How to Install and Set Up NIST REFPROP 9.1 NIST REFPROP 9.1 is a specialized database for calculating the thermodynamic and transport properties of industrially important fluids and mixtures. Released by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), version 9.1 introduced key updates like 121 pure fluids and a 64-bit DLL (REFPRP64.dll) for improved integration with modern applications. 1. System Requirements
Before installation, ensure your PC meets these minimum specifications:
Operating System: Windows XP, 7, 8, 10, or 11 (32-bit or 64-bit). Storage: At least 10–20 MB of available hard disk space. 2. Standard Installation Steps
To install the full version of REFPROP 9.1 on a Windows machine:
Run the Setup: Locate your installation file (typically named nist2391.exe for version 9.1) or insert the REFPROP CD-ROM.
Follow the Wizard: Execute the installer and follow the on-screen prompts.
Default Directory: The software installs by default to C:\Program Files (x86)\REFPROP on 64-bit systems or C:\Program Files\REFPROP on 32-bit systems.
Registration: For specialized 64-bit COM object registration, you may need to run regsvr32.exe refpropco64.dll at a command prompt. 3. Setting Up the Excel Add-In
One of the most common ways to use REFPROP is within Microsoft Excel. To link version 9.1 to Excel: Linking REFPROP with Other Applications
Integrating REFPROP 9.1 (Reference Fluid Thermodynamic and Transport Properties) is a straightforward process, but it requires precise file placement to ensure it communicates correctly with external software like Excel, MATLAB, or Python. 1. Initial Extraction and Setup
The installation typically begins with the executable provided by NIST. Run the installer to unpack the high-accuracy property models and the graphical user interface. By default, the program installs to C:\Program Files (x86)\REFPROP
If you plan on using REFPROP with third-party wrappers (like Python’s
), many users prefer installing it to a simpler path without spaces, such as C:\REFPROP , to avoid path-string errors in code. 2. Linking the DLL The core of REFPROP is the REFPROP.DLL file. For the software to be "visible" to your system: System Environment Variables: Add the REFPROP installation folder to your Windows refprop 91 install
. This allows other programs to call the DLL without you having to copy the file into every project folder. 32-bit vs. 64-bit:
Ensure you are using the version of the DLL that matches your calling application. REFPROP 9.1 includes both; the 64-bit version is often named REFPRP64.DLL 3. Integration with Excel To use REFPROP functions directly in spreadsheets: Open Excel and go to Options > Add-ins Excel Add-ins Browse to your REFPROP directory and select REFPROP.xlam Refprop.xla for older versions). Once enabled, you can use formulas like =Theoretical("T","Density", "SI", "Water") directly in cells. 4. Verification After installation, always run the standalone REFPROP GUI
first. If you can calculate a simple saturation table for a common fluid like Nitrogen, the underlying fluid files (.FLD) and mixture files (.MIX) are correctly placed. Are you planning to use REFPROP primarily through the Excel Add-in or via a programming language like
Once upon a time in the high-stakes world of thermodynamic research, an engineer named Sarah faced a daunting challenge. Her mission: install REFPROP 9.1 , the legendary software from
used to calculate the properties of industrially vital fluids. The Quest for the Installer
Sarah’s journey began with a search for the sacred installation files. Unlike modern apps, REFPROP 9.1 often arrived on a physical CD-ROM. She inserted the disc and carefully ran the installer, watching as it carved out its home in C:\Program Files\REFPROP
. For those without the full version, a "mini" version was sometimes used as a starter. The Excel Trial
The real test came when Sarah tried to link REFPROP to Excel. She knew this was no simple task—it required the precision of a master builder. The Add-In: She located the REFPROP.xlam REFPRP91.XLA
) file and meticulously moved it to a trusted folder, avoiding the treacherous default path that Excel often rejected. The Connection: Through the Excel
menu, she browsed to her folder and enabled the link, ensuring the "Refprp91" box was checked. The Proof: She typed a magic formula: =Density("water","TP","SI",300,1)
. When the cell returned a perfect value instead of an error, she knew the bond was sealed. The Shadow of the Past
Later, Sarah faced a "ghost" from her installation. When she eventually upgraded to Version 10 How to Install and Set Up NIST REFPROP 9
, the old Version 9.1 wouldn't leave quietly. To banish it, she had to perform a ritualistic "clean uninstall," hunting down hidden folders in and deleting lingering files from her system path. me4293 download and setup mini refprop for students 24-Sept-2020 —
System Requirements:
Installation Steps:
C:\REFPROP.C:\REFPROP in this example) and find the file setup.exe.setup.exe to run the installation program.Post-Installation Steps:
Troubleshooting:
Before diving into the installation mechanics, it is worth understanding why someone would specifically seek out version 9.1 rather than newer versions (10.0, 9.2, or the current 11.0). The reasons include:
If you need refprop 91 install, you are likely either an academic revisiting legacy coursework, a researcher replicating published results, or an industry veteran maintaining older simulation platforms.
"Seamless integration with Excel via the REFPROP Add-In"
In REFPROP 9.1, one of the most useful installation features is the automatic Excel Add-In setup. After a successful installation, the installer places REFPROP.xla (or .xlam) in the installation folder and can register it with Excel. This allows you to:
=REFPROP("water","T","P",300,101.325,"H")REFPROP 9.1 is a reliable workhorse, but it is aging. If you encounter persistent issues, consider:
C:\REFPROP instead of the default to sidestep permission issues.With careful attention to compatibility mode and environment variables, REFPROP 9.1 will continue to serve as an accurate and indispensable tool for thermodynamic calculations for years to come.
This guide applies to REFPROP Version 9.1 (circa 2013). For the latest updates, please visit the official NIST REFPROP website. Operating System: Windows 10 or later (64-bit), Windows
Guide to Installing NIST REFPROP 9.1 NIST REFPROP (Reference Fluid Thermodynamic and Transport Properties) version 9.1 is a widely used software for calculating the thermophysical properties of industrially important fluids and their mixtures. While it has been officially superseded by REFPROP Version 10
, many researchers and engineers continue to use version 9.1 for consistency with older projects. System Requirements
Before beginning the installation, ensure your system meets these basic requirements: Operating System
: Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, or similar (both 32-bit and 64-bit are supported). Disk Space : Approximately 10–20 MB of available hard disk space. Core Installation Procedure
The standard installation typically involves a setup executable provided by NIST. Run the Installer : Locate your installation file (often named nist2391.exe or found on a provided CD-ROM). Follow the Wizard
: Execute the file and follow the on-screen prompts. The default installation path is usually C:\Program Files\REFPROP
: It is recommended to keep this default path as many external wrappers (like Excel) look for this specific directory. Environment Variables (Optional but Recommended)
: To access REFPROP from other applications, you may need to set specific environment variables:
: Set this variable to point to your main installation directory (e.g., C:\Program Files\REFPROP
: Add the REFPROP directory to your system's "Path" variable to allow the system to locate the REFPROP.DLL Linking REFPROP 9.1 with Microsoft Excel
One of the most common ways to use REFPROP 9.1 is through its Excel Add-in. Locate Add-in Files REFPRP91.XLA REFPROP.xlam is in your main installation folder. Add Trusted Location In Excel, go to
File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Trusted Locations C:\Program Files\REFPROP as a trusted location to ensure macros can run. Activate the Add-in File > Options > Add-ins At the bottom, select Excel Add-ins from the "Manage" dropdown and click Browse to your REFPROP folder and select the Verify the Connection : Test a simple command in a cell, such as =Density("water","TP","SI",300,1) , to ensure properties are being pulled correctly. Troubleshooting Common Issues Answers to Frequently Asked Questions - NIST Pages
Here’s a helpful feature for installing REFPROP 9.1 (assuming you meant version 9.1, since REFPROP 10.x is more common now — but if you meant NIST REFPROP 9.1, the following applies):
By default, the installer suggests:
C:\Program Files (x86)\REFPROP\
| Covers the top ten industries Create a "three-dimensional" observation and measurement system |