EKO MF Series User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
MF-180
MF-180M
HF-30S
HF-10S
Heat Flow Sensor

EKO INSTRUEMTNS CO., LTD. Heat Flow Sensors Instruction Manual Ver.7 Pg. 1
1. Index
1. Index 1
2. Important User Information 2
2-1. Contact Information 2
2-2. Warranty and Liability 2
2-3. About This Instruction Manual 3
2-4. Environment 3
3. Safety Information 4
3-1. WARNING/CAUTION 4
4. Introduction 5
4-1. Main Functions 5
4-2. Package Contents 6
5. Getting Started 7
5-1. Parts Name and Descriptions 7
5-2. Installation 8
5-3. Measurement 10
6. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 12
6-1. Maintenance 12
6-2. Calibration and Traceability 12
6-3. Troubleshooting 13
7. Specification 14
7-1. Sensor Specification 14
7-2. Dimensions 15
7-3. Accessories List 16
APPENDIX 17
A-1. Applications 17

EKO INSTRUEMTNS CO., LTD. Heat Flow Sensors Instruction Manual Ver.7 Pg. 2
2. Important User Information
Thank you for using EKO Products
Make sure to read this instruction manual thoroughly and to understand the contents before starting to operate the
instrument. Keep this manual in a safe and handy place for whenever it is needed.
For any questions, please contact us at one of the EKO offices shown below:
2-1. Contact Information
EKO INSTRUMENTS CO., LTD.
Asia, Oceania Region
www.eko-asia.com
[email protected]
EKO INSTRUMENTS Co., Ltd.
1-21-8,Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku
Tokyo, 151-0072Japan
Tel:[phone]
Fax:[phone]
Europe, Middle East, Africa, South America Region
www.eko-eu.com
[email protected]
EKO INSTRUMENTS Europe B.V.
Lulofsstraat 55, Unit 32,
2521 AL, Den Haag, The Netherlands
Tel:[phone]
Fax:[phone]
North America Region
www.eko-usa.com
[email protected]
EKO INSTRUMENTS USA Inc.
95 South Market Street, Suite 300
San Jose, CA 95113 USA
Tel:[phone]
Fax:[phone]
2-2. Warranty and Liability
For warranty terms and conditions, contact EKO or your distributor for further details.
EKO guarantees that the product delivered to customer has been verified, checked and tested to ensure that
the product meets the appropriate specifications. The product warranty is valid only if the product has been
installed and used according to the directives provided in this instruction manual.
In case of any manufacturing defect, the product will be repaired or replaced under warranty. However, the
warranty does not apply if:
Any modification or repair was done by any person or organization other than EKO service
personnel.
The damage or defect is caused by not respecting the instructions of use as given on the product
brochure or the instruction manual.

EKO INSTRUEMTNS CO., LTD. Heat Flow Sensors Instruction Manual Ver.7 Pg. 3
2-3. About This Instruction Manual
Copy Rights Reserved by EKO INSTRUMENTS CO., LTD. Making copies of whole or parts of this
document without permission from EKO is prohibited.
This manual was issued: 2018/5/18
Version Number: 7
2-4. Environment
1. WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC
(Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)
This product is not subjected to WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC however it should not be mixed with general
household waste. For proper treatment, recovery and recycling, please take this product(s) to the designated
collection points.
Disposing of this product correctly will help save valuable resources and prevent any potential negative
effects on human health and the environment, which could otherwise arise from inappropriate waste
handling.
2. RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC
EKO Instruments has completed a comprehensive evaluation of its product range to ensure compliance with
RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC regarding maximum concentration values for substances. As a result, all
products are manufactured using raw materials that do not contain any of the restricted substances referred
to in the RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC at concentration levels in excess of those permitted under the RoHS
Directive 2002/95/EC, or up to levels allowed in excess of these concentrations by the Annex to the RoHS
Directive 2002/95/EC.

EKO INSTRUEMTNS CO., LTD. Heat Flow Sensors Instruction Manual Ver.7 Pg. 4
3. Safety Information
EKO products are designed and manufactured under the consideration of the safety precautions.
Please make sure to read and understand this instruction manual thoroughly in order to be able to
operate the instrument safely and in the correct manner.
WARNING
CAUTION
Attention to the user; pay attention to the instructions given on
the instruction manual with this sign.
3-1. WARNING/CAUTION
Select an appropriate heat flow sensor for the application. If an indoor type heat flow sensor is used in
an outdoor environment, water may leak into the heat flow sensor and cause disconnections and
abnormal measurement values.
Verify the upper and lower limit of operating temperature and use the heat flow sensor within this
temperature range. If the heat flow sensors are used outside the operating temperature range, it may
cause disconnections and the surface coating may peal apart.
When using the Heat Flow Sensor by attaching it to a measuring surface, measurement error may occur
due to air current contacting the surface of Heat Flow Sensor. Either to embed the Heat Flow Sensor
into the measuring surface as deep as possible, or attach a material with high heat capacity (i.e. rubber
sheet) on the surface. The error ratio becomes large when heat flow rate is small.

EKO INSTRUEMTNS CO., LTD. Heat Flow Sensors Instruction Manual Ver.7 Pg. 5
4. Introduction
Due to a strong drive for energy saving nowadays, obtaining accurate information on the thermal insulation of
facilities such as buildings, offices, factories, and houses has increased. The MF and HF-Series Heat Flow
Sensors are designed to directly measure the heat radiation or heat transmission from walls, floor/ground, stock
storage walls, and freezer walls, as well as to measure the heat flow rate underground, by embedding or attaching
the Heat Flow Sensor to the measuring part.
The MF-180 and MF-180M are compact type heat flow sensors with high sensitivity. MF-180M is designed for
outdoor use. HF-Series are thin types of heat flow sensors. Both HF-30S and HF-10S can be attached on a curved
surface. By combining several heat flow sensors with an insulated box, a calorimeter device can be created.
4-1. Main Functions
EKO heat flow sensors provide highly accurate measurements compared to heat flow measurements by a
common thermometer.
Due to their high sensitivity, EKO heat flow sensors perform well even with low heat flow measurements.
The heat flow sensors are calibrated using the improved GHP method (JIS A 1412, ASTM C1777).
1. MF-180
The heat flow sensor is enclosed with a black polyester sheet.
For general use, compact, high sensitivity
2. MF-180M
The heat flow sensor is molded with epoxy resin which is highly waterproof for burying underground and
outdoor use for a long period of time.
Compact design with high sensitivity
For burying underground and high durability
3. HF-30S
300mm×300mm size heat flow sensor, both sides are coated with epoxy.
Thin type with low heat resistance, Large area(300mm x 300mm)
4. HF-10S
100mm×100mm size heat flow sensor, both sides are coated with epoxy.
Suitable for measuring heat radiation and transmission from boiler/combustion room, heat radiation from
lighting and heat source, and heating devices

EKO INSTRUEMTNS CO., LTD. Heat Flow Sensors Instruction Manual Ver.7 Pg. 6
4-2. Package Contents
Check the package contents first; if any missing item or damage is noticed, please contact EKO immediately.
Table 4-1. Package Contents
Standard Items Qty. Remarks
Heat Flow Sensor 1pc 10m cable attached (*)
Inspection Report 1
Instruction Manual 1
(*) HF-10S and HF-30S without cable are also available.

EKO INSTRUEMTNS CO., LTD. Heat Flow Sensors Instruction Manual Ver.7 Pg. 7
5. Getting Started
5-1. Parts Name and Descriptions
1. MF-180
2. MF-180M
3. HF-30S
4. HF-10S
Heat Flow Direction:
MF-180、HF-30S
HF-10S:
When heat flows from the side with serial number is indicated, plus voltage is
output.
MF-180M: When heat flows from the side with white dot marks is indicated, plus voltage is
output.
Figure 5-1. Parts Name
Serial Number
Serial Number
Minus (-)
Plus (+)
Serial Number
Minus (-)
Plus (+)
Plus (+) Terminal
Minus (-) Terminal
Plus (+)
Plus (+) Terminal
Minus (-) Terminal
Minus (-)
Plus (+)
Plus (+) Terminal
Minus (-) Terminal
Minus (-) Terminal
Plus (+) Terminal
White Dot Mark
Minus (-)

EKO INSTRUEMTNS CO., LTD. Heat Flow Sensors Instruction Manual Ver.7 Pg. 8
5-2. Installation
Before installation, please carefully read the safety requirements stated in section [3-1.
WARNING/CAUTION].
There are two ways to install the heat flow sensor:
The installation method will differ by installing permanently or temporarily.
Before installing the heat flow sensor, heat flux direction and polarity of the heat flow sensor output must be
verified (see [5-2. Parts Name and Descriptions]). Polarity of the output voltage when heat flow enters from
the black surface with model number (MF-180, HF-30S, HF-10S) of each heat flow sensor or surface with a
white dot (MF-180M) is indicated
1. Permanent Installation
Embedding the heat flow sensor in a measuring surface
NOTE: This method of installation uses adhesive; once the heat flow sensor is adhered to the surface, the
sensor cannot be peeled off or reused.
1. Place the heat flow sensor on the measuring surface so that the heat flows perpendicular to the heat flow
sensor, and attach it with an appropriate adhesive* or similar material used on the subjected surface.
2. Avoid any air gaps between the heat flow sensor and the subjected surface; embed the sensor using the
same material used on the subjected surface.
3. To avoid getting effects from the surrounding radiation, paint the surface with same color.
*Adhesive, such as One Component RTV (deoximation type), KE45W by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co.
2. Temporary Installation
Attaching the heat flow sensor on the measuring surface
1. Place the heat flow sensor on the installing surface and attach it with thermal conductive silicon grease**.
Avoid using such as double-sided tape which would require strong force to remove the heat flow sensor
from the surface.
2. Avoid any air gaps between the heat flow sensor and the subjected surface.
3. To avoid getting effects from the surrounding radiation, paint the surface with same color.
**Grease type silicon grease has high thermal conductivity and bonding effect. Optional accessories:
YG6111 (200g、1kg)

EKO INSTRUEMTNS CO., LTD. Heat Flow Sensors Instruction Manual Ver.7 Pg. 9
Table 5-1．Installation Guide
Material of Installing Surface Preparation Installation Method
Smooth metal Degrease the surface by organic
solvent Attach with silicon grease or silicon glue
Rough metal (cast metal) Smooth out the surface as much as
possible.
Tatami Mat Cut out or create a spot in advance for
embedding. Embed inside the tatami mat.
Curtain --- Attach with silicon glue.
Concrete (smooth surface) --- Embed with silicon glue or mortar.
Mortar (rough surface) Smooth out the surface
Embed with mortar and even out the
surface roughness with surrounding
surface
Grass wool molded plate Smooth out the surface as much as
possible. Attach with silicon glue
Wall Clay Scrape the surface Embed inside the surface or attach with
silicon glue
Tuff Smooth out the surface as much as
possible. Attach with silicon glue
Wood, lumber Remember the direction of wood fiber
(sense of direction required) Attach with silicon glue
Pearlite plate
(Asbestos cement plate)
Smooth out the surface as much as
possible. Attach with silicon glue
Tile or glass Degrease the surface Attach with silicon grease or silicon glue.
Expanded Ply-Ethylene Smooth out the surface as much as
possible
Attach with silicon grease or silicon glue
Embed with expanded urethane
Expanded Urethane
*Silicon grease with high thermal conductivity and bonding effect for temporary installation. Please see
section 7-3. Accessory section and/or contact EKO for more details and purchasing.

EKO INSTRUEMTNS CO., LTD. Heat Flow Sensors Instruction Manual Ver.7 Pg. 10
5-3. Measurement
1. Data Collection
For typical measurements, the output of the heat flow sensor is very small; therefore, selecting an appropriate
measurement device, such as a data logger is critical (in a typical indoor measurement, the heat flow is
generally less than few a dozen W/m2). The output from this heat flow sensor would be from a few dozen
to a few hundred μV; thus it is ideal to have more than 10μV for the minimum resolution on the measuring
device).
Although it depends on the installed location, there are large fluctuations in heat flow sensor output, thus an
average or an integration value of a certain interval is used instead of using an instantaneous value.
It is important to select a measurement device which is suitable for the above purpose.
2. Measurement
By using the following equation, calculate the heat flow from the output voltage of the sensor.
Q = E / K
Where:
Q: Heat flow flux [W/m2]
E: Output voltage from a sensor [mV]
K: Sensitivity of the sensor [mV/W・m-2]
Important Points of Measurement:
All of the Heat Flow Sensors are made of thermal resistive elements; therefore, the heat resistance of
the object to be measured must be sufficiently larger than the Heat Flow Sensor, or it will cause an
error. The table on the following page shows the examples of wall materials and measurement
errors. Also, when the Heat Flow Sensor is attached on a surface, the convective flow by the air current
and radiation of the surrounding area will cause a measurement error.

EKO INSTRUEMTNS CO., LTD. Heat Flow Sensors Instruction Manual Ver.7 Pg. 11
Table5-2. Examples of Heat Radiation Wall and Measurement Error
Heat Radiation Wall Sensor Measurement
Value /True
Value
R/(R+Rs)
Material Thickness
(mm)
Thermal
Resistance R
(m2・K/W)
Model
Thermal
Resistance Rs
(m2・K/W)
Wood 50 0.31
MF-180 0.014 0.96
HF-30S, HF-10S 0.0016 0.99
Concrete 100 0.1
MF-180 0.014 0.88
HF-30S, HF-10S 0.0016 0.98
Steel 5 0.001
MF-180 0.014 0.07
HF-30S, HF-10S 0.0016 0.38

EKO INSTRUEMTNS CO., LTD. Heat Flow Sensors Instruction Manual Ver.7 Pg. 12
6. Maintenance & Troubleshooting
6-1. Maintenance
To maintain accurate measurements, the following is recommended:
1. Check for any air space and/or skinning of the sensor at the time of installation.
2. Check for any damage on the sensor and lead wires.
6-2. Calibration and Traceability
1. Calibration Method
The calibration of these heat flow sensors are performed at EKO according to the following procedure.
1) Set the calibrating heat flow sensor in between high temperature and low temperature plates.
2) Set the high temperature plate to 45℃and low temperature plate to 15℃and start the calibration
measurement.
3) Taking approximately 3 hours, achieve static state where the outputs become constant among the high
temperature plate, low temperature plate and the calibrating heat flow sensor.
4) Measure the output voltage from the calibrating heat flow sensor, and calculate the sensitivity using
following formula:
k＝E/Q
Where
K: Sensitivity of Calibrated Heat Flow Sensor [mV/ (W/m2)]
E: Output Voltage of Calibrated Heat Flow Sensor [mV]
Q: Heat Flux measured using Reference Heat Flow Sensor. [W/m2]

EKO INSTRUEMTNS CO., LTD. Heat Flow Sensors Instruction Manual Ver.7 Pg. 13
2. Traceability
Traceability of EKO Heat Flow Sensor is as described below:
*The Guarded Hot Plate Method (GHP Method) is a thermal conductivity measurement method of insulation
material by the absolute method based on JIS A 1412. By measuring the power applied to the main heat plate,
calculate the heat flow which flows through the sample piece and determine the heat flow rate from the
temperature difference and thickness of the sample.
By keeping the protecting plate around the main heat plate at same temperature as the main heat plate, the
heat flow runs through the sample achieves the primary flow (the heat flows in perpendicular to the sample).
6-3. Troubleshooting
Check the following items in case of trouble with the instrument. If any questions should remain, contact EKO
for further technical support.
Table 6-1. Troubleshooting
Failure Action
There is no output. Check the resistance.
Check the connection of the lead wires.
Output is very low. Check the sensor contacting and adhesion conditions.
Figure 6-1. Traceability
Calibrate EKO Reference Plate with the device
which complies with GHP method.
Guarded Hot Plate Method
(GHP Method)*
JIS A 1412
EKO Reference
Heat Flow Sensor
EKO Heat Flow Sensor
MF-180, MF-180M
HF-30S, HF-10S
Using calibrated EKO Reference Plate, calibrate the
reference heat flow sensor periodically.
Calibrate the production heat flow sensor according to
the HFM method complying with JIS A 1412.
EKO Reference Plate
(Silicon Rubber)

EKO INSTRUEMTNS CO., LTD. Heat Flow Sensors Instruction Manual Ver.7 Pg. 14
7. Specification
7-1. Sensor Specification
Table 7-1. Sensor Specification
Table 7-2. Cable Specifications
Model Details Terminal Wire Output
HF-10S
HF-30S
MF-180
Material:
Diameter:
Cable end:
MVVS
0.18mm2×2pins
φ3.2mm
pin terminal
Red
Blue
White
Orange
(+) Plus
(-) Minus
MF-180M
Material:
Diameter:
Cable end:
Teflon
0.24mm2×2pins
Φ3.2mm
Y terminal
Red
Blue
White
Black
(+) Plus
(-) Minus
Model MF-180 MF-180M HF-10S HF-30S
Characteristics
General Use
Compact
High Sensitivity
Waterproof
High Durability
Low Thermal
Resistance
(Thin type)
Middle size
Low Thermal
Resistance
(Thin type)
Large size
Application Environment Indoor Soil / Outdoor Indoor Indoor
Waterproof N/A Applicable N/A N/A
Operation
Temperature (℃)
Sensor -30~+120 -30~+120 -20~+120 -20~+120
Cable -25~+60 -25~+60 -25~+60 -25~+60
General Sensitivity
(mV/W･m-2) (Room Temp.) 0.028 0.025 0.01 0.1
Repeatability(%) ±2 ±2 ±2 ±2
Internal Resistance(Ω)
(Room Temp.) 300~450 300~450 90~180 400~800
Thermal Resistance
(m2･℃/W) 1.4×10-2 1.5×10-2 1.6×10-3 1.6×10-3
Thermal Resistance Material Teflon Teflon Glass Epoxy Glass Epoxy
Coating Material Polyester Carbon FRP Epoxy Epoxy
Dimension (mm) (l×w×t) 42×20×0.9 50×25×1.2 100×100×0.5 300×300×0.5
Weight(g) without cable 1.1 1.8 12 100

EKO INSTRUEMTNS CO., LTD. Heat Flow Sensors Instruction Manual Ver.7 Pg. 15
7-2. Dimensions
1. MF-180
Thickness: 0.9mm
2. MF-180M
Thickness: 1.2mm
3. HF-30S
Thickness: 0.5mm
4. HF-10S
Thickness: 0.5mm
Figure 7-1. Dimensions (mm)
50
25
42
20
300
300
100
100

EKO INSTRUEMTNS CO., LTD. Heat Flow Sensors Instruction Manual Ver.7 Pg. 16
7-3. Accessories List
Table 7-3. Accessories List
Option Items Remarks
Silicon Grease YG6111(200g tube), YG6111(1kg metal can container)

EKO INSTRUEMTNS CO., LTD. Heat Flow Sensors Instruction Manual Ver.7 Pg. 17
APPENDIX
A-1. Applications
Table A-1. Applications
Environment Application Example
Home Heat penetration or loss from wall, window, ceiling, floor, or roof, degradation
evaluation of insulation material
Office, Factory Heat penetration or loss from wall, window, ceiling, floor, or roof, degradation
evaluation of insulation material
Human Body Surrounding environment and heat balance of human and animals, thermal
radiation from human body, study for thermal resistance clothing, etc.
Storing and Preservation of
Agricultural Crops Thermal environment measurement for greenhouse, conservatory, storage, etc.
Building Thermal environment measurement in area around subway, waste plant,
department store, etc.
Research Heat-transfer engineering research, education material, chemical reaction (heat
generation and absorption) analysis
Thermal Conductivity of
Machineries and Devices Refrigerator, automobile, train cart
Applications on Devices Thermal conductivity measurement device (HFM Method), Calorie Meter

EKO Asia, Oceania
1-21-8 Hatagaya,
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
151-0072
P. +81.3.3469.6711
F. +81.3.3469.6719
[email protected]
www.eko-asia.com
EKO North America
95 South Market Street,
Suite 300, San Jose,
CA 95113, USA
P. [phone]
F. [phone]
[email protected]
www.eko-usa.com
EKO Europe,
Middle East, Africa,
South America
Lulofsstraat 55, Unit 32,
2521 AL, Den Haag,
The Netherlands
P. [phone]
F. [phone]
[email protected]
www.eko-eu.com