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FTN02

Field thermal needle system for thermal resistivity/conductivity measurement

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  • field measurements
  • NSSP technique
  • local calibration/conformity assessment

Field thermal needle system for thermal conductivity/resistivity measurement

FTN02 Field thermal needle system performs accurate on-site (field) measurements of the thermal resistivity and thermal conductivity of soils. Measurements with FTN02 comply with ASTM D5334 and IEEE 442 standards. The system is specifically designed for surveys that require measurements from the surface down to a depth of 1.5 m. Due to the long and thin lance to which the sensor is mounted, the insertion of the thermal needle into the soil requires just a small-diameter access hole, typically made using a ground drill. Using a lance rather than digging trenches saves time. FTN02 is operated and powered from the hand-held control and readout unit CRU02.

  • field measurements
  • NSSP technique
  • local calibration/conformity assessment

Specifications

measurement method absolute measurement per ASTM D5334-14 and IEEE Standard 442-1981(03)
measurement range 0.1 to 6 W/(m·K) (all common soils)
uncertainty (at 20 °C) +/- (6 % of reading + 0.04) W/(m•K)
measurand thermal conductivity, thermal resistivity
rated operating temperature range 0 to +50 °C
data analysis initial analysis by CRU, final review of measurement on PC (required by ASTM)
heating interval 300 s (typical)
data storage capacity 50 measurements

All specifications

measurand thermal conductivity, thermal resistivity
measurement range 0.1 to 6 W/(m·K) (all common soils)
rated operating temperature range 0 to +50 °C
measurement method absolute measurement per ASTM D5334-14 and IEEE Standard 442-1981(03)
data analysis initial analysis by CRU, final review of measurement on PC (required by ASTM)
uncertainty (at 20 °C) +/- (6 % of reading + 0.04) W/(m•K)
heating interval 300 s (typical)
data storage capacity 50 measurements
length LN02 lance 1.4 m
length TP09 needle 0.17 m
diameter TP09 6.3 x 10⁻³ m
data communication USB

Thermal needle measuring system

FTN02 is a thermal needle measuring system for on-site measurements of thermal conductivity (or the inverse value, resistivity) at depths from the surface down to a depth of 1.5 meter. Due to its robustness and length, FTN02 is the best solution for route-surveying of high-voltage electric power cables and heated pipelines (typical depth of burial of 1.5 m). The measurement method is based on the use of a “thermal needle”, also called Non-Steady-State Probe (NSSP) technique. 
This method employs a heating wire and a temperature sensor in a needle. The FTN02 system consists of the thermal needle, model TP09, mounted on a long lance, LN02, and a control and read-out unit CRU02. FTN02 is easy to use. After making a small-diameter access hole, the thermal needle TP09 is brought down to just above the point that must be investigated and then pushed into the local undisturbed soil below. The user performs control and read-out of the measurement from the handheld CRU02. The measurement result is generated immediately by the CRU02 from the analysis of the time series of the temperature and the heating power during the heating interval.

FTN02 design and benefits

Suitable for on-site (field) surveys: FTN02 is sufficiently robust to survive rough handling during a typical survey. It performs measurements as a stand-alone unit. The batteries in the CRU02 can be recharged through the cigarette-lighter receptacle in an automobile, using the CA02 car adapter, or from 220/110 VAC using the WSA02 wall socket adapter. 

Saving time: With FTN02 there is no need for digging a large-diameter access hole to perform measurements. Because of the lance LN02, drilling a small access hole made with a ground drill, typically 30 mm in diameter, is sufficient. With measurement systems without a lance, such as MTN02, the user has to make a large-diameter access hole or even to dig a trench. 
A typical measurement requires around 60 s to get to thermal equilibrium plus 300 s for the actual heating interval.

Easy data processing: CRU02 gives an immediate indication of the end result and an indication of the quality of the measurement. It can store 50 measurements. ASTM and IEEE require that the end result is visually checked and recalculated. This is typically done during later analysis of the measured data in a spreadsheet. CRU02 is connected to a PC by using USB.

Local calibration/conformity assessment: The accuracy of the measuring system can be verified (before a survey) by measurement in glycerol. For high accuracy verification against a reference material with formal traceability, CRC05 calibration reference cylinders can be separately purchased.

System extension for laboratory use

For laboratory use, FTN02 may be combined with a shorter and thinner sensor mounted on a short insertion tool (MTN02). See system TNS02.

Suggested use

  • route surveys, on-site (field) measurements
  • with extension for laboratory analysis of soil
    specimens (see TNS02)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I choose the right instrument for measuring thermal properties?

Hukx offers a wide range of products for material characterization and measurement of thermal conductivity.

We can offer assistance in choosing the right instrument. But first, you should ask yourself the following questions:

  • what material should be analyzed?
  • what are the conditions, for instance concerning temperature and pressure?
  • what specimens are available?
  • are there standards for my application?
  • what level of accuracy do I need?

Hukx is a leading manufacturer of thermal conductivity measuring systems and sensors. We have prepared a guide which may assist you in choosing the proper instrument for measuring thermal properties of your material, whether it is soil, plastics, paints, composites, pastes and fluids. Please find the thermal conductivity selection guide in our online offering of guides, notes and white papers.

Hukx is able to offer highest quality products at an acceptable price level. If we cannot offer you an acceptable solution ourselves, we will tell you who can. Please contact us for further assistance.

Where are the sensors (needle, probe, meter) for measuring thermal conductivity?

Hukx sells a range of complete measuring systems including sensors and Measurement and Control Units (MCU). We offer systems and needle type thermal properties sensors for use in the field and for use in laboratory environments.

These thermal properties sensors, TP02 and TP08, are also available as separate probes for use with the user’s own electronics, for instance Campbell Scientific CR1000.

These sensors can be found here. The sensor included in the STPSYS05 non-invasive measuring system can also be purchased as a sensor only (STP05).

Cannot find what you are looking for? Please contact us. 

Can I get training or a rental system for the thermal conductivity measuring instrument of my choice?

Expert training for system operators
Although in general the systems can be operated by following manuals and standards, we can provide you with expert training. Training vastly improves the level of service to the third party, the efficiency of working with the equipment and reduces the uncertainty of the end result.

Equipment rental
Unfortunately we have discontinued our rental services for all systems.

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Steve Gunderson