Thermal Conductivity Instrument for
Geological & Geothermal
Leading researchers use the C-Therm Trident Thermal Conductivity instrument to accurately measure the thermal conductivity of rocks, soils, geothermal grouts, drilling fluids and core samples to support geothermal energy, mining, and subsurface research.
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Why thermal conductivity measurement matters for geological research
Thermal conductivity is a critical design parameter for geothermal heat pump (GSHP) systems, borehole thermal energy storage (BTES), enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), underground transmission lines, and radioactive waste repositories. Accurate measurement in heterogeneous geological materials—from intact rock cores to loose soils and aggregates—requires an instrument capable of handling variations in density, moisture, and composition. ASTM D5334 specifies that measurements are applicable for both intact and reconstituted soil specimens and soft rock specimens, ensuring standardized, repeatable results.
Why the C-Therm Trident is Ideal for Geological & Geothermal Applications
The C-Therm Trident Thermal Conductivity Instrument is designed to handle a variety of geological and geothermal samples under representative lab and field conditions. The Trident delivers fast, accurate, and repeatable thermal conductivity measurements across rocks, soils, core samples, and aggregates, fully compliant with ASTM and ISO standards.
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High Volume Testing Measure thermal conductivity across a wide range of samples, including grouts, rock cores, and aggregates, all on a single platform. |
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Representative Test Conditions Measures samples under true temperature, pressure, moisture, and density for precise, reproducible results. |
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Fast Transient Methods Fast, precise results in minutes, even for small or irregular samples. |
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Minimal or No Sample Preparation Little to no sample preparation required, saving time and reducing errors. |
See It in Action
Request a demo to see how the C-Therm Trident delivers fast, accurate, and repeatable thermal conductivity measurements for geological and geothermal applications.
What Our Customers Say
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Technische Universität München
The C-Therm MTPS and TLS sensors have provided us a fast, easy way to characterize the thermal conductivity of our different geological samples."
Daniel BohnsackChair of Hydrogeology – Geothermal Energy Group
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Seaforth Geosurveys Inc.
The portability and ease of use of the instrument allowed our technicians to rapidly measure thermal conductivity of our geological core samples accurately and consistently in a 24-7 operation… we would recommend… for any research or screening with a focus on geological and/or in-situ applications…"
David LombardiPresident
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Geological Survey of Estonia (Estonia)
Trident has been a helpful toolbox for our lab at Geological Survey of Estonia, we are able to test various rock samples and we are happy with the device.
Heikki BauertAdvisor to Director
Geological & Geothermal Application Videos
Watch these videos to see the C-Therm Trident in action for geological and geothermal applications.
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Measuring Thermal Conductivity in Geological Applications
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Thermal Conductivity in Geological Processes
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Accelerated Thermal Conductivity Testing of Geological Samples
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Using Thermal Conductivity to Build Better Geothermal Data
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How to Characterize the Thermal Conductivity of Geological Samples
Application Resources
A curated collection of application highlights, peer-reviewed papers, and technical blog posts supporting thermal conductivity measurement across geological and geothermal application areas. These resources demonstrate real-world use of the Trident platform across rocks, soils, core samples, and related earth materials, highlighting validated methodologies and industry-relevant applications aligned with established thermal characterization standards.
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Trident™ Thermal Conductivity Application Highlight: Impact of Saturation on Thermal Conductivity in Subsurface Geomaterials
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Trident™ Thermal Conductivity Application Highlight: Testing Granular Materials Using the TLS Needle Probe
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Results from the GeoERA MUSE shallow geothermal project – UK Cardiff pilot area
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Petrological, petrophysical and petrothermal study of a folded sedimentary succession: the Oliana anticline (Southern Pyrenees), outcrop analogue of a geothermal reservoir
Thermal Conductivity Instrument & Sensor Options for Geological & Geothermal Testing
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Trident Thermal Conductivity Instrument
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Rock Sample Testing Using Trident MTPS
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TPS Sensors
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TLS Sensor
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Core Samples
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Tests on Sherwood Sandstone and Mercia Mudstone Sample – British Geological Survey
Technical Specification by method
| Method | TC Range (W/m-K) | Test Time | Accuracy / Repeatability | Application Standard | Best For |
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| MTPS | 0.05 – 10 | 60-120 sec | ±3% | ASTM D7984 | Flat rock surfaces, core slabs |
| TPS | 0.05 – 5 | 30-90 sec | ±5% | ISO 22007-2 | Soils, aggregates, prepared cores |
| TLS | 0.05 – 10 | 60-120 sec | ±3% | ASTM D7984 | Loose soils, aggregates, boreholes |
| THW | 0.05 – 10 | 60-120 sec | ±3% | ASTM D7984 | Grouts, coolants, fluid-saturated cores |