Determination of specific heat capacity of sulphide materials at temperatures below 100 °C in presence of moisture

The specific heat capacity (C-p) of one copper and three nickel concentrates was determined using a self-heating apparatus and by drop calorimetry over the temperature range 50 to 80 degrees C in the presence of 6% moisture. The C-p values from both techniques were comparable and shown to be measuring the same property. The C-p values were similar for all four concentrates increasing from ca 0.4 to 1.4J g(-1) K-1 as temperature increased from 50 to 80 degrees C. Uses of C-p to identify self-heating risk and to modify the Rosenblum standard test are discussed. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.