The Thermal Conductivity Apparatus ThermoFlux-25 is a laboratory instrument for determining the thermal conductivity of five materials: Bakelite, wood, aluminium, Sheetrock, and Masonite. This thermal conductivity apparatus clamps each 100 x 100 mm, 5 mm thick sample between a 2-litre stainless steel steam chamber and a steel ice mold, establishing a 100°C temperature differential. The rate of ice melt, collected in a 500 ml glass beaker, provides a direct measure of heat transfer through each material. A measuring scale (0 to 100 N, 0.1 N resolution), stand with insulating pads, and two steel ice molds are included. Optional LABVIEW DAQ software and a small steam generator are available as accessories.

Thermal Conductivity Apparatus ThermoFlux-25, Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | ThermoFlux-25 |
| Test Sample Materials | Bakelite, wood, aluminium, Sheetrock, Masonite |
| Sample Face Dimension (W x H) | 100 x 100 mm |
| Sample Thickness | 5 mm |
| Temperature Differential | 100°C (steam chamber to ice) |
| Steam Reservoir Material | Stainless steel |
| Steam Reservoir Capacity | 2 litres |
| Ice Mold Material | Steel |
| Ice Mold Quantity | 2 |
| Ice Mold Capacity | 300 to 400 ml each |
| Beaker Material | Glass |
| Beaker Capacity | 500 ml |
| Measuring Scale Range | 0 to 100 N |
| Measuring Scale Resolution | 0.1 N |
| Sample Waterproofing | Thin aluminium sheet on wood, Masonite, and Sheetrock samples |
| Hot Reservoir Position | Elevated above lab table |
| Meltwater Collection | Flows directly into measuring beaker |
| Optional Accessory | Small Steam Generator ThermoFlux-25 |
| Optional Software | National Instruments LABVIEW, Windows compatible |
| Scope of Delivery | 1 stand with insulating pads, 2 ice molds, 1 set of samples, 1 plastic tubing, 1 instruction manual |
Technical Data
Test Samples
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Materials | Bakelite, wood, aluminium, Sheetrock, Masonite |
| Face Dimension (W x H) | 100 x 100 mm |
| Thickness | 5 mm |
| Waterproofing | Thin aluminium sheet on wood, Masonite, and Sheetrock |
Steam Reservoir
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Capacity | 2 litres |
| Position | Elevated above lab table |
| Temperature Differential Provided | 100°C |
Ice Molds
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel |
| Quantity | 2 |
| Capacity per Mold | 300 to 400 ml |
Beaker
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | Glass |
| Capacity | 500 ml |
| Purpose | Meltwater collection and measurement |
Measuring Scale
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Range | 0 to 100 N |
| Resolution | 0.1 N |
Key Features
Experiments
Construction and Design
The Thermal Conductivity Apparatus ThermoFlux-25 is assembled on a stand fitted with insulating pads to isolate the unit from the lab table. The stainless steel steam reservoir, with a 2-litre capacity, is mounted in an elevated position above the lab table to prevent any risk of heat damage to the work surface. A plastic tube connects the steam reservoir to the test section. The test sample is clamped securely between the steam chamber face and the ice block. Each sample measures 100 x 100 mm and is 5 mm thick. Wood, Masonite, and Sheetrock samples are covered with a thin aluminium sheet to provide waterproofing and ensure effective thermal contact at both interfaces.
This thermal conductivity apparatus establishes a 100°C temperature differential across the sample. Heat flows from the steam chamber, through the sample, and into the ice block. The ice melts at a rate proportional to the thermal conductivity of the material under test. Meltwater drains directly into a 500 ml glass beaker below, eliminating spillage on the lab surface. Two steel ice molds, each 300 to 400 ml, are supplied for preparing standardised ice blocks. A measuring scale (0 to 100 N, 0.1 N resolution) is included for the experimental procedure.
Software
ThermoFlux-25 DAQ Software (Optional)
Optional DAQ software for this thermal conductivity apparatus is developed in the National Instruments LABVIEW environment. It measures and calculates experimental results automatically. A set of electronic sensors is included when the software option is selected. The software is compatible with any Windows operating system.
Scope of Delivery
Optional Accessories
Q1: Which materials are included as test samples in the ThermoFlux-25?
Five samples are supplied: Bakelite, wood, aluminium, Sheetrock, and Masonite. Each sample measures 100 x 100 mm in face dimension and 5 mm in thickness. Wood, Masonite, and Sheetrock are covered with a thin aluminium sheet for waterproofing and effective thermal contact.
Q2: How is the temperature differential maintained during the experiment?
The steam chamber on one side of the sample maintains a constant steam temperature. The ice block on the opposite side provides the cold sink. This arrangement establishes a consistent 100°C differential across the test sample for the duration of the experiment.
Q3: How is heat transfer quantified in this thermal conductivity apparatus?
As heat flows through the sample and melts the ice, the resulting water is collected in a 500 ml glass beaker. The volume or mass of meltwater over a measured time period serves as the quantifiable indicator of heat transfer rate and thermal conductivity.
Q4: Is a steam generator required to operate the ThermoFlux-25?
A small steam generator (ThermoFlux-24) is recommended as an optional accessory. It supplies steam to the stainless steel reservoir for consistent hot-side temperature during experiments.
Q5: Is data acquisition software available for the ThermoFlux-25?
Yes. Optional LABVIEW-based DAQ software is available, developed in the National Instruments environment and compatible with any Windows operating system. A set of electronic sensors is included when this option is selected.