Critical Pressure
| Also Known As | P_c, critical pressure of a gas, thermodynamic critical pressure |
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What is Critical Pressure?
Critical pressure is the minimum pressure required to liquefy a gas at its critical temperature. Above the critical temperature, no amount of pressure can liquefy the gas. Critical pressures vary widely between substances: CO₂ has Pc = 73.8 bar, while water has Pc = 220.9 bar. Knowledge of critical pressure is essential in supercritical fluid technology.
Properties & Characteristics
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Critical pressure is the minimum pressure required to liquefy a gas at its critical temperature. Above the critical temperature, no amount of pressure can liquefy the gas. Critical pressures vary widely between substances: CO₂ has Pc = 73.8 bar, while water has Pc = 220.9 bar. Knowledge of critical pressure is essential in supercritical fluid technology.
Critical pressure data is essential for designing high-pressure equipment, supercritical fluid processes (extraction, chromatography), and thermodynamic modelling. Knowledge of P_c guides pipeline design for natural gas and CO₂ transport in carbon capture and storage systems.
All equipment designed to operate at or above critical pressures must be rated accordingly. Critical pressure for water (220 atm) requires supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) reactors to be heavily engineered pressure vessels with appropriate safety systems.