Frequently Asked Questions about the KD2 & KD2 Pro
1. Is there a rental program or other way I can test the instrument before I buy?
Rental instruments are available from Decagon (USA only). A one month minimum rental is required.
At the end of the rental term, if you choose to purchase an instrument, the rental costs will be credited to
the purchase price.
2. What is the KD2 warranty?
Both instruments have a year-long warranty valid from the date of delivery.
3. What cable lengths are available?
On the both the KD2 and KD2 Pro the standard cable length is .8 m long and optional extended length cable is
1.7 m long. Custom lengths are also available. Please contact Decagon.
4. How do I verify that the KD2 is working correctly?
There are several methods to verify your KD2 is working correctly. Each KD2 is checked on a castor oil
sample of known thermal conductivity and temperature before it is shipped. This information is recorded on a
certificate that accompanies each new instrument.
We recommend testing the correct functioning of your KD2 using Castor Oil available at your local pharmacy.
Other solutions with know thermal conductivity are available. Glycerol and stabilized water are popular
solutions to check your instrument. Contact us for other standards that we can refer you to. KD2 Pro
requires glycerol for calibration and testing to assure the instrument is working correctly.
5. Can I take a reading in a material that is being heated or cooled?
No, the temperature of the sample must be stable during the measurement.
6. How can I tell if the sample temperature is stable?
The KD2 Pro waits for 30 seconds before taking a reading. During that time the temperature is displayed
before the reading is initiated. If the temperature is changing during that 30-second window you should
rerun the measurement or use and isothermal chamber to minimize temperature gradients. This can be a
Styrofoam box for example. Only the sample and the probe need to be in the box. The readout can be left on
the exterior.
7. Which system should I use to measure thermal properties at high temperatures?
The KD2 Pro has a temperature range up to 150°C. If you want to test material above 60°C you will
need to specify Tezel shielding for the sensors when you order.
8. How often can I take readings on the same sample in the same location?
It is best to wait 15 minutes in between readings just to be sure all the thermal gradients are stabilized.
The preset minimum unattended sampling rate is 15 minutes to optimize accuracy.
9. What else should I know about measuring thermal conductivity of fluids, especially low-viscosity
fluids like water?
- Ensure there is no shaking, mixing or vibration of the fluid during or immediately before the measurement. Take the measurement on the floor instead of your table if the table might moving slightly due to foot traffic.
- Can the probe be inserted any direction in a liquid? Vertical insertion of the probe
into the fluid will minimize free convection and will yield in better results.
See application note. - The KD2 cannot be used to measure thermal properties of non-viscous fluids (like water). It can measure accurately in viscous fluids like glycerol or castor oil.
- The KD2 Pro can be used to measure thermal properties of no-viscous fuilds (like water), but only with the KS-1 sensor.
10. What are the maximum and minimum sample temperatures in which I can measure thermal properties?
KD2 -20°C to 60°C.
KD2 Pro -50°C to 150°C.
11. What is the minimum sample size required?
All sensor probes need a minimum sample measured 24mm from the side wall in any direction to avoid erroneous
reflected heat pulse.