[Study on moxa sticks burning temperature-time-space curves].

Objective To study the burning characteristics of moxa stick.Methods A self-designed moxa stick burning temperature measuring device,which was assembled with ALTEC intelligence digital setter and SJ-600 thermocouple,was used to conduct next four experiences:①embedding a thermocouple inside a moxa stick to measure peak burning temperature;② pulling a thermocouple embedded in the moxa stick at the proper rate to detect combustion stability;③ elucidating temperature distribution of transverse section by measuring the temperature in the center,radius midpoint and lateral;④ drawing temperature-time-space curves by pulling the thermocouples in the former three observation points.Results The experiment indicated that the burning temperature peak of three-year moxa stick(Hubei Herbal Medicine St.Qichun Technology Co.,Ltd.) was 848 ℃ which had good combustion stability.Furthermore,the temperature in the center,radius midpoint and lateral of transverse section were 843 ℃,731 ℃ and 410 ℃,respectively,and its burning temperature-time-space curves was drawn,which showed the real-time burning temperature and the peak burning temperature and were regarded as ultimate indice to integrate the formers.Conclusion The measuring system elaborately reflecting the burning features of moxa stick may provide reference for manufacture industry of moxa stick quality criteria for its convenience and accuracy.