Decagon Devices KD2 Pro User manual

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

KD2 Pro
Decagon Devices, Inc.
2365 NE Hopkins Court
Pullman WA 99163
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Website: www.decagon.com
Email: supp[email protected] or [email protected]
Trademarks
“KD2 Pro is a registered trademark of Decagon Devices, Inc.”
c
2007-2013 Decagon Devices, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
ii

KD2 Pro CONTENTS
Contents
1 Introduction 1
1.1 About the KD2 Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 Shipping Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.3 Customer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.4 Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.5 Seller’s Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2 KD2 Pro Overview 5
2.1 Specifications ....................... 5
2.2 Keypad Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.3 Choosing a Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.4 KD2 Pro Sensor Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.5 Installing the Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3 The Menus 17
3.1 TheMainMenu...................... 17
3.2 TheDataMenu...................... 19
3.3 The Configuration Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
3.4 The Auto Mode Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
4 The KD2 Pro Utility 27
4.1 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
4.2 Installation ........................ 28
4.3 KD2 Pro Utility Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
4.3.1 Preferences Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
4.4 Organizing Saved Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
4.5 Erasing Your Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
4.6 Setting the Date and Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
4.7 Setting the Auto Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
5 Taking Measurements 41
5.1 General Best Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
5.2 Measurements in Concrete or Rock . . . . . . . . . . . 44
5.3 Measurements in Insulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
5.4 Measurements in Liquids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
5.5 Liquid Sample Temperature Control . . . . . . . . . . 47
6 Maintenance and Troubleshooting 49
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CONTENTS KD2 Pro
6.1 Cleaning and Caring for the Sensors . . . . . . . . . . 49
6.2 Changing the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
6.3 Verifying Sensor Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
6.4 Troubleshooting KD2 Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
6.5 Troubleshooting KD2 Pro Utility Software . . . . . . . 52
6.6 Service Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
7 KD2 Pro Theory 55
7.1 Dual Needle Algorithm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
7.2 Single Needle Algorithm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
7.3 The Error (Err) Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
8 Reference Materials 60
9 Appendix A 62
9.1 Table of Thermal Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
10 Appendix B 63
10.1 Send Feedback to Decagon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
11 KD2 Pro CE Compliance 65
iv

KD2 Pro 1 INTRODUCTION
1 Introduction
Welcome to your new KD2 Pro Thermal Properties Analyzer man-
ufactured by Decagon Devices Inc. This guide should help you un-
derstand and use your instrument to the best of its capability.
1.1 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. The
single needle sensors measure thermal conductivity and resistivity;
while the dual-needle sensor measures thermal conductivity, resistiv-
ity, volumetric specific heat capacity and diffusivity. Please read this
manual to efficiently and effectively use your KD2 Pro for thermal
properties measurements.
1.2 Shipping Contents
KD2 Pro Controller
Carrying Case
USB-to-Serial Cable (3 ft)
“AA” Alkaline Batteries (Four)
Operator’s Manual
KD2 Pro “Read Me First”
Sensor Kit(s) One or more of the sensor kits listed in Table 1.
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1 INTRODUCTION KD2 Pro
Table 1: Available Sensor Kits
SH-1 Sensor
Kit
RK-1 Sensor
Kit
TR-1 Sensor
Kit
KS-1 Sensor
Kit
SH-1 Dual
Needle Sensor
RK-1 Single
Needle Sensor
TR-1 Single
Needle Sensor
KS-1 Single
Needle Sensor
SH-1
Verification
Standard
RK-1
Verification
Standard
TR-1
Verification
Standard
Glycerin
Verification
Standard
Certificate of
Quality
Assurance
Certificate of
Quality
Assurance
Certificate of
Quality
Assurance
Certificate of
Quality
Assurance
Dual Needle
Spacer
Arctic
Alumina
Thermal
Grease
Arctic
Alumina
Thermal
Grease
Replacement
Lid Septums
SDS Arctic
Alumina
SDS Arctic
Alumina
SDS Glycerin
5/32
Roto-Hammer
Drill Bits
2.40 mm Drill
Bits
RK-1 Quick
Start
Concrete Pilot
Pins
Note: You can configure your KD2-Pro with one or a combination
of the sensors listed in Table 1.
1.3 Customer Support
If you ever need assistance with your device, have any questions or
feedback, there are several ways to contact us. Decagon has Cus-
tomer Service Representatives available to speak with you Monday
through Friday, between 7am and 5pm Pacific time.
Note: If you purchased your sensor through a distributor, please con-
2

KD2 Pro 1 INTRODUCTION
tact them for assistance.
Email:
supp[email protected] or [email protected]
Phone:
509-332-5599
Fax:
509-332-5158
If contacting us by email or fax, please include as part of your mes-
sage your instrument serial number, your name, address, phone, fax
number, and a description of your problem or question.
1.4 Warranty Information
The KD2 Pro has a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and a one-year
warranty.
1.5 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.
Note: We do not consider the results of ordinary wear and tear,
neglect, misuse, or accident as defects.
The Seller’s liability for defective parts shall in no event exceed the
furnishing of replacement parts “freight on board” the factory where
originally manufactured. Material and equipment covered hereby
which is not manufactured by Seller shall be covered 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), occasioned by or arising out of the instal-
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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.
There are no understandings, representations, or warranties of any
kind, express, implied, statutory or otherwise (including, but with-
out limitation, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness
for a particular purpose), not expressly set forth herein.
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KD2 Pro 2 KD2 PRO OVERVIEW
2 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.
2.1 Specifications
Operating Environment
Controller: 0 to 50 ◦C
Sensors: −50 to +150 ◦C
Controller
Power: 4 AA batteries
Battery Life: At least 500 readings in constant use or three 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: 4,095 measurements in flash memory (both raw and
processed data are stored for download)
Interface: 9-pin serial
Read Modes: Manual and Auto Read
Sensors
6 cm (small) single needle (KS-1)
Size: 1.3 mm diameter x 6 cm long
Range:
0.02 to 2.00 W
(m∗K)(thermal conductivity)
50 to 5000 ◦C∗cm
W(thermal resistivity)
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2 KD2 PRO OVERVIEW KD2 Pro
Accuracy:
(Conductivity): ±5% from 0.2 to 2 W
(m∗K)±0.01 W (m∗K)
from 0.02 to 0.2 W
(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 W
(m∗K)(thermal conductivity)
25 to 1000 ◦C∗cm
W(thermal resistivity)
Accuracy:
(Conductivity): ±10% from 0.2 to 4.0 W
(m∗K)
±0.02 W
(m∗K)from 0.1 to 0.2 W (m∗K)
Cable length: 0.8 m
3 cm dual-needle (SH-1)
Size: 1.3 mm diameter x 3 cm long, 6 mm spacing
Range:
0.02 to 2.00 W
(m∗K)(thermal conductivity)
50 to 5,000 ◦C∗cm
W(thermal resistivity)
0.1 to 1.0 mm2
s(diffusivity)
0.5 to 4.0 mJ
(m3K)(volumetric specific heat)
Accuracy:
(Conductivity) ±10% from 0.2 to 2 W
(m∗K)
±0.01 W
(m∗K)from 0.02 to 0.20 W (m∗K)
(Diffusivity) ±10% at conductivities above 0.1 W
(m∗K)
(Volumetric Specific Heat) ±10% at conductivities above
0.1 W
(m∗K)
Cable length: 0.8 m
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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 W
(m∗K)(thermal conductivity)
17 to 1000 ◦C * cm
W(thermal resistivity)
Accuracy (Conductivity):
±10% from 0.2 to 6.0 W
(m∗K)
0.02 W
(m∗K)from 0.1 to 0.2 W (m∗K)
Cable length: 0.8 m
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2 KD2 PRO OVERVIEW KD2 Pro
2.2 Keypad Operation
Figure 1: KD2 Pro KeyPad
8

KD2 Pro 2 KD2 PRO OVERVIEW
Power: Activates and deactivates the KD2 Pro.
Note: The device automatically turns off if not
used for more than ten minutes, except while
running in Auto Mode.
Menu: Cycles between the four menus at the
top of the screen.
Note: Pressing Menu while changing a setting
cancels any operations.
Arrow Keys: Navigate within menus, sub-
menus, and modifies numerical values in sub-
menus, as well as selecting different units. Hold-
ing down an arrow key allows you to scroll be-
tween different options quickly.
Escape: Backs out of sub-menus and cancels
certain actions.
Enter: Makes selections within menus, sub-
menus, and also begins taking measurements.
2.3 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.
KS-1
The small (6 cm long, 1.3 mm diameter) single needle KS-1 sen-
sor measures thermal conductivity and thermal resistivity. We de-
signed the KS-1 for liquid samples and insulating materials (thermal
conductivity <0.1W(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 Section 5 in this manual regarding measure-
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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. In insulating
materials, the errors from contact resistance become negligible mak-
ing the KS-1 sensor a good choice.
TR-1
The large (10 cm long, 2.4 mm diameter) single needle TR-1 sensor
measures thermal conductivity and thermal resistivity. We designed
the TR-1 primarily for soil, and other granular or porous materi-
als. You can either insert the pilot pin or drill an appropriate sized
hole for the TR-1 sensor. The relatively large diameter and typically
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 significantly more than the KS-1 sen-
sor, which allows it to measure higher thermal conductivity samples
(see earlier specifications). Customers should not measure low vis-
cosity liquid samples with the TR-1 sensor. The 2.4 mm diameter
of the TR-1 makes it 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. Additionally, the dimensions of the TR-1 sen-
sor conform to the specifications for the Lab Probe called out by the
IEEE 442, “Guide for Soil Thermal Resistivity Measurements,” and
ASTM 5334, “Standard Test Method for Determination of Thermal
Conductivity of Soiled and Soft Rock by Thermal Needle Probe Pro-
cedure.”
Note: Despite its durability, the TR-1 is a hollow needle that bends
with enough applied force. Although the TR-1 comes with drill bits
for pilot holes, drilling straight holes in solid materials like rock and
concere is very difficult. Consider using the RK-1 for applications
involving solid rock and concrete.
SH-1
The dual needle SH-1 sensor measures volumetric heat capacity, ther-
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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
due to its smaller size.
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2 KD2 PRO OVERVIEW KD2 Pro
RK-1
Note: The RK-1 is optional and not included with the standard KD2
Pro
The thick (6 cm long, 3.9 mm diameter) single needle RK-1 sensor
measures thermal conductivity and thermal resistivity. We designed
the RK-1 specifically for use in hard materials like rock or cured
concrete, where you must use a rotary hammer to drill a hole to ac-
commodate the sensor. The TR-1 sensor is generally more accurate
than the RK-1 sensor and is the preferred choice in granular and
solid materials as long as you can make a hole to accommodate the
longer and thinner sensor. In instances where the material is too
hard to drill a hole for the long, thin TR-1 sensor, a 5
32 or 4 mm
rotary hammer bit (included in the RK-1 kit) can be used to drill
a pilot hole in the material. Make sure to remove any dust or drill
cuttings from the rotary hammer hole using a swab or compressed
air before inserting the RK-1 sensor. It is also necessary to use the
included thermal grease to ensure good thermal contact between the
RK-1 sensor and the test material.
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.
The KD2 Pro waits thirty seconds for temperature equilibration be-
fore heating starts, so the entire measurement time should be the
“Read Time” plus 30 seconds. The sensor takes sixty temperature
readings during the read time, so the number entered here also de-
termines the number of seconds between temperature readings. This
number displays in the upper right corner of the screen and is avail-
able with each data record after downloading. Default read times
are one minute for the KS-1 sensor, two minutes for the SH-1 sensor,
five minutes for the TR-1 sensor, and ten minutes for the (optional)
RK-1 Sensor.
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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.
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 (Section 5.4) In low viscosity samples (e.g. water and
aqueous solutions), configure the KS-1 read time should be config-
ured to the minimum allowed one minute.
To set the read time, press menu and navigate to the Config menu.
Scroll down to Read Time and press Enter. Arrow down to the sen-
sor that you want and press Enter. Then press Enter again to scroll
through the read times for that sensor.
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2 KD2 PRO OVERVIEW KD2 Pro
2.4 KD2 Pro Sensor Compatibility
Table 2: Sensor Use Guide
Sample Material KS-1 TR-1 SH-1 RK-1
Low viscosity Liquids BEST1NO NO NO
(Water)
High Viscosity Liquids BEST2OK2NO NO
(glycerol, oil)
Insulation and Insulating BEST3NO NO NO
Materials
Moist Soil NO BEST OK OK
Dry Soil, Powders, and NO BEST4OK OK
Granual Materials
Concrete and Rock NO BEST5,7OK6BEST7
Other Solids NO BEST5OK OK
Volumetric Specific Heat NO NO BEST NO
Thermal Diffusivity NO NO BEST NO
1In low viscosity liquids, set the read time to the minimum allowed one minute
and only operate in low power mode to avoid free convection.
2In high viscosity liquids, only use the KS-1 or TR-1 in low power mode.
3The KS-1 in default mode (low power, 1 min read).
4In dry granular materials where contact resistance can be significant, extend
the read time to the maximum allowed ten minutes to produce the most accurate
results.
5In solid materials where a pilot hole has been drilled and contact resistance
can be significant, use thermal grease and extend the read time to the maximum
allowed ten minutes to produce the most accurate results.
6The SH-1 sensor takes accurate measurements in rock and cured concrete,
but it is very difficult to drill small diameter, parallel holes in these materials to
accommodate the SH-1 needles.
7The TR-1 is generally more accurate than the RK-1 sensor and should be
used if possible. However, it is extremely difficult (or impossible) to drill a long,
thin hole into cured concrete and rock samples to accommodate the TR-1. The
TR-1 also comes with pilot pins for use in wet concrete or fluidized backfill.
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KD2 Pro 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. 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, SH-1, and RK-1 needles
all default to high power mode.
We recommend that only expert operators change the power mode
from the default settings for special measurements. In all but a few
cases, changing the power mode from the default settings results in
reduced accuracy.Feel free to contact Decagon to discuss your specific
measurements before changing from the default power mode setting.
Pay attention to the following cautions when operating your KD2
Pro.
Caution: 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 causes free convection
and compromise the measurement.
Caution: Do not attempt to make measurements in fluids
with the SH-1 (dual needle) or RK-1 sensor.
One motivation behind allowing power mode configuration is to allow
the TR-1 and SH-1 sensors to make better 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 conductivity 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.
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2 KD2 PRO OVERVIEW KD2 Pro
2.5 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.
•We included a drill bit for the TR-1 sensor that you can use
to drill a pilot hole in material such as wood or hard soil. You
should use the optional RK-1 sensor for rock (or cured con-
crete). Drill a 5
32 ” or 4 mm hole with a hammer drill and fill
it with thermal grease to provide optimal contact between the
RK-1 sensor and rock or concrete.
•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 readings. Use the provided red tab
with pilot holes to make sure that the needles have the correct
spacing. Sample size depends on your sample material thermal
properties, contact Decagon for assistance in taking difficult
measurements.
•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 di-
rections, or errors occur.
Note: Bending the needles can damage the sensor beyond re-
pair. If the needle becomes bent, do not bend it back; contact
Decagon for a replacement.
•Good thermal contact between the sensors and the measured
medium is critical for accurate measurements if you drill a hole
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 drilled holes or grainy samples.
16