Dual Plate Thermal Conductivity Tester

Meet the standard:

ASTM C518

ISO 8301

ASTM C177

ISO 8302

Product Introduction:

Thermal conductivity is a fundamental material property that quantifies its ability to conduct heat. For materials used in thermal insulation or building envelopes, this property is crucial for determining energy efficiency and comfort. A Dual Plate Thermal Conductivity Tester provides an accurate measurement by establishing a controlled, steady-state heat flow through a flat specimen.

In the most common configuration, the Heat Flow Meter apparatus, a flat, slab-shaped specimen of the material is placed between a hot plate and a cold plate, each controlled to maintain a constant, uniform temperature. Heat flows from the hot plate through the specimen to the cold plate. Embedded within one or both plates are calibrated heat flux transducers, which directly measure the rate of heat flow per unit area (heat flux) passing through the specimen once steady-state conditions are reached (meaning the temperature at any point within the specimen is no longer changing over time). The temperature difference across the specimen is measured using temperature sensors embedded in or contacting the plate surfaces or the specimen itself.

The instrument is used in laboratories for:

Measuring the steady-state thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, and thermal transmittance of thermal insulation materials, building products, polymers, and other flat materials.

Evaluating the thermal performance of materials for energy efficiency applications.

Quality control during the manufacturing of insulation and building materials.

Research and development of new materials with improved thermal properties.

Comparing the thermal performance of different materials.

Ensuring compliance with building codes and energy efficiency standards.

Product Advantages:

Provides accurate measurement of thermal conductivity using a widely accepted steady-state method.

Essential for evaluating the performance of materials in thermal insulation and heat transfer applications.

Standard compliant test methods (ASTM C518. ISO 8301) are widely used and recognized.

Suitable for testing a range of flat, solid materials including porous and fibrous types.

Provides data crucial for building energy efficiency calculations and material specification.

Useful for quality control, material comparison, and product development.

Product Features:

Based on typical Dual Plate Thermal Conductivity Testers (Heat Flow Meter apparatus):

Two parallel plates: A hot plate and a cold plate, each with integrated heating/cooling elements and precise temperature control systems.

Calibrated heat flux transducer(s) embedded in one or both plates to directly measure the heat flow rate through the specimen.

Temperature sensors (e.g., thermocouples, RTDs) accurately embedded in or contacting the plate surfaces to measure the temperature of each side of the specimen.

Mechanism to control and measure the thickness of the test specimen and ensure good thermal contact between the plates and the specimen (e.g., adjustable platens, displacement sensor).

Sample enclosure or guarding system to minimize unwanted heat flow (edge losses) from the sides of the specimen.