Method for locating the vapor-liquid critical point of multicomponent fluid mixtures using a shear mode piezoelectric sensor

A new approach to locating the critical point of fluid mixtures is reported, utilizing a shear mode piezoelectric sensor. This technique employs a single piece of quartz crystal that is installed at the bottom of a strongly stirred high-pressure vessel. The sensor response indicates whether liquid or gas is in contact with its surfaces. Thus, the sensor is able to identify vapor-liquid phase separation by registering a discontinuity in the impedance minimum of the sensor as a function of pressure. Two systems (methanol + CO ₂ and H₂ + CO₂) have been investigated using this method. The critical point data of the methanol + CO₂ system were chosen to validate the approach against a wealth of literature data, and good agreement was obtained. The sensor behavior in the two-phase region, as well as the effect of stirring, is discussed. The method is general and can be used with other sensors.