Bomb Calorimeter

AMI uses a LECO AC-500 for our bomb calorimeter. It is an isoperibolic system.

The calorific value of a sample is determined by combustion of the sample in a controlled environment. The heat released is proportional to the calorific value of a substance. In this system, a 1g sample is placed in a combustion vessel and pressurized with oxygen. The combustion vessel is surrounded by water and the sample is ignited. The temperature of the water is monitored (heat released from sample combustion) and this is converted into the calorific value. Corrections can be made for the combustion of the fuse, nitrogen, sulfur, hydrogen, moisture, and ash.

Typical methods include:

• ASTM D5865
• ASTM D4208