How do you predict and identify azeotropes from thermodynamic data?

At azeotrope: y_i = x_i for all components, meaning alpha = 1 (relative volatility equals unity). For binary with modified Raoult's law: gamma_1*P1_sat = gamma_2*P2_sat at azeotrope. Conditions favoring azeotrope formation: similar volatilities (P_sat ratio near 1) and strong non-ideality (gamma values significantly different from 1). To identify: plot y-x diagram (azeotrope where curve crosses diagonal), or solve gamma_1*P1_sat = gamma_2*P2_sat for composition. Can be minimum-boiling (positive deviation) or maximum-boiling (negative deviation, less common).