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FOURTH STATE-OF-THE-ART SUMMER SYMPOSIUM INTRODUCTION
objective of the Symposium on Applied ThermoThedynamics is to present a n interpretative summary and survey of significant recent advances of this subject. As the scope of thermodynamics is broad, the symposium strives to cover a wide spectrum of interest within the domain of engineering chemistry. The sources of the contributions reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the subject, as demonstrated by the fact that chemical engineers, chemists, and physicists all participate. What binds together these contributions from diverse sources? In addition to the formal framework of thermodynamics, several common interests are apparent, which can be viewed as indicative of some major trends. A great deal of innovation is going on in experimental technique. Electronic instruments have aided refinements and have made possible bold new designs of experiments. Awareness of the practical value of good data has led to some large scale experimental efforts. Molecular theory is being applied at a n accelerated rate in all facets of equilibrium properties of chemical systems. Fused salts, nonelectrolyte polar liquids, etc., are not excepted, while the area of major activity remains in dense fluids of the “usual” nonpolar substances. Contrast this with the single discussion in light of molecular theory in the last I&EC symposium under the same title; that was devoted to ideal gas properties. And it appeared 25 years ago. T h e electronic computer has left its indelible marks on recent work in equations of state, calculation of equilibria, data systems, etc. The remarkable part is that it is not just the end result that shows the effect; the methodology undergoes a more profound transition. It is reasonable to anticipate greater changes in the future. Contributions from thermodynamics have been vital to the engineering of chemical processes and always will be, as information on the equilibrium properties of chemical systems is vital. The search for new property information is as endless as the search for new chemical systems and new conditions of processing and application. Among the academic disciplines, thermodynamics has long been considered indispensible in the training of scientists and engineers. This is so in addition to the
Kwang-Chu Chao, Chairman of the Symposium on Applied Thermodynamics, organized this outstanding program, He is Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Okla. Dr. Chao has been active in the application of thermodynamics to phase equilibria, the study of equations of state and transport properties, and work in separation processes. The chairman wishes to acknowledge, with thanks, the contributions of Professor J . J . Martin, Dr. J . C. Melrose, Professor 0 . F. Othmer, Professor J . E. Powers, M r . Sanford Gordon, and Professor J . P. O’Connell who served as session chairmen. Thanks are also due to Mrs. Bonnie Watkins of the staf of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry for her help in organizing all physical arrangements for the symposium. AUTHOR
aesthetic appreciation of the rigors of its universal laws. I t provides the surest avenue to an understanding of the interaction of energy and material systems. The need for such an understanding for persons wishing to bring about changes on material systems should be obvious. The symposium papers reflect the applied aspects of thermodynamics, while a t the same time maintaining scientific and intellectual merits. Their usefulness for educational purposes should not be ignored, as the interpretative nature of the papers makes them well suited as supplementary material for instructions. While the formal textbook might be devoted to basic principles, the best instruction demands that illustrations be drawn from timely accounts of best practices. After the papers are successively published in I&EC in the coming months, it is planned to have them collected in one bound volume for republication by the American Chemical Society. We hope the book will be of value as a reference source to practicing engineers, scientists, educators, and students. VOL. 5 9
NO. 9
SEPTEMBER 1967
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