Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for determining the heat of combustion of a material. The apparatus comprises a burner capable of producing a diffusional flame; a device for conveying a sample of the material to the burner, so that the sample is burned within the diffusional flame; and a mechanism for determining the height of the flame in the burner. The method of the invention comprises forming a diffusional flame; burning a sample of the material within the diffusional flame; determining the height of the diffusional flame which results as the sample is burned; and comparing the height determined when the sample was burned with heights determined when standards were burned, the standards having known values for their heats of combustion.

Abstract: Apparatus for collecting a sample of particulate matter from a pneumatic conveyer system. A sample cup is positioned in the stream of gas carrying the particulate matter with the opening of the cup facing the gas stream. A foreshortened hollow duct-shaped collector element is positioned above the cup and aligned therewith. The transverse interior dimensions of the cup and collector are about the same. This positioning of the collector allows the particulate sample to settle into the cup and substantially prevents the sample from being blown out of the cup by the stream of gas which can be a serious problem when the gas stream velocity is relatively high and the collector element is not used. If it is desired to remove the sample cup through an opening in the wall of the pneumatic conveyer, a shield is provided between the collector element and the wall to substantially prevent the sample from being blown out of the cup by the stream of gas as the cup is being withdrawn.