A computer program system for kinetic analysis of non-isothermal thermogravimetric data: I. Data acquisition and preparation for kinetic analysis

FORTRAN software is described which enables the generation of rate of weight change data (DTG) from percentage weight change measurements (TG), obtained under non-isothermal conditions. The program also transposes this information into the dimensionless extent and rate of reaction at unit temperature intervals by means of a cubic spline interpolation. A simple search routine identifies all DTG spikes in the thermogravimetric record, and the temperature and extent of reaction at which the rate attains its maximum value. This total information serves as input data for the kinetic analysis software to be discussed in part II of this communication. An example of the application of this program to the pyrolysis of bituminous coal is presented.