The mass loss calorimeter applies the same radiant-exposure geometry as the cone calorimeter, but follows the test through the specimen's mass. Because the effective heat of combustion of most materials can be established, the rate of mass loss measured on a precision load cell converts directly into heat release rate. The method is standardised in ISO 13927 and ASTM E2102, and the instrument is a practical route to heat release screening for quality control and product development.
How the Mass Loss Calorimeter works
The specimen is mounted horizontally on the load cell under the cone heater at a set irradiance and ignited by a spark igniter. Mass is recorded continuously through the test, and the software derives mass loss rate and heat release rate from the mass trace, together with ignition and flameout times.
Key specifications
| Method | Heat release from mass loss under cone-heater exposure (ISO 13927 / ASTM E2102 method) |
|---|---|
| Exposure | Conical radiant heater with settable irradiance, spark ignition |
| Measurement | Continuous specimen mass on a load cell; mass loss rate and derived heat release rate |
| Configuration | Confirm the heater rating, load-cell range and software package against the current datasheet when you inquire |
What the test reports
- Mass loss rate
- Heat release rate derived from mass loss
- Time to ignition and flameout
- Total mass loss over the test
Applications
Mass loss calorimetry suits material screening, formulation comparison and quality-control work where the full oxygen-consumption train of a cone calorimeter is not required, and it is a common stepping stone for laboratories building towards a full ISO 5660 capability.
Frequently asked questions
Which standard should I order against?
Order against the standard your reports must cite. The instrument platform is shared across the listed standards, but fixtures, software templates and calibration routines differ, so name the standard (and its year) in your inquiry and the configuration will be matched to it.
How does it differ from the cone calorimeter?
The cone calorimeter measures oxygen consumption in the exhaust to calculate heat release, and also reports smoke. The mass loss calorimeter tracks specimen mass instead; it is simpler and less costly to run, but does not replace oxygen-consumption testing where a standard or a customer specification calls for ISO 5660 or ASTM E1354 data.
Can the data be compared with cone calorimeter results?
For many materials the derived heat release follows cone calorimeter trends closely, which is why the method is used for screening. Formal classification work should still be run on the instrument the governing standard names.
Configuration, installation and support
Every Mass Loss Calorimeter is supplied as a configured system, not a bare instrument: the test chamber or frame, the burner or heater assemblies named in the method, the measurement chain and the control software with the report templates for ISO 13927, ASTM E2102 (method). Before quotation we confirm the installation conditions with you - floor loading and ceiling height for large rigs, exhaust and extraction routes, gas and fuel services, and power supply - because a fire test instrument only produces defensible data when the room around it is right. Commissioning covers assembly, calibration of the measurement chain against the method's own checks, and training of your operators on running the test and maintaining the apparatus. Spare ignition parts, thermocouples and other consumables for the first period of operation can be included in the supply, and the instrument is supported with calibration and maintenance services after installation.
What to include in your inquiry
To quote the Mass Loss Calorimeter correctly the first time, send: the standard and edition you will test to (ISO 13927, ASTM E2102 (method)); the materials or products you will test and their sizes; the configuration options you already know you need; and the destination laboratory's location and available services. If you are building a new fire laboratory rather than adding one instrument, say so - this apparatus is often planned together with the other instruments in its category, and a combined layout and exhaust plan is cheaper than three separate ones.