“Vapor–liquid” equilibrium measurements and modeling for the cyclohexane + n-hexanoic acid binary system

To simulate cyclohexane to cyclohexanol oxidation reactors, the acquisition and modeling of vapor–liquid equilibria of the key components, under the process conditions, are essential. n-Hexanoic acid is a co-product of the reaction. Vapor–liquid equilibrium data are reported for the cyclohexane + n-hexanoic acid binary system at four temperatures: 413, 423, 464 and 484 K. All measurements have been carried out using an apparatus based on the “static-analytic” method, with two ROLSI™ pneumatic capillary samplers. The generated data are successfully correlated using two equations of state, the Peng–Robinson (PR) and the Perturbed Chain Statistical Association Fluid Theory (PC-SAFT). Both models are capable of representing the experimental data, but the PC-SAFT EoS uses less binary interaction parameters.

• We determine new experimental data concerning the cyclohexane + n-hexanoic acid binary system.
• An equipment based on “static analytic” method with phase sampling is used.
• Two models are compared for the data treatment.
• Data and models are used for the design of phase separation units on the Rhodia site.