Apparatus for measuring the effective thermal conductivity of packed bed of aggregates

Abstract

Systems and methods for measuring the effective thermal conductivity of aggregate packed beds are described . Sys tems and methods may include an apparatus comprising a first assembly , a second assembly , and a cylindrical insula tor . The first assembly may include a first faucet , a first brass cover , a first heat exchanger body , and a first aluminum plate . The second assembly may include a second faucet , a second brass cover , a second heat exchanger body , and second aluminum plate . The first assembly and the second assembly may be placed into opposite ends of the cylindrical insulator . Aggregates may be placed inside the cylindrical insulator between the first and second assemblies . Tempera ture may be measured at a variety of points of contact on the two faces of a low thermal conductivity plate , and heat flux and effective thermal conductivity of packed bed of aggre gates may be calculated .