The gross calorific value (often referred to as the higher heating value (HHV), gross energy or upper heating value) is determined by bringing all the products of the combustion of a sample back to the original pre-combustion temperature, condensing any vapour produced. The gross calorific value takes into account the latent heat of vaporization of water in the combustion products, and is useful in calculating heating values for fuels where condensation of the reaction products is practical.

We determine the gross calorific value according to the procedures outlined in European Standard EN 14918:2009 ("Solid biofuels. Determination of calorific value") and we use a Parr 6200 bomb calorimeter which has been specifically designed to satisfy the requirements of this method.

The determination of the gross calorific value requires a correction based on the sulphur content of the sample.

We report the gross calorific value on a dry-mass basis as well as on an as-received basis and a dry ash-free basis (providing that the ash content and as-received moisture content of the sample have also been determined).

We calculate the Net Calorific Value (often referred to as the Lower Heating Value, LHV) from the Gross Calorific Value and the elemental (ultimate) analysis of the sample.

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Analysis Packages for Gross Calorific Value

The Celignis Analysis Package(s) that determine this constituent are listed below:

P34   Calorific Value and Elements
Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Ash, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen Further Details

P40   Combustion Package
Volatile Matter, Fixed Carbon, Moisture, Ash, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen, Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Chlorine Further Details

P50   Ultimate Combustion Package

Volatile Matter, Fixed Carbon, Moisture, Ash, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen, Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Chlorine, Ash Shrinkage Starting Temperature (Reducing), Ash Deformation Temperature (Reducing), Ash Hemisphere Temperature (Reducing), Ash Flow Temperature (Reducing), Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium Further Details

P393   Biochar Thermal Properties Deluxe

Moisture, Ash Content (815C), Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen, Chlorine, Volatile Matter, Fixed Carbon, Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium, Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Ash Shrinkage Starting Temperature (Reducing), Ash Deformation Temperature (Reducing), Ash Hemisphere Temperature (Reducing), Ash Flow Temperature (Reducing) Further Details

P394   Biochar Thermal Properties Ultimate

Thernogram - Under Nitrogen, Thermogram - Under Air, Moisture, Inherent Moisture, Ash Content (815C), Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen, Organic Carbon, Inorganic Carbon, Chlorine, Volatile Matter, Fixed Carbon, Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium, Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Ash Shrinkage Starting Temperature (Reducing), Ash Deformation Temperature (Reducing), Ash Hemisphere Temperature (Reducing), Ash Flow Temperature (Reducing) Further Details

P399   Biochar Complete Evaluation Package

Thernogram - Under Nitrogen, Thermogram - Under Air, Moisture, Inherent Moisture, Ash Content (815C), Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen, Organic Carbon, Inorganic Carbon, Chlorine, Volatile Matter, Fixed Carbon, Specific Surface Area (Nitrogen Gas Adsorption), Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium, Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Ash Shrinkage Starting Temperature (Reducing), Ash Deformation Temperature (Reducing), Ash Hemisphere Temperature (Reducing), Ash Flow Temperature (Reducing) Further Details

Equipment Used for Gross Calorific Value Analysis

Additional Material

We can determine the Gross Calorific Value content of biomass, click here to learn more about our various biomass analysis methods.