IKA C 5000 Controlled-Mode Calorimetry System with C5003 Measurement Unit and C5010 Standard Bomb
| Key | Brand: IKA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | C 5000 Controlled-Mode Configuration 2/10 |
| Certification | DIN 51900, ASTM D240, ISO 1928, BSI compliant |
| Automation Features | Auto-filling, temperature regulation & draining of water jacket |
| Software | C5040 CalWin (data acquisition, calculation, audit trail, GLP-compliant reporting) |
| Accessories Included | C5000 control unit, C5003 measurement unit, C5010 standard combustion bomb, C5004 heat exchanger |
Overview
The IKA C 5000 Controlled-Mode Calorimetry System is a high-precision, modular oxygen bomb calorimeter engineered for accurate determination of gross calorific value (GCV) in solid and liquid fuels, biomass, waste-derived fuels, and other combustible materials. Unlike conventional fixed-mode calorimeters, the C 5000 implements a true tri-mode measurement architecture—supporting adiabatic (14–18 min), isoperibol (isothermal, ~22 min), and dynamic (rapid, ~10 min) operation without hardware reconfiguration. This flexibility enables laboratories to optimize throughput and accuracy per sample matrix and regulatory requirement. The system operates on the principle of precise thermal energy quantification via controlled combustion in a sealed, high-pressure oxygen atmosphere, followed by highly sensitive temperature monitoring of a calibrated water jacket. Its robust mechanical design, integrated thermal management, and compliance with internationally recognized standards ensure traceable, reproducible results suitable for accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025.
Key Features
- Tri-mode operational capability: Adiabatic, isoperibol, and dynamic modes selectable via software—no manual hardware adjustments required.
- Fully automated water handling: Integrated pump and valve system performs automatic filling, temperature equilibration, and drainage of the outer water jacket.
- Intelligent bomb management: C5010 standard combustion bomb features RFID-based auto-recognition; oxygen charging is pneumatically controlled and pressure-regulated to 30 bar.
- Modular scalability: Single C5000 control unit supports expansion from one to two independent measurement units (e.g., C5003), enabling parallel analysis or redundancy planning.
- DIN 51900, ASTM D240, ISO 1928, and BSI-compliant thermal calibration and validation protocols embedded in firmware.
- C5004 precision heat exchanger ensures stable thermal equilibrium across extended measurement cycles and ambient fluctuations.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The C 5000 accommodates a broad range of sample types—including coal, coke, petroleum products, plastics, foodstuffs, and refuse-derived fuel (RDF)—within the C5010 stainless-steel combustion bomb (max. 1 g solid or 1 mL liquid). Optional C14-compatible crucibles allow adaptation for specialized organic combustion applications. All operational sequences adhere to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) requirements: full electronic audit trail, user authentication, parameter locking, and timestamped result archiving are enforced through CalWin software. Data integrity complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when configured with electronic signatures and role-based access controls. Routine calibration verification follows certified benzoic acid standards traceable to NIST or PTB reference materials.
Software & Data Management
The C5040 CalWin software serves as the central interface for instrument control, real-time thermogram visualization, and standardized calculation per ISO 1928 Annex A. It provides intuitive workflow navigation, customizable report templates (PDF/CSV/XLSX), and configurable pass/fail criteria based on repeatability limits (e.g., ≤0.2% RSD for duplicate coal samples). All raw sensor data—including thermistor voltage, oxygen pressure, stirrer RPM, and jacket temperature—are logged at ≥1 Hz resolution. Audit logs record operator ID, method version, calibration status, and any parameter override—ensuring full traceability during internal audits or external inspections. Remote monitoring and scheduled calibration reminders further support laboratory quality management systems.
Applications
- Quality control in power generation: Routine GCV testing of coal blends, biomass pellets, and alternative fuels per ASTM D5865 and EN 14918.
- Waste-to-energy facilities: Energy content assessment of municipal solid waste (MSW) and industrial sludge prior to incineration.
- Research & development: Combustion efficiency studies, fuel formulation optimization, and calorimetric characterization of novel biofuels.
- Regulatory compliance: Reporting to environmental agencies requiring ISO 1928–compliant net calorific value (NCV) derivation.
- Academic laboratories: Teaching thermodynamics principles and hands-on training in standardized combustion calorimetry protocols.
FAQ
What standards does the C 5000 comply with for fuel calorimetry?
The system meets DIN 51900, ASTM D240/D5865, ISO 1928, and BS EN 14918 for gross and net calorific value determination.
Can the C 5000 be upgraded from single- to dual-measurement configuration after purchase?
Yes—the C5000 control unit is designed for field-upgradable expansion to support a second C5003 measurement unit using the same software license and CalWin interface.
Is CalWin software validated for regulated environments?
CalWin 5040 supports 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when deployed with Windows domain authentication, electronic signatures, and enabled audit trail logging.
What maintenance is required for long-term accuracy?
Annual verification with certified benzoic acid, quarterly inspection of O-rings and bomb threads, and biannual calibration of the thermistor and pressure transducer are recommended per IKA’s maintenance schedule.
Does the system support integration with LIMS?
Yes—CalWin exports structured data via CSV and supports OPC UA connectivity for direct integration into laboratory information management systems.
