Versatile macroscale heat flow calorimeter for the study of chemical processes

• Published in: Review of scientific instruments 1986-12, Vol.57 (12), p.3034-3042
• Main Authors: Stockton, Gerald W., Ehrlich‐Moser, Susan J., Chidester, Dale H., Wayne, Richard S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Catalysis; Catalysts: preparations and properties; Catalytic reactions; Chemistry; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; General. Nomenclature, chemical documentation, computer chemistry; Theory of reactions, general kinetics; Theory of reactions, general kinetics. Catalysis. Nomenclature, chemical documentation, computer chemistry
• ISSN: 0034-6748; 1089-7623
• DOI: 10.1063/1.1138988

A novel macroscale calorimeter has been designed and fabricated for the purpose of evaluating the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of chemical reactions, especially those associated with industrial manufacturing processes. This calorimeter includes provisions for isothermal and temperature‐programmed operation over a wide range of temperatures, simultaneous or sequential addition of several reagents, and variable‐rate agitation. The metal reaction vessel can be removed from the main housing of the calorimeter, permitting the use of vessels made from various materials for optimum corrosion resistance. Heat transfer takes place only through the base of the vessel, ensuring that the thermal efficiency remains independent of the sample volume. A novel computer control algorithm provides precise control of the reaction temperature, as well as low‐noise measurement of heat flux. The observed detection threshold is 50 mW and a heat flux of several hundred watts can be dissipated. Provisions for simultaneous measurement of other properties, such as pH, make the calorimeter especially useful for small scale piloting of chemical processes.