The Unsteady State Heat Transfer ThermoFlux - 7096 is a bench-top laboratory unit for investigating temperature variation with time and heat flow in solid shapes subjected to sudden heating. It features a 30-litre stainless steel water bath heated to up to 80°C by a 3 kW thermostatically controlled immersion heater, a variable-speed centrifugal pump (up to 5 LPM, 1 m head), and seven solid specimens in brass and stainless steel across three shapes: solid sphere, rectangular slab, and long solid cylinder. This unsteady state heat transfer unit measures temperature across three channels (-100 to 400°C), with sensors at the centre of each specimen and on the bath holder. All measurements and digital indicators are integrated on the control panel. Optional LabVIEW-based DAQ software is available for Windows-based data acquisition.

Unsteady State Heat Transfer ThermoFlux - 7096, Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Water Bath Capacity | 30 litres |
| Water Bath Material | Stainless steel |
| Maximum Bath Temperature | Up to 80°C |
| Heater Power | 3 kW |
| Heater Type | Immersion, thermostatically controlled |
| Heater Protection | Internal thermal protection |
| Pump Type | Centrifugal |
| Pump Flow Rate | Up to 5 LPM |
| Pump Head | 1 m |
| Pump Speed | Variable |
| Temperature Measuring Range | 3x -100 to 400°C |
| Number of Specimens | 7 |
| Specimen Shapes | Solid sphere, rectangular slab, long solid cylinder |
| Specimen Materials | Brass and stainless steel |
| Temperature Sensor Location | Centre of each specimen and bath holder |
| Water Requirement | Plain tap water |
Technical Data
Water Bath
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 30 litres |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Maximum Temperature | Up to 80°C |
Heater
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 3 kW |
| Type | Immersion |
| Control | Thermostatically controlled |
| Protection | Internal thermal protection |
Pump
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Centrifugal |
| Flow Rate | Up to 5 LPM |
| Head | 1 m |
| Speed | Variable |
Measuring Ranges
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 3x -100 to 400°C |
General Requirements
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Water Supply | Plain tap water |
Key Features
Experiments
Construction and Design
The Unsteady State Heat Transfer ThermoFlux - 7096 is a bench-top unit built around a stainless steel water bath with a capacity of approximately 30 litres. A 3 kW thermostatically controlled electric immersion heater is mounted in the base of the bath and incorporates internal thermal protection to prevent operation without water cover. The bath reaches temperatures up to 80°C and is connected to an integral flow duct with an external variable-speed centrifugal pump rated at up to 5 LPM and 1 m head. Seven solid specimens are supplied in three shapes: solid sphere, rectangular slab, and long solid cylinder, fabricated from brass and stainless steel. Each specimen is fitted with a temperature sensor at its centre. A dedicated holder positions each specimen at the centre of the top cover of the bath. The holder carries a second temperature sensor that enters the bath water simultaneously with the specimen. This unsteady state heat transfer unit houses all wiring, temperature measurement channels (3x, -100 to 400°C), and digital indicators on an integrated control panel. Analytical charts are supplied for heat flow and temperature analysis. The unit operates on plain tap water.
Software
ThermoFlux - 7096 Software (Optional)
Scope of Delivery
Q1: What solid specimens are supplied with the Unsteady State Heat Transfer ThermoFlux - 7096?
Seven solid specimens are supplied in three shapes: solid sphere, rectangular slab, and long solid cylinder. Specimens are made of brass and stainless steel, enabling direct comparison of heat transfer behaviour across different materials and geometries.
Q2: How are the specimens positioned in the water bath during experiments?
Each specimen is placed in a special holder that positions it at the centre of the top cover of the water bath. The holder also carries a temperature sensor that enters the water simultaneously with the specimen, ensuring simultaneous temperature recording from both the bath and the specimen centre.
Q3: What is the maximum temperature the water bath can reach?
The water bath is heated by a 3 kW thermostatically controlled immersion heater and can reach temperatures up to 80°C. The thermostat allows the bath to be set to a nominally constant temperature before each experiment begins.
Q4: What safety protection is built into the heater?
The heater incorporates internal thermal protection that switches off power if it is activated without water cover. Repeatedly allowing the heater to overheat in this condition should be avoided to prevent element failure.
Q5: What experiments can be performed on this unsteady state heat transfer unit?
Experiments include monitoring temperature changes in different solid shapes and materials, determination of material conductivity by comparing similar shapes in different materials, determination of the Biot number for a solid cylinder, and study of unsteady state heat transfer through lumped capacitance.