Decagon Devices KD2 Pro Operator's Manual
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Decagon Devices KD2 Pro Operator's Manual

Thermal properties analyzer
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KD2 Pro
Thermal Properties
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Operator's Manual
Decagon Devices, Inc.
Version: February 29, 2016 — 11:29:20

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  • Page 1 KD2 Pro Thermal Properties Analyzer Operator’s Manual Decagon Devices, Inc. Version: February 29, 2016 — 11:29:20...
  • Page 2 KD2 Pro Decagon Devices, Inc. 2365 NE Hopkins Court Pullman WA 99163 Phone: 509-332-5599 Fax: 509-332-5158 Website: www.decagon.com Email: support@decagon.com or sales@decagon.com Trademarks “KD2 Pro is a registered trademark of Decagon Devices, Inc.” c 2007-2013 Decagon Devices, Inc. All Rights Reserved...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    1 Introduction 1.1 About the KD2 Pro ....1.2 Shipping Contents ....
  • Page 4 6.3 Verifying Sensor Performance ....50 6.4 Troubleshooting KD2 Pro ....52 6.5 Troubleshooting KD2 Pro Utility Software .

  • Page 5: Introduction

    About the KD2 Pro The KD2 Pro is a handheld device used to measure thermal proper- ties. The base KD-2 Pro package consists of a handheld controller and one sensor kit of your choice. There are several sensors available for purchase that operators can insert into almost any material.

  • Page 6: Customer Support

    1 INTRODUCTION KD2 Pro Available Sensor Kits Table 1: SH-1 Sensor RK-1 Sensor TR-1 Sensor KS-1 Sensor SH-1 Dual RK-1 Single TR-1 Single KS-1 Single Needle Sensor Needle Sensor Needle Sensor Needle Sensor SH-1 RK-1 TR-1 Glycerin Verification Verification Verification Verification...

  • Page 7: Warranty Information

    Warranty Information The KD2 Pro has a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and a one-year warranty. Seller’s Liability Seller warrants new equipment of its own manufacture against de- fective workmanship and materials for a period of one year from the date of receipt of equipment.
  • Page 8 1 INTRODUCTION KD2 Pro lation, operation, use, misuse, nonuse, repair, or replacement of said material and equipment, or out of the use of any method or process for which the same may be employed. The use of this equipment con- stitutes Buyer’s acceptance of the terms set forth in this warranty.

  • Page 9: Kd2 Pro Overview

    KD2 Pro Overview The KD2 Pro is a battery-operated, menu-driven device that mea- sures thermal conductivity and resistivity, volumetric specific heat capacity and thermal diffusivity. We designed the KD2 Pro for ease of use and maximum functionality. Specifications Operating Environment...
  • Page 10 2 KD2 PRO OVERVIEW KD2 Pro Accuracy: (Conductivity): 5% from 0.2 to 2 0.01 (m K) (m K) from 0.02 to 0.2 (m K) Cable length: 0.8 m 10 cm (large) single needle (TR-1) Size: 2.4 mm diameter x 10 cm long Range: 0.1 to 4.0...
  • Page 11 KD2 Pro 2 KD2 PRO OVERVIEW 6 cm (thick) single needle (RK-1) Note: The RK-1 is available for purchase and is not included with standard KD2 Pro. Size: 3.9 mm diameter x 6 cm long Range: 0.10 to 6.00 (thermal conductivity)

  • Page 12: Keypad Operation

    2 KD2 PRO OVERVIEW KD2 Pro Keypad Operation Figure 1: KD2 Pro KeyPad...

  • Page 13: Choosing A Sensor

    Choosing a Sensor The KD2 Pro comes with three separate sensors designed for mea- surements in specific sample types, the KS-1, TR-1, and SH-1. The RK-1 is also available for purchase with your KD2 Pro.
  • Page 14 2 KD2 PRO OVERVIEW KD2 Pro ment in liquid samples for more information). However, the small size of the needle and typically short heating time make the KS-1 a poor choice for granular samples such as soil and powders where contact resistance can be an important source of error.
  • Page 15 KD2 Pro 2 KD2 PRO OVERVIEW mal diffusivity, thermal conductivity, and thermal resistivity. The SH-1 is compatible with most solid and granular materials, but op- erator’s should not use it in liquids due to the large heat pulse and resulting free convection in liquid samples. It is a good fit for foods...
  • Page 16 Note: Do not use the RK-1 sensor in liquid samples. Read Time The read time is the time, in minutes, the KD2 Pro takes to gather data for computing thermal properties. It applies heat to the sensor for half of the set time, and takes measurements over the full time.
  • Page 17 KD2 Pro 2 KD2 PRO OVERVIEW The longer read times for the TR-1 and RK-1 sensors help to prevent errors caused by effects from the large diameter needle and contact resistance between the sensor and the sample in granular and solid materials.

  • Page 18: Kd2 Pro Sensor Compatibility

    2 KD2 PRO OVERVIEW KD2 Pro KD2 Pro Sensor Compatibility Table 2: Sensor Use Guide Sample Material KS-1 TR-1 SH-1 RK-1 Low viscosity Liquids BEST (Water) High Viscosity Liquids BEST (glycerol, oil) Insulation and Insulating BEST Materials Moist Soil BEST...
  • Page 19 2 KD2 PRO OVERVIEW Power Mode You can configure the KD2 Pro to measure each of the three sen- sor types in either high power mode or low power mode. In high power mode, the KD2 Pro applies a relatively large heating current to the sensor during a measurement resulting in greater sensor heat- ing.

  • Page 20: Installing The Sensors

    2 KD2 PRO OVERVIEW KD2 Pro Installing the Sensors We designed all four KD2 Pro sensors for ease of installation and use. Please observe the following considerations when installing the sensors. Insert the needle all the way into the material.

  • Page 21: The Menus

    The Menus The KD2 Pro features four main menus: The Main, Data, Config, and Auto. These menus access the KD2 Pro features, and we de- signed them for ease of use. This section provides a more detailed description of each menu.
  • Page 22 3 THE MENUS KD2 Pro 3. Indicator for high power mode (HPM) or low power mode (LPM). 4. The currently connected sensor name. 5. The measurement temperature in C or F. 6. Indicates the read time selected for current sensor.

  • Page 23: The Data Menu

    The Data Menu The Data Menu allows you to view stored data, download data to a computer, and erase the data from your KD2 Pro. It also displays how many readings have been recorded out of the total 4,095 available...
  • Page 24 Microsoft Windows. The Utility makes downloading data to your computer very easy. If you are unable to use the KD2 Pro Utility, you can use the terminal software to transfer the data from your KD2 Pro to your computer.

  • Page 25: The Configuration Menu

    Append line feeds to incoming line ends Echo typed characters locally. 2. Connect your KD2 Pro to an available USB port on your com- puter using the included USB-to-Serial cable. 3. Set your terminal software to capture received data if you want to save the data.
  • Page 26 3 THE MENUS KD2 Pro Date Follow steps 1 through 5 to change the current date. 1. Press Enter to select the date display. 2. The date appears in the center of the screen in day/month/year format. A pair of arrows are present above and below the first number.
  • Page 27 KD2 Pro 3 THE MENUS Press Enter to select the Time display and follow the same pro- cedures as setting the date. Units You can choose to represent measurement data in either SI or English units. Press Enter to select an option.
  • Page 28 3 THE MENUS KD2 Pro Power Mode Allows you to change the power mode each sensor type uses. Do not change the power mode from the default settings unless you are an expert operator and are making a specialized measurement. To change the power mode, select the sensor and press enter to toggle between high and low power mode.

  • Page 29: The Auto Mode Tab

    Displays the serial number and firmware version of your KD2 Pro. The Auto Mode Tab The Auto Mode allows you to set up the KD2 Pro to take readings automatically. You can select a measurement time in intervals of 15 minutes.
  • Page 30 10. The err value of your data (see description of err value in the “Main menu” portion of this section for more details). Note: The KD2 Pro Utility gives you more options to control how Auto Mode operates, including different time intervals, delayed start...

  • Page 31: The Kd2 Pro Utility

    KD2 Pro. Use this program to download measurement data to your computer, erase measurement data stored in the KD2 Pro, set the date and time, configure the KD2 Pro to take readings automatically, and see information about your KD2 Pro.

  • Page 32: Installation

    Microsoft Excel 97 or better (for saving data as .xls files) Installation You can install the KD2 Pro Utility using the included USB drive (found in the inside cover of the KD2 Pro Operator’s Manual). You may also download and install the latest version of the Utility in the Support section of the online KD2 Product page at www.decagon.com...
  • Page 33 (b) Download All Data - Downloads all data currently stored in the KD2 Pro memory. It displays complete data for each measurement, including per-second readings. If you encounter an error message after clicking this button, please refer to Section 6 Troubleshooting section for instruc- tions.
  • Page 34 Figure 3: KD2 Pro Downloading Data Note: You can cancel a download in progress using the cancel button. If you cancel, it does not save any downloaded data. Erase Data Removes all data from the KD2 Pro. This is an ir- reversable function. Edit Menu The Edit menu contains the cut, copy, paste, preferences, and select all features.

  • Page 35: Preferences Window

    Measurement Units: Selecting “Use KD2 Pro Settings,” saves all downloading measurement data in the units used on the KD2 Pro. You can also choose to override the settings in the KD2 Pro and save your measurement data using either SI (metric) or English units.
  • Page 36 (up to ten times). Maximum Baud Rate: You can set the maximum baud rate for talking to your KD2 Pro. Choose a lower baud rate if you are not getting reliable communications from your device. Force Find all Communications Ports: This detects all COM ports on your computer, and should be used if your USB-to-Serial adapter does not appear in the “Use computer communication port”...
  • Page 37 Figure 6: Preferences Menu – Application Tab Automatic Internet Version Checks: If you select this option, the KD2 Pro Utility automaticallys check for a newer version using Decagon’s Internet version check engine. It notifies you when a newer version is available when your computer is connected to the Internet.
  • Page 38 See Appendix B for more information. Check for Utility Updates: If you select this function when con- nected to the Internet, the KD2 Pro Utility checks for a newer ver- sion using Decagon’s Internet version check engine. It notifies you if a newer version is available.

  • Page 39: Organizing Saved Data

    SH-1. Err- Quality of fit of the data to the KD2 Pro theoretical model. Temp(0) - Initial temperature of the sample as C or F. Sample ID - If saved with the measurement.

  • Page 40: Erasing Your Data

    Current - as amps The next 60 columns in the row hold the individual temperature reading the KD2 Pro uses to calculate the thermal properties of the sample. The data displays in either C or F. The time interval between the 60 individual temperature readings is scaled according to the read time selected.

  • Page 41: Setting The Date And Time

    4. A progress bar shows the status of the erase process. Setting the Date and Time You can set the KD2 Pro date and time by selecting “Set KD2 Pro Date/Time...” from the Actions Menu. This automatically syncs the KD2 Pro date and time to your computer time.
  • Page 42 Measurements. Each of these values is explained below. Measurement Interval: The Measurement Interval is the time interval (in minutes) that the KD2 Pro waits between measurements. The instrument must have a minimum of 15 minutes between measurements to allow for thermal gradients to dissipate.
  • Page 43 KD2 Pro stops taking measurements in Auto Mode. KD2 Pro Date/Time: This shows the current time in your KD2 Pro. If the time is not correct, click the Cancel button, then choose “Set KD2 Pro Date/Time...” from the Actions Menu.
  • Page 44 4 THE KD2 PRO UTILITY KD2 Pro Figure 8: KD2 Pro Information Screen This displays useful info about your KD2 Pro, including its serial number, firmware version and status, battery status, the number of currently stored measurements, and current data and time in the...

  • Page 45: Taking Measurements

    2. Properly insert the needle into the material to be measured. (See “Installing the sensors” in this section for instructions.) 3. When the KD2 Pro turns on, you should be in the Main menu. (Figure 2) If not, press the Menu key until you arrive there.

  • Page 46: General Best Practices

    Styrofoam box. General Best Practices The quality of the measurements you get with the KD2 Pro can be strongly affected by your measurement practices. The following sug- gestions can help you to recognize and avoid pitfalls in data collection so that you obtain the most accurate data possible.
  • Page 47 KD2 Pro 5 TAKING MEASUREMENTS taking measurements. (b) Allow around 15 minutes between readings for tempera- tures to equilibrate. (c) If measurements are made in a temperature chamber or water bath, make sure the sample temperature stays rela- tively constant before the measurement starts. Measure- ments made while a sample taken from an oven and cool- ing to room temperature can show significant errors if the...

  • Page 48: Measurements In Concrete Or Rock

    Measurements in Concrete or Rock The best method of using the KD2 Pro for measurements in concrete or Fluidized Thermal Backfill is to mold pilot holes in wet concrete using the pilot pins furnished with your KD2 Pro.

  • Page 49: Measurements In Insulation

    KD2 Pro 5 TAKING MEASUREMENTS Measurements in Insulation KS-1 Insulation measurements are best taken using a ten minute read time. The long read time minimizes contact resistance errors, and the low heat of the KS-1 needle reduces free convection errors. Always drill a hole in foam insulation for the sensor.
  • Page 50 HVAC system and any other lab equipment that might cause vibrations. The KD2 Pro KS-1 sensor is specially designed to add a very small amount of heat to the sample during measurement and thereby min- imize problems with free convection. In high viscosity liquids (e.g.

  • Page 51: Liquid Sample Temperature Control

    Controlling Temperature Several researchers who use the KD2 Pro with liquid samples sug- gest the following three steps as the best method for controlling the temperature of liquid samples.
  • Page 52 5 TAKING MEASUREMENTS KD2 Pro KD2 Pro KS-1 sensor can make accurate measurements in water and aqueous solutions up to about 50 C. Above this temperature, the viscosity of the water becomes too low and free convection begins to affect the measurement.

  • Page 53: Maintenance And Troubleshooting

    KD2 Pro 6 MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING Maintenance and Troubleshooting Although Decagon built the KD2 Pro according to the highest quality standards, you must practice proper care and maintenance to ensure continuing operation. Cleaning and Caring for the Sensors The sensors are stainless steel, so they are easy to clean, though some materials corrode stainless steel.

  • Page 54: Verifying Sensor Performance

    KD2 Pro Verifying Sensor Performance The KD2 Pro ships with three standard materials you can use to ver- ify that the sensors are operating according to specifications. These three materials are a clear vial of glycerin (glycerol) for the KS-1 Sen- sor, a white plastic cylinder for the SH-1 needle sensor, and a TR-1 Verification Standard for the TR-1 and RK-1 single needle sensors.
  • Page 55 The reading of the value recorded on your Certificate of Quality As- surance be within 10%. At the request of multiple KD2 Pro operators, we have character- ized the temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity of the TR-1 and RK-1 verification cylinders. We collected measurements on three black plastic cylinders from different lots of material over...

  • Page 56: Troubleshooting Kd2 Pro

    Make sure the connection between the sensor and the KD2 Pro is secure, and that none of the connector pins are bent or broken off. If the KD2 Pro still fails to recognize the sensor, the sensor may be malfunctioning. Contact Decagon for more assistance.

  • Page 57: Service Instructions

    Before shipping your instrument to Decagon, please contact us to obtain a Request Maintenance Authorization number (RMA). This allows our repair staff to keep track of your KD2 Pro. Once you have acquired an RMA, send your KD2 Pro to Decagon.
  • Page 58 6 MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING KD2 Pro Please pack your KD2 Pro carefully. Ship it back in the carrying case, preferably inside a cardboard box. Ship to: Decagon Devices Inc. 2365 NE Hopkins Court Pullman, WA 99163 ATTN: RMA[RMA Number ] Repair Costs Decagon repairs manufacturer’s defects and instruments under war-...

  • Page 59: Kd2 Pro Theory

    KD2 Pro 7 KD2 PRO THEORY KD2 Pro Theory Researchers have used transient line heat source methods to measure thermal conductivity of porous materials for over 50 years. Typically a probe for this measurement consists of a needle with a heater and temperature sensor inside.

  • Page 60: Dual Needle Algorithm

    Decagon’s KD2 Pro design attempts to optimize thermal proper- ties measurements relative to these issues. Our sensors are relatively large and robust making them easy to use. The KD2 Pro keeps heat- ing times as short as possible to minimize thermally induced water movement and lower the time required for a measurement.

  • Page 61: Single Needle Algorithm

    (the single needle problem is a perfect example of a bad non-linear least squares problem) but the dual needle problem typically works well. The KD2 Pro can find the three model parameters quickly. Single Needle Algorithm...

  • Page 62: The Error (Err) Value

    The KD2 Pro uses this equation to model temperature rise in the dual needle sensor, and uses just the first term of the exponential integral expansion (the...
  • Page 63 It can be made dimensionless if it is multiplied by the thermal con- ductivity, . This dimensionless value gives the error in fitting the model to data as a value independent of heater current or the ther- mal conductivity of the medium. The KD2 Pro computes err as in equation 12. (12) It is a dimensionless measure of the goodness of fit of the model to...

  • Page 64: Reference Materials

    “The Science of Grilling Meat” “Thermal Resistivity of Porous Materials (Soils) Change with Chan- ges in Density, Water Content, Termperature and Composi- tion” “Underground Power Cable Installations: Soil Thermal Resistivity (13476-00 AN)” “Using the KD2 Pro to Measure Thermal Properties of Fluids”...
  • Page 65 KD2 Pro 8 REFERENCE MATERIALS References Abramowitz, M. and I. A. Stegun, (1972). Handbook of mathemati- cal functions. Dover Publications, Inc., New York. Bristow, K.L., White, R.D., Kluitenberg, G.J., (1994). “Compar- ison of Single and Dual Probes for Measuring Soil Thermal Prop- erties with Transient Heating”...

  • Page 66: Table Of Thermal Units

    9 APPENDIX A KD2 Pro Appendix A Table of Thermal Units Table 4: Table of Thermal Units English English Measurement SI Unit Conversion Conversion Unit Multiplier Multiplier Heat Joule 0.000948 1055 Heat Joule 0.239 4.187 Heat Flux 0.00146 min) Density...

  • Page 67: Send Feedback To Decagon

    Appendix B 10.1 Send Feedback to Decagon The KD2 Pro Utility Software makes it easy to send feedback, bug reports, and feature requests to Decagon or your Decagon Distrib- utor. Choose “Send Feedback to Decagon...” from the Help menu. This opens the window shown in Figure 10.
  • Page 68 10 APPENDIX B KD2 Pro Enter your name, company name, and other contact information. Tell us what type of feedback you are sending (General Feedback, Feature Suggestions, Bug Report, or Other). Indicate how you want us to respond to your feedback (E-mail or Telephone).

  • Page 69: Kd2 Pro Ce Compliance

    KD2 Pro Year of First Manufacture: 2006 This is to certify that the KD2 Pro Thermal Properties Meter, man- ufactured by Decagon Devices, Inc., a corporation based in Pullman, WA, USA meets or exceeds the standards for CE compliance as per the Council Directives noted above.
  • Page 70 Changing, 49 Email, 3 Life, 5 Error Log File, 64 Baud Rate Firmware Version, 25 Maximum, 32 Button KD2 Pro Overview, 1 Arrow Keys, 9 KD2 Pro Utility Enter, 9 Actions Menu, 34 Escape, 9 Auto Clock Synchronize, 33 Menu, 9...
  • Page 71 KD2 Pro INDEX Measurements Insulation, 45 Liquids, 45 Memory Capacity, 5 Menus Configuration Menu, 21 Data, 19 Main Menu, 17 Power Mode, 15, 24 Save, 18 Saving Data, 35 Seller’s Liability, 3 Sensor Kits, 2 Sensors Accuracy, 5 Cleaning, 49 Installation, 16 Performance Verification, 50...

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