This document specifies a method for the determination of the gross calorific value of sludge at constant volume and at the reference temperature 25 °C in a bomb calorimeter calibrated by combustion of certified benzoic acid.

The result obtained is the gross calorific value of the sample at constant volume with both the water of the combustion products and the moisture of the sludge as liquid water. In practice, sludge is burned at constant (atmospheric) pressure and the water is not condensed but is removed as vapour with the flue gases. Under these conditions, the operative heat of combustion to be used is the net calorific value of the fuel at constant pressure. The net calorific value at constant volume can also be used, equations for the calculation are given only as this requires less additional determinations.

This method is applicable to all kinds of sludge.