NIST REFPROP Version 9 is more than just a calculator; it is a comprehensive database that bridges the gap
NIST REFPROP 9.0 (REFerence PROPerties) is a legacy version of the industry-standard software developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (
) for calculating the thermophysical properties of fluids. While newer versions (like REFPROP 10) are currently available, Version 9.0 remains widely cited in research for its accurate modeling of refrigerants, industrial chemicals, and natural gas mixtures. National Institute of Standards and Technology (.gov) Key Features of REFPROP 9 Property Calculations
: It provides high-accuracy data for thermodynamic properties (density, enthalpy, entropy) and transport properties (viscosity, thermal conductivity). Phase Coverage
: Supports calculations across liquid, gas, and supercritical phases, as well as subcooled and metastable regions. Fluid Support
: Includes models for pure fluids and complex multi-component mixtures. Integration
: Commonly used as an Excel add-on or linked with engineering software like MATLAB and ANSYS for cycle design and numerical simulations. National Institute of Standards and Technology (.gov) Common Applications nist refprop 9
You're referring to NIST REFPROP 9!
NIST REFPROP 9 is a reference fluid thermodynamic and transport properties database developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Here's a piece of information about it:
What is REFPROP?
REFPROP is a comprehensive database of thermophysical properties of fluids, including refrigerants, hydrocarbons, and other industrially important fluids. It provides accurate and reliable property data for use in simulations, design, and optimization of various engineering systems, such as refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, power generation and conversion systems, and chemical processes.
Key features of NIST REFPROP 9:
Applications:
REFPROP 9 is widely used in various fields, including:
REFPROP (Reference Fluid Thermodynamic and Transport Properties) is a NIST-maintained software library and database that provides high-accuracy thermophysical property models for pure fluids and mixtures. Version 9 is a widely used release that implements equations of state, transport property correlations, and mixture models intended for engineering and research applications where precision matters (HVAC, refrigeration, power cycles, cryogenics, process simulation, and scientific studies).
While every version of REFPROP is powerful, version 9 introduced features that made it a watershed release for engineers who prefer a stable, legacy-compatible platform.
When it was available, REFPROP 9 used a single-user license key for Windows. It did not require an internet connection after activation. Pricing in 2024 dollars would have been approximately:
In the world of thermodynamics, chemical engineering, and HVAC design, accuracy isn't just a goal—it is a requirement. When designing a refrigeration system or modeling a chemical plant, a tiny error in calculating a fluid's viscosity or enthalpy can lead to massive inefficiencies or even catastrophic equipment failure.
For decades, the gold standard for these calculations has been NIST REFPROP. While the software has evolved into newer versions, Version 9 (REFPROP 9) remains a pivotal release that cemented its status as the premier thermophysical property database. NIST REFPROP Version 9 is more than just
Whether you are a student just learning about equations of state or a seasoned engineer maintaining legacy systems, understanding the capabilities of REFPROP 9 is essential.
| Feature | REFPROP 8 | REFPROP 9 | |--------|-----------|-----------| | Fluids | ~105 | 120+ | | Mixture model | Mostly mixing rules | GERG-2008 added | | GUI | Basic | Improved interface | | HFOs | Few | R1234yf, R1234ze(E) | | Transport props | Limited | Expanded models | | 64-bit support | No | Yes |
Note: REFPROP 10.0 is now available (2023+), but version 9 remains widely used due to licensing and compatibility in legacy systems.
REFPROP (short for REFrigerant PROPerties) is a software program developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). It provides thermophysical properties of pure fluids and mixtures, based on the most accurate equations of state available.
Version 9, released in several sub-versions (9.0, 9.1), is widely used by engineers, researchers, and educators in the fields of HVAC&R, chemical engineering, energy systems, and fluid mechanics.