The RSD helps chemists and engineers quantify exothermic (and endothermic) reactions from materials of low hazard to high explosives.

The heated calorimeter chamber has a circular pathway to allow air (or inert gas) to circulate repeatedly during the test. The gas passes through the sample chamber and over the main heater. Circulation is achieved by a high temperature fan and a control thermocouple regulates power to the heater to implement the test protocol.