Patent ID: 6157009
Filing Date: 2000-12-05
Classification: B01F,B01J,G01N,H05B

Abstract:
An improved heater control method for a calorimeter apparatus, the calorimeter of the type having an exterior containment vessel, a test cell containing a particular test sample, temperature measurement means for measuring the test sample temperature, heating means for heating the test sample, data acquisition means for recording data, wherein particular test conditions comprise particular test sample mass, particular test sample specific heat, and a particular test sample heat loss model; the improvement comprising a method for heater control during a test, the method comprising:a) initiating a test run with the particular test sample; tuning the heater means in an initial calibration stage to the particular test conditions, said calibration stage having a control loop to tune said heater, said calibration stage determining a heater control equation relating temperature to heater power;b) controlling said heater in a subsequent test stage during said test run with the particular test sample, said test stage using said heater control equation to calculate heater power to be applied; andc) said calibration stage having at least two temperature ramping intervals and at least two adiabatic holding intervals, said calibration stage determining a heater ramping control equation and a heater adiabatic control equation, andd) said test stage controls said heating means with said ramping control equation to ramp the sample temperature until an exothermic reaction is detected, and said test stage controls said heating means with said adiabatic control equation to hold the sample adiabatic after an exothermic reaction has been detected.