Thermal Conductivity Tester – Heat Flow Meter

Thermal Conductivity Tester – Heat Flow Meter

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Thermal Conductivity Tester – Heat Flow Meter
  • Thermal Conductivity Tester – Heat Flow Meter
Thermal Conductivity Tester – Heat Flow Meter
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Thermal Conductivity Tester – Heat Flow Meter

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Thermal Conductivity Tester (TPS Method) – High-Precision Heat Flow Meter QualiHFM™-1000

The QualiHFM™-1000 Thermal Conductivity Tester uses the Transient Plane Source (TPS) method to measure thermal properties quickly and accurately. Designed for versatile material analysis, this instrument is well suited to research and development laboratories and quality control facilities that evaluate materials ranging from bulk solids to liquids and pastes.

Compliant with ISO 22007-2:2008, the tester addresses common measurement errors associated with static testing techniques. It provides direct measurements of thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and specific heat capacity across a wide range of material types.

Versatile Material Compatibility

The QualiHFM™-1000 accommodates diverse material forms and compositions, including:

  • Solids: Bulk insulation, polymers, metals, and ceramics.

  • Fluids: Liquids, pastes, and colloids.

  • Complex Structures: Granular materials, powders, coatings, and thin films.

Features and Advantages

Efficient and Fast Testing

  • Rapid Measurement: Adjustable testing durations from 5 to 160 seconds support high-throughput material evaluation while maintaining measurement accuracy.

  • Direct Property Measurement: Determines thermal properties directly without requiring complex calibration curves.

High Measurement Accuracy

  • ISO Standard Compliance: Follows ISO 22007-2:2008 requirements to support consistent measurements and international quality assurance.

  • Advanced Data Processing: An ARM microprocessor and high-resolution data acquisition chips enable faster analysis and greater precision than conventional thermal analyzers.

  • Reduced Contact Resistance Errors: The transient measurement technique minimizes errors associated with thermal contact resistance, a common limitation of static heat flow meters.

User-Friendly Operation

  • Minimal Sample Preparation: No complex machining is necessary. Bulk solid samples require only a relatively smooth surface measuring at least twice the probe diameter.

  • Intuitive Touchscreen Interface: A large color LCD touchscreen simplifies instrument operation and displays measurement data in real time.

  • Automated Data Management and Reporting: Integrated software supports automated PC communication, data management, and immediate report generation.

Transient Plane Source (TPS) Method: Operating Mechanism and Measurement Principles

The QualiHFM™-1000 uses a controlled heating pulse and real-time resistance monitoring to determine material thermal properties. The measurement sequence follows these stages:

flowchart LR
    A[QualiHFM-1000 double-helix probe sandwiched between sample halves] --> B[Adjustable 5-to-160-second controlled electrical heat pulse]
    B --> C[Real-Time Resistance Logging via ARM Microprocessor & High-Res Chips]
    C --> D[Convert Resistance Shifts into Temperature Response]
    D --> E[Map Temperature Climbs Against ISO 22007-2:2008 Math Models]
    E --> F[Direct Calculation of Thermal Conductivity, Diffusivity & Heat Capacity]

Step-by-Step Measurement Process

  1. Planar Probe Placement: A flat, double-helix probe is positioned between two matching sections of the sample. This arrangement supports rapid testing without the extended waiting periods associated with static measurement techniques.

  2. Controlled Joule Heating: An adjustable electrical current heats the double-helix probe for 5 to 160 seconds, generating a transient heat wave that propagates into the surrounding material.

  3. High-Resolution Resistance Monitoring: As heat moves into the sample layers, high-resolution data acquisition chips record changes in the probe's electrical resistance at high frequencies.

  4. ARM Microprocessor Analysis: The ARM microprocessor converts resistance variations into temperature responses based on the probe's known thermal response characteristics.

  5. Dimensionless Curve Fitting: The measured temperature response is compared with mathematical time-dependent models that comply with ISO 22007-2:2008.

  6. Direct Calculation of Multiple Properties: The system determines thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and specific heat capacity directly, without complex calibration curves or destructive sample heating.

Sensor Physics and Theoretical Assumptions

The QualiHFM™-1000 uses dynamic heat transfer equations in which a single thermoresistive element functions as both the heat source and the temperature sensor.

  • Double-Helix Probe Assembly: The planar sensor contains a conductive nickel double-spiral pattern enclosed within thin insulating film layers. This configuration distributes heat radially and uniformly into the two surrounding sample sections.

  • Governing Mathematical Model: The average temperature rise (ΔT) of the planar sensor is directly related to the dimensionless time function D(τ):

ΔT(τ) = (I2 · R0 · αR) / (π3/2 · r · k) · D(τ)

Where: Where I is electrical current, R0 is initial probe resistance, αR is the temperature coefficient of resistance, r is sensor radius, k is thermal conductivity, and D(τ) is the time-dependent theoretical function.

Idealized Boundary Assumptions

  • Semi-Infinite Sample Boundaries: The sample layers are sufficiently thick, measuring at least twice the probe diameter, to prevent heat from reaching the outer boundaries during the measurement period.

  • Negligible Sensor Thermal Mass: The planar probe is sufficiently thin that its own heat capacity can be treated as negligible.

  • Negligible Contact Resistance: Dynamic transient calculations minimize thermal contact resistance errors that commonly affect static heat flow measurements.

  • Controlled Step-Function Heating: The input heating power is modeled as an instantaneous, precisely controlled step function.

Technical Specifications (QualiHFM™-1000 TPS System)

Testing Parameter QualiHFM™-1000 Hardware Specifications
Product Model Thermal Conductivity Tester (TPS Method): QualiHFM™-1000
Core Measurement Method Transient Plane Source (TPS) Method
International Standard ISO 22007-2:2008 (Plastics: Transient plane heat source method)
Processing Hardware ARM Microprocessor with High-Resolution Data Processing Chips
User Interface Large Color LCD Touchscreen Display with Automated PC Reporting Software
Measured Properties Thermal Conductivity, Thermal Diffusivity, and Specific Heat Capacity
Test Duration Adjustable between 5 seconds and 160 seconds
Sample Preparation Minimal prep (requires relatively smooth surface at least twice probe diameter)
Direct Calculation Direct measurement output without needing complex calibration curves

Practical Error Corrections and System Advantages

  • Thermal Contact Resistance Compensation: Static heat flow meters can produce errors because of thermal resistance at the interface between sample surfaces and test plates. The QualiHFM™-1000 uses transient mathematical models to isolate contact resistance effects and obtain accurate measurements without extensive sample machining.

  • Real-Time Electrical Power Monitoring: The resistance of the heating wire changes as its temperature increases. Continuous voltage monitoring helps regulate energy delivery and prevent systematic calculation errors.

  • Insulation Thermal Mass Compensation: The thin protective casing surrounding the double-spiral wire absorbs a portion of the initial heat. Time-zero software adjustments subtract these insulation-related effects before the final material properties are calculated.

  • Automated Measurement Window Selection: Integrated algorithms compliant with ISO 22007-2:2008 evaluate data collected between 60% and 80% of the total heating period. This process reduces operator bias and decreases measurement variation by nearly 60%.

Versatile Material Compatibility and Testing Capabilities

The QualiHFM™-1000 Thermal Conductivity Tester supports thermal property measurements across a broad range of material states and structural compositions.

  • Solids and Bulk Samples: Evaluates bulk insulation blocks, dense polymers, ceramics, and structural metals with minimal preparation. Samples need only a relatively flat surface measuring at least twice the probe diameter.

  • Fluids and Pastes: Measures liquids, pastes, and colloidal suspensions directly without requiring specialized calibration curves.

  • Powders and Thin Films: Supports testing of loose granular materials, fine powders, industrial coatings, and thin films.

  • Anisotropic Composites: For fiber-reinforced composites and graphite sheets with direction-dependent thermal conductivity, the TPS method can determine both through-plane and in-plane thermal properties in a single test run when the heat capacity is known.

Thermal Conductivity Tester – Heat Flow Meter QualiHFM™-1000 Technical Specifications

Model QualiHFM™-1000
Measurement Method Transient Plane Source (TPS)
Thermal Conductivity Range 0.0001 - 300 W/(m·K)
Measurement Accuracy ±3%
Repeatability Error ≤3%
Measurement Time 5 - 160 seconds (Adjustable)
Sample Temperature Range -20°C to 320°C
(Requires external temperature control equipment)
Sample Temperature Rise < 15°C during test
Probe Diameters Probe 1: 7.5 mm
Probe 2: 15 mm
Probe 3: 30 mm
Required Sample Dimensions
(Single Sample Size) 		For Probe 1: ≥ 15 × 15 × 3.75 mm
For Probe 2: ≥ 30 × 30 × 7.5 mm
For Probe 3: ≥ 60 × 60 × 20 mm
Probe Power Output Probe 1: 0 < P < 1 W
Probe 2: 0 < P < 14 W
Probe 3: 0 < P < 14 W
Power Supply AC 220V (110V option available), < 500W Power Consumption
Control System ARM Microprocessor with High-Resolution Data Chip

Delivery time varies upon stock availability. Our standard dispatch and shipping times are generally within 1 week, however for some high demand items the delivery may be extended to 2-3 weeks. If you require these items urgently please contact us to check accurate stock availability and to organize faster shipping methods.

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Delivery time varies upon stock availability. Our standard dispatch and shipping times are generally within 1 week, however for some high demand items the delivery may be extended to 2-3 weeks.

Need it urgently? Contact us here to check stock and organize faster shipping.

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