Thermal conductivity measurement of bulk solids

Abstract

The coefficient of thermal conductivity of particulates and powders is of great importance in process engineering. The prediction of thermal properties of powders using empirical equations is still difficult due to the wide range of specific attributes. This article describes a new measurement methodology for a laboratory device that can be used to determine the thermal conductivity of bulk solids. The presented results show that the created device is highly applicable in industrial practice. It is possible to examine the coefficient of thermal conductivity depending on the sample temperature, the granulometry results and the morphological composition, the moisture content, the degree of consolidation, and other variables that may enter into the entire process and affect it significantly.