SOLTEQ® EQUIPMENT FOR ENGINEERING EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

EXPERIMENTAL MANUAL

THERMAL
CONDUCTIVITY OF
LIQUIDS AND GASES
MODEL: HE 156

SOLUTION ENGINEERING SDN. BHD.

NO.3, JALAN TPK 2/4, TAMAN PERINDUSTRIAN KINRARA,
47100 PUCHONG, SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA.
TEL: 603-80758000 FAX: 603-80755784
E-MAIL: solution@solution.com.my
WEBSITE: www.solution.com.my

238-0610-HE
 SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

Table of Contents

Page
List of Figures............................................................................................................................ i
List of Abbreviations / Nomenclatures ....................................................................................... ii

1.0 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................... 1

2.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................... 2

2.1 Unit Assembly........................................................................................................ 3
2.2 Experimental Capabilities ...................................................................................... 5
2.3 Specifications ........................................................................................................ 5
2.4 Overall Dimensions ............................................................................................... 6
2.5 General Requirements .......................................................................................... 6

3.0 INSTALLATION AND COMMISIONING ...................................................................... 7

3.1 Temperature Sensors ............................................................................................ 7
3.2 Cooling Water Supply ............................................................................................ 7
3.3 Commissioning Procedures ................................................................................... 7

4.0 SUMMARY OF THEORY ............................................................................................. 8

4.1 Influence of Temperature and Pressure on Thermal Conductivity ......................... 8
4.2 Contact Resistance ............................................................................................... 9
4.3 Gas and Liquid Thermal Conductivity Measurements ........................................... 9

5.0 GENERAL OPERATING PROCEDURES ...................................................................13

5.1 Switching on the Unit .............................................................................................13
5.2 Temperature Selection ..........................................................................................13
5.3 Heater Power Setting ............................................................................................13
5.4 Cooling Water Control ...........................................................................................13
5.5 Temperature Controller .........................................................................................13

6.0 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES ..............................................................................14

6.1 General Start Up Procedures ................................................................................14
6.2 General Shut Down Procedures ............................................................................14
6.3 Experiment 1: Calibration of Thermal Conductivity Study Unit ..............................15
6.4 Experiment 2: Determination of Thermal Conductivity of Liquids and Gases ........15

7.0 EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE ....................................................................................16

8.0 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ............................................................................................16

9.0 REFERENCES.............................................................................................................17

APPENDIX A Experiment Data Sheets

APPENDIX B Typical Experimental Result
APPENDIX C Physical and Thermal Properties of Air and Common Liquids
SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

List of Figures

Page

Figure 1 Thermal Conductivity of Liquid and Gases Unit (Model: HE 156) 3

Figure 2 Construction of Thermal Conductivity of Liquids and Gases Unit 4

(Model: HE 156)

Figure 3 Heat Conduction in Coaxial Cylinders Method 10

Figure 4 Example Graph of incidental Heat Transfer 11

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SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

List of Abbreviations/Nomenclatures

A the cross-sectional area normal to the heat flow, m2 (ft2)

Ck Sutherland constant

k thermal conductivity, W/m.K (btu/h.ft. °F)

k0 the thermal conductivity at 0°F , W/m.K (btu/h.ft. °F)

k 32 thermal conductivity of gases at 32°F, W/m.K (btu/h.ft. °F)

L length of cylinder, m (ft)

Q heat output, W (btu/h)

q heat flux, W/m2 (btu/h. ft2)

q gen Power supply to heater, W (btu/h)

qlost Incidental Heat Transfer, W (btu/h)

qc Heat by conduction, W (btu/h)

R1 radius of inner cylinder, m (ft)

R2 radius of outer cylinder, m (ft)

T absolute temperature of the gas, K, °C (°R, °F)

T1 inner cylinder temperature, K, °C (°R, °F)

T2 outer cylinder temperature, K, °C (°R, °F)

∂T temperature gradient, K, °C (°R, °F)

∂n heat flux direction, m (ft)

γ constant denoting the change in the conductivity per degree change in

temperature

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SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The SOLTEQ® Thermal Conductivity of Liquids and Gases Unit (Model: HE 156) has
been designed for students to determine the thermal conductivity of various liquids and
gases. Thermal conductivity data is of prime importance in designing heat exchangers.
Heat transfer coefficients in these equipments are usually computed using correlations,
which require thermal conductivity data. The thermal conductivity measurement unit for
liquids and gases has been designed for student to determine the thermal conductivity of
various liquids and gases by injecting the test fluid to the unit.

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SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

2.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The SOLTEQ® Thermal Conductivity of Liquids and Gases Unit (Model: HE 156)
consists two coaxial concentric cylindrical plugs with a thin radial clearance in between.
The clearance is made extremely small which is 0.3 mm to reduce the natural heat
convection. The heat sourced from the centre of the coaxial concentric cylindrical plugs.

The plug is made of copper and has two ports for introducing and venting the test fluid. The
plug is placed in the middle of the water jacket. The jacket has water inlet and drain
connections. Three thermocouples are positioned in the heating and cooling cylindrical
plugs, respectively. The positioning of the thermocouples and the high thermal
conductivities of the materials involved allows student to measure the temperatures of the
hot and cold faces of the test fluid.

The test module is connected to the control panel for the heater power supply. Power input
and temperature readings are digitally displayed on the control panel. A potentiometer on
the control panel allows student to vary the heating power of the heating elements.

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SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

2.1 Unit Assembly

6
1

Figure 1: Thermal Conductivity of Liquids and Gases Unit (Model: HE 156)

1. Thermocouple Sensors 5. Cooling Water Control Valve

2. Sample Port (Top) 6. Heater

3. Cooling Water inlet 7. Sample Port (Bottom)

4. Cooling Water Outlet

Cooling Water Control Valve V1

Top Sample Port Valve V2
Bottom Sample Port Valve V3

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SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

Thermocouples
Sample
Discharge

Hot
Water
Outlet

Outlet Cylinder

0.3 mm gap Heater

Cold
Inner Cylinder Water
Inlet

Sample
Inlet

Figure 2: Construction of Thermal Conductivity of Liquids and Gases Unit (Model: HE 156)

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SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

2.2 Experiment Capabilities

• Calibration of the unit to establish the effect of incidental heat transfer by using
calibration of the unit.
• Determining the thermal conductivity, k of various liquids and gases

2.3 Specifications

a) Test Module

The test module consists of two cylindrical plugs assemble with 0.3 mm gap
and a cylindrical water-cooled jacket.

Inner cylinder plug

Outer diameter : 33.3 mm
Length : 100 mm
Material : Copper

Outer cylinder plug

Inner diameter : 33.9 mm
Length : 100 mm
Material : Copper

Cylindrical water jacket

Material : Stainless steel

Cartridge Heater
Heater power : 150 W
Power Supply : 240 VAC
Safety : High temperature cut-off by means of a temperature
controller

Note: The high temperature cut-off is preset at 100 °C. If other temperature
setting is required, set the cut-off temperature according to Section 5.5.

Warning: Do not operate the heater above 150 °C as this may permanently
damage the heater element.

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SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

b) Instrumentations

Temperature Transmitter
Type : Type K Thermocouple
Calibrated Range : 0 – 150°C

c) Control Panel:

The control panel includes all necessary electrical wiring with variable
transformer, power transducer, temperature controller/indicator, digital
indicators for temperatures and heater power, and thermocouple selector
switch.

2.4 Overall Dimensions

Height : 0.50m
Width : 0.80m
Depth : 0.50m

2.5 General Requirements

Electrical : 240 VAC, 1-phase, 50Hz

Water : Laboratory main supply

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SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

3.0 INSTALLATION AND COMMISIONING

3.1 Temperature Sensors

Six thermocouples installed were type K. Ensure that all thermocouples and the
leads are in good condition and insert the thermocouple probes into the sensor’s
insertion holes provided as follows:
1 into the inner cylindrical plug
2 into the outer cylindrical plug

3.2 Cooling Water Supply

The Thermal Conductivity of Liquids and Gases Unit require a source of clean and
constant head as well as constant temperature (cold) water.
Connect the cold-water inlet to the nearest water supply using the hose provided,
then connect water outlet to the water drainage.

3.3 Commissioning Procedures

1. Connect the power lead to the nearest 240VAC power supply and then switch
on the electrical supply.
2. Open the control panel; push the reset button of the Earth Leakage Circuit
Breaker (ELCB) inside the control panel after the main power supply is
switched on. The ELCB should be kicked off, indicating that the ELCB is
functioning properly. If not, have a trained wireman to inspect the trainer for
any electrical leakage. The ELCB should be tested at least once a month.
3. Switch on the main switch. All indicators should lit-up.
4. Turn the temperature selector (1 and 2) to read all temperature readings. Note
that the readings are closed to the ambient temperature.
5. Open the water supply to supply cooling water into the cooling jacket. Cooling
water at approximately 5 to 10 LPM is sufficient for the experimental purposes.
6. Open both sampling valves (V2 and V3). Switch on the heater and adjust the
heating power to 20 watt. Note that the temperature readings of selection 1 will
start to increase.
7. The unit is now ready for use.

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SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

4.0 SUMMARY OF THEORY

The basis of conduction heat transfer is Fourier’s Law. This law involves the idea that the
heat flux, q, is proportional to the temperature gradient, ∂T in any direction, ∂n. Thermal
conductivity, k, is the constant of proportionality; a property of materials that is temperature
dependent, and A is the cross-sectional area normal to the heat flow,

∂T
q = − kA (1)
∂n

Conductivity is the ability of the given substance to transfer energy, in this case the thermal
energy. Basically, the thermal conductivity can be measured by knowing the temperature
difference between two known points of which heat flow is known. Thermal conductivity
has the unit of watts per meter per Celsius degree whereas the heat flow is expressed in
watts. Therefore, the numerical value of the thermal conductivity indicates how fast heat
will flow in a material.

For most gases at moderate pressure the thermal conductivity is a function of temperature
alone. This means that the gaseous data for 1 atmosphere (atm) may be used for a rather
wide range of pressure. When the pressure of a gas becomes of the order of its critical
pressure or, more generally, when non-ideal-gas behaviour is encountered, the other
sources must be consulted for thermal conductivity data.

The physical mechanism of thermal-energy conduction in liquids is qualitatively the same

as in gases; however, the situation is considerably more complex since the molecules are
more closed spaced and molecular force fields exert a strong influence on the energy
exchange in the collision process.

Thermal energy may be conducted in solids by two models: lattice vibration and transport
by free electrons. In good electrical conductors a rather large number of free electrons
move about in the lattice structure of the material. Just as these electrons may transport
electric charge, they may also carry thermal energy from high temperature region to a low-
temperature region, as in the case of gases. In fact, these electrons are frequently referred
to as the electron gas. Energy may also be transmitted as vibration energy in the lattice
structure of the material. In general, however, this latter mode of energy transfer is not as
large as the electron transport, and for this reason good electrical conductors are always
good heat conductors.

4.1 Influence of Temperature and Pressure on Thermal Conductivity, k

The thermal conductivity of solids is greater than those of liquids, which in turn are
greater than those of gases. It is easier to transmit heat through a solid than a
liquid through a gas. Some solids, such as metals, have high thermal conductivity
and are called conductors. Others with low conductivity are called insulators.

In experimental determinations of the type described above, the thermal

conductivity has been assumed independent of the temperature at any point in the
test material. The conductivity of solids may either increase or decrease with
temperature and in some instances may even reverse their rate of change from a

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SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

decrease to an increase. For the most practical problems there is no need to

introduce a correction for the variation of the thermal conductivity with temperature.
However, the variation can usually be expressed by the simple linear equation:

k = k 0 + γt (2)

Where k 0 is the thermal conductivity at 0°F and γ is a constant denoting the

change in the conductivity per degree change in temperature. The conductivity of
most liquids decreases with increasing temperature, although water is a notable
exception. For all common gases and vapour, the conductivity increases with
increasing temperature. Sutherland deduced an equation from the kinetic theory
which is applicable to the variation of the conductivity of gases with temperature:

3
492 + C k T 2
k = k 32 (3)
T + C k 492

where C k is the Sutherland constant, T is the absolute temperature of the gas in

°R, k 32 is the thermal conductivity of gases at 32°F.

The influence of pressure on the conductivity of solids and liquids appears to be

negligible and the reported data on gases are too imprecise owing to the effects of
free convection and radiation to permit generalization. From kinetic theory of gases
it can be concluded that the influence of pressure should be small except where a
very low vacuum is encountered.

4.2 Contact Resistance

Contact resistance defined as temperature difference develops between two solids

that do not have perfect contact with each other. One of the factors that cause
error in the determination of the thermal conductivity is the nature of bond formed
between the heat source and the fluid or solid specimen, which contacts it and
transmits heat. If a solid receives heat by contacting a solid, it is almost impossible
to exclude the presence of air or other fluid from the contact. Even when a liquid
contacts a metal, the presence of minute pits or surface roughness may
permanently trap infinitesimal bubbles of air, and it will be seen presently that
these may cause considerable error.

4.3 Gas and Liquid Thermal Conductivity Measurements

There are several experimental techniques used to determine the thermal

conductivity of gases and liquids at steady state such as the hot wire method, the
coaxial-cylinder method, the horizontal parallel flat-plate method, and the
concentric sphere and sphero-cylinder method. The main principle of these
methods is the employment of a thin layer of a test fluid enclosed between two
surfaces that maintained at different temperatures.

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SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

For precise thermal conductivity measurement, the account must be made of

energy loss by test fluid convective heat flow. An apparatus with the smallest gap
width between the two surfaces to employ the test fluid is recommended. Thus,
coaxial-cylinder method takes an intermediate position between the hot-wire
method and the flat-plate method.

The apparatus is consists of two coaxial cylinders vertically placed and leaving a
very small annular gap that is charged with the test fluid. The inner cylinder is
heated with the electrical heater. As the thermal low across the gap is fairly radial,
the governing equation is the Fourier equation, which relates heat output, Q, the
inner cylinder temperature, T 1 , and outer cylinder temperature, T 2 , with the
thermal conductivity, k, of test fluid :

ln( R2 )
k= R1 xQ (4)
(T1 − T2) * 2π * L

where R 1 and R 2 are radius of the annulus, filled with the gas (R 2 > R 1 ), and L is
the length of cylinder.

Figure 3: Heat conduction in coaxial cylinders method

From the explanation, to find the thermal conductivity coefficient we must use
Fourier’s Law as stated in equation (1). Solving for k we get,

q c dx
k= (5)
A dT

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SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

For radial heat conduction in a cylinder, dx become dr , and area A , is the cross
sectional area of a conducting path. At the steady state conditions across the small
radial gap, dr become, ∆r , dT become ∆T and we get,

q c ∆r
k= (6)
A ∆T

In order to find the heat by conduction (q c ) we can use the conservation of energy
equation. When we applied it to this system we will get,

q c = (q gen ) − (qlost ) = Q − (q lost ) (7)

By substituting equation (6) into equation (7), we get the following expression for
qlost

 ∆T 
qlost = q gen − q c = Q −  kA  (8)
 ∆r 

We may assume qlost to be proportional to the temperature difference between

the plug and the jacket. This assumption will be tested with a linear regression
analysis, and estimate qlost from the calibration graph of incidental heat transfer
versus the plug and jacket temperature difference. This analysis used the known
thermal conductivity of air k air . The thermal conductivity coefficient can then be
calculated for other fluids by the temperature difference across the fluid.

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SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

Figure 4: Example Graph of Incidental Heat Transfer

To calculate q c from equation (6), use the data tabulated thermal conductivity of
air, k air from the air calibration test. The qlost can be solved when value q gen is
calculated.

To find q c , the qlost from the graph and the calculated q gen for fluid tests are then
put into equation (7). Finally the value of q c is put into equation (6) to give the
experimental thermal conductivity of fluid, k fluid .

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SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

5.0 GENERAL OPERATING PROCEDURES

5.1 Switching on the Unit

First, ensure that the main switch on the front panel is initially off. Connect the
power supply cable to the nearest 240VAC electrical supply, and then switch on
the main switch.

5.2 Temperature Selection

To read the desired temperature reading, use the temperature selector. The
temperature indicator will display the selected temperature position.
Note: Selector 1 indicates inner cylindrical temperature and Selector 2 indicates
outer cylindrical temperature.

5.3 Heater Power Setting

The Power Regulator located on the front panel controls heating value. Turn the
control knob clockwise to increase the heating power and turn the control knob
anti-clockwise to decrease the heating power.

5.4 Cooling Water Control

The cooling water flow rate is controlled by the regulating valve (V1) installed at
the cooling water outlet

5.5 Temperature controller

The first line displays the heater temperature in the inner cylindrical plug while the
second line indicates the set point.

To increase or decrease the value of the displayed parameter used the up-arrow
and down-arrow.

Press lightly to increase or decrease the value by one.

Press and hold to increase or decrease the displayed value at a rapid rate. New
data will self-enter in five seconds, or can be entered by pressing the Advance
Key.

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SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

6.0 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES

6.1 General Start-up Procedures

1. Turn the power regulator fully anti-clockwise to set the power to minimum.
2. Ensure that the cold water supply is connected and electrical supply is switch
on.
3. Open the main water supply and gradually regulate the cooling water flow by
control valve, V1 to allow sufficient cooling to the system. Approximately
5 LPM of cooling water flow rate is sufficient.
4. Turn on the main switch. The unit is now ready for experiment.
5. For experiment with acetone, use a syringe to inject acetone into the sample
port from bottom so that no air will be trapped inside the sample port.

6.2 General Shut-down Procedures

1. Turn the power regulator on the control panel to minimum by turning the knob
fully anti-clockwise and switch off the heater switch. Keep the cooling water
flowing for at least 5 minutes through the module to cold down the test module.
2. Switch off the main switch and power supply. Then, unplug the power supply
cable.
3. Close the water supply and disconnect the cooling water connection tubes if
necessary. Otherwise, leave the connection tubes for next experiment.

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SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

6.3 Experiment 1: Calibration of the thermal conductivity study unit

Objective:
To calibrate the unit by establishing the incidental heat transfer

Procedure:

1. Use air as the sample for the calibration.

2. Make sure that the temperature controller is set to 100oC.
3. Make sure there is cooling water supply to the water jacket.
4. Turn on the main switch and the heater switch, and then adjust the power
regulator to about 5 watt.
5. Record the power and temperature readings (T1 and T2) when all readings
stabilised for about ten minutes.
6. Then, repeat steps 3 and 4 with increasing power input. Increase the power
input by adjusting the power regulator by interval of 5 watt up to 30 watt.
7. Calculate the incidental heat loss and plot the heat lost as a function of the
temperature difference. Get the calibration curve for heat lost against
temperature difference with any mathematical analysis software available.

6.4 Experiment 2: Determination of thermal conductivity of liquids and gases

Objective:
To determine the thermal conductivity of air and acetone

Procedures:

1. Use air as the sample of the experiment.

2. Make sure that the temperature controller is set to 100oC.
3. Make sure there is cooling water supply to the water jacket.
4. Turn on the main switch and the heater switch, and then adjust the power
regulator to about 25 watt.
5. Record the power and temperature readings (T1 to T2) when all readings
stabilised for about ten minutes.
6. Calculate the thermal conductivity of the air by applying the Fourier’s Equation.
Use the incidental heat loss correction value for accurate thermal conducticity
determination.
7. Repeat the experiment by substituting the air with the acetone with the heating
power of 100 watt.

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SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

7.0 EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

1. After each experiment, make sure that the liquids are drained off from the unit and
tubing.
2. Wipe off any spillage on the bench.
3. Unplug the main power if the equipment is not to be used for a long period.
4. The cylindrical plug can be cleaned using washing soda when necessary only. Flush
the unit thoroughly after cleaning.

8.0 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. The unit must be operated under the supervision of trained personnel.

2. All operating instructions supplied with the unit must be carefully read and understood
before attempting to operate the unit.
3. Avoid water splash on the control panel, as this may cause body injury and damage to
the equipment.
4. Never use your bare hand to test the AC Power Supply. It may cause hazardous injury.

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SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

9.0 REFERENCES

Chopey, N.P “Handbook of Chemical Engineering Calculations”, 2nd Edition, McGraw Hill,
1994.

Christi J. Geankoplis, “Transport Processes and Unit Operations”, 3rd Edition, Prentice Hall
International Edition, 1995, pp 217-219.

Perry, R.H., Green, D.W. and Maloney, J.O., “ Perry’s Chemical Engineering Handbook”,
6th Edition, McGraw Hill, 1984.

Frank Kreith, “The CRC Handbook of Thermal Engineering ”, CRC Press, 2000.

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SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

APPENDIX A
Experiment Data Sheets
SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

Experiment 1: Calibration of the thermal conductivity study unit

Sample: Air .

Outer radius of the inner cylinder, R 1 (m) 0.01665

Inner radius of the outer cylinder, R 2 (m) 0.01695
Length of the cylinder, L (m) 0.10
Thermal conductivity of air, k (W/mK) 0.026

Power Supply to heater,

T1 (°C) T2 (°C) ∆T (°C) Q gen (W) Q c (W) Q lost (W)
Q (W)
SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

Experiment 2: Determination of thermal conductivity of liquids and gases

Sample 1: Air .

Sample 2: Acetone .

Outer radius of the inner cylinder, R 1 (m) 0.01665

Inner radius of the outer cylinder, R 2 (m) 0.01695
Length of the cylinder, L (m) 0.10
Theoretical thermal conductivity, k value of Air 0.026
Theoretical thermal conductivity, k value of Acetone 0.16

Power Supply to T1 T2 ∆T Q gen Q lost K Error

Sample Q c (W)
heater, Q (W) (°C) (°C) (°C) (W) (W) (W/mK) (%)
Air

Acetone
SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

APPENDIX B
Typical Experimental Results
SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

Experiment 1: Calibration of the thermal conductivity study unit

Sample: Air .

Outer radius of the inner cylinder, R 1 (m) 0.01665

Inner radius of the outer cylinder, R 2 (m) 0.01695
Length of the cylinder, L (m) 0.10
Thermal conductivity of air, k (W/mK) 0.026

Power
Supply T1 T2 ∆T Q gen Qc Q lost
to heater, Q (°C) (°C) (°C) (W) (W) (W)
(W)
5.0 35.7 31.8 3.9 5.0 3.567749 1.432251
10.0 39.3 32.3 7.0 10.0 6.403652 3.596348
15.0 43.0 32.8 10.2 15.0 9.331036 5.668964
20.0 46.5 33.1 13.4 20.0 12.25842 7.741580
25.0 49.7 33.7 16.0 25.0 14.63692 10.363080
30.0 53.2 34.2 19.0 30.0 17.38134 12.618658
SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

Sample of calculation for Experiment 1

Sample = Air
Power Supply to heater, Q (W) = 15.0 W
ΔT, (oC) = 10.2 oC

 
 
 (∆T )(2πL) 
qlost = q gen − q c = (Q ) −  k 
 ln R2  
 R  
  1 

 
 
 (10.2)(0.628) 
qlost = q gen − q c = (15.0 ) − 0.026
  0.01695  
 ln 
  0.01665  
qlost = q gen − q c = 5.668964 W

qlost = Incidental Heat Transfer

 SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

Experiment 2: Determination of thermal conductivity of liquids and gases

Sample 1: Air .

Sample 2: Acetone .

Outer radius of the inner cylinder, R 1 (m) 0.01665

Inner radius of the outer cylinder, R 2 (m) 0.01695
Length of the cylinder, L (m) 0.10
Theoretical thermal conductivity, k (W/mK) of Air 0.026
Theoretical thermal conductivity, k (W/mK) of Acetone 0.16

Power
Sample Supply T1 T2 ∆T Q gen Q lost Qc k Error
to heater, Q (°C) (°C) (°C) (W) (W) (W) (W/mK) (%)
(W)
Air 25.0 50.0 33.8 16.2 25.0 10.0278 14.9722 0.026267 1.027802
Acetone 100.0 56.4 41.3 15.1 100.0 9.3469 90.6531 0.170628 6.642269
SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

Sample of calculation for Experiment 2

Thermal conductivity of air, k

q gen = 25.0 W

∆T = 16.2 °C

From graph of Incidental Heat Transfer ,

qlost = 0.619 × (∆T )

= 0.619 × (16.2)
= 10.0278 W

q c = q gen − qlost

q c = 25.0 − 10.0278

q c = 14.9722 W

ln(R 2 )
k= R1 × q
c
( ∆T ) × 2π × L

ln(0.01695 )
= 0.01665 × 14.9722
(16.2)(2π )(0.1)
= 0.026267 W/mK

% Error,

Theoretical − Experimental
= × 100%
Theoretical

0.026 − 0.026267
= × 100%
0.026

= 1.027802 %
SOLTEQ® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUIDS AND GASES (Model: HE 156)

Thermal conductivity of acetone, k

q gen = 100.0 W

∆T = 15.1 °C

From graph of Incidental Heat Transfer ,

qlost = 0.619 × (∆T )

= 0.619 × (15.1)
= 9.3469 W

q c = q gen − qlost

q c = 100.0 − 9.3469

q c = 90.6531 W

ln(R 2 )
k= R1 × qc
(T 1 − T 2) × 2π × L

ln(0.01695 )
= 0.01665 × 90.6531
(15.1)(2π )(0.1)
= 0.170628 W/mK

% Error,

Theoretical − Experimental
= × 100%
Theoretical

0.16 − 0.170628
= × 100%
0.16

= 6.642269 %
 APPENDIX C
Physical and Thermal Properties of Air and Common Liquids
Properties of Air at Atmospheric Pressure

* Frank Kreith, “The CRC Handbook of Thermal Engineering ”, CRC Press, 2000
Physical Properties and Thermal Properties of Common Liquids

* Frank Kreith, “The CRC Handbook of Thermal Engineering ”, CRC Press, 2000