Kalorimetrier

Kalorimetrier are instruments designed to measure the heat exchanged during chemical reactions or physical processes. They provide a direct measure of energy transfer in joules or calories and are used to determine the caloric value of foods and fuels, as well as to study reaction thermodynamics.

They operate on the principle of calorimetry: a sample is placed in a known heat environment and the resulting temperature change is recorded with sensors. The heat released or absorbed is q = C·ΔT, where C is the calorimeter’s heat capacity.

Common types include bomb calorimeters for combustion in a sealed chamber; differential scanning calorimeters (DSC) that measure heat flow as temperature changes; isothermal titration calorimeters (ITC) for binding energetics; and microcalorimeters for very small samples.

Industrial options such as reaction calorimeters monitor heat output in processes, often at constant pressure. Components typically include a sample chamber, a reference, temperature sensors, a heat sink, insulation, and data acquisition electronics.

Applications range from food energy determination and fuel testing to materials science, chemistry research, and pharmaceutical analysis. Accuracy depends on careful calibration, control of heat losses, and appropriate sample size.

See also: Calorimetry.