The series CR-100 Microcalorimeters provide an accurate measurement of radioisotope heat release rates.

PRINCIPLE

The thermal gradient calorimeter transfers all the heat developed in a reaction to its surrounding heat sink at a constant temperature.  The calorimeter walls thermoelectrically transduce sample  heat release into an electrical signal which is directly proportional to the energy  release of the source. Transient as well as steady state energy releases may be measured.

FEATURES

• Whole body heat release measurements
• Microwatt to kilowatt sample output
• High sensitivities and repeatability
• Linear output
• Transient and steady state response
• Wide temperature range
• Simple “In-situ” recalibration
• No excitation required

SPECIFICATIONS

Sample chamber volume range……….1 in³ to any required volume
Sensitivities……….To 5 milliwatts per millivolt
Temperature range……….Cryogenic to 600 F
Response Time……….10 sec. to 10 min
Vacuum……….to 10^-6 torr.
Output impedance……….10 Ohm to 7500 Ohm
Accuracies……….To 0.5%
Repeatability……….0.01%
Power Supply……….Not required
Materials……….Aluminum, stainless steels, copper, composites

CALIBRATION

Each calorimeter is calibrated at a base temperature of 70°F by a known, electrical heat source in thermal equilibrium with the system.

The calibration constant is expressed in terms of wattage input versus millivolt output. A temperature correction curve is also supplied for use at elevated temperatures.

APPLICATIONS

The CR-100 Series calorimeters are designed to measure both microcaloric and megaocaloric heat release from pure or mixed radioisotopes. The magnitude of the generated signal is linearily proportional to the mean intensities of the sample.

Other applications include: physical, chemical and biological thermogenesis, specific heats, heats of fusion and reaction.

MICROWATT DETERMINATIONS

To measure microwatt heat flow accurately, it is necessary to provide a stable, cooling environment. However, most constant temperature cooling baths exhibit small fluctuations, which may generate signals the same order of magnitude as those produced by the sample. To avoid this large noise to signal ratio, a temperature compensated enclosure has been developed (Fig. 4). This double cup system contains both an active and passive chamber having matched sensitivities in opposition. Thus, spurious, external temperature fluctuations are compensated for, and only the heat release from the sample source is detected.

COMPENSATED MICROCALORIMETER SPECIFICATIONS

Sample chamber series……….1″ – 8″ Dia. x 1″ – 72”
Sensitivity……….to 5 milliwats per millivolt
Materials……….Aluminum, composites, Semi-conductor elements
Calibration……….1% Acc.
Sample chamber matching……….Within ½%
Internal resistance……….10 to 7500 Ohm
Readout required………. Millivolt potentiometer/Recorder
Environmental requirements……….Ambient temperature operation/Constant temperature bath

STANDARD MODELS, SINGLE CHAMBER

Models CR-100-1 and CR-100-2 are also available for 600 F operating temperature at reduced sensitivities.

OTHER ITI THERMAL INSTRUMENTS

Thermal Conductivity Apparatus, Heat Flux Meters, HEAT-PROBE™, Accelerator target Calorimeters, Radiometers, Thermal Flux Standards.