOPROP facility.

Measuring high-pressure gas solubility is not an easy task from a technical and safety point of view. For an accurate quantification of the different constituents using the different analytical methods, phase sampling is necessary. However, during sampling, disturbance of the thermodynamic equilibrium must be avoided, which is not easy due to the high pressure. Several techniques exist to minimize the disturbance of equilibrium during sampling or even circumvent this problem by using synthetic methods. A classification of high pressure phase equilibria measurement methods is given by Dohrn and coworkers.

Analytical methods: As indicated by its designation, these methods consist of the determination of phase equilibria with or without sampling, using analytical techniques such as chromatography, titration, volumetric and gravimetric methods, or Raman spectroscopy.

Synthetic methods: These methods consist of the determination of phase equilibria by material balance without phase change, or by visual or non-visual detection of phase change starting with a single-phase system.

(See picture 2.)
Classification of high-pressure phase equilibria measurement techniques.

Moreover, our high safety laboratory allowing the measurements of toxic fluids such as mercaptans, H2S, SO2, CO, NOx, etc… but also H2, CO2. The laboratory also develops its own software tools to check the reliability of data, using thermodynamic models like cubic Equations of State (EoS), PC SAFT EoS, Virial EoS, etc. The main topics addressed at the Centre include: CO2 capture and storage, gas processing, LNG, fluorinated compounds, energetic optimization and green chemistry. The Centre has also acquired knowledge about supercritical fluids and in the cryogenic field. For further details, please refer to our web site: http://www.ctp.mines-paristech.fr/Accueil/.

In 2018, we welcomed a PhD student from NTNU - Norway. She used our equipment and worked on phase diagram on system including amine solvent and H2S. The data were published in FPE journal: E Skylogianni, I Mundal, DDD Pinto, C Coquelet, HK Knuutila, Hydrogen sulfide solubility in 50 wt% and 70 wt% aqueous methyldiethanolamine at temperatures from 283 to 393 K and total pressures from 500 to 10000 kPa, Fluid Phase Equilibria, 2020, 112498.

• Three scientific experts in the domain of CCS and the determination of thermophysical properties (experimental work and modelling).

• Two mechanists for equipment maintenance and design of new equipments

• Two technicians for measurement and definition of experimental procedure

• One engineer responsible of experimental platform and expert in measurement

In addition, some research team members have a first aid certificate.

We offer the following services:

• Design, commissioning of equipments (ex: in 2011 and in 2015, we sold two equipments to SINTEF in Norway) and training. Equipment can be realized according to specifications (with separate quotation).

• Determination of thermophysical properties: carrying out research work from A to Z: utilisation of equipment adapted to the measurement conditions (temperature, pressure and nature of the compounds), manufacturing or adaptation of existing equipment, definition of experimental procedure and measurement in compliance with safety conditions, data treatment and modelling. with a strong awareness of industrial issues.

• Lectures on measurement of thermophysical properties and fluid thermodynamics (see our MOOC:  https://www.fun-mooc.fr/en/cours/thermodynamique-experimentale/about Title: «Thermodynamique expérimentale»)

• Training of technical staff of companies on the measurement of phase equilibrium properties