Direct Calorimetry by Means of the Gradient Principle

Abstract

A rapidly responding calorimeter for continuous recording of biological heat exchange has been described. The method is based on the enclosure of the subject in a shell completely lined with a uniform heat flow metering layer (``gradient layer'') while ventilatory and respiratory heat losses are determined in heat exchange meters based on the same technic. The measurement comprises in one thermoelectric potential the sum of all components of heat loss (radiant, convective, conductive, and evaporative fractions). Partitioning measurements of respiratory and evaporative heat losses are readily obtained. Environmental conditions can be closely controlled, and widely varied. The gradient calorimeter with its rapid response (time lag 42 seconds) is specifically designed for studies of reflex mechanisms involved in temperature control. It is, however, suggested that the characteristics described will, in general, encourage wider application of direct calorimetry in experimental and clinical studies.