Abstract: An automated thermal analysis system and method for the detection and quantitative measurement of analytes having thermally-induced, energy events and associated enthalpy changes is described. The system and method are automated to simplify data acquisition and analysis and to enhance sensitivity. The temperature of at least one sample containing at least one analyte having a thermally-induced, energy event is measured upon heating or cooling through the temperature range of the energy event of the analyte to derive a time-temperature curve corresponding to the enthalpy change of the analyte. From the time-temperature curve and a preselected reference parameter derived therefrom in the vicinity of the energy event region of the analyte, analyte concentration in the sample may be derived from a calibration curve correlating the preselected reference parameter to a normalized sample weight or volume.

Abstract: A microcomputer control system for a furnace is disclosed which provides accurate control of the temperature of the furnace such that the temperature can be quickly increased to a predetermined desired temperature without overshooting the desired temperature. The control system determines the tuning constants of the furnace as a function of the system's response to a predetermined input and, thereafter, uses the determined tuning constants to accurately control the temperature of the furnace. The control system employs a novel method for increasing the temperature of a furnace wherein full power is applied to the furnace heat source until the microcomputer makes the determination, based upon the furnace tuning constants, that power supplied to the furnace must be reduced to prevent the temperature of the furnace from overshooting the desired temperature.