Bomb calorimetry is an essential technique for determining calorific values across a wide range of applications, including coal, fuel oils, gasoline, combustible waste, food, construction materials, explosives, and more. The method measures the heat of combustion by comparing the energy released from a sample to that of a standard reference material. During the test, the sample is combusted in a high-pressure oxygen environment inside a sealed metal pressure vessel, known as the bomb. The released energy is absorbed by the surrounding system, and the resulting temperature increase is accurately recorded.
Every bomb calorimeter consists of four core components:
- an insulating jacket to minimize thermal disturbances,
- a bucket with a stirring mechanism to hold the bomb and water,
- the bomb, where combustion takes place,
- a thermometer to measure temperature changes precisely.
Different calorimeter models integrate these components with varying levels of technological sophistication to match specific analytical requirements."
Calorimeter Design Features
Isoperibol Calorimetry
An isoperibol calorimeter, such as the Model 6400 and 6200 Calorimeters, maintains a constant temperature in the surrounding jacket while allowing the temperatures of the bomb and bucket to rise as heat is released during combustion. These systems use a microprocessor-based controller to continuously monitor and correct temperature differences between the bucket and the jacket, ensuring accurate and stable measurements throughout the test.
Continuously Compensated Calorimetry
The Parr 6100 and 6050 Calorimeters apply a real-time, continuously compensated approach to isoperibol calorimetry. The jacket temperature is actively adjusted based on the temperature difference between the bucket and the jacket.
This method delivers results comparable to conventional isoperibol calorimetry, although it does not reach the same level of temperature uniformity as systems equipped with a circulating water jacket.
Compensated Calorimetry
The Parr 6772 Calorimetric Thermometer, when used with the 1341 or 6725 Calorimeters, applies an alternative approach to emulate isoperibol calorimetry. It precisely measures heat leakage during the calorimetric pre-period to estimate the average temperature of the surrounding environment.
This value is then used for heat-leak correction throughout the experiment, delivering results comparable to non-electronic thermometry and traditional manual calorimetric methods—without additional hardware investment.
Model 6400 Automatic Isoperibol Calorimeter
Designed for laboratories requiring high throughput, the Model 6400 features a closed-loop cooling subsystem and the highest level of automation in bomb calorimetry.
Its patented Quick Twist-Lock vessel closure allows a single operator to run up to four instruments simultaneously, maximizing productivity.
Model 6200 Isoperibol Calorimeter
The Parr 6200 is the most widely used calorimeter in the range. Its removable bomb and bucket design makes it ideal for high-precision quality control and R&D applications.
Multiple bomb configurations are available, extending application flexibility.
Model 6100 Compensated Jacket Calorimeter
The Parr 6100 uses a real-time, continuously corrected calorimetric method originally developed by Parr.
This approach delivers excellent accuracy and is well suited for coal testing, waste analysis, refuse-derived fuels, and similar applications.
Model 6050 Compensated Jacket Calorimeter
The Model 6050 is the first Parr calorimeter designed for direct control via a personal computer.
This compact, cost-effective system combines a static jacket with automated oxygen filling, offering a strong balance between performance and affordability.
Model 1341 Plain Jacket Calorimeter
A reliable and economical solution, the 1341 supports the same wide range of solid and liquid combustible samples as more advanced systems.
Its simple design makes it suitable for low-throughput testing, sample screening, and educational laboratories.
Model 6725 Semimicro Calorimeter
The 6725 Semimicro Calorimeter is a compact static jacket system designed for very small sample sizes.
It is particularly well suited for marine biology research and applications where sample availability is limited.
Model 6755 Solution Calorimeter
The 6755 Solution Calorimeter is intended for laboratories measuring enthalpy changes from chemical reactions in solution.
Model 6765 Combination Calorimeter
For laboratories requiring both solution calorimetry and semimicro oxygen bomb calorimetry, the 6765 Combined Calorimeter provides a flexible solution.
It includes the 6772 Calorimetric Thermometer, a calorimeter module, and conversion components for both the 6755 and 6725 systems.
This configuration is particularly popular in teaching laboratories.
Conversion Sets
The 6729 and 6759 Conversion Sets allow users to add a second calorimetric capability to an existing system.
Model 6772 Calorimetric Thermometer
The 6772 is a high-precision temperature measurement system compatible with Models 1341, 6725, and 6755.
It includes an ignition firing system and stirrer motor output.
PARR CALORIMETER SELECTION GUIDE
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From the advanced 6400 Automatic Isoperibol Calorimeter with the 1138 Oxygen Bomb to the 1341 Plain Jacket Calorimeter using the industry-standard 1108 Oxygen Bomb, Parr delivers quality, reliability, and world-class support.
What is an oxygen bomb calorimeter?
An oxygen bomb calorimeter measures the gross calorific value of a sample by burning it in pressurised oxygen inside a sealed vessel. The heat released causes a measurable temperature rise, which is used to calculate the sample’s energy content.
Applications of Parr calorimeters
Parr calorimeters support fuel testing, industrial quality control, research and university teaching. Typical applications include:
- Fuels and energy: coal, coke, liquid fuels, biomass and solid biofuels.
- Waste and recovered fuels: combustible waste, refuse-derived fuels and solid recovered fuels.
- Industrial materials: construction materials, polymers and other combustible products.
- Food and feed research: gross energy measurements for nutrition studies.
- University teaching: calorimeter calibration, combustion and thermodynamic principles.
The appropriate model and vessel depend on your sample, expected energy release and test method. Analis helps you select a suitable configuration.
NEW: Meet the new Parr 7400 and 7200 calorimeters
Replacing the 6400 and 6200 respectively, the new Parr 7400 and 7200 combine proven calorimetry with a more intuitive user experience.
- Larger, adjustable touchscreen: a 10-inch display for clearer information and comfortable viewing.
- Easier navigation: redesigned menus and an upgraded processor for responsive, straightforward operation.
- More vessel memory: store information for up to eight combustion vessels.
- Smaller footprint: the 7200’s slimmer design saves valuable bench space.
Already using a Parr 6200 or 6400? Let Analis help you assess your next step.
Which Parr calorimeter is right for your laboratory?
Start with your main priority: reducing manual handling, accommodating different samples or balancing analytical needs with your budget. Your sample characteristics, required test methods and available operator time will help determine the most suitable configuration.
Model to consider: Parr 7400 Automatic Isoperibol Calorimeter
Why it fits: Automated filling and vessel rinsing reduce operator involvement, supporting busy QC and routine testing laboratories.
Model to consider: Parr 7200 Precision Isoperibol Calorimeter
Why it fits: A removable vessel design and multiple vessel options offer flexibility for industrial QC, analytical testing and R&D.
Model to consider: Parr 6100 Compensated Calorimeter
Why it fits: Lower investment and a more hands-on workflow make it a practical option for university teaching and laboratories with intermittent testing needs.
Parr 7400: automation for demanding daily workloads
When sample numbers are high, the time your team spends handling each test matters. The Parr 7400 automates oxygen filling, bucket filling and vessel rinsing to reduce repetitive manual operations.
Its fixed vessel design supports an efficient routine workflow, allowing operators to dedicate more attention to sample preparation, results and other laboratory tasks.
Choose the 7400 when reducing operator involvement is a priority for your laboratory’s daily productivity.
Parr 7200: precision and flexibility for industrial laboratories
For laboratories working with different sample types or demanding measurement requirements, the Parr 7200 combines precise isoperibol calorimetry with a removable combustion vessel and bucket.
Different vessel options allow the system to be configured for a broad range of applications. This flexibility makes it particularly relevant to industrial quality control and R&D teams that need close control over their testing workflow.
Choose the 7200 when precision and the ability to adapt to your samples are central to your work.
Parr 6100: an economical choice for hands-on laboratory work
The Parr 6100 offers a cost-conscious approach to combustion calorimetry, using a compensated jacket system that monitors temperature and corrects for heat exchange during the test.
Its removable vessel and manual preparation steps provide opportunities for practical learning in university laboratories. It also suits smaller or intermittent analytical workloads where the investment in a more automated system may be harder to justify.
Choose the 6100 when budget, practical learning and manageable testing volumes guide your decision.
Quick decision guide: Parr calorimeters
 7400 Automatic Isoperibol Calorimeter |  7200 Precision Isoperibol Calorimeter |  6100 Compensated Jacket Calorimeter |  6050 Compensated Jacket Calorimeter |  1341 Plain Jacket Calorimeter |  6725 Semi-micro Calorimeter | |
| Calorimeter Type | Isoperibol | Isoperibol | Compensated | Compensated | Static | Static |
| Operator Time per Test | 1 Minute | 6 Minutes | 6 Minutes | 6 Minutes | 25 Minutes | 6 Minutes |
| Precision Classification | 0.10% | 0.05 – 0.10% | 0.10 – 0.20% | 0.20% | 0.30% | 0.40% |
| Number of Vessels | Up to 8 | Up to 8 | Up to 4 | Up to 8 | 1 | Up to 4 |
| Tests per Hour | 6 – 7 | 4 – 8 as equipped | 4 – 8 as equipped | 4 – 6 as equipped | 2 | 3 |
| Bomb Type & Bucket | Fixed Bomb and Bucket Design | Removable Bomb and Bucket Design | Removable Bomb and Bucket Design | Removable Bomb and Bucket Design | Removable Bomb and Bucket Design | Removable Bomb Dewar Flask |
| Bucket Filling | Automatic | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Oxygen Filling | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Manual | Manual |
| Bomb Washing | Automatic | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Memory | 1000 Tests | 1000 Tests | 1000 Tests | PC | None | 1000 Tests |
| Printer Connection | Ethernet or USB | Ethernet or USB | Ethernet or USB | Via PC | None or USB | Ethernet |
| Balance Connection | USB | Ethernet or USB | Ethernet or USB | Via PC | None or USB | Ethernet |
| Network Connection | Ethernet | Ethernet | Ethernet | Via PC | None | Ethernet |
| Temperature Resolution | 0.0001 °C | 0.0001 °C | 0.0001 °C | 0.0001 °C | 0.002 °C | 0.0001 °C |
Not sure which model fits your application?
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Why choose Analis?
Parr expertise, guided by your needs
Our calorimetry portfolio is dedicated to Parr. We help you compare the available models and configurations according to your samples, precision requirements, workload and budget.
100 years of laboratory experience
With 100 years of experience, more than 30,000 users and over 90 brands represented across our wider portfolio, Analis brings extensive laboratory knowledge to your equipment decisions.
Local technical support in BeLux
Work with a local partner for equipment advice, technical support and maintenance. Our team helps you plan for the practical requirements of your calorimeter throughout its working life.
One partner for your entire laboratory
Your calorimeter is part of a wider workflow. Analis also supports your laboratory with complementary equipment and furniture, helping you coordinate your needs through one partner.
Already own a Parr calorimeter?
Keep your laboratory running smoothly with local maintenance and technical support from Analis in Belgium and Luxembourg. Our experienced technical team provides reliable servicing, with spare parts held in stock to help minimise downtime.
Share your model and service needs to check maintenance options and parts availability.
Frequently asked questions
Find the right Parr calorimeter for your laboratory
Planning a new installation, replacing an existing instrument or reviewing your current testing capacity?
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