Device for determining thermal conductivity and methods for the use thereof

摘要

The application relates to a device based on the electrothermal method for determining thermal conductivity, which allows the examination of various phenomena, with a high level of reliability, through the study of the thermal behavior of materials. The device is constituted by a sample-carrying cylinder surrounded by a resistance element that creates a radial heat flow in the sample, a cooling system based on a spiral-form heat exchanger incorporated into the thermal device, means for the storage of a fluid and a data-storage device. Furthermore, the present application describes the use of the device in processes for determining the productive potential of the soil (“PPS”) and the examination of the nutritional quality of agro-ecological produce and foods.

主权项

1. A device for measuring thermo-electric values for use in determining thermal conductivity of a sample, the sample being soil, the device comprising:
a copper cylindrical nucleus for receiving the soil; an electrical resistance surrounding at least a portion of the cylindrical nucleus, the electrical resistance being configured to generate a flow of heat on the soil; a cylindrical support for thermally insulating and supporting the cylindrical nucleus; a thermopair element insertable into at least a portion of the cylindrical nucleus, the thermopair element being configured to measure thermo-electric data of the soil; a first conduit configured to permit water to enter at least a portion of the device; a water source connected to the first conduit via a hose; a second conduit configured to permit water to exit at least a portion of the device; a reservoir connected to the second conduit via a hose, the reservoir being configured to receive and hold water, the reservoir being spaced-apart from the water source; and a data storage device connected to the thermopair element, wherein thermal conductivity of the soil is determined based on the data.