Decagon Devices KD2 Pro User manual

KD2 Pro
Thermal Properties Analyzer
Operator’s Manual
Version 10

Decagon Devices, Inc.
2365 NE Hopkins Ct.
Pullman, WA 99163 USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Trademarks:
“KD2 Pro” is a registered trademark of
Decagon Devices, Inc.
©2008-2011 Decagon Devices, Inc.
All rights reserved.

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KD2 Pro Operator’s Manual
Table of Contents
Contents
1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
About the KD2 Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Customer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Seller’s Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Repair Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Repair Costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2. KD2 Pro Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Keypad Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Choosing a Sensor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Installing the Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Measurements In Concrete. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Measurements In Insulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3. The Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
The Main Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Taking a Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
The Data Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
The Configuration Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
The Auto Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
4. The KD2 Pro Utility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
How Saved Data Are Organized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Erasing Your Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

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KD2 Pro Operator’s Manual
Table of Contents
Setting the Date and Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Setting the Auto Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Viewing KD2 Pro Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
The Menus and Their Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
5. Good Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
6. Measuring Liquids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Liquid Sample Temperature Control . . . . . . . . . . .48
7. Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Cleaning & Caring for the Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Changing the Batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Verifying Sensor Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
8. KD2 Pro Theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Further Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Appendix A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Table of Thermal Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Appendix B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Send Feedback to Decagon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
KD2 Pro CE Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

1
KD2 Pro Operator’s Manual
1. Introduction
1. Introduction
Welcome to your new KD2 Pro Thermal Properties Analyzer.
This guide is designed to help you understand and use your
instrument to the best of its capability.
About the KD2 Pro
The KD2 Pro is a handheld device used to measure thermal
properties. It consists of a handheld controller and sensors that
can be inserted into the medium you wish to measure. The sin-
gle-needle sensors measure thermal conductivity and resistivity;
while the dual-needle sensor also measures volumetric specific
heat capacity and diffusivity. Further details about the measure-
ments and how they’re made are given in chapters 2 and 3 of
this guide.
Customer Support
If you ever need assistance with your KD2 Pro, or if you just
have questions or feedback, there are several ways to contact
us. Customer service representatives are available to speak
with you Monday thru Friday, between 8am and 5pm Pacific
time.
Phone:
1-800-755-2751 (Toll free to customers in US and Canada)
1-509-332-2756 (for international customers)
Fax:
1-509-332-5158
E-mail:
[e-mail] or [e-mail]

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KD2 Pro Operator’s Manual
1. Introduction
If contacting us by email or fax, please include as part of your
message your instrument’s serial number, your name, address,
phone, and fax number.
NOTE: If you purchased your KD2 Pro through a distribu-
tor, please contact them for assistance.
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
defective workmanship and materials for a period of one year
from date of receipt of equipment (the results of ordinary wear
and tear, neglect, misuse, accident and excessive deterioration
due to corrosion from any cause are not to be considered a
defect); but Seller’s liability for defective parts shall in no event
exceed the furnishing of replacement parts F.O.B. the factory
where originally manufactured. Material and equipment cov-
ered hereby which is not manufactured by Seller shall be cov-
ered only by the warranty of its manufacturer. Seller shall not be
liable to Buyer for loss, damage or injuries to persons (including
death), or to property or things of whatsoever kind (including,
but not without limitation, loss of anticipated profits), occa-
sioned by or arising out of the installation, operation, use, mis-
use, non-use, 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
constitutes Buyer’s acceptance of the terms set forth in this
warranty. There are no understandings, representations, or war-
ranties of any kind, express, implied, statutory or otherwise
(including, but without limitation, the implied warranties of

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KD2 Pro Operator’s Manual
1. Introduction
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose), not
expressly set forth herein.
Repair Instructions
If your KD2 Pro should ever require a repair, call Decagon at
[phone] or 1-800-755-2751 (United States and Can-
ada). We will ask you for your address, phone number, your
KD2 Pro’s serial number, and your current firmware version.
For non-warranty repairs, we will also ask for a method of
payment.
Before shipping your instrument to Decagon, please
contact Decagon to obtain a Request Maintenance
Authorization Number (RMA). This will allow Decagon’s
repair staff to keep track of your KD2 Pro. Once you have
acquired an RMA, send your KD2 Pro to Decagon. Please
include a document listing the complete shipping address,
name, and department of the person responsible for the
instrument, as well as a description of the problem. This will
better help our technicians and shipping department to expe-
dite repair on your KD2 Pro, and ship it back to you.
Please pack your KD2 Pro carefully. Ship it back in the carry-
ing case, preferably inside a cardboard box. Ship to:
Decagon Devices Inc.
2365 NE Hopkins Court
Pullman, WA 99163
Repair Costs
Manufacturer’s defects and instruments under warranty will be
repaired at no cost. For non-warranty repairs, costs for parts,
labor, and shipping will be billed to you.

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KD2 Pro Operator’s Manual
2. KD2 Pro Overview
2. KD2 Pro Overview
The KD2 Pro is a battery-operated, menu-driven device that
measures thermal conductivity and resistivity, volumetric spe-
cific heat capacity and thermal diffusivity. The KD2 Pro has
been designed for ease of use and maximum functionality.
Specifications
Operating Environment:
Controller: 0 to 50 °C
Sensors: -50 to +150 °C
Power: 4 AA cells
Battery Life: At least 500 readings in constant use or 3 years
with no use (battery drain in sleep mode < 50 uA)
Case Size: 15.5 cm x 9.5 cm x 3.5 cm
Display: 3 cm x 6 cm, 128 x 64 pixel graphics LCD
Keypad: 6 key, sealed membrane
Data Storage: 4095 measurements in flash memory (both
raw and processed data are stored for download)
Interface: 9-pin serial
Read Modes: Manual and Auto Read

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KD2 Pro Operator’s Manual
2. KD2 Pro Overview
Sensors:
60 mm (small) single-needle (KS-1):
Size: 1.3 mm diameter x 60 mm long
Range: 0.02 to 2.00 W/(m· K) (thermal conductivity)
50 to 5000 °C·cm/W (thermal resistivity)
Accuracy (Conductivity): ± 5% from 0.2 - 2 W/(m· K)
±0.01 W/(m· K) from 0.02 - 0.2 W/(m· K)
Cable length: 0.8 m
100 mm (large) single-needle (TR-1):
Size: 2.4 mm diameter x 100 mm long
Range: 0.10 to 4.00 W/(m· K) (thermal conductivity)
25 to 1000 °C·cm/W (thermal resistivity)
Accuracy (Conductivity): ±10% from 0.2 - 4 W/(m· K)
±0.02 W/(m· K) from 0.1 - 0.2 W/(m· K)
Cable length: 0.8 m
30 mm dual-needle (SH-1):
Size: 1.3 mm diameter x 30 mm long, 6 mm spacing
Range: 0.02 to 2.00 W /(m· K) (thermal conductivity)
50 to 5000 °C·cm/W (thermal resistivity)
0.1 to 1 mm2/s (diffusivity)
0.5 to 4 mJ/(m3K) (volumetric specific heat)
Accuracy: (Conductivity) ± 10% from 0.2 - 2 W/(m· K)
±0.01 W/(m· K) from 0.02 - 0.2 W/(m· K)
(Diffusivity) ±10% at conductivities above
0.1 W/(m· K)
(Volumetric Specific Heat) ±10% at conductivi-
ties above 0.1 W/(m· K)
Cable length: 0.8 m

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KD2 Pro Operator’s Manual
2. KD2 Pro Overview
Keypad Operation
POWER: Located to the left below the screen,
this key activates and deactivates the KD2 Pro.
(Note: The device will automatically turn off if
not used for more than 10 minutes, except while running in
Auto Mode.)
MENU: Located to the right below the screen,
this key cycles between the menus at the top of
the screen.

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KD2 Pro Operator’s Manual
2. KD2 Pro Overview
ARROW KEYS: Located in the center of the
keypad, these keys navigate within menus and
sub-menus, and modify different settings in sub-
menus. Holding down an arrow key allows you to
scroll between different options quickly.
ESCAPE: This key backs out of sub-menus and
can be used to cancel certain actions (see “Erase,”
in “Data Menu,” Chapter 2).
ENTER: This key is used to make selections
within menus and sub-menus, and also begins
taking measurements (see “Making a Measure-
ment,” “Main Menu,” below).
Choosing a Sensor
The KD2 Pro comes with three separate sensors, each of
which is designed for measurements in specific sample types.
KS-1
The small (60 mm long, 1.3 mm diameter) single needle KS-1
sensor measures thermal conductivity and thermal resistivity. It
is designed primarily for liquid samples and insulating materials
(thermal conductivity < 0.1 W (W/m· K)). The KS-1 sensor
applies a very small amount of heat to the needle which helps to
prevent free convection in liquid samples (see Chapter 6 in this
manual regarding measurement in liquid samples for more infor-
mation). 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. In insulating materials, the

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KD2 Pro Operator’s Manual
2. KD2 Pro Overview
errors from contact resistance become negligible making the KS-
1 sensor a good choice.
TR-1
The large (100 mm long, 2.4 mm diameter) single needle TR-1
sensor measures thermal conductivity and thermal resistivity.
It is designed primarily for soil, concrete, rock, and other gran-
ular or solid materials. The relatively large diameter and typi-
cally longer heating time of the TR-1 sensor minimize errors
from contact resistance in granular samples or solid samples
with pilot holes. The TR-1 needle heats the sample signifi-
cantly more than the KS-1 sensor, which allows it to measure
higher thermal conductivity samples (see specifications), but
means that you should not measure liquid samples with the
TR-1 sensor . The large diameter of the TR-1 is more robust
than the KS-1, meaning that it is less likely to be damaged by
normal usage conditions in soil or other solid materials. Addi-
tionally, the dimensions of the TR-1 sensor conform to the
specifications for the Lab Probe called out by the IEEE 442-03
Guide for Soil Thermal Resistivity Measurements.
SH-1
The dual needle SH-1 sensor measures volumetric heat capac-
ity, thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity, and thermal resis-
tivity. The SH-1 is compatible with most solid and granular
materials, but should not be used in liquids due to the
large heat pulse and possible resulting free convection in liq-
uid samples.
Read Time
The read time is the time, in minutes, during which data are
taken to compute thermal properties. Heat is applied for half
of the time, and measurements are taken over the full time.

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KD2 Pro Operator’s Manual
2. KD2 Pro Overview
Thirty seconds are allowed for temperature equilibration
before heating starts, so the entire time for a measurement is
the time set here plus 30 seconds. Sixty temperature readings
are taken during the read time, so the number entered here is
also the number of seconds between temperature readings.
This number is displayed in the upper right corner of the
screen, and is available with each data record after download-
ing. Default read times are 1 minute for the KS-1 sensor, 2
minutes for the SH-1 sensor and 5 minutes for the TR-1 sen-
sor.
The longer read time for the TR-1 sensor helps to prevent
errors caused by effects of the large diameter needle and con-
tact resistance between the sensor and the sample in granular
and solid materials. If you wish to measure thermal properties
of a sample with large grains or of a solid sample with a pilot
hole that is significantly larger in diameter than the sensor, it is
best to use the TR-1 needle and configure the read time to the
maximum allowed 10 minutes.
The shorter read time for the KS-1 sensor reduces the amount
of heat input into the sample. This is especially important
with liquid samples where excessive sample heating can cause
errors from free convection (see section on measuring liquid
samples for more details). In low viscosity samples (e.g. water
and aqueous solutions), the KS-1 read time should be config-
ured to the minimum allowed 1 minute.
To set the read time, go to the Read Time menu selection and
press Enter. Arrow down to the probe for which you want to
set the read time and press Enter, Arrow up or down to the
read time you want and press Enter.

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KD2 Pro Operator’s Manual
2. KD2 Pro Overview
KD2 Pro Sensor Compatibility
1In low viscosity liquids, the read time should be set to the
minimum allowed 1 minute and should only be used in low
power mode to avoid free convection.
2In high viscosity liquids, the KS-1 or TR-1 sensor should
only be used in low power mode.
3The KS-1 or TR-1 needles in low power mode with 10 min
read time give good results with insulation. Heater tempera-
tures with high power mode are quite high for insulation mea-
surements.
Sample Material KS-1 TR-1 SH-1
Low viscosityliquids
(e.g. water) Best1No No
High viscosity liquids
(e.g. glycerol, oil) Best2Ok2No
Insulation and insulating
materials Best3Ok Ok
Moist soil No Best Ok
Dry soil, powders, granu-
lar materials
No Best4Ok
Concrete No Best5Ok6
Rock No Best5Ok6
Other solids No Best5Ok
Volumetric specific heat No No Best
Thermal diffusivity No No Best

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KD2 Pro Operator’s Manual
2. KD2 Pro Overview
4In dry granular materials where contact resistance can be sig-
nificant, extending the read time to the maximum allowed 10
minutes will produce the most accurate results.
5In solid materials where a pilot hole has been drilled and
contact resistance can be significant, using thermal grease and
extending the read time to the maximum allowed 10 minutes
will produce the most accurate results.
6The SH-1 sensor will take accurate measurements in rock
and cured concrete, but it is very difficult to drill small diame-
ter, parallel holes in these materials to accommodate the SH-1
needles.
Power Mode
With the KD2 Pro, you have the ability to configure the
device to measure each of the three sensor 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 sen-
sor during a measurement resulting in greater sensor heating.
In low power mode, the KD2 Pro applies a small current to
the sensor resulting in less heating of the sensor. The KS-1
sensor defaults to low power mode, while the TR-1 and SH-1
needles both default to high power mode. We recommend
that the power mode only be changed from the default set-
tings for special measurements by expert users. In all but a
few cases, changing the power mode from the default settings
will result in poorer accuracy than can be expected in the
default power mode. Do not change the power mode from
the default settings unless you are an expert user and are mak-
ing a specialized measurement. Feel free to contact Decagon
to discuss specifics of your measurement before changing
from the default power mode setting. More specific com-
ments regarding power mode adjustment include:

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KD2 Pro Operator’s Manual
2. KD2 Pro Overview
• Do NOT attempt to make measurements in liquids with
the KS-1 or TR-1 in high power mode. The additional
heating from the higher heat input will cause free con-
vection and compromise the measurement (see Chapter
6 for more information on free convection).
• Do not attempt to make measurements in low viscosity
fluids with the SH-1 (dual needle) sensor in either high
power or low power mode.
• One motivation behind allowing power mode configura-
tion is to allow the TR-1 and SH-1 sensors to make bet-
ter measurements in frozen materials where the
decreased heat input in low power mode is less likely to
cause phase change (melting) of the frozen sample.
One situation where we do recommend a non-default
power mode setting is the measurement of thermal con-
ductivity of snow. In this case, we recommend using the
TR-1 needle to reduce issues with contact resistance,
and we recommend configuring the sensor to low
power mode to reduce issues with melting.
Installing the Sensors
The KD2 Pro’s three sensors have been designed for ease of
installation and use. The following considerations should be
observed when installing the sensors.
• The sensor should be inserted all the way into the
medium to be measured.
• For the single-needle 10cm sensor, a drill bit has been
included that can be used to drill a pilot hole in material
such as wood or hard soil. For rock (or cured concrete),
a 1/8” hole can be drilled with a rotohammer and filled

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KD2 Pro Operator’s Manual
2. KD2 Pro Overview
with thermal grease to provide optimal contact between
the needle and the rock.
• For the dual-needle sensor, the needles must remain
parallel to each other during insertion to make an
accurate reading. Therefore, take care in tough material,
which can splay the prongs and adversely affect read-
ings. Use the provided red tab with pilot holes to make
sure that the needles have the correct spacing.
• Because the sensors give off a heat pulse, you must
allow a minimum of 1.5 cm of material parallel to the
sensor in all directions, or errors will occur.
• DO NOT BEND THE NEEDLES, as this can dam-
age the sensor beyond repair. If the needle becomes
bent, do not bend it back; contact Decagon for a
replacement.
• Good thermal contact between the sensors and the
medium being measured is critical for accurate mea-
surements if a hole is drilled for sensor insertion. Make
sure that the sensor fits tightly into the hole. Use the
thermal grease included with your KD2 Pro to improve
contact in larger holes or grainy samples.
Measurements In Concrete
If the KD2 Pro is to be used for measurements in concrete, it
is preferrable to mold pilot holes in wet concrete using the
pilot pins furnished with your KD2 Pro using the following
procedure.
• Coat pilot pin with vaseline.
• Install pin at least 100mm deep while concrete is wet.
• Remove pin when concrete has dried.
• Coat the single 10cm sensor with thermal grease, insert
sensor into the cast hole and begin to take readings.

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KD2 Pro Operator’s Manual
2. KD2 Pro Overview
If measurements need to be made in concrete that has already
been cured, holes can be drilled into the sample using the pro-
cedure outlined above in the section titled “Installing the Sen-
sors.”
Measurements In Insulation
Insulation measurements are best made with the KS-1 probe
using a 10 minute read time. The long read time minimizes
contact resistance errors, and the low heat of the KS-1 needle
reduces free convection errors. In foam insulation a hole
should be drilled for the probe. Simply pushing in the needle
can cause the insulation to bunch in front of the needle tip
resulting in a poor fit and a consequently a faulty reading. In
fiber type insulation materials, assure that the insulating mate-
rials are not unduly disturbed by the needle insertion. (i.e.
pushed in front of the needle tip). Do not allow the probe to
move during the measurement.

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KD2 Pro Operator’s Manual
3. The Menus
3. The Menus
The KD2 Pro features four main menus: MAIN, DATA,
CONFIG, and AUTO (respectively). These menus access the
KD2 Pro’s features, and have been designed for ease of use.
Here is a more detailed description of each menu.
The Main Menu
The Main Menu is responsible for taking measurements from
whatever medium a sensor is inserted into.
What you see:
1. The thermal property reading and the currently selected
unit. The type of reading is indicated by the letter to the
left of the reading:
K= thermal conductivity
C= specific heat capacity
D= thermal diffusivity
rho = thermal resistivity
NOTE: When the spinner icon is visible, press the arrow keys to
scroll through and change the current unit and measurement type.
1
2
4
5
7
6
8
3

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KD2 Pro Operator’s Manual
3. The Menus
2. Icon showing connected sensor type.
3. Indicator for high power mode (HPM) or low power
mode (LPM).
4. The currently connected sensor type and sensor name.
5. The measurement temperature in °C or °F.
6. Indicates the length of the reading in minutes
7. Indicates the status of a reading.
8. Progress bar that displays elapsed time.
The purpose of the Main Menu is to take measurements. The
next section will explain how to do this.
Taking a Measurement
It is easy to take measurements with the KD2 Pro. Do the fol-
lowing to make a measurement:
NOTE: If the temperature of the sample is different from
the temperature of the needle, the needle must equilibrate
to the surrounding temperature before beginning a read-
ing.
1. Attach appropriate sensor then turn on the KD2 Pro.
2. Properly insert the sensor into the material to be mea-
sured. (See “Installing the sensors” in this chapter for
instructions.)