CAL3K-F Oxygen Bomb Calorimeter System
A HIGHLY EXPANDABLE SYSTEM TO GROW AS YOUR LAB GROWS – The CAL3K-F is a flexible system for low to high throughput without compromising on accuracy and repeatability.
APPLICATION : A flexible system for high to low throughput without compromising accuracy and repeatability. It is used in Food/Feed Analysis, Alternative Energy, Scientific Determinations, Coal and Oil Production, Research and Quality Assurance. In short : wherever the calorific value of a solid/liquid sample must be determined.
CAL3K-F OXYGEN BOMB CALORIMETER SYSTEM
The CAL3K-F conforms to ASTM D5865-12, ASTM D4809-13, ISO 1928-2009, and DIN 51900-2 international standards. The CAL3K-F bomb calorimeter uses the Dynamic (Isoperibol) method to measure temperature and calculate the calorific value.
The heart of the system is the self-locking and sealing bayonet vessel with built-in temperature sensors. The vessel is completely removable for easy sample management, cooling, cleaning and maintenance.
The CAL3K interfaces with different devices, including PC (PC Software), Balance, Printer, LIMS and Bluetooth (Wireless). The unit also integrates fully with software based laboratory and information management systems (LIMS).
The oxygen bomb calorimeter and 3K-2 Air cooler are operated together for effective routine sample determination, using 2 or more bomb vessels. It is recommended to use the air cooler for optimum results and faster throughput. The air cooler can adjusts its program to adapt to your laboratory conditions, allowing for consistent cooling speed.
CAL3K-F APPLICATION
A flexible system that can grow with your needs, upgrading your throughput without compromising on accuracy and repeatability. It is used in Food/Feed Analysis, Alternative Energy, Scientific Determinations, Coal and Oil Production, Research and Quality Assurance. In short : wherever the calorific value of a solid/liquid sample that must be determined, the CAL3K-F will be perfectly suited for the job.
CAL3K-F PERFORMANCE
The CAL3K-F uses a combination of the Dynamic (Isoperibol) method while remaining dry i.e. it is waterless. The minimum determination repetitive cycle time is approximately 6 minutes for the CAL3K-F4 system (fully expanded).
It uses the external oxygen filling station (PART NO : 3K-3).
The fastest performance of 10 determinations per hour was achieved with one CAL3K-F4 with 3 bayonet oxygen bomb vessels, and 2 air coolers. This is a full occupation for a single operator.
SYSTEM EXPANSION
The following system components can be added to the CAL3K-F Oxygen Bomb Calorimeter (or purchased separately at a later stage) :
- CAL3K Air Cooler
- Bayonet Bomb Vessel
COMPLETE CAL3K OXYGEN CALORIMETER SYSTEM
The CAL3K calorimeter requires a PC keyboard to enter commands. The lid design has one shock which opens the lid automatically once the determination is finished. This is really a nifty new feature. The CAL3K-F Oxygen Calorimeter can be supplied in various systems depending on your workload.
The LCD display has 4 lines. The first line shows what theCAL3K is doing at present, e.g. what mode the calorimeter is in and what it is doing.
LCD SCREEN
The second line shows the action the operator should take, e.g. “ENTER MASS, INSERT BOMB”, etc. The third line is reserved for keyboard command and data entry, e.g. Enter benzoic Acid Value in MJ. The fourth line gives additional information relating to faults and actions. If the subject help is activated then all 4 lines are used to display the help functions.
CALORIMETER WELL AND MANUAL FILLING
This is the CAL3K Oxygen Bomb Calorimeter with the lid open. The gas shocks allow for automatic opening. The shocks open the lid to 45°, so that the well can ventilate after each sample determination.
TOP CONTACT – Through the top contact the bomb is fired.
The electronics are located in the rear of the calorimeter. There you will find the firing circuit and the ECU card, which can easily be removed, making maintenance quick and easy.
OPERATOR ASSISTANCE
The CAL3K Calorimeter has some added features which will make the operation of the oxygen calorimeter a lot easier and user friendly. Every step in the determination of the calorific value of the sample has a help screen attached and operator prompts assist with step-by-step instructions to operate the calorimeter.
EVENT LOGGING – The CAL3K-F has 80 plus event classifications and can store a maximum of 6800 logged events. A short summary is available on the D1 port with the statistical output enabled.
DEFAULT PARAMETER FIELD – The default parameters are invoked at every power up. This assures the most important parameters are always used as we have intended.
FAULT AND FIELD TESTING CAPABILITY – The CAL3K-F and vessel each have a factory and a field test built in. The field test allows the operator/user to test the functionality without any instruments or special connections. The factory test is time stamped and visible, but can’t be influenced in the field.
MAX RECORDING
The vessel records the amount of firings, the max temperature and the date and time. The CAL3K-F records the max starting temperature, the max ambient temperature and date/time. It also records the amount of firings, mass firings, bomb aborts, manual fired and suspect result.
REAL TIME (RT) OUTPUT
The real time printer output is available for external data analysis/computation. This feature is used by universities and technicons. The RT printout is available with preceding header and important parameters.
LABORATORY INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (LIMS)
Various output formats are available, with optional result approval from the PC or the keyboard.
| FEATURE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| No Water Required | No water bucket. No measuring. No spillage. |
| Operating Mode | DYNAMIC (Isoperibol) |
| Oxygen Filling | MANUAL |
| 7 Calibration Fields | For different calorimeters and modes |
| Accurate | 0.1% RSD |
| Multiple Communication Channels | 1 Wired (USB) and 2 optional wireless channels |
| User Friendly | User Friendly Operation |
| 10 Calibration Average | For variable amount of calibration average to suit your application |
| Low Power Consumption | Very low power consumption. No temperature controlling required. |
| Eco Friendly | Eco Friendly - small carbon footprint. No water, low power consumption. |
| Temperature Range | Temperature Range from 1°C to 70°C, requires no air-conditioning. |
| Event Logging | Built-in event logging for ±6000 events. |
| Fault Finding | Extensive Fault Finding and Testing. |
| Temperature Accuracy | Temperature accuracy of 10ppm (parts per million) (0.00001°C). |
| Results | Results in MJ/Kg, KJ/g, BTU/Lb or Cal/g. |
| Compensation | Compensation for firing energy and sulphur. |
| Preset Fields | Default set up |
| Guaranteed setup | Only non-sensitive items can be altered |
| Operating Parameters | Most operating parameters can be changed via the USB interface |
| Restrict Access | Operating parameter access is password restricted for sensitive items |
| Large Storage | Up to 300 results storage. |
| Intelligent Vessel | Intelligent Vessel with built-in temperature sensing. |
| Linear Sensors | Linear temperature sensing with platinum sensors. |
| Safety | Continuous internal safety checks guarantee the safety of the operator. |
| Step-by-Step Help | Screen prompts assist with step-by-step instructions to operate the calorimeter. |
| Bayonet Vessel | Self-locking and self-sealing bayonet bomb vessel. |
| Air Cooler | No water required to cool the bomb vessel. |
| Balance Interface | Balance interface with baud speed setting. |
| Improved Initial Timing | Based on drift and time, or time after drift. |
| Full LIMS Support | For the assignment, scheduling, and tracking of samples. |
| Filter Data on Events | Extensive testing and detailed data viewing. |
| Room Temperature Control | No temperature control required. |
| Pressure Sensor / Leak Detection | Detects leaks and aborts the firing in the vent of a leak. |
| Ports | The unit has three available ports. USB and 2 x RS232 ports. |
| Moisture compensation | Report in 'DRY' form |
| Gelatine capsule compensation | Can be enabled for determination of powdery substances |
| Fibre compensation | For Food/Feed analysis |
| Bar Code entry addition | Extra letters/numbers can be added to the SID for the identification of duplicates |
| Specification | Information |
|---|---|
| Working (Operating) Temperature: | 15-70°C |
| Storage Temperature: | 0-70°C |
| Temperature Resolution: | 0.000'001°C |
| Reproducibility/Repeatability: | <0.1% RSD |
| Resolution: | 0.0001 MJ/Kg |
| Results per hour: | Up to 14 samples per hour using 3 bayonet bomb vessels |
| Measuring range max.: | 99Mj |
| Working temperature min.: | 1°C |
| Working temperature max.: | ~50°C |
| Cooling Medium: | Air |
| Type of Cooling: | Airflow |
| Oxygen Operating Pressure Max.: | 40 bar |
| Balance/Scale Interface: | S232, 1200 to 38400 Baud, settable |
| Printer Interface: | RS232, 1.2Kb to 115.2Kb |
| PC Interface: | USB, 2.0 |
| Wireless Interface: | Bluetooth |
| Interface External Keyboard: | PS2 |
| Oxygen Filling: | Manual |
| Degasification: | Manual |
| Halogen (Decomposition) Vessel: | Yes, optional |
| Analysis according to DIN 51900: | Yes |
| Analysis according to ASTM D240: | Yes |
| Analysis according to ASTM D4809: | Yes |
| Analysis according to ASTM D5865: | Yes |
| Analysis according to ASTM E711: | Yes |
| Analysis according to ISO 1928: | Yes |
| Dimensions: | 350mm x 280mm x 240mm |
| Weight: | ~12.000kg |
| Permissible Ambient Temperature: | 1-35°C |
| Permissible Relative Humidity: | 80% |
| Voltage: | 220-240 / 100-120V, 12VDC, 1A |
| Frequency: | 50/60Hz |
| Power Input: | 2.4W |
Animal Feed Research
Food calories are measured in KJ/g, the same as combustible calories. However, the process is different, although the outcome is the same : KJ/g or heat, or calories. Animal feed stock relies on the animal digestion (conversion). A calorimeter burns the lot and measures the released heat. Then a calorimeter can’t be used to measure feed stock?
Coal & Coke Analysis
The coal industry is the traditional application of calorimeters because coal has a variety of properties, apart from being black. If the coal is used for steam generation then the calorific value is of paramount importance. The calorific value, short CV, is a measure of how much heat can be extracted from it.
Explosives Analysis
Only explosives which can be ignited by heat from the calorimeter’s firing circuit can be tested in the oxygen calorimeter. Then very minute/small quantities are used for analysis. The calorific value of an explosive is not very high, but the burning speed is.
Fuel Analysis
As a general rule, volatile fuels are measured very seldom because they are very consistent. However, if the fuel absorbs water, then frequent analysis is called for. Volatile fuel such as alcohol must be prevented from evaporating during the handling process that is from weighing to ignition of the sample.
Food & Nutrition Analysis
Here is an example of food calories from www.scientificamerican.com. As the article says : “The method of using a combustion calorimeter to measure food calories is not frequently used today. However, after some considerations it can, and is, used today for checking the production quality of food.” Let’s look at the details.
Oil Analysis
Oils are a non-volatile substance. In general they are not measured frequently because they are very consistent and uniform. Other oil properties are more important than the calorific value, such as taste or viscosity. If an oil is measured in an oxygen calorimeter, then the procedure would be the same as a solid substance.
Universities
Simple, we at Digital Data Systems (DDS) have been making calorimeters for the last 40 years. We have a wealth of technical knowledge and calorimeter experience second to none. We are continuously improving our systems with the latest technology as it becomes available, allowing the students to work on a cost effective, easy to use…
Waste Product Analysis
Heating energy is being dumped on our municipal landfill sites. Our landfill sites are being clogged by plastic waste, which battle to bio-degrade over time. Alternative options for managing plastic waste has been identified as mechanical recycling, cement kilns, power station and energy recovery by incineration. Having plastic on landfill sties should be the last option.
CAL3K-F OXYGEN BOMB CALORIMETER – SYSTEM OPTIONS
ENTRY-LEVEL SYSTEM – F1
The entry level CAL3K-F Calorimeter System is the equivalent to the ECO Calorimeter and includes the following :
- 1 x CAL3K-F Calorimeter
- 1 x Manual Oxygen Filling Station
- 1 x CAL3K Bayonet Bomb Vessel
This option DOES NOT include the air cooler.
SAMPLES PER HOUR : 2 samples per hour
DETERMINATION TIME : 10 minutes determination time per sample
BASIC SYSTEM – F2
The basic CAL3K-F Calorimeter System is the equivalent to the E2K Minimum System and includes the following :
- 1 x CAL3K-F Calorimeter
- 1 x Air Cooler
- 1 x Manual Oxygen Filling Station
- 1 x CAL3K Bayonet Bomb Vessel
SAMPLES PER HOUR : 4 samples per hour
DETERMINATION TIME : 10 minutes determination time per sample
STANDARD SYSTEM – F3
The standard CAL3K-F Calorimeter System is the equivalent to the E2K Standard System and includes the following :
- 1 x CAL3K-F Calorimeter
- 1 x Air Cooler
- 1 x Manual Oxygen Filling Station
- 2 x CAL3K Bayonet Bomb Vessel
SAMPLES PER HOUR : 7 samples per hour
DETERMINATION TIME : -10 minutes determination time per sample
ADVANCED SYSTEM – F4
The advanced CAL3K-F Calorimeter System is the equivalent to the CAL2K Calorimeter System (with water cooler) and includes the following :
- 1 x CAL3K-F Calorimeter
- 2 x Air Coolers
- 1 x Manual Oxygen Filling Station
- 3 x CAL3K Bayonet Bomb Vessel
SAMPLES PER HOUR : 9+ samples per hour
DETERMINATION TIME : -6 minutes determination time per sample
CAL3K-AP CALORIMETER
The CAL3K-AP is best suited for a clean and well maintained laboratory with a requirement for very fast an accurate results. The CAL3K-AP Calorimeter uses a combination of the Isothermal and Adiabatic methods, while still using the dry method, i.e. it is waterless.
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CAL3K-U CALORIMETER
The CAL3K-U is the University Edition in the CAL3K range, mainly suited for universities and educational institutions. It is best suited for a production environment which requires robust, fast, and accurate results. The CAL3K-U Calorimeter can be used in the following educational areas : Thermodynamics Teaching, Combustion Energy of non-gaseous substances, Safety, Research and Quality Control.
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CAL3K-A CALORIMETER
The CAL3K-A is best suited for a production environment with shared oxygen supply (to other users) and robust handling. One external oxygen filling station can service multiple CAL3K Calorimeter Systems. The DDS Calorimeters range can be used to determine the calorific value of solid and liquid combustibles including oil, coke, volatile fuels, biomass, plastic, coal, animal feeds and food stuffs.
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