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HFM-100The HFM-100 Heat Flow Meter method is an easy-to-use rapid technique for thermal conductivity measurement and thermal resistance measurement of insulation products, construction materials, packaging, and assemblies. A measurement of thermal conductivity is an indicator of the ability of a material to conduct heat and can be critical for defining energy efficiency and thermal performance in materials. The Thermtest HFM has been designed and engineered to combine the highest accuracy, repeatability, widest temperature range, and industry-leading performance, all at an exceptional value. Follows international standards: ASTM C518, ISO 8301, and EN 12667.
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FEATURED HEAT FLOW METER METHOD CAPABILITIES
The cost effective HFM 100 Heat Flow Meter instrument is an excellent choice when making steady-state thermal conductivity measurements of specimens such as insulation products and construction materials. Thermtest has rigorously engineered the heat flow meter to meet the requirements of international standards including ASTM C518, ISO 8301, and EN 12667.
Operating the HFM is straightforward — a sample is positioned between two heating – cooling plates, and the upper plate, powered by stepper motors positioned in each corner, lowers to contact the top of the sample. Plate contact with the test specimen is controlled by a standard pressure applied, or by a user defined specimen thickness. Stepper motors are controlled by individual optical encoders for measurement of sample thickness (L), to the nearest 0.1 mm (0.004 in). Integrated logic between stepper motors allows the upper plate to sense and adjust for specimens with surface variations, optimizing plate – specimen contact for measurements.
One heat flux sensor is integrated into each plate, and is used to monitor heat flux (Q/A), generated due to the difference in temperature (ΔT) between the top and bottom plate at regular intervals, until steady-state heat flux is observed. The composite heat flux is then used to calculate thermal conductivity (λ) and thermal resistance (R) according to Fourier’s Law.
- Two flux sensors for accurate measurement of thermal conductivity
- Peltier heating / cooling plates for rapid control of temperature
- Thickness is measured to an accuracy of 0.1 mm (0.004 in) with the use of four digital optical encoders
- Front panel operation allows full control of all HFM functions, or use the intuitive HFM Software for basic and additional functions, such as printing and exporting
- Plate clamping can be automated or set to a user defined thickness — ideal for compressible materials
The cost effective HFM 100 Heat Flow Meter instrument is an excellent choice when making steady-state thermal conductivity measurements of specimens such as insulation products and construction materials. Thermtest has rigorously engineered the heat flow meter to meet the requirements of international standards including ASTM C518, ISO 8301, and EN 12667.
Operating the HFM is straightforward — a sample is positioned between two heating – cooling plates, and the upper plate, powered by stepper motors positioned in each corner, lowers to contact the top of the sample. Plate contact with the test specimen is controlled by a standard pressure applied, or by a user defined specimen thickness. Stepper motors are controlled by individual optical encoders for measurement of sample thickness (L), to the nearest 0.1 mm (0.004 in). Integrated logic between stepper motors allows the upper plate to sense and adjust for specimens with surface variations, optimizing plate – specimen contact for measurements.
One heat flux sensor is integrated into each plate, and is used to monitor heat flux (Q/A), generated due to the difference in temperature (ΔT) between the top and bottom plate at regular intervals, until steady-state heat flux is observed. The composite heat flux is then used to calculate thermal conductivity (λ) and thermal resistance (R) according to Fourier’s Law.
Following international standards, the HFM 100 Heat Flow Meter Method is designed for testing both homogeneous and heterogeneous materials.
The HFM 100 sample size allows for representative testing of materials typically found in insulation and construction industries.
The HFM 100 sample size allows for representative testing of materials typically found in insulation and construction industries.
Materials |
Insulation, Solids, and Textiles |
Type of Sensors |
Flux Sensors (x 2) |
Applications |
General Testing |
Direction |
Through-Thickness |
Typical Thermal Conductivity |
0.005 to 0.5 W/mK (0.035 to 3.5 BTU/(hr·ft·°F)) |
Extended TC Thermal Couple Upgrade |
Up to 2.5 W/mK (17.3 BTU/(hr·ft·°F)) |
Measurement Time |
30 to 60 min |
Reproducibility |
Typically better than 1% |
Accuracy |
Typically better than 3% |
Plate Temperature Range* |
-20 to 70°C (-4 to 158˚F) |
Largest Sample Size |
300 x 300 x 100 mm (12 x 12 x 4 in) |
Standard |
ASTM C518, ISO 8301, and EN 12667 |