Overview
The Thermal Conductivity of Insulating Slab apparatus uses the guarded hot plate principle to determine the thermal conductivity of flat insulating materials under steady-state conditions. A test slab is sandwiched between a central heater and a cooling plate, and a guard ring heater eliminates edge losses to ensure one-dimensional heat flow. Students measure steady-state temperatures on both faces of the slab and calculate thermal conductivity using Fourier's law. The apparatus is used to evaluate building insulation boards, refractory slabs, and thermal barrier coatings.
Specifications
| Method | guarded hot plate |
| Slab size | 300 mm x 300 mm (approx.) |
| Slab thickness | 10 to 50 mm |
| Heater power | 0 to 200W |
| Temperature range | ambient to 200 degrees C |
| Temperature sensors | thermocouples, both surfaces |
| Guard heater | ring type, auto-controlled |
| Power supply | 220V AC, 50 Hz |