Present set-up is computer controlled with data logging facility. When the equipment is interfaced to computer, the end user has an access of every input and output of the setup and can log data of experiments. This apparatus is designed to determine the thermal conductivity of insulating powder. The apparatus consists of two thin walled concentric copper spheres of different diameter. Inner small sphere houses Nichrome Wire heater. Insulating powder is filled between the annulus space of these two spheres. Heat input to the heater is controlled by computer signal to have a smooth control on desired temperature conditions as per end user requirements. This control facilitates end user to control required heat input to the heater, automatically, and further steady state of experiment is achieved in very less time as compared to manual control. Electronic energy meter will be provided to measure the heat input. Heat flows radially outwards. Temperature sensors at proper positions are fitted to measure surface temperatures of spheres.It has an interfacing unit designed by Engineers along with Labview software. This educational software allows/enables user to log the real time experimental data and tabulate the experimental/sample reading according to the requirement of experiment. User have a control on data logging, printing the stored data and preparing spread sheets in Excel. Flexible graph plotting facility is also available in the software.

•An ENGLISH instruction manual consisting of experimental procedures, block diagram etc. will be provided along with the Apparatus.

•The whole set-up is well designed and arranged on a rigid structure painted with industrial PU Paint.

Experimentation/Learning Objectives

•Determination of thermal conductivity of insulating powder.

•Comparison of thermal Conductivity of insulating powder at different temperatures.

Utilities Required

•Electricity Supply: 1 Phase, 220 V AC, 50 Hz, 5-15 Amp. combined socket with earth connection (Earth voltage should be less than 5 volts)

•Table for set-up support.

•Computer System: i-3 processor with DVD Drive, Windows 7/8, MS-Office pre-loaded. One USB slot required in PC for Data Acquisition Card.