TK04 Thermal Conductivity: Quick Start Guide
V368X (T. Cobb, B. Novak) ;V371T – 7/11/17 (T. Cobb); V1.1; M. Hastedt 8/15/2011 reviewed |S. Frazier March 2018
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Teka Berlin TK04 TeKa Thermal Conductivity Meter (TK04) system determines thermal conductivity based on a transient heat flow method. A line source is heated with constant power, and while source temperature is recorded simultaneously. Thermal conductivity is calculated from the resulting heating curve.
Preparing Samples for Analysis
Measuring the Standard
- Prior to initial testing of received cores at a site, the TK04 system should be tested and calibrated to ensure that there are no potential mechanical or software issues. Additional tests using the Standards should be run as part of the troubleshooting process if you experience issues during actual testing (See Troubleshooting in the TK04 Thermal Conductivity: User Guide).
- The Macor Standard for the Standard VLQ consists of its black holding shell, while the Macor Standard for both the Standard HLQ and Mini HLQ is a white disc. Calibration tests for any of the available probe types should provide results of TC=1.626-1.637±2%.
- To conduct a probe test, scan the STND MACOR disc TCON (H) label kept above the testing apparatus and ensure that the appropriate heating time and drift control (DCL) settings are input under the Configuration settings (See Configuring the Measurement Program).
- Once the proper settings are confirmed, you can test the probes on the standards as if it were a normal sample.
Soft-Sediment Samples
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Both, whole-round sections and section halves could be measured.
Procedures
Preparing Samples
A) Soft-Sediment Samples
- Equilibrate core sections to room temperature for at least 4 hr in the core rack before bringing a target section to the thermal conductivity workstation
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- Select measuring points in the core and record offset in cm (measured from the top - blue endcap).
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- – Intact core: middle of section.
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- – Cracked core: just above/below the middle
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- If measuring a whole-round section, use the cordless drill to drill a ~2 mm hole into the core liner
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- on the
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- line between the working and archive halves. If the sediment is semi-consolidated, drill a small hole in the sediment for the needle probe as well
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- Optional - Apply thermal joint compound to the probe unless the sample is very soft and/or moist
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- Carefully insert a clean full-space needle into the sediment. Avoid twisting the needle into the core
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Hard Rock samples
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1.
- (Figure 1a).
- If measuring a section-half, place the puck or mini-puck on a smooth place, avoiding cracks (Figure 1b).
- Secure the puck to the sample with velcro or a rubber band.
Add Picture
Figure 1.- Correct sensor position: (a) Needle on whole-round section, (b) Puck on section-half.
B) Hard-Rock Samples
Place hard rock samples in an ambient temperature seawater bath to equilibrate and saturate (4–12 hr). Keep sample saturated until measurement. A bell jar/vacuum pump can aid in saturation.
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Note: Seawater bath is not necessary when using the mini-puck
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- If the surface of the split core is excessively rough, use a lap plate and grit from the Thin Section Lab to prepare a smooth surface on a split-core piece. Pieces must be at least 10 cm long.
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3.
- Equilibrate the sample and sensor
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- together in an insulated seawater bath for at least 15 min prior to measurement. Note: Do not submerge the puck – let the water level rise to half the depth of the puck or less.
- Secure the puck to the sample with velcro or a rubber band
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- (Figure 2).
- Optional - Apply thermal joint compound to the side of the probe where the line source is located.
Add Picture
Figure 2.- Correct sensor position for measuring hard rock samples.
Preparing Samples for Analysis
Measuring Samples
Configuring the Measurement Program
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1. | Once uploaded data are confirmed, clean the needle probe and place it in its storage container. |
2. | Repeat sample measurement process with a new sample. |
Credits
V368X (T. Cobb, B. Novak) ;V371T – 7/11/17 (T. Cobb); V1.1; M. Hastedt 8/15/2011 reviewed |S. Frazier March 2018