TH313 · Conductivity of Liquids and Gases

Experimental Apparatus for the Study of the Thermal Conductivity of Liquids and Gases

Laboratory experiments

Steady-state heat conduction through a thin fluid layer - Fourier's law
Calibration of the apparatus for heat losses, using air
Determination of the thermal conductivity of different fluids
- gases: air, carbon dioxide
- liquids: water, oil
Thermal conductivity as a function of temperature
Thermal resistance of a fluid layer
Conduction in gases and in liquids - comparison with published values
Transient heating and cooling of the core

TH313 - thermal conductivity of liquids and gases apparatus

Overview

A heated metal core inside a water-cooled body, with a 0.4 mm film of the test fluid between them. The film is too thin for convection to start, so heat crosses it by conduction alone, and the thermal conductivity of the fluid follows from the heating power and the temperature difference across it.

TH313 - heated core and cooling body on the base plate

Easy to fill, easy to clean

The test fluid goes in with a syringe at the lowest point of the film and air leaves at the highest, so no bubble is left behind to spoil a result. Undo two knurled bolts and the core slides out, leaving the film clean for the next fluid.

Connectivity

The apparatus is equipped with Sangari Connect technology, which allows students to view live data and control the device both from computers in the lab and remotely.

General Features

Study of heat conduction in liquids and gases
Adjustable heating level, with a temperature cut-off
Removable core for quick cleaning between fluids
Fill and vent ports at the two ends of the fluid film, each with a shut-off valve
Temperatures and heating power displayed in the software interface
Connection to a PC (not supplied with the apparatus) via USB or WiFi

Test Fluids

Gases: air, carbon dioxide
Liquids: water, oil
Non-flammable, non-corrosive and non-toxic fluids only

Fluid Film

Thickness 0.4 mm

Mean diameter 29.6 mm

Measuring length 80 mm

Heat transfer area 74.4 cm²

Heating Element

Thermal power 40 W, 24 V DC

Temperature cut-off 95 °C

Heated core aluminium

Cooling

Medium tap water, 1 l/min

Connections hose barbs, inlet low and outlet high

Temperature Sensors

Type Pt100

Number 2: one in the heated core, one in the cooling body at the fluid film

Measuring Ranges

Heating power 0…40 W

230V