THERMAL

CONDUCTIVITY
CHE 331 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY

Instructor : Madam Norzila Binti Mohd

Sir Mohd Shahrul Nizam Bin Salleh
Group

: EH1105C

Mohammad Amir Hakim Bin Rusli

2011843468

Mohamad Azwan Bin Che Aziz

2011465212

Nurfarizha Binti Thuhid

2011651446

Nur Farahin Binti Anuar

2011688134

Date of experiment performed: 28 June 2013

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY REPORT EVALUATION SHEETS

GROUP

: EH 110 5C

EXPERIMENT

PLANNER

: THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY

: MOHAMAD AZWAN BIN CHE AZIZ

SCOPE

CRITERIA

FULL

Introduction
Aims /Objectives
Theory

General overview about the experiment

Based on the experiment in paragraph form
Brief summary from the theory given

MARKS
5
5
10

MARKS

Total:
Checked by:

EXPERIMENTER: MOHAMMAD AMIR HAKIM BIN RUSLI

SCOPE

CRITERIA

FULL

MARKS
Aims and Description Include the description of main apparatus 5
of Apparatus
Methodology

,as well as sketched diagram

Simplified procedures based on what 10

Reference

have been done in the lab

-extra information extracted

-complete raw data and appendices

Total:
Checked by:

ANALYZER : NUR FARAHIN BINTI ANUAR

MARKS

SCOPE

CRITERIA

FULL

Results

MARKS
Data must be similar with what that was 20

MARKS

obtained during experiment

Produce graph /figures based on the data
obtained
Discussion

20

Total:
Checked by:

CONSULTANT : NURFARIZHA BINTI THUHID

SCOPE

CRITERIA

FULL

Abstract

MARKS
Must provide objective of the experiment, 5

Sample Calculation

procedures, results, & conclusion

Sample of calculation for each variable

Conclusion

Present data accordingly

Relate the results obtained

Recommendation

objective of the experiment

Any improvement to be suggested by 5

with

MARKS

5
the 5

observing the inconsistencies observed in

results / conclusion

Total:
Checked by:
ABSTRACT.
The objectives of this experiment are to calibrate the unit by establishing the
incidental heat transfer and determine the conductivity of air. It is done by recording

the temperature and power reading of T1 and T2 when at reading stabilised for about
ten minutes. The air is used as the sample for the calibration. As a results, it is found
that when starting with 5W power, the inner temperature get is 36.3

and for

outer temperature is 30.3 , and by using k, k = 0.6213 W / m.K we get the

amount of Qlost as 2.699 W. The reading is always increasing due the temperature
differences increasement. So, it can be conclude that the results is satisfies the
theory that state the conductivity for all common gaseous and vapour increasing with
the increasing temperature. Due to this result, the power lost ( Q lost) is also increasing
with the pressure, thermal conductivity,k and the difference of temperature, (T).

TABLE OF CONTAINS
Abstract

Table contains
1.

Introduction

2.

Objective

3.

Theory

4.

Diagram and description of apparatus

5.

Experimental procedure

6.

Results & Discussion

7.

Sample calculation

8.

Conclusion & Recommendation

9.

References

10.

Appendix

1.1 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 equipment 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.

2.0 OBJECTIVE
The objective of this experiment is to calibrate the unit by establishing the
incidental of heat transfer and to determine the thermal conductivity of air, K.

3.0 THEORY

The basis of conduction heat transfer is Fouriers 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,

q=kA

t
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 Celcius 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 atm may be used for a
rather wide range of pressure. When non-ideal-gas behavior 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 field 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 a 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.

Influence of Temperature and Pressure of 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. Other with low conductivity are called insulators.
In experimental determination 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 changes from a decrease to an
increase. For the most practical problems here 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 = k32

492+Ck
T +Ck

T
492

where Ck is the Sutherland constant, T is the absolute temperature of the gas in oR, k
32

is the thermal conductivity of gases at 32oF.

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

negligible and the reported data and 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.

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 causes 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 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.

Gas and Liquid Thermal Conductivity Measurement

These 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 flate-plate method, and the concentric
sphere and spheroid-cylinder method. The main principles of these methods is the

employment of thin layer of a test fluid enclosed between two surfaces that
maintained at different temperatures.
For precise thermal conductivity measurement, the account must be made of
energy loss by test fluid convective heat flow. An apparatus with smallest gap width
between the two surfaces to employ the test fluid is recommended. Thus, coaxialcylinder 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, T1, and outer cylinder temperature, T 2, with the thermal
conductivity, k, of test fluid :

k=

ln ( R 2/ R 1)
( T 1T 2 )2 L xqc

Where R1and R2 are radius of the annulus, filled with the gas (R 2>R1) and L is
the length of the cylinder, 0.01 m. R1= 0.01665 m.

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

k=

q dx
A dT

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

k=

q r
A T

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

qc= (qgen) (qlost) = Q (qlost)

By substituting equation (6) into equation (7), we get the following expression for q lost:

qlost = qgen qc = Q

wherer = ln (R2/R1)

(kA Tr )

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 kair . The thermal conductivity coefficient can then be
calculated for other fluids by the temperature difference across the fluid.
To calculate qcfrom equation (6), use the data tabulated thermal conductivity of
air, kair from the air calibration test. The qlostcan be solved when value qgenis
calculated.
To find qc,the qlostfrom the graph and the calculated qgenfor fluid tests are then
put into equation (7). Finally the value ofq cis put into equation (6) to give the
experimental thermal conductivity of fluid, kfluid.

4.0 DIAGRAM AND APPARATUS.

6
1
2
3
4

5
7

1
2
3
4

Thermocouple Sensors
Sample Port( Top)
Cooling Water Inlet
Cooling Water Outlet

Cooling Water Control Valve

Top Sample Port valve
Bottom Sample Port Valve

5. Cooling Water Control Valve

6. Heater
7. Sample Port (Bottom)

V1
V2
V3

a Experimental 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.

b Overall Dimensions
Height : 0.50m
Width : 0.80m
Depth : 0.50m
c General Requirements
Electrical : 240 VAC, 1-phase, 50Hz
Water : Laboratory main supply

INSTALLATION AND COMMISIONING

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

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 indicator 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.

5.0

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES

5.1 General Start-up Procedures

1 The power regulator is turned fully anti-clockwise to set the power to minimum.
2 The cold water supply was connected and electrical supply was switch on.
3 The main water supply opened and the cooling water flow gradually regulated
by the control valve, V1 to allow sufficient cooling to the system. Approximately
5 LPM of cooling water flow rate was sufficient.
4 The main switch is switched on. The unit was now ready for experimental.

5.2 General Shut-down Procedures

1 The power regulator on the control panel is turned to minimum by turning the
knob fully anti-clockwise and heater is switched off. The cooling water flows for
at least 5 minutes through the module to cold down the test module.
2 The main switch and power supply is switched off. Then, the the power supply
cable unplugged.
3 Water supply closed and disconnects from the cooling water connection tubes
and the connection tubes are leaved for next experiment.

Experiment 1: Calibration of the thermal conductivity study unit

Objective: To calibrate the unit by establishing the incidental heat transfer
Procedure:
1
2
3
4

Air is used as the sample for the calibration.

The temperature controller is set to 100C.
Cooling water is supplied to the water jacket.
The main switch and the heater switch is turned on, the power regulator
adjusted to about 5 watt. This power maintained throughout the run and when

recording temperatures value.

5 Temperature readings (T1 and T2) recorded when all readings stabilized for
about ten minutes.
6 Then, steps 3 and 4 is repeated with increasing power input. Power input
increased by adjusting the power regulator by interval of 5 watt up to 30 watt.

Experiment 2: Determination of thermal conductivity of liquids and gases

Objective: To determine the thermal conductivity, k of air.
Procedure:
1
2
3
4

Use air as the sample of the experiment.

The temperature controller is set to 100C.
Cooling water is supplied to the water jacket.
The main switch and the heater switch is turned on, the power regulator
adjusted to about 25 watt.

5 Temperature readings (T1 and T2) recorded when all readings stabilized for
about ten minutes.
6.0 RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Power(W)
5
10
15
20
25
30

Tin ( C)
36.3
39.2
43.5
48.2
51.9
56.2

Tout (C)
30.3
30.4
30.6
30.8
31.5
31.6

Qout (w)
6.0
8.8
12.9
17.4
20.4
24.6

Graph of incidental heat tranfer

30
25
20
Icidental heat transfer( W)

15
10
5
0
0

10

15

20

25

30

Temperature Difference, c

Graph of incidental Heat Transfer against Temperature Difference

DISCUSSION:

35

The basis of conduction heat transfer is Fouriers Law. The trend of graph for
experiment 1 is difference from example of graph incidental heat transfer.
Based on result on Qlost against different temperature, the graph is not directly
proportional because of careless during the experiment was conduct. The
effect of Qlost on temperature difference based on the experiment is when the
thermal conductivity value increased, the Q lost

also increased. Otherwise,

based on the theory, the conductivity of most liquids decreases with

increasing temperature, although water is a notable exception. Besides that,
for all common gases and vapor, the conductivity increases with increasing
temperature. Although the result is not accurately as the theory, but the result
was accepted. Many factor was contribute for any possible error during the
experiment, example likes when the student was careless during taken the
reading, problem with stopwatch, and others. After finish the experiment
student should be known how to find the thermal conductivity and approved
the theory.

7.0 SAMPLE CALCULATION

To calculate the power lost, we used this equation :

q lost = Q (kA T/ r)
r = ln (R2/R1)
A=2 DL
T = T1 T2
r = ln (16.95 mm / 16.65mm)
= 0.017858
Area = 2 x 0.01665 x 0.10
= 0.0105 m2
T = 36.3

30.0

= 6.3
Tavg = (36.3 + 30.0
= 33.15

/ 2

By taking k = 0.6213 W / m.K

q lost = 5 W (0.6213 W/ m.K ) *(0.0105 m2) (6.3 / 0.017858)K
= 2.699 W

8.0 CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION

As the conclusion, thermal conductivity is one of the prime importances in
designing heat exchanger. Heat transfer coefficient in this equipment is usually
computed using correlations which require thermal conductivity data. From the result
obtained, it shows that the thermal conductivity, k is increasing due to the increasing
of temperature difference, (T). This is satisfied the theory that state the conductivity
for all common gaseous and vapour increasing with the increasing temperature. Due
to this result, the power lost ( Qlost) is also increasing with the pressure,thermal
conductivity,k and the difference of temperature, (T).

RECOMMENDATIONS.
The power supply in this experiment can change with easily because of internal
problem of instruments; therefore we must always control the power at 5 watt and 25
watt for constant the power. Instead of that, during experiment, always need to be
prepare with the stopwatch to get the correct timer for this experiment, because it can
cause wrong reading if the time taken is not on time.
9.0 APPENDICES
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_conductivity
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/conductive-heat-transfer-d_428.html