Measuring rate of heat release by oxygen consumption

This paper provides a comprehensive set of equations and guidelines to determine the rate of heat release in full-scale fire tests based on the O₂ consumption principle. The approach is different from other investigators as the enphasis is on full-scale fire test applications and the use of volumetric flow rates is avoided. Some general equations for flow rate (i.e., applicable irrespective of the configuration of the gas analysis system) are described first. In subsequent sections, distinctions are made between various gas analyzer combinations to derive the equations for rate of heat release. Procedures to calculate net rate of heat release from a specimen exposed to a gas burner or wood crib ignition source are also given. A summary at the end of the paper lists step by step procedures for all cases covered.