5 calorimetric measurements – IKA C 200 User Manual

Page 17

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17

In many cases, however, not just the combus-
tion products referred to in the standards are
produced. In such cases the fuel sample and the
combustion products must be analysed to pro-
vide data for a revised calculation. The standard
calorifi c value is then calculated from the measu-
red calorifi c value and the analysis data. The heat
value Hu is the same as the calorifi c value, minus
the condensation energy of the water contained
in the fuel and formed through combustion. The
heat value is the more important parameter from
a technical point of view because in all major,
technical applications only the heat value can be
evaluated in terms of energy.

The complete bases of calculation for the calori-
fi c and heat value can be found in the relevant
standards (e.g.: DIN 51 900; ASTM D 240; ASTM
D 5865..). They are also contained in the CalWin
calorimeter software.

5.2 Corrections

Due to the nature of the system a combustion
test does not just produce the combustion heat
of the sample, but also heat from external energy
(QExternal).
This can fl uctuate considerably in relation to the
heat quantity of the fuel sample.

The combustion heat of the cotton thread which
ignites the sample and the electric ignition energy
would distort the measurement. This infl uence is
taken into account in the calculation by way of a
correction value.

5.1 Determining the calorifi c value

Combustion is carried out in a calorimeter under
specifi c conditions. The decomposition vessel is
fi lled with a weighed fuel sample, the fuel sample
is ignited and the temperature increase in the ca-
lorimeter system measured. The specifi c calorifi c
value of the sample is calculated as follows:

Ho = (C * DT - QExt1 - QExt2) / m (1)

m

Weight of fuel sample

C

Heat capacity (C-value) of calorimeter system

DT

Calculated temperature increase of water in inner
vessel of measuring cell

QExt1

Correction value for the heat energy generated
by the cotton thread as ignition aid

QExt2

Correction value for the heat energy from other
burning aids

The decomposition vessel is fi lled with pure oxy-
gen (99.95 %) to optimise the combustion pro-
cess. The pressure of the oxygen atmosphere in
the decomposition vessel is max. 30 bar. Formula
(1) for the calorifi c value of a material requires
that combustion takes place under specifi cally
defi ned conditions. The relevant standards are
based on the following assumptions:

• The temperature of the fuel and its combustion

products is 25 °C.

• The water contained in the fuel before combus-

tion and the water formed whilst combusting
the hydrogenous compounds of the fuel is in
fl uid form after combustion.

• The atmospheric nitrogen has not oxidised.
• The gaseous products after combustion consist

of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and sulp-
hur dioxide.

• Solid materials may form (e.g. ashes).

5 Calorimetric measurements

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