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Considerations When Using the Bomb Calorimeter Device

Using the bomb calorimeter device, the combustion energies of solid and liquid fuels, waste materials, foods and energetic materials are determined. Combustion process for calorific value determination is carried out by adding sample and suitable gases into the decomposition vessel resistant to high pressure. As a result of the combustion reaction, the calorific value of the samples is determined.

Necessary precautions should be taken when using the bomb calorimeter, since the combustion process is carried out and it works with high pressure.

Precautions should be taken during the preparation of the decomposition vessel to be used and the sample to be analyzed.

The decomposition vessel is the most important and potentially dangerous part of the bomb calorimeter device.


The points to be considered about its use for safe are as follows;

  • The vessel must not be hit. In case of any impact (falling or hitting with an external object), the manufacturer should be contacted, and the hydraulic pressure test be requested to be renewed.

  • The vessel should be leak tested every day (may increase depending on the frequency of use). The vessel should be immersed in a water-filled container with gas filled and bubble formation should be observed. If intense bubble formation is observed, the leak area should be determined, and maintenance should be requested by contacting the manufacturer.

  • All sealing parts inside the vessel should be replaced at regular intervals and checked regularly by applying the specified leak test.

  • The decomposition vessel (calorimeter bomb) must be subjected to a hydraulic pressure test every 5000 analyzes or 2 years as per the standards. The manufacturer should be contacted for pressure testing.

  • The vessel (calorimeter bomb) must be cleaned with distilled water after each analysis. Cleaning to prevent possible corrosion and effects is also important for the analysis results to be reliable.

As Debye Technic, we provide all kinds of safety trainings for the decomposition vessel and offer to our users with the IC 210 Isoperibol Calorimeter, which we designed and produced by Debye Technic. Thanks to the vessel holder we have designed, our users can use the decomposition vessel more safely. In addition, the periodic maintenance times of the vessel (calorimeter bomb) are controlled by us, and our users are contacted for hydraulic pressure tests.

The combustion behavior of the samples to be analyzed is effective in determining the vessel and crucible to be used. According to the characteristics of the samples to be analyzed (corrosive, high-energy or explosive), suitable decomposition vessel and crucibles also correct cleaning are very important. For example, when analyzing samples with high halogen content, corrosive wear may occur on the surface of the vessel and the sealing parts of the calorimeter bomb (vessel) may be damaged. One of the most common samples analyzed using a bomb calorimeter is coal. Before starting the calorific value analysis of coal, the amount of halogen substance in its content (especially chlorine) should be determined. Then, with the selection of the appropriate vessel, the calorific value analyzes are continued. You can visit our website for detailed information about the importance of halogen detection in coal samples and the halogen burning unit that helps to determine the amount of halogen substance.


The points to be considered before starting the analysis are as follows;

  • A specially designed vessel (calorimeter bomb) and crucibles made of material suitable for the sample (metal, quartz, platinum) should be used.

  • Some dry samples may come out of the crucible during combustion (even without an explosion) and complete combustion does not occur. In such cases it is necessary to analyze the sample in a slightly moist state. The moisture value of the sample should also be included in the calculation as a verification value.

  • To facilitate the burning of liquid samples, cotton thread can be tied on the calorimeter ignition wire or cotton thread can be used instead of the ignition wire. However, cotton thread should not be contacted directly with the sample when using highly flammable liquids.

  • The sample to be analyzed with a bomb calorimeter may have high volatile or mineral values. These types of samples are partially difficult to burn. In the combustion process with the calorimeter bomb, it is recommended to carry out the sample in the appropriate capsule.

  • After each analysis, the crucible and the vessel should be cleaned with a cleaning material (pure water, isopropyl alcohol or detergent) suitable for the analyzed sample. Proper cleaning of the vessel (calorimeter bomb) and its parts is important for the accuracy of the analysis results, as poorly cleaned parts can change the heat capacity.


To use the vessel safely and to obtain accurate analysis results, it is necessary to use the appropriate calorimeter bomb (vessel). You can contact us to get information and offer about the appropriate decomposition vessel (calorimeter bomb), crucible supply and correct maintenance of your parts.

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