Prediction of physical properties of hydrocarbon compounds using empirical correlations

Accurately describing the physical properties of hydrocarbon fractions is important to proper analysis and design of chemical, oil, and gas processing systems. Physical properties prediction of wide boiling range hydrocarbons is necessitated by the difficulty and expense of obtaining experimental data. A variety of mathematical relationships have been developed for this purpose, which differ greatly in approach and form. Though a theoretical justification for the developed correlations is advanced by some of the sources, the wide formula variety is evidence of their empirical nature. Therefore, care should be taken to examine which approach provides the most accurate system representation. The aim of this study was a better understanding of the methods predicting hydrocarbon compounds' physical properties that will impact unit operation, process simulation, and design.