API TECH DATA BOOK
Technical Overview
An API Standard - Developed/Maintained under API Funding for over
50+ years.
Mission Statement: provide a critically reviewed compilation of the physical and thermodynamic data and correlations that are of most interest to petroleum refiners for process evaluation and equipment design
Provides the technical expert’s recommendations on what data and methods should be employed to accurately predict the phase equilibrium and thermo-physical properties of chemical and refining streams.
This information is necessary for the cost effective design of and for the safe and efficient operation of process units.
Stewardship/Critical Review – API Technical Data Committee
Over 10,000 copies of the printed Data Book have been sold in the US and abroad
Unmatched accuracy for key technical data used in the design and operation of chemical and refining facilities in the 9th Edition:
Hydrocarbon – Water Solubilities
Physical Properties of Sulfur Containing Components
Petroleum Fraction Characterization
An educational tool in thermodynamics for the practicing Chemical Engineer
Common Uses for API Tech
Independent cross-check of process simulator results
Research and development tool for conceptual design and feasibility studies
User-friendly design tool for engineers who infrequently use simulation software
Can be used as a basis for guarantees, commodity transfer, etc. as a commonly accepted industry standard
Useful in companies without readily available/timely technical support through a central engineering group
Good estimation tool for refineries and operating facilities (allows consistency with the central office)
Education/Training tool for young engineers and undergraduates in chemical engineering programs
Low-cost alternative for the consulting engineer to provide highly accurate flash and mixture properties of chemical and petroleum streams
Mutual Solubilities of Water-Hydrocarbon Systems
Can be Calculated on 3 Platforms in the API Tech Data Book
Direct Solubility Equation (semi-empirical, temperature dependent correlation)
NRTL (Flash/Mixture Calculations)
SRK-Kabadi-Danner (Flash/Mixture Calculations)
The Solubility Equation provides the best fit of the experimental data (i.e. the correct answer)
NRTL parameters for 100+ hydrocarbons and water have been highly tuned to fit the experimental data and essentially provide the same results of the Solubility Equation plus extremely accurate solubility for:
Mixtures versus pure components
Pressures other than Atmospheric
Temperatures other than Ambient
SRK-KD provides reasonable estimates for Water-Hydrocarbon when accurate NRTL parameters are not available