Unsteady State Heat Transfer Unit

This Unsteady State Heat Transfer Unit has been designed to allow students to run experiments on unsteady state heat transfer. The unit is supplied with a heated water bath and a set of solid shapes with built-in temperature sensor to monitor the temperature at the center of the shape. Monitoring of the temperature at the centre of the shape allows analysis of heat flow using the appropriate transient-temperature/heat flow charts provided.
Description
Two sets of simple shapes (a solid sphere, a rectangular slab, a long solid cylinder) made of brass and stainless steel are supplied. Each of the shapes has a built-in temperature sensor to measure the temperature at the centre of the shape. Measurements taken on a shape of a particular material can be used to confirm the conductivity of a similar shape of a different material.
Transient-temperature/heat flow charts are supplied for each of the shapes. The water bath has a capacity of 30 litres and is heated by a 3.0 kW electric heating element. The temperature of the water bath can be maintained and predetermined by means of a temperature controller before taking any measurements. The large volume of water in the bath ensures that any change in the temperature of the water, as the measurements are taken, is negligible. A circulation pump mounted alongside the water bath circulates water from the bath to the base of a vertical cylindrical duct which is located at the centre of the water bath.
Specifications
A benchtop unit designed to allow experiments on unsteady state heat transfer.
Bench made of epoxy coated frame with high quality and sturdy Formica laminated back panel.
Water Bath: 30 liters insulated stainless steel tank with top plate and mounting for solid shapes holder. Heating is by a 3.0 kW electric heater with high temperature cut-out protection. Water circulation by a circulation pump.
Solid Shapes: Two sets of solid shapes made of brass and stainless steel complete with shape holder. Three different shapes i.e. solid sphere, rectangular slab and long solid cylinder. Each solid shape has a built-in temperature sensor at the center.
Control Panel: The control panel includes all the necessary electrical wiring, digital indicators and temperature controller