Description

The Armfield Conductivity of Liquids and Gases unit has been specifically designed to enable students to measure and compare the thermal conductivities of various liquids and gases. It’s designed to facilitate quick and effective cleaning and to minimise thermal losses.

The unit comprises a cylindrical, electrically heated, nickel-plated aluminium core surrounded by a nickel-plated aluminium sleeve. The core and the sleeve are arranged so that a uniform narrow annular gap is created between the two parts, which is filled by the liquid or gas to be analysed.

The temperature on each side of the fluid is measured by thermocouples in the surface of the core and the sleeve.

The HT10X service unit is provided with an electronic proportioning valve and flow meter to control and measure the water flow. The unit incorporates an insulated jacket to minimise heat exchange from and to the atmosphere.

The fluid to be tested is injected into the annular gap between the heated core and the cooled jacket using a hypodermic syringe.

Measurement of the temperature difference between the heated and cooled surfaces together with the power supplied to the heater (measurement of DC voltage and current) using HT10X allows the conductivity of the fluid to be calculated. The surface area and thickness of the fluid sample remain constant during all tests.

Experimental Content

• Understanding the use of the Fourier rate equation in determining the rate of heat flow by conduction through liquids or gases
• Measuring the constant of proportionality (the thermal conductivity k) of different liquids such as water and glycerol
• Calibrating the unit for heat losses using a gas, such as air with known thermal conductivity, then measuring the temperature difference across different gases, such as carbon dioxide and helium to determine their thermal conductivity k

Note: Flammable, explosive, corrosive or toxic liquids and gases must not be used in the equipment.