A Fundamental Equation for Calculation of the Thermodynamic Properties of Ethanol

A formulation for the thermodynamic properties of ethanol (C₂H₅OH) in the liquid, vapor, and saturation states is presented. The formulation is valid for single-phase and saturation states from 250 to 650K at pressures up to 280MPa. The formulation includes a fundamental equation and ancillary functions for the estimation of saturation properties. The experimental data used to determine the fundamental equation include pressure-density-temperature, ideal gas heat capacity, speed of sound, and vapor pressure. Saturation values computed from the ancillary functions were used to ensure thermodynamic consistency at the vapor-liquid phase boundary. Comparisons between experimental data and values computed using the fundamental equation are given to verify the uncertainties in the calculated properties. The formulation presented may be used to compute densities to within ±0.2%, heat capacities to within ±3%, and speed of sound to within ±1%. Saturation values of the vapor pressure and saturation densities are represented to within ±0.5%, except near the critical point.