HFM 446 Lambda Medium Eco-Line
Heat Flow Meter
Highlights
Dedicated to all-sized specimens equipped with great features.
Our Heat Flow Meter HFM 446 Lambda Medium combines innovative features:
Our SmartMode streamlines measurement, evaluation, and reporting processes, empowering operators with intuitive tools such as AutoCalibration, wizards, user-defined methods, and detailed reports. Equipped with dual heat flux transducers, our instrument ensures precision and sensitivity in monitoring heat flow to and from specimens. Calibration with reference materials of known Thermal ConductivityThermal conductivity (λ with the unit W/(m•K)) describes the transport of energy – in the form of heat – through a body of mass as the result of a temperature gradient (see fig. 1). According to the second law of thermodynamics, heat always flows in the direction of the lower temperature.thermal conductivity enhances accuracy, while various calibration options further boost precision.
In addition to measuring Thermal ConductivityThermal conductivity (λ with the unit W/(m•K)) describes the transport of energy – in the form of heat – through a body of mass as the result of a temperature gradient (see fig. 1). According to the second law of thermodynamics, heat always flows in the direction of the lower temperature.thermal conductivity, our hardware and software enable the determination of Specific Heat Capacity (cp)Heat capacity is a material-specific physical quantity, determined by the amount of heat supplied to specimen, divided by the resulting temperature increase. The specific heat capacity is related to a unit mass of the specimen.specific heat capacity (Specific Heat Capacity (cp)Heat capacity is a material-specific physical quantity, determined by the amount of heat supplied to specimen, divided by the resulting temperature increase. The specific heat capacity is related to a unit mass of the specimen.cp), providing a comprehensive analysis of thermal properties. Furthermore, the instrument prioritizes resource conservation with Eco-Mode, allowing for energy-saving standby and quick measurement startup in Idle-Mode. Users can easily customize activation timings using the scheduler, promoting efficiency in operations.
Saving and Efficient use of Energy
Today, global attention towards saving and efficiently using energy has never been higher. Industries and academia worldwide are actively researching ways to conserve energy and utilize alternative resources. Among the key focuses are insulation materials and thermal efficiency in buildings, holding vast potential. Ensuring high-quality manufacturing and strict performance control of these materials is paramount.
Various standards and guidelines govern these products to guarantee their efficacy, given the massive production volumes globally. Our latest offering, the HFM 446 Lambda Eco-Line, ensures peak energy efficiency in measuring Thermal ConductivityThermal conductivity (λ with the unit W/(m•K)) describes the transport of energy – in the form of heat – through a body of mass as the result of a temperature gradient (see fig. 1). According to the second law of thermodynamics, heat always flows in the direction of the lower temperature.Thermal Conductivity.
Method
Thermal ConductivityThermal conductivity (λ with the unit W/(m•K)) describes the transport of energy – in the form of heat – through a body of mass as the result of a temperature gradient (see fig. 1). According to the second law of thermodynamics, heat always flows in the direction of the lower temperature.Thermal Conductivity - A Key Parameter for Improved Energy Efficiency
Thermal conductivity is a measure of a material's ability to conduct heat. It quantifies how well heat can move through a substance. The most common method for measuring Thermal ConductivityThermal conductivity (λ with the unit W/(m•K)) describes the transport of energy – in the form of heat – through a body of mass as the result of a temperature gradient (see fig. 1). According to the second law of thermodynamics, heat always flows in the direction of the lower temperature.thermal conductivity is the steady-state method, also known as the heat flow meter method.
In this method, a sample of the material with known dimensions is placed between two plates of different temperatures. One plate is heated, while the other is cooled, creating a temperature gradient across the material. Heat flows through the sample from the hot plate to the cold plate. The rate of heat transfer (heat flux) and the temperature difference across the sample are measured.
Using Fourier's law of heat conduction, which relates the heat flux, temperature gradient, and Thermal ConductivityThermal conductivity (λ with the unit W/(m•K)) describes the transport of energy – in the form of heat – through a body of mass as the result of a temperature gradient (see fig. 1). According to the second law of thermodynamics, heat always flows in the direction of the lower temperature.thermal conductivity of the material, the Thermal ConductivityThermal conductivity (λ with the unit W/(m•K)) describes the transport of energy – in the form of heat – through a body of mass as the result of a temperature gradient (see fig. 1). According to the second law of thermodynamics, heat always flows in the direction of the lower temperature.thermal conductivity of the sample can be calculated. This calculation accounts for factors such as the dimensions of the sample and the thermal resistance at the interface between the sample and the plates.
By repeating the measurements with different samples and under various conditions, the thermal conductivity of the material can be accurately determined. This information is crucial for evaluating the insulation properties of materials used in building construction, electronics, and various other applications where heat transfer is a concern.
The HFM is an exact, fast and easy-to-use instrument for measuring the low thermal conductivity λ of insulation materials.
In a heat flow meter (HFM), the test specimen is placed between two heated plates controlled to a user-defined mean sample temperature and temperature gradient to measure heat flowing through the specimen. The sample thickness L is measured by an internal thickness gauge. Alternatively, the user can enter and drive to the desired thickness, which is of particular interest for compressible samples. The heat flow Q through the sample is measured by two calibrated heat flux transducers covering a large area of both sides of the specimen.
After reaching thermal equilibrium, the test is done. The heat flux transducer output is calibrated using a reference standard. For the calculation of the thermal conductivity λ and the thermal resistance R, the average heat flux Q/A, the sample thickness L, and the temperature gradient ΔT are used, in accordance with Fourier’s Law (see formulas on the right). The thermal transmittance, also known as U-value, is the reciprocal of the total thermal resistance. The lower the U-value, the better the insulating ability.
Material Parameter Thermal Conductivity
- What is the heating/cooling load of a building?
- How does this change with the weather and how can you improve it?
- How can you optimize the heat transfer from an electronic component?
- How do you design a heat exchanger system to achieve the required efficiency and what are the best materials to use?
To answer questions like these, material properties such as Thermal DiffusivityThermal diffusivity (a with the unit mm2/s) is a material-specific property for characterizing unsteady heat conduction. This value describes how quickly a material reacts to a change in temperature.thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity must be known. NETZSCH offers various thermal conductivity testing instruments covering nearly all possible applications and temperature ranges.
For the analysis of lower-conductivity materials such as fiber insulations or vacuum insulation panels, NETZSCH stands out with various types of heat flow meters (HFM) for diverse sample dimensions and temperature ranges.
The most important role here is played by the material parameter thermal conductivity (amount of heat per second flowing through a material layer of a thickness of 1 meter and an area of 1 m² when the temperature difference amounts to 1 K). The thicker the material layer through which the heat flows, the higher the thermal resistance (R-Value) that the material layer presents to the quantity of heat to be transported. The reciprocal value of the thermal resistance is the thermal transmittance (U-Value), usually specified for structural components.
No matter whether for expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), PU rigid foam, mineral wool, bloated perlite or foam glass, cork, fleece or natural fiber materials – no matter whether for building materials containing phase change materials, aerogels, concrete, plaster or polymers or even high performing insulation materials like vacuum insulation panels (VIP's) – the new HFM 446 Lambda Eco-Line features a new standardized method for the measurement of thermal conductivity which is equally applicable in research and development and in quality assurance.
A temperature gradient is set between two plates through the material to be measured. By means of two highly accurate heat-flow sensors in the plates, the heat flow into the material and out of the material, respectively, is measured. If the state of equilibrium of the system is reached and the heat flow is constant, the thermal conductivity can be calculated with the help of the Fourier equation as long as the measurement area and thickness of the sample are known.
The HFM 446 Lambda Medium excels in Thermal ConductivityThermal conductivity (λ with the unit W/(m•K)) describes the transport of energy – in the form of heat – through a body of mass as the result of a temperature gradient (see fig. 1). According to the second law of thermodynamics, heat always flows in the direction of the lower temperature.Thermal Conductivity Measurements across a range of materials including insulating materials, polymers, phase-change materials, aerogels, and non-wovens.
With two flexible measurement options, users can connect with a computer via our SmartMode software or opt for standalone use with an integrated printer. Setup is quick and easy, thanks to factory calibration with certified reference materials (NIST SRM 1450d).
The instrument offers fast measurements, up to 40% quicker than previous versions, with the added benefit of an Eco-Mode for reduced energy consumption. Closed test chambers ensure optimal test conditions, minimizing environmental influences and condensation risks.
Innovative features include sample thickness and parallelism measurement using a two-axis inclinometer, high throughput facilitated by motorized plate and door movement, and the ability to extend the thermal conductivity range using external thermocouples.
Advanced functionalities like the "Drive-to-thickness" feature and Heat Flux Transducer (HFT) MultiCalibration enhance accuracy and precision. Complete QA documentation and compliance to standards are ensured with Stability Configuration Management.
Improved instrument handling and compatibility with multiple operating systems and languages make our device user-friendly and accessible to all. Additionally, Specific Heat Capacity (cp)Heat capacity is a material-specific physical quantity, determined by the amount of heat supplied to specimen, divided by the resulting temperature increase. The specific heat capacity is related to a unit mass of the specimen.specific heat capacity (Specific Heat Capacity (cp)Heat capacity is a material-specific physical quantity, determined by the amount of heat supplied to specimen, divided by the resulting temperature increase. The specific heat capacity is related to a unit mass of the specimen.cp) measurement is supported based on the step method, offering comprehensive thermal analysis capabilities.
The HFM 446 Lambda Series is based on various relevant standards, e.g., ASTM C518, ISO 8301, JIS A1412, DIN EN 12664* and DIN EN 12667.
* not for HFM 446 Lambda Large
NETZSCH offers more exciting products that support you in measuring Thermal Conductivity:
Specifications
| HFM 446 Lambda Medium | |
|---|---|
| Standards | ASTM C518, ISO 8301, JIS A1412, DIN EN 12667, DIN EN 12664 |
| Type | Stand-alone, with integrated printer |
| Thermal conductivity range | 0.002 to 2 W/(m·K)** Small and Medium: 2.0 W/(m·K) achievable with optional instrumentation kit, recommended for hard materials and those with higher thermal conductivity Performance data:
→ All performance data is verified with NIST SRM 1450 D (thickness 25 mm) |
| Plate temperature range | -20°C to 90°C, optional for the HFM 446 Lambda Medium: -30° to 90°C |
| Air-tight system | Sample compartment with possibility to introduce purge gas |
| Metering area heat flux transducer | 102 mm x 102 mm |
| Chiller system | External; constant temperature setpoint over plate temperature range |
| Plate temperature control | Peltier system |
| Plate motion | Motorized |
| Plate thermocouples | Three thermocouples on each plate, type K (two extra thermocouples with instrumentation kit) |
| Thermocouple resolution | ± 0.01°C |
| Number of setpoints | Up to 99 |
| Specimen sizes (max.) | 305 mm x 305 mm x 105 mm |
| Variable load/ contact force | 0 to 1930 N (21 kPa on 305 x 305 mm²) Force-controlled adjustment of the contact force or the desired thickness, and thus DensityThe mass density is defined as the ratio between mass and volume. density, of compressible materials |
| Thickness determination |
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| Software features |
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** Please note: In the very low thermal conductivity range, accuracy of Lambda (λ) values can be restricted
Accessories and more:
The HFM system is delivered calibrated with an NIST-certified or IRRM reference standard of known thermal conductivity. This establishes precise correlation between the signal output of the transducers and the actual heat flow. Thermal resistance and thermal conductivity are determined once the userdefined stability criteria are met. Of course, the customer can also use his own reference materials. For the above-mentioned reference specimens, an accuracy of ± 1% can be easily achieved.
The design of the testing chamber of the HFM 446 Lambda Series minimizes influences from the environment and reduces condensation effects inside the testing chamber and on the plate surfaces. Optionally, the testing chamber can be purged with dry gas.
Along with the thermal conductivity, the HFM 446 Lambda Small and Medium instruments allow for determination of the Specific Heat Capacity (cp)Heat capacity is a material-specific physical quantity, determined by the amount of heat supplied to specimen, divided by the resulting temperature increase. The specific heat capacity is related to a unit mass of the specimen.specific heat capacity Specific Heat Capacity (cp)Heat capacity is a material-specific physical quantity, determined by the amount of heat supplied to specimen, divided by the resulting temperature increase. The specific heat capacity is related to a unit mass of the specimen.cp by using the calibration factors and accounting for contribution of the thermal mass of the plates
Brochures and Data Sheets
Software
All software highlights at a glance
Highest Usability
SmartMode is the user-friendly, smoothly running user interface of the HFM Proteus® software. It is characterized by a logical structure which quickly gives a clear overview of the current measurement status and provides various report and export possibilities. After completing the test, all relevant results can be directly printed out by the integrated printer or a report can be created by the software when a PC is connected.
Calibration in Next to no Time
For calibration purposes, the thermal conductivity values of the most common certified reference materials, such as NIST SRM 1450d, are already stored in the software. However, AutoCalibration also offers the ability to create calibration curves for any user-defined material on the basis of up to 99 freely selectable temperatures.
Find out even more:
The “Wizards” button allows for manual parameter input, while the User Methods button retrieves parameter sets defined by the user beforehand. Such “User Methods” can also be transferred to “Favorites” for faster access if they are used frequently.
The button “Reports” allows for reports to be generated quickly and easily by granting access to various templates; one of these templates meets all of the requirements stipulated by ASTM C518. Each report can be adapted to the customer‘s own corporate identity. In addition, data can easily be exported into either Word or Excel format with just a few mouse clicks. The “Full” export button exports data, graphs and results together into a single file. Measurement data is stored in binary format and is thus fully tamperproof.
Theλ90/90 value is the basis for determination of the declared value of the thermal conductivity within the realm of CE declarations of building materials. It is calculated from a measurement series of at least 10 measurements and states which thermal conductivity values to a probability of 90%, can be achieved for 90% of the output production volume. The integrated report calculates the λ90/90 value by a mouse mouse click. The calculation is based on your measurements; no additional documentation and calculation are required.
Any measurement can be started by using the pre-defined instrument parameters (including number and position of thermocouples, stability criteria, etc.). However, experienced users who wish to apply their own parameter sets can define them under “Setup & Control”.
E-Learning
