Reentrant radio-frequency resonator for automated phase-equilibria and dielectric measurements in fluids

A reentrant rf cavity resonator has been developed for automated detection of phase separation of fluid mixtures contained within the cavity. Successful operation was demonstrated by redetermining the phase boundaries of a CO2+C2H6 mixture in the vicinity of its critical point. We developed an accurate electrical model for the resonator and used helium to determine the deformation of the resonator under pressure. With the model and pressure compensation, the resonator was capable of very accurate dielectric measurements. We confirmed this by remeasuring the molar dielectric polarizability A(epsilon) of argon and obtained the result A(epsilon)=(4.140+/-0.006) cm(3)/mol (standard uncertainty) in excellent agreement with published values. We exploited the capability for accurate dielectric measurements to determine the densities of the CO2+C2H6 mixture at the phase boundaries and to determine the dipole moment of 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane, a candidate replacement refrigerant. Near the operating frequency of 375 MHz the capacitor in the resonator has an impedance near 14 Ohm. This low impedance is more tolerant of electrical conductivity within the test fluid and in parallel paths in the support structures than comparable capacitors operating at audio frequencies. This will be an advantage for operation at high temperatures where some conductivity must be expected in all fluids. Of further value for high-temperature applications, the present rf resonator has only two metal-insulator joints. These joints seal coaxial cables; neither joint is subjected to large mechanical stresses and neither joint is required to maintain precise dimensional tolerances. The resonator is rugged and may be operated with inexpensive electronics.