Core Structure of a Thermal Conductivity Meter

A thermal conductivity meter uses a dual-specimen measurement configuration. Specimens are placed vertically between parallel plates maintained at constant temperatures. At steady state, the metering zone experiences constant heat flow; measurements from the plate thermocouples and specimen surfaces are used to calculate thermal resistance, and specimen thickness is then used to calculate thermal conductivity.

The structure includes a main chassis, polymer hot- and cold-plate surfaces, a pneumatic-cylinder clamping system, a directly cooled side plate, an enclosed air-cooled compressor, and computer-controlled measurement, calculation, and reporting. The pneumatic circuit pressure is specified as no greater than 2.5 kPa.

The control cabinet houses the measurement assembly, refrigeration system, and pneumatic transmission/control system. The computer system acquires and processes signals, controls temperature and time, performs calculations, and prints reports. The dual-specimen assembly comprises a heating unit and two cooling units; the cooling units can adjust position for different specimen thicknesses. The refrigeration system uses direct cooling through cooled side plates.