Design and construction of a full-thickness guarded hot plate test system
The need to determine the thermal performance of thick, light-density fibrous insulating materials at full manufactured thickness has necessitated the design and construction of new, large test equipment. The technical challenges imposed by thicker, high R-value insulation test samples and longer system time constants have increased the stability and precision measurement requirements of all system parameters. This paper describes the Owens-Corning Fiberglas approach to the design and construction of a 1.22 by 1.22 m (48 by 48 in.) guarded hot plate (GHP) apparatus for testing insulation at full thicknesses up to 460 mm (18 in.). This GHP utilizes a unique heater design to provide uniform power density, a floating mount cold plate support system to eliminate expansion and contraction problems, and a multitank cascaded fluid temperature control system to provide cold plate temperature stability of +-0.01/sup 0/C (+-0.02/sup 0/F). The apparatus has demonstrated excellent long-term stability of measured parameters and compatibility with automatic data acquisition equipment. A variety of features were incorporated for improved system flexibility, versatility, and ease of maintenance.
- Research Organization:
- Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corp., Granville, OH
- OSTI ID:
- 6710225
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-811222-
- Journal Information:
- Am. Soc. Test. Mater., Spec. Tech. Publ.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Soc. Test. Mater., Spec. Tech. Publ.; (United States) Vol. 789; ISSN ASTTA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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