Test and calibration processes for microcalorimeters, with special reference to heat conduction instruments used with aqueous systems

Abstract

Calorimeters are normally calibrated by use of electrical heaters, but the calibration values derived may not always be representive for the chemical or biological proces investigated. It is therefore important to have available chemical test processes by whic the electrical calibration values can be controlled. In some cases, electrical calibration should be replaced by chemical calibrations. With particular reference to needs in work with thermopile heat conduction microcalorimeters, a number of test and calibration processes are presented. Some calibration problems for various types of reaction vessel are discussed.