Introducción

Experimental determination and representation of multiphase equilibria and volumetric properties (PVT) of multicomponent mixtures are of great interest in the design, simulation, synthesis and optimization of processes, as well as, in the chemical, petrochemical, and refining industries, and in the improved recovery of petroleum. A laboratory for the determination of accurate experimental thermodynamic and transport properties did not exist in Mexico. Now it is possible to measure phase equilibria, volumetric and excess properties, and viscosities of binary and multicomponent mixtures, at pressures up to 100 MPa and temperatures up to 773 K. This experimental information is necessary for BASIC RESEARCH and for application in the chemical processes particularly for those using SUPERCRITICAL FLUIDS.

In the INSTITUTO POLITECNICO NACIONAL and particularly in the Graduate Studies and Research Section of the Chemical Engineering Department of the ESIQIE, the project to create and to develop a LABORATORY OF EXPERIMENTAL THERMODYNAMICS AT HIGH PRESSURES was presented in 1994 to the authorities of the I.P.N., with aims of application to the PROCESSES BY SUPERCRITICAL FLUIDS and mainly to the DEVELOPMENT OF NEW CLEAN PROCESSES. Under institutional support, the Laboratory was created in 1995. The interest and support of former Director of the ESIQIE, Eng. Timoteo Pastrana Aponte, and of former Director of the D.E.P.I. of the I.P.N. Dr. Jose Enrique Villa Rivera were fundamental for the laboratory creation. This is an important effort not only in the I.P.N. but at national level since it is counted for the first time in a Mexican University, a Laboratory of Experimental Thermodynamics at high pressures focus on the development of processes without environmental impact as for example the processes by supercritical fluids.

The beginning and development of the thermodynamics laboratory were planned in order to form new scientist and they would be contracted later. Who initiated this laboratory were Alejandro Ortega Rodriguez (graduated in May-98) and Jose Luis Mendoza de la Cruz (graduated in October-98) within an institutional project. At the moment both work in the Mexican Institute of Petroleum. In addition Gonzalo N. Escobedo Alvarado was prepared and supported to do Ph. D. studies with Professor Stanley I. Sandler at the University of Delaware. He is now working in DUPONT, Delaware.

The program and the objectives of the laboratory are long term involving experimental and theoretic areas.