KD-2 Pro
- Measurements:
- Applications:
The KD2 Pro is a fully portable field and lab thermal properties analyzer. It uses the transient line heat source method to measure thermal diffusivity, specific heat (heat capacity), thermal conductivity, and thermal resistivity. Sophisticated data analysis is based on 30+ years of research experience on heat and mass transfer in soils and other porous materials.
Excellent Accuracy
The compact KD2 Pro controller is much more than a simple readout for time and temperature. A proprietary algorithm fits time and temperature data with exponential integral functions using a nonlinear least squares method. This full mathematical solution delivers thermal resistivity to within ±10%.
Corrects for Temperature Drift
Temperature changes of a thousandth of a degree per second--the sun warming the soil, for example, or someone walking into the lab-- destroy the accuracy of thermal properties calculations. Unlike other thermal needle systems, the KD2 Pro corrects for linear temperature drift that can account for large errors.
Complies with ASTM, IEEE, SSSA Standards
For more information, see the support tab and the application note "The KD2 Thermal Properties Analyzer vs. Published Standards."
The KD2-Pro in Action
Click here to see another video on useing the KD2 Pro thermal properties analyzer.
Specifications
| Accuracy |
5% Specific Heat 5% Thermal Conductivity/Resistivity 10% Thermal Diffusivity |
|---|---|
| Calibration | Each KD2 Pro comes factory calibrated and includes performance verification standards |
| Range of Measurements |
K: 0.02 to 4 Wm-1 C-1 D: 0.1 to 1.0 mm2s-1 R: 0.25 to 50mC W-1 C: 0.5 to 4 MJ m-3 C-1 * Accuracy and measurement range vary with sensor type. See Comparisons tab. |
| Measurement Speed | < 5 min |
| Data Storage | 4,095 readings, flash memory |
| Compliance to Standards | IEEE Standard 442-1981 and ASTM Standard D5334-08 |
| Operating Environment of Sensors | -50 to 150°C |
| Battery Source | 4AA |
| KD2 Pro Controller | Model KD2Pro-C |
| Auto-Read Mode | Users can collect unattended data at user-defined intervals in the auto-read mode |
| Type | Ultra low-power 16-bit microcontroller w/ 24-bit A/D converter |
| Display | Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 7.5 cm x 4 cm |
| Case Dimensions | 15.5 x 9.5 x 3.5 cm |
| Included Accessories | User's manual Pelican carrying case Readout stand Performance verification standards Thermal grease Drill bit for drilling pilot holes in materials KD2 Pro download utility RS232 cable |
Comparisons
 |
 |
 |
|
| Sensor | KS-1 |
TR-1 | SH-1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measurement |
Read time- 60 Seconds |
Read time- 5 Minutes |
Read time -2 Minutes- |
| Accuracy |
Accuracy: (Conductivity): ± 5% from 0.2 - 2 W/(m· K) ±0.01 W/(m· K) from 0.02 - 0.2 W/(m· K) |
Accuracy: (Conductivity): ±10% from 0.2 - 4 W/(m· K) ±0.02 W/(m· K) from 0.1 - 0.2 W/(m· K) |
Accuracy: (Conductivity) ± 10% from 0.2 - 2 W/(m· K) ±0.01 W/(m· K) from 0.02 - 0.2 W/(m· K) (Diffusivity) ±10% at conductivities above 0.1 W/(m· K) (Volumetric Specific Heat) ±10% at conductivities above 0.1 W/(m· K) |
| Ranges |
K: 0.02 to 2 W/(m·K) R: 50 to 5000 °C·cm/W |
K: 0.1 to 4 W/(m·K) R: 25 to 1000°C cm/W |
K: 0.02 to 2.00 W /(m· K) R: 50 to 5000 °C·cm/W 0.1 to 1 mm2/s (diffusivity) 0.5 to 4 mJ/(m3K) (volumetric specific heat |
| Cable | 0.8 m | 0.8 m | 0.8 m |
| Environment | –50 to 150°C | –50 to 150°C | –50 to 150°C |
| Sensors | 6 cm, 1.27 mm Dia. needle |
10 cm, 2.4 mm Dia. needle | 30 mm, 1.27 mm Dia. 2 needles |
KD2 Pro Sensor Compatibility
| Sample Material | ks-1 | tr-1 | Sh-1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low viscosity liquids (e.g. water) | Best1 | No | No |
| High viscosity liquids (e.g. glycerol, oil) | Best | Ok | No |
| Insulation and insulating materials | Best5 | Ok | Ok |
| Moist Soil | No | Best | Ok |
| Dry soil, powders, granular materials | No | Best2 | Ok |
| concrete | No | Best3 | Ok4 |
| Rock | No | Best3 | Ok4 |
| Other solids | No | Best3 | Ok |
| Volumetric specific heat | No | No | Best |
| Thermal diffusivity | No | No | Best |
|
1 In low viscosity liquids, the read time should be setto the minimum allowed 1 minute to avoid free convection. 2 In dry granular materials where contact resistance can be significant, extending the read time to the maximum allowed 10 minutes will produce the most accurate results. 3 In solid materials where a pilot hole has been drilled and contact resistance can be significant, using thermal grease and extending the read time to the maximum allowed 10 minutes will produce the most accurate results. 4 The SH-1 sensor will take accurate measurements in rock and cured concrete, but it is very difficult to drill small small diameter, parallel holes in these materials to accommodate the SH-1 needles. 5 The KS-1 needle with 10 min read time gives good results with insulation. Heater temperatures with the other two probes are quite high for insulation measurements. |
|||
Accessories
KS-1 6cm Sensor
The KS-1 is ideal for measuring thermal thermal resistivity. Conforms to ASTM Standard D5334-00. 60mm long, 1.27mm diameter.
SH-1 30mm Dual Sensor
The SH-1 is the only sensor that measures thermal diffusivity and specific heat. 30mm long, 1.28mm diameter, 6mm spacing
TR-1 10cm Sensor
The TR-1 measures thermal conductivity and thermal resistivity and conforms to IEEE Standard 442-1981 and ASTM Standard D5334-00. 100mm long, 2.4mm diameter
Support
Software & Downloads
Application Notes
- How to Reduce Contact Resistance Errors in Thermal Properties Measurements
- KD2 Pro Compliance to ASTM and IEEE Standards
- The Effect of Soil Thermal Resistivity (RHO) on Underground Power Cable Installations
- The KD2 and KD2-Pro Thermal Properties Analyzers vs. ASTM and IEEE Standards
- Underground Power Cable Installations: Soil Thermal Resistivity (13476-00 AN)
- Using The KD2 Pro To Measure Thermal Properties of Fluids
Troubleshooting Articles
- How to Reduce Contact Resistance Errors in Thermal Properties Measurements
- Underground Power Cable Installations: Soil Thermal Resistivity (13476-00 AN)
Manuals
Information Sheet
How-To Articles
Material Safety Data Sheet
Request Support
Email: support@decagon.com
Phone: 800-755-2751 or
509-332-2756
Fax: 509-332-5158
Or send us a support request:
Education
Newsletters
Newsletter Articles
- June 7, 2006: Newsletter-Decagon Builds Thermal Research Instrumentation
- June 25, 2009: Newsletter-How Cool are Nanofluids
- June 7, 2006: Newsletter-KD2 Pro Transforms Theory into Solid, Real-world Technology for Measuring Thermal Conduct
- June 25, 2009: Newsletter-New ASTM Standard to be Published in 2009
- June 7, 2006: Newsletter-Rammed Earth Houses
- February 15, 2007: Newsletter-Thermal Properties of Oils Measured With A Field Portable Meter
- March 3, 1998: Newsletter-Thermal Runaway