Thermal Stability of Cyclopentane as an Organic Rankine Cycle Working Fluid

Journal Article · Mon Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 2011 · Energy and Fuels

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ef200639r· OSTI ID:1038930

Ginosar, Daniel M; Petkovic, Lucia M; Guillen, Donna Post

Laboratory experiments were performed to aid in determining the maximum operating temperature for cyclopentane as an Organic Rankine Cycle working fluid. The thermochemical decomposition of cyclopentane was measured in a recirculation loop at 240 C, 300 C and 350 C at 43 bar in a glass-lined heated tube. It was determined that in the absence of air at the lower two temperatures, decomposition was minor after more than twelve days of continuous operation. At 240 C, the total cyclopentane decomposition products were approximately 65 parts per million (ppm) and at 300 C, total decomposition products were on the order of 270 ppm at the end of the experiment. At 350 C, decomposition products were significantly higher and reached 1,500 ppm. When the feed was contacted with air, the decomposition rate increased dramatically. Residues found in the reactor after the decomposition experiments were examined by a number of different techniques. The mass of the residues increased with experimental temperature, but was lower at the same temperature when the feed was contacted with air. Analysis of the residues suggested that the residues were primarily heavy saturated hydrocarbons.

• Research Organization: Idaho National Laboratory (INL)
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE - EE
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-05ID14517
• OSTI ID: 1038930
• Report Number(s): INL/JOU-11-21645
• Journal Information: Energy and Fuels, Journal Name: Energy and Fuels Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 25; ISSN 0887-0624; ISSN ENFUEM
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
HYDROCARBONS
Organic Rankine Cycle
working fluid
thermochemic
RANKINE CYCLE
RESIDUES
STABILITY
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE
WORKING FLUIDS