Gradient calorimeter

GRADIENT CALORIMETER
  • Calorimeters of this type allow the loss of heat through the walls of the animal chamber.
  • The outer surface of the wall of the calorimeter is maintained at a constant temperature with a water jacket; the temperature gradient is measured with thermocouples which line the inner and outer surfaces of the wall.
  • By the use of appropriate techniques it is possible to measure separately the radiation component of the sensible heat loss.
  • The amount of water vapour added to the air is measured by assessing the rate of airflow and change in humidity .
  • The main advantage of this type of calorimeter is also the accuracy in measurement.
  • The disadvantage is very expensive to construct and complicated to operate.
Last modified: Tuesday, 27 March 2012, 11:31 AM