Thermogravimetric analyser

Description
The thermogravimetric analyser manufactured by TA Instruments combined with FTIR gas analysis is mainly used for solid fuels characterisation.

In a TGA, a sample is heated with a programmed thermal history and under controlled atmosphere and the weight loss is continuously monitored. Therefore behaviour of solid fuels both under pyrolysis, in inert atmosphere, and combustion conditions can be studied.

The horizontal balance design is well suited for simultaneous DSC-TG or DTA-TG measurements. DSC stands for "differential scanning calorimetry" and DTA for "differential thermal analysis". DTA measures the temperature difference between a sample and a reference material. DSC is a technique in which the difference in heat flow to a sample and to a reference is measured.

In our set-up is possible to couple the TGA with an FTIR Spectrometer. The outlet of the furnace is connected through a heated line (around 150°C), in Teflon or stainless steel, to the Gas Cell of the FTIR analyzer. In this configuration is possible to monitor the release of gases and volatiles from the sample in the TGA along the thermal profile. Combining this information with the weight loss data a detailed kinetic analysis of the global devolatilization and of the volatiles’ release can be performed.

Specifications
Maximum temperature = 1400°C
Maximum sample weight = 100 mg
Sample weight used in most measurements = 5 - 30 mg
Balance sensitivity = 0.1 microgram
Maximum heating rate = 100 °C/min

A detailed description of this equipment is present in the documents below:

"Biomass fuel characterization for NOx emissions in cofiring applications", PhD Dissertation, Author: G. Di Nola

"Characterization of second generation biomass under thermal conversion and the fate of nitrogen", PhD Disseration, Author: J. Giuntoli

 "Characterisation of supplementary fuels for co-combustion with pulverised coal",  PhD Dissertation, Author: J. M. Heikkinen