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ASTM D240 - Heat of Combustion of Liquid Hydrocarbon Fuels by Bomb Calorimeter

Significance and Use

5.1 The heat of combustion is a measure of the energy available from a fuel. A knowledge of this value is essential when considering the thermal efficiency of equipment for producing either power or heat.

5.2 The heat of combustion as determined by this test method is designated as one of the chemical and physical requirements of both commercial and military turbine fuels and aviation gasolines.

5.3 The mass heat of combustion, the heat of combustion per unit mass of fuel, is a critical property of fuels intended for use in weight-limited craft such as airplanes, surface effect vehicles, and hydrofoils. The range of such craft between refueling is a direct function of the heat of combustion and density of the fuel.

Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the heat of combustion of liquid hydrocarbon fuels ranging in volatility from that of light distillates to that of residual fuels.

1.2 Under normal conditions, this test method is directly applicable to such fuels as gasolines, kerosines, Nos. 1 and 2 fuel oil, Nos. 1-D and 2-D diesel fuel and Nos. 0-GT, 1-GT, and 2-GT gas turbine fuels.

1.3 This test method is not as repeatable and not as reproducible as Test Method D4809.

Extracted, with permission, from ASTM D240-19 - Heat of Combustion of Liquid Hydrocarbon Fuels by Bomb Calorimeter, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard may be purchased from ASTM International, astm.org