ASTM D5865

Determination of the Gross Calorific Value (BTU)

Applicability: This procedure applies to all samples received and analyzed at Conti Testing Laboratories, Inc. (CTL), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for Gross Calorific Value (BTU) of coal, coke, various fuel liquids, alternate fuels, oils, and solids.

Purpose: The purpose of this procedure is to provide a method for the measurement of the BTU value of coal, coke, various fuel liquids and solids using a Parr Isoperibol Calorimeter as a means to classify and determine its potential industrial use. The heat capacity of the calorimeter is determined by burning a specified mass of benzoic acid in oxygen. A comparable amount of the sample is burned under the same conditions in the calorimeter. The calorific value of the sample is computed by multiplying the corrected temperature rise by the heat capacity and then dividing by the sample mass.