Oxygen Bomb Calorimeter

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Oxygen Bomb Calorimeter

• June 8, 2006
• Nathan Kulak
• Brandon Bond
• Dan Arinello
• Ryan Wilcox

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Basics of Bomb Calorimetry

• Bomb utilizes High pressure Oxygen and Electrical
  resistance to initiate combustion of a fuel
  source.
• Bomb is placed into water bath after fuel and
  electrodes are in place.
• Heat Transfer via conduction through bomb will
  heat the water bath.
• Change in water temperature will allow user to
  calculate the Heating Value of fuel source.

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Problems of Old Design

• Poor sealing capability, O-Ring and groove have
  worn.
• Bomb body fatigue from age.

Lead O-Ring
Worn O-Ring Groove
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Objectives

• Create a bomb body with better sealing
  capabilities using flanges.
• Develop a more user friendly assembly and lab set
  up.
• Introduction of interface between Calorimeter and
  new Gas analyzer will enable user to investigate
  the total combustion quality.

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Major Components
High Temperature/Pressure Electrical Feed Through
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PTFE O-Ring
AS568A Dash Number - 238
Good for high temperatures and exposure to
hydrocarbons.
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Major Components
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Re-Design of Bomb

• Change from circular to cylindrical design
• Include quick disconnect for oxygen
  pressurization and gas analyzer interface.
• Higher performance electrode feed through.
• Implementing flanges and socket head cap screws
  in place of threaded body collar.

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Fabrication

• Rapid prototyping.
• CNC Machining of various bomb components.
• MIG Welding of flanges and lower bomb body.
• Hand taps for all threaded systems.
• Overhaul of re-used bomb calorimeter parts.
• Heat treat of bomb body for stress relief.
• Lab set-up including full LabView capabilities

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Testing

• Hydraulic pressure test of completed bomb
• Write full lab instructions for use. Including
  safety instructions and torque settings.
• Full test of bomb and all data acquisition.

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Projected Cost Analysis
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Questions