Net Calorific Value
The net calorific value (often referred to as the lower heating value (LHV) or lower calorific value) assumes that the water component of a combustion process is in the vapour state at the end of combustion, as opposed to the gross calorific value, which assumes that all of the water in a combustion process is in a liquid state after a combustion process.
The net calorific value is more relevant than the gross calorific value when comparing fuels where condensation of the combustion products is impractical, or heat at a temperature below 150 degrees Celsius cannot be put to use.
We follow the methods outlined in European Standard EN 14918:2009 ("Solid biofuels. Determination of calorific value") to determine the net calorific value (on a dry matter basis) from the gross calorific value, which has been determined experimentally using a Parr 6200 bomb calorimeter. This calculation requires determination of the oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen contents of the sample.
We report the net 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 use the calculations outlined in European Standard EN 15296:2011 ("Solid biofuels - Conversion of analytical results from one basis to another") to carry out these conversions.
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Analysis Packages for Net 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 |
P40 Combustion Package |
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| Volatile Matter, Fixed Carbon, Moisture, Ash, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen, Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Chlorine |
Equipment Used for Net Calorific Value Analysis
| Elemental Analyser A Vario MACRO cube elemental analyser is used for the quantification of the Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, and Sulphur content of samples. |
| Bomb Calorimeter We use a Parr 6200 bomb calorimeter to determine the gross and net calorific value (higher and lower heating value) of samples. |
| Muffle Furnace A Nabertherm furnace is used for the determination of the ash content of samples and also in the analytical protocol for determining Klason lignin content. |
Additional Material
We can determine the Net Calorific Value content of biomass, click here to learn more about our various biomass analysis methods.