ME – P3

Boy’s Gas Calorimeter

Name : Kavindu Umayanga

Course : Mechanical Eng.
Date of per : 2022.08.29
Date of sub : 2022.09.12
1 Introduction
The energy generated per unit of fuel when burned at a constant pressure with the combustion
products at the same temperature as the reactants is known as a fuel's calorific value (fuel and
air). The higher or gross calorific value (HCV) is calculated if the water in the products is
condensed, and the lower or net calorific value (LCV) is calculated if the water in the products
remains in the vapour phase (or this effect is corrected for). In order to choose the best fuel
for various heat engines, it is crucial to understand the calorific value.

2 Theory
{Volume of the fuel used (27℃, 1atm, 1.023 bar) × HCV}
= {mass of cooling water × Specific heat capacity of water
× temperature increment}

{(HCV − LCV) × Volumeflow rate of the fuel}

= {Mass flow rate of condensate × Latent heat of water}

Where the volume of the fuel used, and the mass of the water are measured over the same
time interval (with the aim of the calculating the mass flow rate)

The latent heat of water at a temperature of 27℃ should be used.

3 Equipment
• Boy’s gas calorimeter
• Manometer
• Thermometers
• Water circuit
• LPG
 Figure 01: Boy’s Gas Calorimeter

4 Procedure
• The gas's volume at this pressure and the surrounding temperature were measured
using a gas meter, while the gas's pressure was determined by a manometer.
• To ensure that the gas pressure passed through the water at a constant pressure, the
meter was levelled with three-foot screws and filled with water to a fixed level.
• Only after the apparatus had been in operation for about 30 minutes were the
observations made to ensure steady conditions.
• After three or four full rotations of the meter pointer, the two-way cup was directed
off. It was placed under the exit tube to collect the circulating water.
• The water was alternately collected in two jars, the thermometers were read at regular
intervals, and the overall test condition was noted.
• The experiment was carried out once more using slightly different gas and water flow
rates.
• Once the system had stabilized, measurements and readings were taken.
5 Observations

6 Calculation
Finding the Corrected volume flow rate of the Gas, V2

𝑃1 𝑉1 𝑃2 𝑉2
=
𝑇1 𝑇2

Where, P1,V1,T1 are the pressure, Volume and temperature at the measured conditions
while P2, V2,T2 are the pressure, Volume and temperature at the standard conditions.

For the Test No1:

Gauge pressure of gas =2H2O mm

=2*10-3*1000*9.81pa

=19.620pa

Atmospheric Pressure = 76.25Hgcm

 =76.25*10-2*13600*9.81

=101729.7pa

=1.017bar

Absolute pressure of the gas =101729.7 + 19.620pa = 101749.32pa

=1.017bar

Substituting values to the above equation,

1.017 ∗ 0.5 1.023 ∗ 𝑉2

=
303.15 300.15

𝑉2 = 0.492𝑐𝑚3 𝑚𝑖𝑛−1

Flow Rate of water = 36.41 ml/s = 36.41 x 10-6 m3s-1

Mass flow rate, m = 36.41 x 10-6 x 1000 kgs-1 = 0.0364 kgs-1

Temperature difference, = 32-28 = 40C

Energy gained by the water, 𝐸 = 𝑚𝑐ꬾ

specific heat capacity of water, c = 4182 J/kg°C

𝐸 = 0.0364 ∗ 4182 ∗ 4

= 609.067𝐽𝑠 −1

Volume of fuel consumed within a second, V2 = 0.5cm3min-1

=5x10-7m3s-1

𝐸 609.067𝐽𝑠 −1
Calorific value of LPG = = = 1218.13𝑀𝐽𝑚−3
𝑉2 5x10−7 𝑚3 𝑠 −1

7 Results
• Flashing point for Diesel = 85oC
• Flashing point for coconut oil = 149.75oC
8 Discussion

I. Why is this lab exercise is useful? Where can the results be used in engineering
design/Industry?
Because there are so many power sources, fuels play a significant role. The fuel
comes in a much wider variety, and it is used in many different places. There must
be some traits used to categorize fuels. The fuel's HCV and LCV values are
important in that process.
We cannot say that the HCV value is always used in applications when we
consider the differences between the HCV and LCV values. However, choice will
change as the application is used. For example, if the condensing water is
problematic and we have a chance to create water steam, we must use LCV rather
than HCV without taking heat loss into account. On the other hand, we can use
LCV states if steam is preferred over liquid water because that is the most
effective method.
The energy that can be extracted from the fuel for a given volume is represented
by the values HCV and LCV, on the other hand. We can use the energy that is
extracted from a unit mass of solid fuel. On the other hand, we can compare
different fuels using these values and choose the best fuel for the situation.
These factors may be used in engineering applications to improve the
effectiveness and design. Additionally, the machine's volume and capacity can be
decreased, the extra expense can be eliminated, and the machine's price can be
decreased with a change in fuel and fuel type. Additionally, by using those values,
the machine's durability can be improved.
In order to compare the effectiveness and lower the cost of the unit energy
produced by the power generation unit, the majority of power plants that use fuels
to produce steam use these values. These data values can also be used to compare
the most popular fuel in engines and other machines.
These data values are used in a variety of engineering applications, including those
for cars, ships, power plants, and aero planes.
II. Is it correct to use the latent heat of steam at 25oC in calculating the lower calorific
value? Why?
Calculating the lower calorific value by using the latent heat of steam at 25 °C
Since latent heat of energy changes with temperature, we can use the latent heat of
steam at this temperature to calculate, but these values will contain some error. In
 order to improve accuracy, it is necessary to use correct values for latent heat in
higher temperatures than those at which we typically conducted practical
calculations. Additionally, during the practical, the temperature fluctuates with the
passing of time. That is another mistake.
III. What are the relative merits of the use of HCV and LCV in power plant thermal
efficiency definition?
When calculating the efficiency of a power plant, combustion efficiency is
typically used, and this has a direct impact on overall efficiency. Efficiency in
combustion is directly related to HCV and LCV. As a result, we must think about
techniques that can extract heat and energy from the fuel and transfer it to the
power plant while minimizing energy waste. Since there is no chance of water
remaining in a liquid state at a power plant due to the higher temperature, LCV
values must be used in the calculations. However, the maximum energy that must
be delivered to the power plant is considered when defining the efficiency of the
power plant, necessitating the use of HCV values.
IV. Are the calorific values from your measurement using the low and high gad flow
rate different with the quoted value in the reference material? Why?
Because fuel partials and oxygen are reacting more quickly and the percentage of
complete combustion is increasing, the energy produced by the fuel is typically
increasing when the source of energy is transferred at a higher mass flow rate or
higher volume rate. In order for calorific values to change as the fuel flow rate is
increased.
Another thing is that we make some assumptions when performing these
calculations because we are unable to maintain constant conditions throughout the
procedure. In essence, we assumed that fuel gas is ideal rather than actual. But this
isn't always the case. Additionally, it is assumed that the calorimeter loses no heat.
Additionally, fuel is completely burned.
The tiny part of the thermometer's divides causes the temperature readings and
volume flow rate readings to change. Low is the lowest count for the measuring
apparatus. Therefore, the measurement will be to blame for the reading error. It is
necessary to use a polished surface on the calorimeter to reduce heat dissipation.
Additionally, insulating materials may be used.
V. What can you conclude from this experiment? Can the experiment set-up be used
to measure the HCV/LCV of other fuels? Why?
In essence, this experimental design can be used to analyze other gaseous fuels but
not to determine the HCV or LCV values in solid fuels. The majority of solid fuels
cannot completely burn under these conditions, which is the main reason. After
burning, some of the combustions and other components of the combustion are left
over. Additionally, liquid fuels like kerosene and patrols will release fuel vapor.
so that some of the fuels that are burning will be removed along with the exhaust
products. The calorific value of solid and liquid fuels can be determined using a
technique known as a bomb type calorimeter.
9 Reference

[1] L. Dilshan, “Boy’s gas calorimeter,” Slideshare.net. [Online]. Available:

https://www.slideshare.net/Lahiru_Dilshan/boys-gas-calorimeter?from_action=save.
[Accessed: 12-Sep-2022].