HEC3521 Process Heat Transfer

Experiment 1: Thermal Conductivity of Liquids and Gases

1.0 Summary
The SOLTEQ® Thermal Conductivity of Liquids and Gases Unit (Model: HE 156) is used for both Experiment 1
and 2. The purposes of the overall experiment are to measure the unit by establishing the incidental heat
transfer and to obtain thermal conductivity, k of various liquids and gases. For Experiment 1, once the
general start-up procedures are done as well as working procedure, temperature (T1 and T2) and the power
readings were recorded when stabilized. Thus, a calibration curve for heat lost against temperature
difference is obtained. For Experiment 2, air is used for testing and once the readings for temperature (T1
and T2) and power have stabilized, they were recorded. Then the experiment was repeated with acetone in
liquid form. Experimental thermal conductivity is then calculated for both air and acetone which is 0.02733
W/mK and 0.02734 W/mK respectively. The percentage error for air is 0.2653% while acetone has an error
of 84.62%. The reason for high percentage error would be due to incorrect insertion of liquid sample,
acetone into the unit as the syringe was not fully-filled with acetone, thus, the existence of air bubbles in the
unit. These air bubbles caused the unit to heat up faster than usual as the air bubbles trap heat supplied. In
conclusion, the greater the temperature difference, the rate of incidental heat transfer also increases with a
linear relationship.

Objectives:

1) To measure the unit by establishing incident heat transfer from a calibration curve.
2) To obtain experimental thermal conductivity, k of various liquids and gases.

2.0 Introduction
Fourier’s Law is the basic of conduction of heat.

∂T
q=−kA
∂n

Where, q = heat flux, ∂ T =¿ temperature gradient, ∂ n=¿ direction, k = thermal conductivity,

A = cross-sectional area.

By obtaining temperature difference between two known points of which heat flow is known, thermal
conductivity can be measured. Thermal conductivity tells how fast heat will flow in a material. For gases,
thermal conductivity is a function for temperature, while for liquids, they are qualitatively the same as
gases, but more complex because of the molecules are more closed spaced. Thus, having a strong influence
on the energy exchange in the collision process exerted by molecular force fields. The temperature at any

Lab Group: Prandtl

HEC3521 Process Heat Transfer
Experiment 1: Thermal Conductivity of Liquids and Gases

point in the test material of the thermal conductivity has been presumed independent; the pressure
influence seems to be negligible based on the kinetic theory of gases.

There are several ways to determine thermal conductivity. For this experiment, SOLTEQ® Thermal
Conductivity of Liquids and Gases Unit (Model: HE 156) was used. The apparatus contains two coaxial
cylinders which are vertically installed, thus this leaves a very tiny annular gap that is filled with the test
fluid. Then the inner cylinder will be heated by a electrical heater. With the thermal low across the gap is
fairly radial, this equation could be used;

R2
ln ()
R1
k= XQ
(T 1−T 2) ×2 π × L

Where, Q = heat output, T1 = inner cylinder temperature, T2 = outer cylinder temperature,

k = thermal conductivity, R1 = inner radius of annulus, R2 = outer radius of annulus,

L =length of cylinder.

3.0 Experimental Procedure

General Start-up Procedure
1) The power was set to a minimum by turning the power regulator fully anti-clockwise.
2) The cold water supply and electrical supply were ensured that they were both connected and switched on
respectively.
3) The main water supply and control valve, V1 to gradually regulate the colling water flow thus allowing
sufficient cooling to the system.
4) The main switch was turned on.
5) A syringe was used to inject acetone into the sample port from bottom so that no air will be trapped inside
the sample port.

General Shut-down Procedure

1) The power regulator on the control panel was turned to the minimum by turning the knob fully anti-
clockwise. The heater switch was switched off. The cooling water was kept flowing for at least 5 minutes to
cool down the test module.
2) The main switch and power supply was switch off. Then, the power supply cable was unplugged.
3) The water supply and cooling water connection tubes were closed and disconnected respectively.

Lab Group: Prandtl

HEC3521 Process Heat Transfer
Experiment 1: Thermal Conductivity of Liquids and Gases

Working Procedure
Experiment 1: Calibration of the thermal conductivity study unit
1) Air was used as the sample for the calibration.
2) The temperature controller was ensured to be set at 100 0C.
3) Cooling water supply was ensured that it was supplied to the water jacket.
4) The main and heater switch were turned on. The power regulator was adjusted to 5 watt.
5) When the readings have stabilised for about 10 minutes, the power and temperature readings (T1 and T2)
were recorded.
6) Steps 3 and 4 were repeated with increasing power input. By adjusting the power regulator the power input
was increased by an interval of 5 watt to 30 watt.
7) The incidental heat lost was calculated, the heat loss as a function of the temperature difference was
plotted. With the use of mathematical analysis software the calibration curve for heat lost against
temperature difference was obtained.

Experiment 2: Determination of thermal conductivity of liquids and gases

1) Air was used as the sample of the experiment.
2) The temperature controller was ensured to be set at 100 0C.
3) Cooling water supply was ensured that it was supplied to the water jacket.
4) The main and heater switch were turned on. The power regulator was adjusted to about 25 watt.
5) When the readings have stabilised for about 10 minutes, the power and temperature readings (T1 and T2)
were recorded.
6) By applying the Fourier’s equation the thermal conductivity of the air was calculated. For accurate thermal
conductivity determination the incidental heat loss correction value was used.
7) The experiment was repeated by substituting air with acetone. The heating power was also increased to 100
watt.

Lab Group: Prandtl

HEC3521 Process Heat Transfer
Experiment 1: Thermal Conductivity of Liquids and Gases

4.0 Results
Experiment 1: Calibration of the thermal conductivity study unit

Sample: Air

Outer radius of the inner cylinder, R1 (m) 0.01665

Inner radius of the outer cylinder, R2 (m) 0.01695
Length of the cylinder, L (m) 0.10
Thermal conductivity of air, k (W/m.K) 0.02726

Power Supply to Calculated Calculated

T1 (°C) T2 (°C) ∆T (K) Qgen (W)
Heater, Q (W) Qc (W) Qlost (W)
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 37.5 33.0 4.50 5 4.31660 0.68340
15 45.4 30.0 15.4 15 14.77235 0.22765
25 54.6 30.0 24.6 25 23.59739 1.40261
30 59.5 30.1 29.4 30 28.20175 1.79825

Experiment 2: Determination of thermal conductivity of liquids and gases

Sample 1: Air

Sample 2: Acetone

Outer radius of the inner cylinder, R1 (m) 0.01695

Inner radius of the outer cylinder, R2 (m) 0.01665
Length of the cylinder, L (m) 0.10
Theoretical thermal conductivity of air, k (W/m.K) 0.02726
Theoretical thermal conductivity of acetone, k (W/m.K) 0.16959

Power
Supply to T1 T2 Qgen Experimental Experimental Experimental Error
Sample ∆T (K)
Heater, Q (°C) (°C) (W) Qlost (W) Qc (W) k (W/m.K) (%)
(W)
Air 25 54.6 30 24.6 25 1.34 23.66 0.02733 0.265
Acetone 50 81.2 29.7 51.5 50 2.74 47.26 0.02608 84.62

Lab Group: Prandtl

HEC3521 Process Heat Transfer
Experiment 1: Thermal Conductivity of Liquids and Gases

5.0 Sample Calculation

Given,

Inner cylinder plug; outer diameter: 33.3mm Outer cylinder plug; inner diameter: 33.9mm

Length of cylinder: 100mm = 0.1m

0.0333 m
∴ Outer radius of the inner cylinder , R1(m)= =0.01665
2
0.0339 m
∴ Inner radius of the outer cylinder , R 2(m)= =0.01695
2

Experiment 1: Calibration of the thermal conductivity study unit

To find theoretical thermal conductivity of air, k (W/m.K) at the average temperature, interpolation method is used.

T1 (°C) T2 (°C) Average T(°C)

0 0 0
37.5 33.0 35.25
45.4 30.0 37.7
54.6 30.0 42.3
59.5 30.1 44.8
Total 160.05
Average 40.0125

32.25+37.7+ 42.3+ 44.8

Average T ( ° C ) = =40.0125
4

Interpolation of k values from TABLE A.4 Thermophysical Properties of Gases at Atmospheric Pressure as seen in
Appendix.

T (K) k (W/m.K)

300 0.0263

313.0125 0.02726
350 0.03

313.0125−300 W
Theoretical k air ( 313.0125 K )= [ 350−300 ]
(0.0300−0.0263) +0.0263=0.02726
m.K

Lab Group: Prandtl

HEC3521 Process Heat Transfer
Experiment 1: Thermal Conductivity of Liquids and Gases

Find Qc using derivation of Fourier’s law across cylindrical surface in a solid;

dT dT
Q c =−kA =−k ( 2 πrL ) =( 2 πrL ) Q 'c' ⋯[1]
dr dr
dT k
Q'c' =−k = ( T 1−T 2 ) ⋯ [2]
dr R2
r ln( )
R1
Sub [2] into [1],
k k
∴ Qc =( 2 πrL ) Q'c' = ( 2 π r L ) ( T 1−T 2 )=( 2 πL ) ( T 1−T 2 )
R2 R2
( )
r ln
R1 ( )
ln
R1
Qlost is calculated using the energy balance equation. Power supply to heater, Q = Q gen;

Qc =Q gen−Q lost =Q−Qlost

∴ Q lost=Q−Qc

When 5W is supplied to heater,

k = 0.027341 W/m.K R2 = 0.01695 m R1 = 0.01665 m

L = 0.1 m T1 = 37.5°C T2 = 33.0°C

0.027341
∴ Qlost ( W )=Q−Qc =5−[ 2 π ( 0.1 ) ] ( 37.5−33.0 )=0.67104
0.01695
ln( 0.01665 )
All calculations and plotting of graph are performed using Microsoft Excel for accuracy of values. Graph plotted with
best fit line will be used to determine experimental Q lost for air and acetone in Experiment 2 which as a result, will be
used to determine respective experimental values of k.

Lab Group: Prandtl

HEC3521 Process Heat Transfer
Experiment 1: Thermal Conductivity of Liquids and Gases

Calibration Graph of Qlost (W) vs. ∆T (K)

2

1.8

1.6

1.4

1.2
Qlost(W)

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

∆T (K)

Figure 1: Calibration curve of incidental heat loss against temperature difference

Experiment 2: Determination of thermal conductivity of liquids and gases

To calculate experimental value of k for both air and acetone, Q lost for both sample is determined from the calibration graph plotted at respective
∆T. Then Qc is calculated using the energy balance formula:

Q c =Q gen−Q lost =Q−Q lost

Lab Group: Prandtl

HEC3521 Process Heat Transfer
Experiment 1: Thermal Conductivity of Liquids and Gases

k
SinceQc = ( 2 πL ) ( T 1−T 2 )
R2
( )
ln
R1

R2
ln (
R1)
∴ k=Q c
(2 πL )( T 1−T 2 )
∴For air, ∆T = 24.6 K; Qlost ≈ 2.75 W when 25W is supplied,

L = 0.1 m R2 = 0.01695 m R1 = 0.01665 m

T1 = 54.6°C T2 = 30.0°C

∴ Qc ( W )=25−1.34=23.66

∴ Experimental k air =23.66

ln ( 0.01695
0.01665 )
=0.02733
W
[ 2 π (0.1)] (54.6−30.0 ) m. K

Theoretical thermal conductivity of air, k (W/m.K) = 0.02726

∴ % error = |Experimental−Theoretical
Theoretical |×100 %=|
0.02733−0.02726
0.02726 |× 100 %=0.265 %
∴For acetone, ∆T = 51.5 K; Qlost ≈ 5.74 W when 50W is supplied,

L = 0.1 m R2 = 0.01695 m R1 = 0.01665 m

T1 = 81.2°C T2 = 29.7°C
∴ Qc ( W )=50−2.74=47.26

∴ Experimental k acetone =47.26

ln ( 0.01695
0.01665 )
=0.02608
W
[ 2 π (0.1)] ( 81.2−29.7 ) m. K

Theoretical thermal conductivity of acetone is determined from interpolation of Thermophysical Properties: Acetone
(Thermal Fluids Central 2011) as seen in Appendix

T (°C) k (W/m.K)

40 0.175

55.45 0.16959

60 0.168

55.45−40 W
Theoretical k acetone ( 55.45 ℃ )= [ 60−40 ]
(0.168−0.175) +0.175=0.16959
m. K

Lab Group: Prandtl

HEC3521 Process Heat Transfer
Experiment 1: Thermal Conductivity of Liquids and Gases

∴ % error = |Experimental−Theoretical
Theoretical |×100 %=|
0.02608−0.16959
0.16959 |× 100 %=84.62 %

Lab Group: Prandtl

HEC3521 Process Heat Transfer
Experiment 1: Thermal Conductivity of Liquids and Gases

6.0 Discussion
1. From the calibration of the graph, it can be assumed that the heat transfer increases linearly with the
increase of the average temperature. The heat loss also increases as the temperature difference increases.

2. Comparing the theoretical and experimental values of the thermal conductivity of air, both values have a
slight difference with percentage error of 0.265%. As for acetone, the theoretical and experimental values have a big
difference, giving an error value of 84.62%.

3. A few errors occurred throughout the experiment. Firstly, the unit was not calibrated properly. Before the
experiment, the unit should be calibrated properly as not all the power input is transferred through the test fluid
through conduction. Thus, some energy, for example incidental heat transfer, will be lost to the surrounding and
some will be radiated.

The power regulator is highly sensitive. Hence, when adjusting the power input during the experiment, temperature
readings were not stabilized as they increased rapidly.

From the calculation of the thermal conductivity of acetone in Experiment 2, the percentage error for acetone is
very high. This might due to the existence of the air bubbles in the sample during the insertion of acetone into the
unit using a syringe that was not fully-filled with the test sample. The unit heated up rapidly, causing overheating as
air bubbles trapped some of the heat supplied. In only a short period of time, the unit overheated and automatically
cuts off the power supply as temperature rose up to 100°C. As a result, a decision was made to maintain power
supply at 50W for acetone instead of 100W as stated in the procedure to avoid overheating of the unit. Hence, this
might be the result of a large error for experimental value of thermal conductivity of acetone.

It is important to ensure that no bubbles exist if the test fluid or sample is liquid.

7.0 Conclusion
In conclusion, experimental value of thermal conductivity of air is determined giving a value of 0.02733W/mK with
an small error of 0.265%. As for acetone, due to errors occurred as described in discussion, the experimental value
of the thermal conductivity obtained is 0.02608 W/mK which far off from its theoretical value, giving an error of
84.62%. It can also be concluded that the greater the temperature difference, the rate of incidental heat transfer
also increases with a linear relationship.

Lab Group: Prandtl

HEC3521 Process Heat Transfer
Experiment 1: Thermal Conductivity of Liquids and Gases

8.0 References
‘Air: Table A.4 Thermophysical Properties of Gases at Atmospheric Pressure’, APPENDIX A Thermophysical Properties
of Matter, p. 995.

‘Thermophysical Properties: Acetone’ in Thermal Fluids Central 2011, Thermophysical properties, Thermal Fluids
Central, viewed 9 April 2016,

<https://www.thermalfluidscentral.org/encyclopedia/index.php/Thermophysical_Properties:_Acetone>

9.0 Appendix

Figure 2: Thermophysical Properties of Acetone

Figure 3: Air: Table A.4 Thermophysical Properties of Gases at Atmospheric Pressure

Lab Group: Prandtl