Fundamentals of engineering thermodynamics: Individual Project

Semester: 2

Thompson’s Calorimeter

By

Index No. Name Marks

210654U Thumara LDK

Date of submission 05/04/2023

Due date of submission 05/04/2023

Advisors’/Instructors’ names, associations and signature

Department of Mechanical Engineering,

Mr.A.I.Elangasinghe
University of Moratuwa

Department of Mechanical Engineering

University of Moratuwa
Sri Lanka
Summary
The principle of the calorimeter is the transfer the heat of combustion of the given mass of fuel
to water and the vessel. The calorific value of a substance is the heat amount released during
the combustion of a specific amount of the substance. From the increase of temperature of the
water and the container the calorific value of the fuel can be calculated. When doing the
practical, taking readings errors can happen. And some amount of heat can be released to the
surrounding that can’t be measured. So there might be slight difference in the calculated value.
Necessary precautions should be taken in order to minimise these errors. However, it’s
important to knowing the calorific value of a fuel.

Table of Contents
Summary ................................................................................................................................ 1

Table of Contents ................................................................................................................... 1

1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 2

2 Theory ................................................................................................................................ 2

3 Material and methods ......................................................................................................... 3

4 Observations ...................................................................................................................... 5

5 Analysis and results ........................................................................................................... 6

6 Discussion .......................................................................................................................... 7

7 Conclusions ........................................................................................................................ 8

8 References .......................................................................................................................... 9

Appendices ............................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

1
1 Introduction
Calorific value is defined as the amount of heat a substance produces after complete
combustion. Calorimeter is used to obtain calorific value.

Objective of the practical is to Determine the calorific value of a given solid fuel. Calorific
value is measured by kJkg-1.

2 Theory
Calorific value of a fuel is the heat absorbed by the 1 kg of the fuel. By measuring the increase
of temperature during the process we can obtain the heat generated during the combustion.

Assume that the heat loss of the system is negligible. Then,

Heat generated by coal = Heat absorbed by water + Heat absorbed by calorimeter

Mass of water = mw
Mass of the calorimeter = mc
Mass of fuel = mf
Calorific value of fuel = cf
Specific heat capacity of calorimeter = cc
Specific heat capacity of water = cw
By using Q= mcϑ,
where ϑ= temperature difference (Tmax – Tmin)
Tmin = Initial temperature
Tmax = Mean value of the maximum temperature observed in the practical and
value obtained from temperature vs time.
Heat generated by fuel = mf cf
mf cf = mw sw ϑ + mc sc ϑ

2
 2KNO3(s) 2 KNO2(s) + O2(g)
2KClO3(s) 2KClO2(s) + O2(g)
Calorific value of fuel = (mw sw
ϑ + mc sc ϑ) x 1000 / mf

3 Material and methods

Materials
· Coal (2g)
· Potassium Nitrate
(KNO3)
· Potassium Chlorate
(KClO3)
· Nitrate
Paper
· Thompson Calorimeter
· Furnace tube
· Thermometer (Digital)
· Stop Watch
· Measuring Cylinder
· Water 2000 ml
· Chemical balance

Procedure
• The coal was provided as the fuel and sample weigh about 2g of it was measured.
• Then, 19.5g of KClO3 and 6.5g of KNO3 were measured.
• Measured coal, KClO3 and KNO3 were mixed thoroughly.
• The mixture was packed into the furnace tube along with a piece of nitrate paper.
• 2000ml of water was filled to the cylinder. Then the temperature of the water was measured.
• The nitrate paper-fuse was ignited and the cover was fixed with the stopcock closed and
quickly lowered into the 2000 ml of water.
3
• At the same instance, the stopwatch was started.
• The thermometer readings were taken every half a minute until the temperature drops by
several degrees.
• When the bubbles stop indicating the end of combustion, the stopcock was opened and the
tube was cleaned using the metal wire provided.
• The water was stirred by moving the calorimeter up and down whilst the temperature readings
were taken.

4
4 Observations
We can observe an increase of the temperature at the beginning, and then temperature slightly
decreased.

5
5 Analysis and results

Mass of calorimeter (mc) = 451.19 g

Mass of mixture = 25.05 g
Actual mass of coal = 1.789 g
Initial temperature of water (Tmin) = 30.9 0C
Specific heat capacity of water (sw) = 4200 Jkg-1K-1
Specific heat capacity of Copper (sc) =450 Jkg-1K-1
Density of water = 1000 kgm-3
Mass of water (mw) = 2 kg
Tmax = 35.6 0C
ϑ = Tmax - Tmin = 35.6 – 30.9 0C = 4.7 0C
Calorific Value of coal = {[(2x 4200) + (0.45119 x 450)] x 4.7} x 10-3 / 1.789 x 10-3 kJkg-1
=
22601 kJkg-1

6
6 Discussion
Method used in correcting for heat lost

In this practical, we assumed that there was no heat loss throughout the practical. But heat is
dissipated by conduction, convention and radiation. We can take actions to minimise the heat
dissipation.

Conduction- by insulating the calorimeter using a thermal insulating material, we can minimise
the heat loss from conduction

Convention – covering the whole system by insulating material.

Radiation – can minimise by polishing the calorimeter surface until it gets shiny. Shiny surfaces
reflect radiation.

After doing above actions, we can assume heat dissipation by radiation is negligible.

Dickinson method of correcting for radiation losses

The Dickinson’s method has been introduced to achieve an accuracy in the results of the
experiment by correcting the calorimetric data obtained from the experiment for the heat losses.

From this method, we can reduce the heat loss from radiation.

Cr = - r1(b-a) – r2(c-b)

Where,
Cr = radiation correction
r1 = rate of rise in temperature per min in the preliminary period.
r2 = rate of rise in temperature per min in the final period.
a,b,c= times at different temperatures

Heat of reaction of Nitrate and Chlorate

Both reactors were used to provide the necessary O2(g) for the combustion.

2KNO3(s) 2KNO2(s) + O2(g) (exothermic)

2KClO3(s) 2KClO2(s) + O2(g) (endothermic)
Since burning KNO3 is exothermic reaction, it releases heat to the system. When KClO3 burns
it absorbs the heat from the system. The weight ratio of KNO3 and KClO3 (6.5: 19.5) balances
the heat released and absorbed. Therefore, we can assume that the heat dissipation of heat
reaction can be negligible.

7
Expected calorific value of coal and the reasons

Expected range – 30500-38000 kJ/kg

In this practical, we obtained the calorific value of coal as 22601 kJ/kg. This value is different
from the expected value. Here are some reasons for discrepancy between 2 answers.

 Errors in measuring weights and time.

 Heat losses during the practical.
 Incomplete combustion of coal.
 Errors in measuring instruments.

The mixture of coal, KClO3 and KNO3 should be mixed thoroughly, otherwise it’s hard to
ignite the mixture.

Other important methods to obtain the calorific value of solid fuels

Bomb calorimeter
Boy’s gas calorimeter
Mercet’s boiler
Separating & throttling calorimeter

Finding Calorific Value of a sample of firewood

First, cut the given sample into small pieces and dry out.
Then grind it into a powder.
Then mix with KNO3 and KClO3 and proceed the same steps mentioned above and calculate
the calorific value.

Heat released from firewood= heat absorbed by water + calorimeter

8
7 Conclusions
Knowing the calorific value of a fuel is important, when it comes to determine the quality of a
fuel.

The calorific value obtained practically may differ from the expected value because of various
reasons. We should try to minimise the effect of heat losses and other possible errors.

By Dickinson’s method the heat loss can be minimised. Proper procedure can lead to highly
accurate results in this practical.

8 References

J. W. THOMAS, “Thomson Calorimeter,” THOMSON CALORIMETER, 12-Jan-2013.

[Online]. Available: https://engipractical.blogspot.com/2013/01/thomson-calorimeter-
experiment-thomson.html. [Accessed: 04-Apr-2023].

M. P, “How to calculate calorific value of fuels?: Combustion: Thermodynamics,”

Engineering Notes India, 23-Jul-2018. [Online]. Available:
https://www.engineeringenotes.com/thermal-engineering/fuels-and-combustion/how-
to-calculate-calorific-value-of-fuels-combustion-thermodynamics/49440. [Accessed:
04-Apr-2023].

C. Gutierrez, “ASTM D 5468- 02,” studylib.es, 23-Aug-2021. [Online]. Available:

https://studylib.es/doc/9095700/astm-d-5468--()2. [Accessed: 04-Apr-2023].

“Calorific value formula and types of calorific value,” Mechtics, 08-Feb-2023. [Online].
Available: https://mechtics.com/energy/calorific-value-formula-and-types-of-calorific-
value/. [Accessed: 04-Apr-2023].