ISO 8301-1991 PDF

Full title and description

Thermal insulation — Determination of steady-state thermal resistance and related properties — Heat flow meter apparatus (ISO 8301:1991). The standard defines the heat flow meter (flux‑meter) method for measuring steady‑state heat transfer through flat slab specimens and for calculating related thermal properties.

Abstract

ISO 8301:1991 specifies the use of the heat flow meter method to determine steady‑state thermal resistance, thermal conductance and related properties of flat slab specimens. Annex A is an integral part of the standard; Annexes B, C, D and E are informative. The standard also includes a later amendment (Amd 1:2010).

General information

• Status: Published (international standard; confirmed as current by ISO review).
• Publication date: August 1991 (ISO 8301:1991).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 27.220 (Heat recovery. Thermal insulation).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (1991). Amendment: ISO 8301:1991/Amd 1:2010.
• Number of pages: 38 pages (main document).

Scope

Specifies the procedure, apparatus and calculations for using a heat flow meter apparatus to measure steady‑state one‑dimensional heat flux through flat slab specimens and to calculate thermal resistance, thermal conductance and related properties. It applies to conditions and specimen types appropriate to the method and gives requirements for calibration, measurement and uncertainty treatment; some annexes provide mandatory and informative material.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and description of the heat flow meter (flux transducer) apparatus and test arrangement.
• Specimen preparation, dimensions and mounting to ensure one‑dimensional heat flow and controlled edge losses.
• Calibration procedures for heat flow sensors using reference specimens (performance and traceability requirements).
• Steady‑state test conditions, temperature control of plates, and measurement of heat flux and temperatures.
• Calculation methods for thermal resistance, conductivity and related properties, including treatment of corrections and uncertainties.
• Annex A (integral) and informative annexes addressing apparatus design, error analysis and additional guidance.

Typical use and users

Used by test laboratories, manufacturers of thermal insulation and building materials, research institutions, product certification bodies and standards developers for characterizing thermal properties of flat insulation specimens and for comparative testing. The method is commonly referenced where a rapid, secondary steady‑state test is required and when calibrated heat flow meter apparatus are available.

Related standards

Standards commonly referenced alongside ISO 8301 include: ISO 8302 (Guarded hot plate method — alternate primary steady‑state method), ASTM C518 (Heat flow meter test method), and calculation/assessment standards for building components such as ISO 6946. These documents cover complementary measurement methods, calibration approaches and calculation procedures.

Keywords

Heat flow meter; heat flux; thermal resistance; thermal conductivity; steady‑state; thermal insulation testing; calibration; flat slab specimens; ISO 8301.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 8301:1991 is an international standard that specifies the heat flow meter method for determining steady‑state thermal resistance and related thermal properties of flat slab specimens.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers apparatus description, specimen preparation, calibration of heat flux transducers, test procedures under steady‑state conditions, calculations for thermal resistance/conductivity and guidance on uncertainty and corrections; Annex A is part of the standard and further annexes are informative.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Accredited test laboratories, insulation and building‑materials manufacturers, research institutes, certification bodies and standards committees use ISO 8301 for routine and comparative thermal property measurements.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 8301:1991 is published and (according to ISO lifecycle records) remains the current edition; it was amended in 2010 (Amd 1) and has been subjected to periodic review (ISO shows confirmation of the edition during systematic reviews). Users should check for the latest status or national adoptions before procurement.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It sits within a family of ISO standards on thermal insulation and steady‑state test methods (for example ISO 8302 for guarded hot plate measurements) and is often consulted alongside calculation standards such as ISO 6946 and relevant ASTM methods.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Heat flow meter, heat flux, thermal resistance, thermal conductivity, steady‑state testing, calibration, ISO 8301.