The paper represents some results of comparative analysis of the methods used for processing and interpreting data of adiabatic calorimetry as well as applying it to practical situations. Specifically two approaches are compared - approximate method based on evaluation of simplified kinetics and a more comprehensive, simulation-based method that utilizes the evaluation of more detailed kinetic models. The analysis is focused on two important types of data processing - correction of experimental results on thermal inertia (phi-factor correction) and estimation of adiabatic time to maximum rate (TMR). The most widely cited method for phi-factor correction is considered and its improvement is proposed to enable more precise prediction of the adiabatic time scale. A procedure for phi-factor correction of pressure response is also proposed. The limitations of this enhanced Fisher's method are discussed by comparison with simulation-based method. All the illustrative materials are based on real examples. As an example of application, the simplified method will be used to predict TMR and its limitations will be discussed. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.