Experiment No.

TEST OF OXYGEN BOMB CALORIMETER: OBTAINING THE CALORIFIC VALUE OF FUEL

Course Code: ME 410 Program: BSME

Course Title: ME LAB 2 Date Performed: January 24, 2024

Section: ME41S3 Date Submitted: February 26, 2024

Members: 1. Chicote, John Christopher Instructor: Engr. Jhon Rhoy Lantaca

2. Lazaro, Jeremy Martin

3. Pastoral, Angelo Rheyson

4. Tresvalles, Arnie Rose

1. Objective:

The activity aims to demonstrate how to determine the calorific value of different types of fuel.

2. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):

The students shall be able to:

2.1 Perform the procedure of operating an oxygen bomb calorimeter.
2.2 Determine the calorific value of different types of fuel.
2.3 Develop professional work ethics, including precision, neatness, safety and ability to follow
instruction.

3. Discussion:

Calorimetry is a fundamental test of great significance to anyone concerned with the production or
utilization of solid or liquid fuels.

One of the most important tests in the evaluation of materials, which are burned, as fuels, is the
determination of the heat of combustion, or calorific value. These measurements can be made in the Bomb
Calorimeter Set for Testing Calorific Value of Fuels, TBCF.

The Bomb Calorimeter is a classic device used to determine the heating or calorific value of solid and liquid
fuel samples at constant volume. Basically, this device burns a fuel sample and transfers the heat into a
known mass of water. From the weight of the fuel sample and temperature rise of the water, the calorific
value can be calculated. The calorific value obtained in a bomb calorimeter test represents the gross heat
of combustion per unit mass of fuel sample. This is the heat produced when the sample burns, plus the
heat given up when the newly formed water vapor condenses and cools to the temperature of the bomb.
Determining calorific values is profoundly important; fuels are one of the biggest commodities in the world,
and their calorific value.

The Bomb Calorimeter study is carried out to gain a better understanding of the working principles behind
the bomb calorimeter and also to find out the gross calorific values of different types of liquid fuel.

Description:

The unit comprises the calorimeter, a calorimeter vessel, an outer double walled water jacket, control unit
to switch on/off the stirrer and the ignition device, a Beckman type thermometer, and charging unit with
pressure gauges to facilitate the charging of the calorimeter with oxygen. The particular features of the
calorimeter bomb are the method of sealing and the method of ensuring ignition. The calorimeter vessel
and outer jacket wall are manufactured in stainless steel. The calorimeter bomb is a container made of
stainless steel that can support high pressures. It is sealed by a screw top. The bomb is charged with gas
(oxygen) through the filling valve. This bomb is introduced inside a calorimeter vessel made of stainless
steel that is filled with water, and at the same time it is introduced inside a double walled water jacket.

The rod of the calorimeter supports a metallic crucible. The calorimeter bomb, which contains the fuel
sample to be burned, is hermetic to the gas by closing the filling valve and its cover. Combustion is started
through a thin wire that is red hot-heated up momentarily due to the passing of an electrical current that
flows through an isolated terminal and the rod, which is electrically connected to the cover.

The water in the calorimeter vessel is agitated automatically with a stirrer driven by a small motor. The top
of the double walled jacket is closed with a cover that has some orifices. A Beckman thermometer to
measure the temperature of the calorimeter vessel passes through one of these orifices. Other orifices are
used to fasten the jacket to the cover. Also, one of these holes is used to insert the wire that supplies the
electric current to the rod. The unit includes a control unit that switches on/off the stirrer and the ignition
device through the heating up of the thin wire, and a load unit with pressure gauges to make the filling with
oxygen of the calorimeter easier.

Specifications:

Calorimeter for testing calorific value of fuels, including:

1. Main metallic elements in stainless steel.
2. Diagram with a distribution of the elements similar than the one in the real unit.
3. Calorimeter bomb.
4. Calorimeter vessel. Characteristics:
o Stainless steel
o Maximum volume: 4 liters.
5. Double walled outer jacket in stainless steel, with water inlet and outlet.
6. Electric stirrer with one rod and two blades. Characteristics: 330rpm.
7. Control unit to switch on/off the stirrer and the ignition device
8. Beckman thermometer. Range: 6ºC.
9. Charging unit with pressure gauges.
10. One nickel crucible.
11. Reel of Nickel-Chrome wire.
Dimensions: ____________________________________

Volume: _____________________

Weight: _____________________

Electrical Supply: ______________________________

Heat Exchange Medium: _______________________

Type of Fuel Used: ___________________________

Theoretical Consideration:

Almost all chemical reactions adsorb or release energy, generally as heat. Heat is the thermal energy
transfer between two bodies whose temperatures are different. “Heat flow” from a hot body to a cold one is
frequently mentioned. Generally, “absorbed heat” or “released heat” is used to describe the energy
changes that take place during a process.

Reactions that take place during a process can be endothermic, if they absorb heat, or exothermic, if they
release heat. Endothermic changes are expressed with a positive sign, and exothermic changes with a
negative sign, according to the first law of thermodynamics. The enthalpy change occurred in the direct
reaction is exactly opposed in the inverse reaction. This thermal effect is the same regardless whether the
reaction takes place in one or several stages. The magnitude of the change depends on the composition,
the physical state of the reagents and products and the stoichiometric expression.

Thermal changes can happen at constant pressure or at constant volume and are expressed with the
following equations:

∆H = qp = 0

∆E = qv = 0

Where: ∆H represents the enthalpy change and ∆E represents the energy change. The ∆H can be
experimentally determined by measuring the heat flow that accompanies a constant pressure reaction, and
the ∆E a constant volume.

Heat changes of physical or chemical processes are measured with a calorimeter, which is a closed vessel
specifically designed for that purpose. The calorimetry study, that is to say, the measurement of heat
changes, depends on the understanding of specific heat and heat capacity. The specific heat (c p) of a
substance is the amount of heat required to increase one Celsius degree the temperature of one gram of
the substance. The heat capacity (Q) of a substance is the amount of heat required to increase one Celsius
degree the temperature of a certain amount of substance. The relationship between the heat capacity and
the specific heat of a substance is:
Q = mcp
Where m is the mass of the substance in grams and cp is the specific heat of a substance

The Heat of Combustion and Its Determination:

Fuels are those substances predominantly containing carbon, or carbon and hydrogen, or carbon,
hydrogen and oxygen, which are utilized for the energy they produce upon union with oxygen. The products
of combustion are carbon dioxide, water and other oxides. The amount of heat given out in a chemical
reaction depends on the conditions under which the reaction is carried out. The standard heat of reaction is
the heat released when the reaction is carried out under standard conditions: pure components, pressure
(1 atm.) and temperature, usually but not necessarily, at 25ºC.

The Heat of Combustion (Calorific Value or Heat Value) of a compound is the standard heat of reaction for
complete combustion of the compound with oxygen. The terms higher calorific value (HCV) and lower
calorific value (LCV) are used, respectively, to distinguish the cases in which any water formed is in the
liquid or gaseous phase. The two calorific values are related as follows:

HCV = LCV + (mw x LH)

Where mw is the mass of water produced per unit mass of fuel and LH is the latent heat of evaporation of
water.

The Bomb Calorimeter:

The heat of combustion is a required value in the design of any type of combustion system. There are two
methods for its determination – one by calculation based on the chemical composition and other by actual
combustion in a bomb calorimeter. For fuels with complex chemical formulae, it is more reliable and simpler
to evaluate the heat of combustion by doing a bomb calorimeter test. Further, if there is any doubt in the
composition and structure of a fuel or the formula for calculating the heat of combustion, it may prove more
reliable to perform the bomb calorimeter test, as it is a direct measure of the heat of combustion.

Bomb calorimeters for rapid combustion are composed of a combustion chamber (bomb) and a calorimeter
vessel, usually a cylinder surrounding the bomb and containing a known quantity of water. The elevation in
temperature of that water will be measured. The combustion is made in oxygen, pure or diluted.
Combustion chambers are either under a constant pressure or with a constant volume. The results
obtained with a calorimeter of constant volume are not exactly the same as those obtained with constant
pressure, but for solid or liquid substances the difference is too small to consider.
 Set of Bomb Calorimeter

The instrument consists of (1) the bomb; (2) the water container where the bomb is placed and (3) a
surrounding compartment of temperature controlled water. The bomb is a small cylindrical pressure vessel
with a tight fitting head clamped on the external face of the bomb by a screw cap, a port for a pressure
relief valve and two ports for the two electrodes. The material to be combusted is placed in a metal cup that
is suspended in the bomb by two supports that also are part of the electrical circuit containing the fuse wire.
The fuse wire spans across the top of the metal cup. When current is passed through the fuse wire, it heats
up rapidly and ignites the fuel.

The bomb is placed in a container with a known amount of water, together with an agitator and a
thermometer. The agitator is used to maintain a uniform temperature in the water and aids the heat transfer
from the bomb. The thermometer measures the water temperature (its range is from 24°C to 30°C with
0.01°C accuracy). There is an air gap between the water vessel and the water jacket, which is an excellent
heat insulator. When the calorimeter is running, the temperature of the calorimeter body is automatically
maintained at the same temperature than that of the water container that holds the bomb. This provides an
adiabatic condition and, thus, no heat is transferred to or from the container of water, except from the heat
released in the bomb.

4. Materials and Equipment:

 Bomb Calorimeter Set for Testing Calorific Value of Fuels, TBCF
Different kinds of fuels

5. Procedure:

1. Prepare the fuel sample by placing it in a crucible and weighing it on a balance. Ensure that the
weight of the fuel does not exceed 1.1 g. Note down the weight of the fuel sample (mf) and
place the crucible containing the fuel gently in the loop holder. When starting tests with new or
unfamiliar materials, it is always best to use samples of less than 0.7 of a gram, with the
possibility of increasing the amount if a preliminary test indicates no abnormal behavior.

2. The bomb head has been pre-attached with a 10 cm long fuse wire between the two electrodes.
Bend the fuse wire down just above the liquid fuel sample. The wire must not make contact with
the fuel crucible. To attach the fuse to quick-grip electrodes, insert the ends of the wire into the
eyelet at the end of each stem and push the cap downward to pinch the wire into place. No
further threading or twisting is required.

3. It is not necessary to submerge the wire in a powdered sample. In fact, better combustions will
usually be obtained if the loop of the fuse is set slightly above the surface. When using pelleted
samples, bend the wire so that the loop bears against the top of the pellet firmly enough to keep
it from sliding against the side of the capsule.

4. Care must be taken no to disturb the sample when moving the bomb head from to the
calorimeter bomb. Check the sealing ring to be sure that it is in good condition and moisten it
with a bit of water so that it will slide freely into the body of the calorimeter bomb, then slide the
head into the bomb and push it down as far as it will go. Set the screw cap on the bomb and
turn it down firmly by hand to a solid stop. When properly closed, no threads on the bomb
should be exposed.

5. Oxygen for the bomb can be drawn from a standard commercial oxygen cylinder. Connect the
regulator to the cylinder, keeping the 0-55 atm. in an upright position.

The pressure connection to the bomb is made with a slip connector on the oxygen hose which
slides over the gas inlet fitting on the bomb head. Slide the connector onto the inlet valve body
and push it down as far as it will go.

Close the outlet valve on the bomb head; then open or “crack” the oxygen tank valve not more
than one-quarter turn. Open the filling connection control valve slowly and watch the gage as
the bomb pressure rises to the desired filling pressure (30 atm.); then close the control valve.
The bomb inlet check valve will close automatically when the oxygen supply is shut off, leaving
the bomb filled to the highest pressure indicated on the 0 - 55 atm. Release the residual
pressure in the filling hose by pushing downward on the lever attached to the relief valve. The
gage should now return to zero.

6. Fill the calorimeter vessel by first taring the empty vessel; then add 3700 grams of water. Note
the exact mass of the water.

7. Introduce the bomb calorimeter inside the calorimeter vessel. Handle the bomb carefully during
 this operation so that the sample will not be disturbed.

8. Check the bomb for leaks before firing. If any gas leakage is indicated, no matter how slight, DO
NOT FIRE THE BOMB. Instead remove it from the water bath; release the pressure and
eliminate the leak before proceeding with combustion test.

9. Fill the jacket with water.

10. Put the cover on the jacket. Turn the stirrer by hand to be sure that it runs freely and start the
motor. Install the Beckman thermometer; this thermometer should be immersed in water and
not close to the bomb.

11. Let the stirrer run for at least 5 minutes to reach equilibrium before starting a measured run.

12. The scanning of the temperature data is pre-set to be done once a minute. At the start of the
5th minute, fire the charge by pressing the firing button on the control unit, keeping the circuit
closed for about 5 seconds.

13. The vessel temperature will start to rise within 20-30 seconds after firing. This rise will be rapid
during the first few minutes; then it will become slower as the temperature approaches a
stable maximum as shown by the typical rise curve shown in Figure. Accurate time and
temperature observations must be recorded to identify certain points needed to calculate the
calorific value of the sample.
 14. Usually the temperature will reach a maximum; then it will drop very slowly. But this is not
always true since a low starting temperature may result in a slow continuous rise without
reaching a maximum. As stated above, the difference between successive readings must be
noted and the readings continued until the rate of the temperature change becomes constant
over a period of 5 minutes.

15. After the last temperature reading, stop the stirrer. Let the bomb stand in the calorimeter
vessel for at least 3 minutes. Then, remove the jacket cover and extract the bomb
calorimeter. Wipe the bomb with a clean towel.

16. Open the valve knob on the bomb head slightly to release all residual gas pressure before
attempting to remove the screw cap. This release should proceed slowly over a period of not
less than one minute to avoid entrainment losses. After all pressure has been released,
unscrew the cap; lift the head out of the cylinder. Do not twist the head during removal. Pull it
straight out to avoid sticking. Examine the interior of the bomb for soot or other evidence of
incomplete combustion. If such evidence is found, the test will have to be discarded.

17. Remove all unburned pieces of fuse wire from the bomb electrodes.

18. On completion of experiment, wash all inner surfaces of the bomb and the combustion
crucible with a jet of distilled water and collect the washings. Keep the bomb set dry and
clean with some wiping tissue.

6. Data and Results:

Method of Obtaining the Calorific Value from the Obtained Data:

To illustrate the method of working out the calorific value, the following example of a test is given:

Weight of fuel oil = Weight of crucible and fuel sample - Weight of crucible
 Total equivalent weight of water = Weight of water in calorimeter + Water value of unit

Time and Temperature Readings:

Time Thermometer Readings
(minutes) (°C)
0 11.7

1 12.5

2 13

3 13.3

4 13.6

5 13.9

6 14.1

7 14.3

8 14.4

9 14.6

10 14.7

11 15.7

12 16.3

Radiation Correction:

The radiation correction is calculated from the knowledge of the rates of change of temperature of the water
before igniting the fuel sample and after the attainment of the maximum temperature.

Let:

n= number of minutes between the ignition and the attainment of the maximum temperature

tf = rate of temperature fall in degrees per minute at the end of the exercise
 tr = rate of temperature rise in degrees per minute at the beginning of the exercise.

Then the radiation correction is:

Radiation Correction = n x tf + (tf - tr)/2

This is an approximation to the Renault-Stohman-Pfaundler formula, and is sufficiently accurate for all
purposes other than research.

Photo Documentation:
7. Data Analysis and Conclusion:

Initial condition:
Mass of Benzoic = 1.065 g
8. Assessment Rubric:

TIP-VPAA–054D
Revision Status/Date:0/2009 September 09

TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES

RUBRIC FOR LABORATORY PERFORMANCE

CRITERIA BEGINNER ACCEPTABLE PROFICIENT SCORE

1 2 3
Laboratory Skills
Manipulative Members do not Members occasionally Members always
Skills demonstrate needed demonstrate needed demonstrate needed
skills. skills. skills.
Experimental Members are unable to Members are able to Members are able to
Set-up set-up the materials. set-up the materials set-up the material with
with supervision. minimum supervision.
Process Members do not Members occasionally Members always
Skills demonstrate targeted demonstrate targeted demonstrate targeted
process skills. process skills. process skills.
 Safety Members do not follow Members follow safety Members follow safety
Precautions safety precautions. precautions most of the precautions at all
time. times.
Work Habits
Time Members do not finish Members finish on time
Members finish ahead
Management/ on time with incomplete with incomplete data.of time with complete
Conduct of data. data and time to revise
Experiment data.
Cooperative Members do not know Members have defined Members are on tasks
and their tasks and have no responsibilities most of and have
Teamwork defined responsibilities. the time. Group responsibilities at all
Group conflicts have to conflicts are times. Group conflicts
be settled by the cooperatively managed are cooperatively
teacher. most of the time. managed at all times.
Neatness and Messy workplace during Clean and orderly Clean and orderly
Orderliness and after the workplace with workplace at all times
experiment. occasional mess during during and after the
and after the experiment.
experiment.
Ability to do Members require Members require Members do not need
independent supervision by the occasional supervision to be supervised by the
work teacher. by the teacher. teacher.
Other Comments/Observations:
TOTAL SCORE

RATING= x 100%
Experiment No. 2

TEST OF OXYGEN BOMB CALORIMETER: DETERMINATION OF THE WATER VALUE OF THE UNIT
Course Code: ME 410 Program: BSME
Course Title: ME LAB 2 Date Performed: January 29, 2024
Section: ME41S3 Date Submitted: February 26, 2024
Members: 1. Chicote, John Christopher Instructor: Engr. Jhon Rhoy Lantaca
2. Lazaro, Jeremy Martin
3. Pastoral, Angelo Rheyson
4. Tresvalles, Arnie Rose

1. Objective:

The activity aims to demonstrate how to determine the water value of the oxygen bomb calorimeter by
burning a weighed sample of a fuel of known calorific value.

2. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):

The students shall be able to:
2.1 Perform the procedure of operating an oxygen bomb calorimeter.
2.2 Determine the water value of the oxygen bomb calorimeter
 2.3 Develop professional work ethics, including precision, neatness, safety and ability to follow
instruction.

3. Discussion:

To measure the heat of combustion, a known mass of a compound is placed on a calorimeter bomb at
constant volume. It is filled with oxygen to approximately 25atm. The closed bomb is immersed in a known
amount of water. The sample is electrically ignited and heat generated by the combustion reaction can be
calculated accurately when recording the water temperature increase. Heat released by the sample is
absorbed by the water and by the calorimeter. The special design of the calorimeter bomb makes us consider
that there are no heat (or mass) losses to the surroundings during the time measurements are carried out. As
a consequence, it can be said that the calorimeter bomb and the water where it is immersed constitute an
isolated system. Due to the fact that no heat enters or leaves the system during the process, it can be stated
that:
Qsystem = Qwater + Qbomb + Qreaction = 0

4. Materials and Equipment:

1. Bomb Calorimeter Set for Testing Calorific Value of Fuels, TBCF

2. Different kinds of fuels

5. Procedure:

1. Prepare the fuel sample by placing it in a crucible and weighing it on a balance. Ensure that the
weight of the fuel does not exceed 1.1 g. Note down the weight of the fuel sample (mf) and place
the crucible containing the fuel gently in the loop holder. When starting tests with new or unfamiliar
materials, it is always best to use samples of less than 0.7 of a gram, with the possibility of
increasing the amount if a preliminary test indicates no abnormal behavior.

2. The bomb head has been pre-attached with a 10 cm long fuse wire between the two electrodes.
Bend the fuse wire down just above the liquid fuel sample. The wire must not make contact with
the fuel crucible. To attach the fuse to quick-grip electrodes, insert the ends of the wire into the
eyelet at the end of each stem and push the cap downward to pinch the wire into place. No further
threading or twisting is required.

3. It is not necessary to submerge the wire in a powdered sample. In fact, better combustions will
usually be obtained if the loop of the fuse is set slightly above the surface. When using pelleted
samples, bend the wire so that the loop bears against the top of the pellet firmly enough to keep
it from sliding against the side of the capsule.

4. Care must be taken no to disturb the sample when moving the bomb head from to the calorimeter
bomb. Check the sealing ring to be sure that it is in good condition and moisten it with a bit of
water so that it will slide freely into the body of the calorimeter bomb, then slide the head into the
bomb and push it down as far as it will go. Set the screw cap on the bomb and turn it down firmly
by hand to a solid stop. When properly closed, no threads on the bomb should be exposed.
5. Oxygen for the bomb can be drawn from a standard commercial oxygen cylinder. Connect the
regulator to the cylinder, keeping the 0-55 atm. in an upright position.

The pressure connection to the bomb is made with a slip connector on the oxygen hose which
slides over the gas inlet fitting on the bomb head. Slide the connector onto the inlet valve body and
push it down as far as it will go.

Close the outlet valve on the bomb head; then open or “crack” the oxygen tank valve not more
than one-quarter turn. Open the filling connection control valve slowly and watch the gage as the
bomb pressure rises to the desired filling pressure (30 atm.); then close the control valve. The
bomb inlet check valve will close automatically when the oxygen supply is shut off, leaving the
bomb filled to the highest pressure indicated on the 0 - 55 atm. Release the residual pressure in
the filling hose by pushing downward on the lever attached to the relief valve. The gage should
now return to zero.

6. Fill the calorimeter vessel by first taring the empty vessel; then add 3700 grams of water. Note the
exact mass of the water.

7. Introduce the bomb calorimeter inside the calorimeter vessel. Handle the bomb carefully during
this operation so that the sample will not be disturbed.

8. Check the bomb for leaks before firing. If any gas leakage is indicated, no matter how slight, DO
NOT FIRE THE BOMB. Instead remove it from the water bath; release the pressure and eliminate
the leak before proceeding with combustion test.

9. Fill the jacket with water.

10. Put the cover on the jacket. Turn the stirrer by hand to be sure that it runs freely and start the
motor. Install the Beckman thermometer; this thermometer should be immersed in water and not
close to the bomb.

11. Let the stirrer run for at least 5 minutes to reach equilibrium before starting a measured run.

12. The scanning of the temperature data is pre-set to be done once a minute. At the start of the 5th
minute, fire the charge by pressing the firing button on the control unit, keeping the circuit closed
for about 5 seconds.

13. The vessel temperature will start to rise within 20-30 seconds after firing. This rise will be rapid
during the first few minutes; then it will become slower as the temperature approaches a stable
maximum as shown by the typical rise curve shown in Figure. Accurate time and temperature
observations must be recorded to identify certain points needed to calculate the calorific value of
the sample.

14. Usually the temperature will reach a maximum; then it will drop very slowly. But this is not always
true since a low starting temperature may result in a slow continuous rise without reaching a
maximum. As stated above, the difference between successive readings must be noted and the
readings continued until the rate of the temperature change becomes constant over a period of
5 minutes.

15. After the last temperature reading, stop the stirrer. Let the bomb stand in the calorimeter vessel
 for at least 3 minutes. Then, remove the jacket cover and extract the bomb calorimeter. Wipe
the bomb with a clean towel.

16. Open the valve knob on the bomb head slightly to release all residual gas pressure before
attempting to remove the screw cap. This release should proceed slowly over a period of not
less than one minute to avoid entrainment losses. After all pressure has been released,
unscrew the cap; lift the head out of the cylinder. Do not twist the head during removal. Pull it
straight out to avoid sticking. Examine the interior of the bomb for soot or other evidence of
incomplete combustion. If such evidence is found, the test will have to be discarded.

17. Remove all unburned pieces of fuse wire from the bomb electrodes.

18. On completion of experiment, wash all inner surfaces of the bomb and the combustion crucible
with a jet of distilled water and collect the washings. Keep the bomb set dry and clean with
some wiping tissue.

Safety Precautions:

Combustion with oxygen in a sealed bomb is a very effective and reliable method for releasing all heat energy
obtained from a sample and for preparing hydrocarbon compounds and carbonaceous materials for analysis.
However, there are certain precautions which must always be observed when using this unit:

 Do not overcharge the bomb with too much sample or with a sample that might react with
explosive violence.

 Do not overcharge the bomb with too much oxygen. The initial charging pressure should not
exceed 40 atm.

 Do not fire the bomb alone on an open bench without providing a protective cooling medium.
The bomb should be completely submerged in water during firing.

 Because of the risk of explosion, it is strongly recommended to locate the firing point and the
oxygen cylinder outside the room or in safety enclosure containing the calorimeter.

 Do not fire the bomb if gas bubbles are released from any point on the bomb when it is
submerged in water.

 Do not ignite a volatile sample without using one of the sealed sample holders.

 Keep the bomb in good condition at all times. Any parts that show signs of weakness or
deterioration must be replaced immediately.

 Read the maintenance and safety instructions before starting to use the bomb.

 Screw caps and cylinders are stamped so that each cylinder and screw cap can be identified
as a matched set. It is recommended to maintain the match of cylinders and screw caps for
 safety and ease of use.

 To depressurize the calorimeter bomb, open the relief valve slowly until there is no gas
inside.

Method of Preparing and Testing Fuels:

Liquid fuels such as boiler oil, diesel oil or gasoline are homogeneous in the sense that repeated tests of the
fuel taken from a sample will return the same result for the calorific value, within very narrow limits. With coal
or other fuels in which considerable variation may occur, it is essential that the sample should be very finely
ground before any part of it is used for a determination of the calorific value. The degree of agreement
between successive tests will depend on the fineness of the grinding as well as on the variation occurring
throughout the sample tested.

When carrying out a test on coal, some of the ground fuel is briquetted, and a piece of the briquette so formed
is cut off and weighed. The weight should be of the order of one gram, although slight variations from this
weight do not matter. It is essential that the weight be obtained accurately if consistent results are desired.
Some coals when dry will not briquette satisfactorily, and the sample used for the test will then have to be in
powder form. Dry powdered coal absorbs moisture freely and the weighing of the sample should be carried
out as rapidly as possible. When a determination of the moisture present in the coal is made, the calorific tests
may be carried out on the fuel without previously drying it. Then, the calorific value of the dry fuel can be
calculated from the knowledge of the moisture content of the fuel.

In testing gasoline or similar fuels in a bomb calorimeter the rate at which the fuel burns at the moment of
ignition causes a difference of pressure on the top and bottom of the crucible. If the crucible is not supported,
other than by the cradle, it is usually broken by being forced through the cradle. This may be prevented by
standing the silica ware crucible in a nickel crucible, which in turn rests on the cradle. With this arrangement,
providing that the weighing and transference of the crucible to the bomb after weighing are done quickly in
order to avoid loss of the weighed sample by evaporation, tests can be carried out quickly and satisfactorily.
Gelatin or benzoic acid pellets may also be employed for liquid fuels.

Design Notes:

The bomb has only two parts, the body and the base, which are screwed together manually. When there is a
gas pressure in the bomb, it is impossible to unscrew the body from the base, so that this possible danger is
avoided. The external surface of the bomb is arranged to be practically self-drying when lifted out of the water.
The instrument has been designed to make the carrying out of the test as simple and easy as possible.

If possible, the unit should be installed in a room where temperature variations are small. It should not be
placed in a position where direct sunshine may reach it. The bomb calorimeter is an instrument of precision,
and should be treated as such.

Before putting it away, the bomb should be washed out with water and thoroughly dried. Threads should not
be allowed to become dirty or damaged. When starting a test, let the stirrers be in action two or three minutes
before taking any temperature reading. This enables the unit to settle down, and the changes of temperature
due to radiation, etc. per unit of time will be uniform then.
Filling the Bomb:

When attaching the union nut from the oxygen supply system to the inlet stem of the bomb, keep the bomb
upright. A violent displacement of the bomb may cause some of the fuel sample to be thrown out of the
crucible, and so the test will be nullified. If during the filling of the bomb the pressure is allowed to rise much
above the desired value, shut off the oxygen supply and open the discharge valve slightly to release the
oxygen; then close the discharge valve and fill to the correct pressure. Opening this valve wide may disturb
the sample of fuel in the bomb. Always use the same pressure: 31.5 kg/cm2 (450lb/in2).

Briquetting Fuels:

It is customary to briquette solid fuels to avoid the risk of some of the fuel being thrown out of the crucible
which occasionally happens with finely-ground fuel. The pressure required to briquette a powdered coal or
similar fuel depends on the fuel itself and on the moisture present in the fuel. Finely-ground dry coal is not
easy to briquette, and the pressure required is considerable. The briquette produced should be such that it
can be handled without breaking or crumbling. One end of the briquette is appreciably harder than the other
and the softer end is the more suitable for use. This is particularly so when the fuel tested is dry. Suitable
lengths for test may be separated from the briquette with a knife. The end surfaces of the briquette in contact
with the ignition wire should be rough. Scraping the briquette with a knife produces the kind of surface
required.

Care of valves and jointing washers:

Wash rings in clean cold water after each trial to prevent deposits of products from the combustion in the
bomb adhering to rings. Keep rubber ring joint washers out the bomb when not in use. The release valve only
requires the slightest nip of the spanner after finger tightening to make the bomb gas-tight. Wash and dry the
bomb carefully after use.

6. Data and Results:

The water value of the unit is usually determined by burning a weighed sample of a fuel of known calorific
value. Such a fuel must be pure, and the use of resublimed naphthalene or benzoic acid is recommended.
The calorific value of the resublimed naphthalene is 9630 calories per gram and the calorific value of the
benzoic acid is 6318 calories per gram.

About 0.9 gr. of naphthalene is weighed out in a crucible after being briquetted and rapidly transferred to the
bomb to prevent any loss of sublimation.

A test is carried out in the usual way and the corrected temperature rise obtained. Then if:

w = Water value of unit in grams.

t = Corrected temperature rise.
W = Weight of water in calorimeter vessel.
y = Weight of naphthalene sample in grams.

(W + w) x t = y x 9630
 w = (y x 9630)/t - W

In determining the water value several tests should be carried out and a mean value obtained. The following
example illustrates the method used:

Weight of naphthalene = Weight of crucible and naphthalene - Weight of crucible

Weight of water in calorimeter vessel = 2268 grams

Volume of water placed in the bomb = 15 cc.

Time and Temperature Readings:

Time Thermometer Readings (°C)
(minutes)
0 16.0

1 16.3

2 16.6

3 16.7

4 17.0

5 17.2

6 17.3

7 17.5

8 17.9

9 18.2

10 -

11 -
 12 -

Radiation Correction:

The radiation correction is calculated from the knowledge of the rates of change of temperature of the water
before igniting the fuel sample and after the attainment of the maximum temperature.

Let:

n= number of minutes between the ignition and the attainment of the maximum temperature

tf = rate of temperature fall in degrees per minute at the end of the exercise

tr = rate of temperature rise in degrees per minute at the beginning of the exercise.

Then the radiation correction is:

Radiation Correction = n x tf + (tf - tr)/2

This is an approximation to the Renault-Stohman-Pfaundler formula, and is sufficiently accurate for all
purposes other than research.
Photo Documentation:
7. Data Analysis and Conclusion:

Initial Conditions:
Mass of Benzoic = 0.617 g
Mass of water bomb = 15.287 g

Final Conditions:
Mass of Benzoic = 0 g
Mass of water bomb = 14.996
8. Assessment Rubric:
TIP-VPAA–054D
Revision Status/Date:0/2009 September 09

TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES

RUBRIC FOR LABORATORY PERFORMANCE

CRITERIA BEGINNER ACCEPTABLE PROFICIENT SCORE

1 2 3
Laboratory Skills
Manipulative Members do not Members occasionally Members always
Skills demonstrate needed demonstrate needed demonstrate needed
skills. skills. skills.
Experimental Members are unable to Members are able to Members are able to
Set-up set-up the materials. set-up the materials set-up the material with
with supervision. minimum supervision.
Process Skills Members do not Members occasionally Members always
demonstrate targeted demonstrate targeted demonstrate targeted
process skills. process skills. process skills.

Safety Members do not follow Members follow safety Members follow safety
Precautions safety precautions. precautions most of the precautions at all times.
time.
Work Habits
Time Members do not finish Members finish on time Members finish ahead
Management/ on time with incomplete with incomplete data. of time with complete
Conduct of data. data and time to revise
Experiment data.
Cooperative Members do not know Members have defined Members are on tasks
and their tasks and have no responsibilities most of and have
Teamwork defined responsibilities. the time. Group responsibilities at all
Group conflicts have to conflicts are times. Group conflicts
be settled by the cooperatively managed are cooperatively
teacher. most of the time. managed at all times.
Neatness and Messy workplace during Clean and orderly Clean and orderly
Orderliness and after the workplace with workplace at all times
experiment. occasional mess during during and after the
and after the experiment.
experiment.
Ability to do Members require Members require Members do not need
independent supervision by the occasional supervision to be supervised by the
work teacher. by the teacher. teacher.
Other Comments/Observations: TOTAL SCORE

RATING= x 100%
Experiment No. 3
 DETERMINATION OF HEAT LOSS DUE TO COOLING WATER
IN AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE (ICE)

Course Code: ME 410 Program: BSME

Course Title: ME LAB 2 Date Performed: February 5, 2024

Section: ME41S3 Date Submitted: February 26, 2024

Members: 1. Chicote, John Christopher Instructor: Engr. Jhon Rhoy Lantaca

2. Lazaro, Jeremy Martin

3. Pastoral, Angelo Rheyson
4. Tresvalles, Arnie Rose

1. Objective:

The activity aims to show the process on how to determine the heat loss due to cooling water using the
gasoline engine

2. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):

The students shall be able to:

2.1 Explain the process in determining the heat loss due to cooling water in an internal combustion
engine (ICE).
2.2 Determine the heat loss due to cooling water in an internal combustion engine (ICE).
2.3 Develop professional work ethics, including precision, neatness, safety and ability to follow
instruction.

3. Discussion:

The efficiency and life of an engine depends upon how well it is cooled. The average temperature of burned
gases in the combustion chamber of an air-cooled engine is about 3,600 F.

About a third of the heat is carried away by the cooling system. Various sheet metal parts surrounding the
air-cooled engine direct the flow of cooling air. The exhaust system carries away another third of the heat.
That which remains is used to produce engine power.

Loss of heat through the cylinder walls to the cooling system reduces the temperature from 1,200  F to
approximately 350 F. This drops to 100 F by the time it reaches the outer edges of the cooling fins.

Water is an excellent medium for cooling engines. It is inexpensive, readily available and absorbs heat well.
Some small engines are water-cooled because they are used in or around a water source. The outboard
engine is typical of a relatively small water-cooled engine.

Water-cooled engines, in general, are made with a double wall surrounding the cylinder. This is called a
water jacket. A small pump keeps the water in circulation. The water circulating through the jacket absorbs
the heat of combustion and carries it away from the engine.

Gasoline Engine

Parts of an Internal Combustion Engine

4. Materials and Equipment:

Gasoline Engine
Analog Thermometer
Infrared Thermometer
Timer
Vernier Caliper
Sling Thermometer
PPE

5. Procedure:

1. Inspect the engine set-up. Ensure that there are enough fuel in the tank and cooling water in the
radiator.
2. Check the oil level in the engine using the dip stick.
3. Measure the diameter of intake and discharge pipes of the radiator.
4. Start the engine and wait until the engine reaches a stable condition.
5. Using the sling thermometer, record the atmospheric temperature.
6. Insert the thermometer along the intake and discharge pipes of the radiator. Record the temperature
readings.
7. Simultaneously, insert the thermometer in the exhaust pipe of the flue gas line. Record the exhaust gas
temperature.
8. Calculate the heat loss due to cooling water and exhaust gas in an internal combustion engine (ICE)
using the following formula.

Qw =mw c p ( T f −T i )

where:
Qw = heat loss due to cooling water, kW
mw = mass flow of cooling water, kg/s
cp = specific heat of water at constant pressure, 4.187 kJ/kg.K
Tf = temperature of water leaving the engine, K
Ti = temperature of water entering the engine, K

6. Data Analysis and Conclusion:

For the radiator, temperature of cooling water entering the engine = _____________________
Specific weight of cooling water = ________________________

Diameter of intake pipe = 9.7 mm

Diameter of discharge pipe = ____________________
For every interval of 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

Temperature of Cooling Water

Intake Pipe Discharge Pipe

Initial Condition 25 31
Trial 1 111.4 609
Trial 2 135.0 614
Trial 3 136.4 611
Trial 4 129.6 605
Trial 5 133.6 603
Trial 6 132.8 604

Trial Heat Loss due to Cooling Water

1
2
3
4
5
6

Note: cp = 1 kJ/kg.K of flue gas

Photo Documentation:
7. Assessment Rubric:

TIP-VPAA–054D
Revision Status/Date:0/2009 September 09

TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES

 RUBRIC FOR LABORATORY PERFORMANCE
CRITERIA BEGINNER ACCEPTABLE PROFICIENT SCORE
1 2 3
Laboratory Skills
Manipulative Members do not Members occasionally Members always
Skills demonstrate needed demonstrate needed demonstrate needed
skills. skills. skills.
Experimental Members are unable to Members are able to Members are able to
Set-up set-up the materials. set-up the materials set-up the material with
with supervision. minimum supervision.
Process Members do not Members occasionally Members always
Skills demonstrate targeted demonstrate targeted demonstrate targeted
process skills. process skills. process skills.

Safety Members do not follow Members follow safety Members follow safety
Precautions safety precautions. precautions most of the precautions at all
time. times.
Work Habits
Time Members do not finish Members finish on timeMembers finish ahead
Management/ on time with incomplete with incomplete data. of time with complete
Conduct of data. data and time to revise
Experiment data.
Cooperative Members do not know Members have defined Members are on tasks
and their tasks and have no responsibilities most of and have
Teamwork defined responsibilities. the time. Group responsibilities at all
Group conflicts have to conflicts are times. Group conflicts
be settled by the cooperatively managed are cooperatively
teacher. most of the time. managed at all times.
Neatness and Messy workplace during Clean and orderly Clean and orderly
Orderliness and after the workplace with workplace at all times
experiment. occasional mess during during and after the
and after the experiment.
experiment.
Ability to do Members require Members require Members do not need
independent supervision by the occasional supervision to be supervised by the
work teacher. by the teacher. teacher.
Other Comments/Observations:
TOTAL SCORE
RATING=

x 100%