Hadhramout University

College of Engineering and Petroleum

Chemical Engineering Dep.

Chemical Engineering Lab

" Refinery Engineering"

Experiment No. 1 : Vapor Pressure

Name of Student : …........................................................................

Group : .............................................................................................

Date : ................................................................................................

Name of Instructor : Alaa Ba-abbad

AIM: to determine the vapor pressure of gasoline sample.

THEORY:

The vapor pressure of a liquid is the equilibrium pressure of a vapor above its liquid
(or solid); that is, the pressure of the vapor resulting from evaporation of a liquid (or
solid) above a sample of the liquid (or solid) in a closed container.

The vapor pressure of a liquid varies with its temperature, as the following graph
shows for water. The line on the graph shows the boiling temperature for water.

As the temperature of a liquid or solid increases its vapor pressure also increases.
Conversely, vapor pressure decreases as the temperature decreases.

The importance of vapor pressure measurement:-

1. Determine the evaporation range of components located in the petroleum product.
2. Determine the percentage of the presence of light components.
3. Determine the percentage of dissolved gases.

4. calculate of liquid composition and vapor equilibrium

5. Design distillation, evaporation and condensation devices.
6. security precautions for tanks and devices that are exposed to high pressure.

The vapor pressure of a liquid can be measured in a variety of ways:-

1. A simple measurement involves injecting a little of the liquid into a closed flask
connected to a manometer.
2. Standard Reid Bomb.
3. NATI devices.
Reid vapor pressure:-

Reid vapor pressure (RVP) is a common measure of the volatility of gasoline. It is

defined as the absolute vapor pressure exerted by a liquid at 100 °F (37.8 °C) as
determined by the test method ASTM-D-323. The test method measures the vapor
pressure of gasoline, volatile crude oil, and other volatile petroleum products, except
for liquefied petroleum gases.

The matter of vapor pressure is important relating to the function and operation of
gasoline-powered, especially carbureted, vehicles. High levels of vaporization are
desirable for winter starting and operation and lower levels are desirable in avoiding
vapor lock during summer heat. Fuel cannot be pumped when there is vapor in the
fuel line (summer) and winter starting will be more difficult when liquid gasoline in
the combustion chambers has not vaporized. Thus, oil refineries manipulate the Reid
Vapor Pressure seasonally specifically to maintain gasoline engine reliability.

PROCEDURE:

Fill liquid Chamber by cold gasoline completely and then tightly with air chamber
(expansion chamber) which associated with scale pressure Gauge (volume of liquid
chamber to air chamber 1 to 4 respectively). Then the device is heated in a water bath
(Thermostat) at constant temperature 37.80C.

During the heating period jolting device periodically until it reaches a state of
equilibrium pressure. And then recorded as Reid vapor pressure.
OBSERVATION:

Reid vapor pressure =

RESULT AND CALCULATION:

From Reid vapor pressure can be calculate the true vapor pressure by the following
equation:-

t  t0
pv.l  pm  patm
t0  273
Where:-

P v.I : vapor pressure of liquid

Pm : Reid vapor pressure.

Patm : atmospheric pressure.

t : 37.8 C0

to : ambient temperature.