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Isothermal calorimetry - Microcalorimetry

Isothermal calorimetry, also known as microcalorimetry can be used to study almost any release or consumption of energy. The sensitivity is high and very small amounts of energy fluxes can be measured, because of this, the method is applicable to analyse slow reactions. Examples of slow reactions are: curing and self-heating. Tests made by RISE also shows that the method has a potential when it comes to study aging and decomposition.

Purpose

Microcalorimetry is a direct method to measure release or consumption of heat. The method is precise and sensitive, also for very small energy flows. It is possible to combine the microcalorimetry with analysis of the gas in the headspace, somthing that provides extra information and enables for better conclusions.

Examples of studies that can be made by means of microcalorimetry are:

  • Aging of almost any material e.g. food and polymers
  • Food additives
  • Self-heating and lagging fire
  • Biodegradability
  • Stability tests
  • Decomposition and autocatalysis
  • Slow reactions such as curing

Microcalorimetry can be a precise method with high sensitivity, something that makes it possible to investigate effects a long time prior to accelerating consequences. Microcalorimetry is and efficient tool in order to study effects already in an early stage of a process.

Method

RISE has two different microcalorimeters: TAM Air and TAM III. If desired, tests can be done in an inert
atmosphere or at different moisture concentrations. The microcalorimeters can also be combined with a GC to analyze the gas composition.

Testing in TAM Air involves placing a small quantity of test material (up to a few grams) into a 20 cm3 ampoule which is closed and then lowered into one of the instrument’s eight channels. The ampoule is in contact with a heat flow sensor, which also senses the preset temperature in the instrument. Production of heat in the ampoule as a result of oxidation, biological activity or other exothermic process creates a temperature gradient across the sensor, generating a voltage that is directly
proportional to the thermal process occurring inside the ampoule. The method produces time resolved
results.

TAM III is a development of TAM Air. In TAM III it is possible to vary mositure and oxygen concentration in the headspace. It is also possible to perform tests in a 125 ml ampoule.

Deliveries

The result is summarised by RISE in a written report. The report can be written in Swedish or English.

Ordering

Please contact one of the contact persons to get a quotation.

Facts

Service

Determination of heat production using microcalorimetry

Innovation area

Cement and concrete, Energy, Chemical processes and products, Pharmaceuticals, Material transition, Risk and safety

Price

Price on tender

Preparations

If available, please supply us with a safety data sheet as early as possible.

When the order is placed, the sample to be tested must be sent to RISE in Borås.

Contact person

Mohit Pushp

Forskare

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Contact person

Anders Lönnermark

Enhetschef

+46 10 516 56 91

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