Prediction of volumetric properties of fluids for oil and gas applications

Cubic equations of state are commonly used by the petroleum industry for predicting the phase behavior and the volumetric properties of hydrocarbon fluids. However, the volumetric estimates are not as accurate as vapor–liquid equilibrium ones. The present work aims at improving the prediction of density by the use of a proper volume translation correlation. The proposed method, developed from experimental data for alkanes up to twenty-four carbon atoms and for aromatic compounds up to nonylbenzene, shows its reliability for a wide range of temperatures, and for saturated and monophasic liquid and for single components and mixtures as well.

► Volumetric estimates are improved by a proper volume translation correlation.
► A new correlation for volumetric translation is proposed.
► The method is for alkanes up to 24 carbon atoms and aromatics up to n-nonylbenzene.
► Saturated liquid and monophasic liquid conditions are taken into account.
► The correlation is able to reproduce molar volumes of pure compounds and mixtures.