By default, the installer suggests:
C:\Program Files (x86)\REFPROP\
REFPROP 9.1 is a reliable workhorse, but it is aging. If you encounter persistent issues, consider:
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.
While Version 10 is the current standard, REFPROP 9.1 remains in use for legacy compatibility and specific research workflows. The following comprehensive guide details the installation, system configuration, and common troubleshooting steps for setting up REFPROP 9.1. 1. Core Installation and System Requirements
REFPROP 9.1 is designed for Windows environments (XP through Windows 10) and requires approximately 10 MB of hard disk space.
Standard Setup: Run the installer executable (typically from a CD-ROM or digital download from NIST).
Default Path: The program usually installs to C:\Program Files (x86)\REFPROP.
Mini-REFPROP: For educational or student use, a free "Mini" version is available that follows a similar installation wizard process. 2. Linking with Microsoft Excel
Integrating REFPROP 9.1 with Excel is one of its most common use cases, allowing for thermodynamic calculations directly within spreadsheets. Enabling the Add-in: Open Excel and navigate to the Developer tab. Select Excel Add-ins and click Browse.
Locate REFPRP91.XLA in your installation directory (or your user's library for Mac). Ensure the "Refprp91" box is checked in the Add-ins menu. Trust Center Configuration:
To prevent Excel from blocking the DLL, you must add the REFPROP folder as a Trusted Location via File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings.
Code Access: You can view or modify the underlying wrapper code by opening the Visual Basic editor and double-clicking Refprop91Code under the REFPROP/Modules project box. 3. Advanced Integration (Fortran & Python)
Fortran: Users can compile the 27 source files into a single project or create a .lib file for easier linking in Windows environments. Recommended compilers include Intel Fortran or gfortran.
Python Wrapper: Install the official wrapper using pip install ctREFPROP.
Environment Variable: The RPPREFIX variable should point to your installation folder so Python can locate the necessary .DLL and fluid files. 4. Troubleshooting and Version Conflicts
Installing multiple versions of REFPROP can lead to "DLL Hell," where the system calls the wrong version of the calculation engine. Answers to Frequently Asked Questions - NIST Pages
To install NIST REFPROP version 9.1, follow these standard procedures as outlined in the official NIST REFPROP 9.1 User's Guide Installation Steps System Requirements
: Ensure your PC runs a compatible Windows version (98, 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, or later). The program requires approximately of hard disk space. Run the Installer Place the REFPROP CD-ROM in your drive. , and type D:\NIST2391 with your specific CD drive letter). Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup. Default Directory : By default, the software installs to C:\Program Files\REFPROP
. You can change this during setup, but do not manually rename any internal files or subdirectories after installation. Linking with Other Applications Excel Add-in : To use REFPROP in Excel, navigate to File > Options > Add-ins for Excel Add-ins, then C:\Program Files\REFPROP folder to select REFPROP.xlam Environment Variables refprop 91 install
: For some applications (like MATLAB), you may need to set a system environment variable named with the value of your installation path (e.g., C:\Program Files\REFPROP 64-bit Compatibility : Version 9.1 and higher includes REFPRP64.dll , which is necessary for 64-bit applications like the REFPROP CAPE-OPEN Manager Common Troubleshooting Conflicting Versions
: If you have issues upgrading to a newer version (like REFPROP 10), NIST recommends completely uninstalling version 9.1, deleting the installation folder, and clearing out any hidden files in your AppData\Local\VirtualStore directory. Missing Installer
: If you no longer have your original 9.1 installer and need to reinstall, you can contact NIST support at ian.bell@nist.gov for assistance. National Institute of Standards and Technology (.gov) Are you planning to use REFPROP with a specific application like Excel, MATLAB, or Python? Answers to Frequently Asked Questions - NIST Pages
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
REFPROP 91 Installation and Overview
Introduction
REFPROP (Reference Properties) is a comprehensive thermodynamic property database developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). REFPROP 91 is the latest version of this software, which provides accurate and reliable thermophysical property data for a wide range of pure fluids and mixtures. This write-up provides a detailed overview of the REFPROP 91 installation process and its key features.
System Requirements
Before installing REFPROP 91, ensure that your system meets the following requirements:
Installation Steps
Post-Installation
After installation, REFPROP 91 can be launched from the Start menu (Windows) or Applications folder (macOS). The software's graphical user interface (GUI) provides access to various features, including:
Key Features
REFPROP 91 offers several key features:
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues during installation or while using REFPROP 91, consult the NIST support resources:
Conclusion
REFPROP 91 is a powerful tool for calculating thermophysical properties of pure fluids and mixtures. By following the installation steps outlined above, users can easily install and activate the software. With its comprehensive fluid list, accurate property data, and user-friendly interface, REFPROP 91 is an essential resource for researchers, engineers, and students working with thermodynamic properties.
To install NIST REFPROP 9.1 (Reference Fluid Thermodynamic and Transport Properties Database), follow the step-by-step procedures outlined below.
REFPROP is a widely used program developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to calculate the thermophysical properties of pure fluids and mixtures. 🛠️ Step-by-Step Installation Guide Step 1: Obtain the Software
Purchase or download the installer through the official NIST Standard Reference Data Program. Ensure you have your specific license key ready.
Download the executable installation file (usually named REFPROP91.EXE or similar). Step 2: Run the Installer Locate the downloaded installation file on your computer. Right-click the file and select Run as administrator.
Follow the on-screen prompts provided by the installation wizard. Step 3: Choose the Installation Directory Select your preferred destination folder when prompted.
The default path is usually C:\Program Files (x86)\REFPROP or C:\REFPROP. Note this exact file path for future API linking. Step 4: Finalize the Setup Click Finish to complete the software installation.
Restart your computer if the installer prompts you to do so. 💻 Linking REFPROP to Other Software
Once installed, you can link the REFPROP database to external applications like MATLAB, Excel, or Python: Microsoft Excel Linking Open Microsoft Excel on your computer.
Go to Options, click Add-Ins, and select Go... at the bottom.
Click Browse and navigate to your REFPROP installation directory. Select the file named REFBRO32.XLA or REFPROP.XLA. Check the box next to REFPROP and click OK to activate it. Python Integration Open your command prompt or terminal.
Install the ctREFPROP wrapper or use the CoolProp library wrapper.
Point your script directly to the C:\REFPROP directory to call the DLL files. With careful attention to compatibility mode and environment
If you run into any permission errors or cannot find the required .dll files, ensure you are checking the root directory where you originally extracted the program. To help me tailor the next steps for you:
Are you installing REFPROP for standalone use or to link with other software (like Python, MATLAB, or Excel)? Which operating system are you currently using?
The installation of REFPROP 9.1 (Reference Fluid Properties) follows a specific process depending on whether you are using the standalone program or integrating it with Microsoft Excel. Core Installation Steps
To install the base version of REFPROP 9.1, you typically need the original installation media (CD-ROM) or a digital installer purchased from NIST.
Run the Installer: Execute the nist2391.exe or Setup.exe file from your installation source.
Default Directory: The program usually installs to C:\Program Files\REFPROP (or C:\Program Files (x86)\REFPROP on 64-bit systems).
System Requirements: It is designed for Windows environments; older documentation suggests compatibility back to Windows 95/NT, but it remains functional on modern Windows 10/11 systems with proper user permissions. Linking to Microsoft Excel
Integrating REFPROP 9.1 with Excel is one of its most common uses, allowing you to use thermodynamic functions directly in spreadsheets. Trusted Locations:
Open Excel and go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings.
Under Trusted Locations, click Add new location and browse to your REFPROP folder (e.g., C:\Program Files\REFPROP). Add-in Setup: Go to File > Options > Add-ins.
At the bottom, select Excel Add-ins in the "Manage" box and click Go.
Click Browse and locate the REFPRP91.XLA file in your REFPROP folder. Ensure "Refprp91" is checked in the list. Special Cases: macOS and Version Conflicts
macOS Installation: Installing on Mac requires creating specific directory structures in the Group Containers folder for Office and manually copying fluids, mixtures, and the librefprop.dylib file.
Upgrading to Version 10: If you have REFPROP 10 installed, you can still use the 9.1 interface for backward compatibility. NIST provides a specific REFPRP91.XLA patch to help version 10 users run older spreadsheets without changing formula syntax.
Uninstallation Issues: If an installation fails, ensure you run the unins.exe utility in the REFPROP folder to clear registry entries before attempting a fresh install.
Are you planning to use REFPROP 9.1 primarily for Excel macros or as a standalone GUI for fluid property tables?
REFPROP | NIST - National Institute of Standards and Technology
"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: This guide applies to REFPROP Version 9
Some installations ask for a restart to set environment variables (e.g., REFPROP_PATH). If you see the prompt, reboot. If not, skip.
Before beginning the installation, ensure the following: