Overview
The Bomb Calorimeter is a constant-volume adiabatic calorimeter used to measure the gross (higher) calorific value (GCV) of solid or liquid fuels. A weighed fuel sample is ignited by an electric fuse in a sealed pressurised oxygen atmosphere within the stainless steel bomb, and the heat released raises the temperature of the surrounding water jacket, which is precisely measured. Students apply the energy balance equation to calculate GCV in MJ/kg, determine net calorific value (NCV) by deducting the latent heat of water vapour in combustion products, and compare measured values with standard fuel specifications. The bomb calorimeter is the definitive instrument for fuel quality determination in power plants, laboratories, and fuel testing agencies.
Specifications
| Bomb vessel | stainless steel, 300 mL |
| Oxygen pressure | up to 30 bar |
| Temperature measurement | precision Beckmann thermometer or RTD |
| Temperature resolution | 0.001 degrees C |
| Sample mass | 0.5 to 1.5 g |
| Water jacket capacity | 2 litres |
| Calorific value range | up to 60 MJ/kg |
| Power supply | 220V AC, 50 Hz (ignition circuit) |