Epilogue: Thermodynamic Challenges in the Twenty‐First Century

Abstract

The chemical and other engineering disciplines have undergone dramatic changes during the last few decades and this trend is expected to continue. In answer to societal and industrial needs, we can anticipate significant challenges in thermodynamics in order to meet the needs emerging due to these changes. Future developments are needed or expected especially in the following sectors:There is still considerable potential for improvement for phase equilibrium thermodynamics even in long-established areas of the chemical industry. With all the enthusiasm about the possibilities of thermodynamics in new areas, it is necessary first to concentrate on performing the basic tasks.Challenges related to complex distillations, adsorption or extraction are what Zeck refers to as 'basic tasks'. Today, we feel that, despite great progress, there are still thermodynamic challenges in these 'most mature' areas of chemical engineering:. The prediction of multicomponent, multiphase equilibria, based exclusively on binary parameters, e.g. for partially immiscible mixtures such as water-alcohols (glycols)-hydrocarbons. . The simultaneous prediction of different types of phase equilibria (vapor-liquid, liquid-liquid and solid-liquid equilibria) over extended temperature ranges with a common set of parameters. . The need for highly predictive models for a wide range of applications. . The prediction of thermal properties such as heats of mixing and heat capacities at different conditions based on parameters estimated from phase equilibrium data. . The prediction of a variety of properties from equations of state, e.g. densities, entropies, speed of sound, heat capacities, etc., important for fluid flow calculations.