Technique for measuring the apparent thermal conductivity of flat insulations

Technical Report · Mon Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1979

OSTI ID:5924754

Moore, J P; McElroy, D L; Jury, S H

A technique for measuring the apparent thermal conductivity, lambda*, of flat insulations - either batt or loose - is described. This technique consists of a flat Nichrome-screen wire sandwiched between two samples and heated electrically. Results from a limited experimental test are described and compared with results from a pipe insulation tester. Thermal modeling of this system shows that accurate measurements with lambda* down to 0.01 W/m K and insulation thicknesses below 0.089 m (3 1/2 in.) should be straightforward. Measurement of lambda* for material as thick as 0.305 m (12 in.) should also be possible with a lateral guard scheme to reduce heat flow along the screen wire heater.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-26
• OSTI ID: 5924754
• Report Number(s): ORNL/TM-6494
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
HOUSES
THERMAL INSULATION
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
GRAPHS
HEAT TRANSFER
MEASURING METHODS
BUILDINGS
DATA
DATA FORMS
ENERGY TRANSFER
INFORMATION
NUMERICAL DATA
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES
320101* - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Residential Buildings- (-1987)
320104 - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Commercial & Industrial Buildings- (-1987)