total consumption time, \(t_{\text{tot}}\)

in flame emission and absorption spectrometry
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.T06409
The time necessary to consume the prepared sample completely (in s). It is equal to the volume of the prepared sample divided by the rate of fluid consumption.
Source:
PAC, 1986, 58, 1737. 'Quantities and units in clinical chemistry: Nebulizer and flame properties in flame emission and absorption spectrometry (Recommendations 1986)' on page 1740 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac198658121737)