Why is High Pressure Thermal Conductivity needed?
Measuring thermal conductivity at specific conditions at which the material will be used will shed insight into how it will behave and perform. By measuring the thermal properties of a material at high pressure, we can determine how its thermal properties behave at elevated pressures and temperatures. C-Therm Technologies High Pressure Liquids and Solids cells are unique capabilities, solely available at TAL. This allows for the measurement of solids, liquids and powders at elevated temperatures and pressures. At high pressures, a solid sample will compress, while liquids will remain condensed and powder beds will become more compact, and this will affect the thermal conductivity.
Applications for High Pressure Thermal Conductivity
Applications for high pressure conductivity range from petrochemical to polymer samples. For the high pressure liquids and powders cells, we offer thermal conductivity and effusivity measurements from ambient to 300 °C with pressures as high as 1000 psi (69 bar, 6.8 MPa). This may be used to study how coolant liquids perform under pressure, how crude oil behaves under pressure, or for measuring flammable liquids at high temperature and pressure. As for the solid’s cell, we offer high pressure solids testing services from ambient temperatures up to 200 °C, with pressures ranging from ambient to 3000 psi (~200 bar, ~21 MPa). This is perfect for measuring solid polymer samples, porous ceramics, crystalline solids and core samples for geology and fracking.
Applications Space
There is a wide range of applications which high pressure conductivity measurements may be applicable for, including:
High Pressure Liquids Cell
- Petrochemical liquids
- Additive manufacturing powders
- Liquid Polymers and pre-polymers
- Chemical reactions
- Flammable liquids
High Pressure Solids Cell
- Petrochemical core samples
- Geological samples
- Polymers
- Meso-porous and porous ceramics
Recommended Methods
We offer a wide range of methodologies for high pressure thermal conductivity measurements and below is a selection of the measurement requirements for high pressure conductivity and effusivity testing services.
High Pressure Liquids Cell for Thermal Conductivity and Effusivity
| Measurement Range | 0.023 – 0.640 W/mK and 0 – 1670 Ws½/m2K |
| Sample Size | 15 mL |
| Temperature Range | Ambient – 300 °C |
| Pressure Range | Ambient – 1000 psi |
| Material Types | Liquids and powders |
| Gas Environments Available | Air, nitrogen, argon |
| Standards | ASTM D7984 |
High Pressure Solids Cell for Thermal Conductivity and Effusivity
| Measurement Range | 0.130 – 30 W/mK and 425 – 9000 Ws½/m2K |
| Sample Size | 18 – 500 mm diameter, 10 mm thick |
| Temperature Range | -50 – 200 °C |
| Pressure Range | Ambient – 2000 psi |
| Material Types | Solids polymers and ceramics |
| Gas Environments Available | Air, nitrogen, argon |
| Standards | ASTM D7984 |
Other methods may be available. Contact us at info@thermalanalysislabs.com or call (506) 457-0498 to discuss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is high-pressure thermal conductivity testing?
High-pressure thermal conductivity testing measures how efficiently heat flows through a material when it is exposed to elevated pressures. It provides thermal conductivity data under pressurized conditions that better represent real-world operating environments.
Why should high-pressure thermal conductivity be tested instead of standard conditions?
Many materials exhibit different heat transfer behavior under pressure. Testing only at atmospheric conditions may not reflect actual performance in service. TAL’s high-pressure testing ensures thermal conductivity data is relevant to pressurized operating environments.
How does pressure influence thermal conductivity results?
Increasing the pressure increases the compaction within the sample, reducing the porosity or void fractions in the sample. This can lead to significant improvement in heat transfer efficiency, and this effect is especially prevalent for porous, granular, or insulating materials.
What types of materials does TAL test using high-pressure thermal conductivity methods?
TAL provides high-pressure thermal conductivity testing for insulation materials, foams, porous solids, powders, composites, thermal barriers, and engineered materials used in pressurized systems.
What pressure ranges are available for testing at TAL?
TAL’s high-pressure thermal conductivity testing services cover pressures from near-atmospheric levels up to several megapascals (MPa), depending on material type and test requirements. We can test up to a maximum of 3000 psi (~21 MPa).
Can TAL measure thermal conductivity under combined high-pressure and temperature conditions?
Yes. TAL can perform high-pressure thermal conductivity measurements across a defined temperature range, allowing evaluation of how thermal performance changes with both temperature and pressure.
Which standards guide TAL’s high-pressure thermal conductivity measurements?
TAL conducts high-pressure thermal conductivity measurements in accordance with the recognized industry standards, including ASTM C518, D7984, D5334, D5930, E1461, E3088-25 and ISO 8301, 22007-2.
These standards ensure reliable, repeatable, and comparable results across different materials.
How much sample size/volume is required for high-pressure thermal conductivity testing?
It varies by material and method. Exact requirements can be provided once you share the material type and test objectives. Please contact us through our online form, email, or call us at +1-877-827-7623 (toll-free) or +1 (506) 457-1515 (international) to discuss sample requirements.
How much does high-pressure thermal conductivity testing cost?
The cost typically ranges from US $400 to US $800 per sample, per temperature point, depending on the sample type, testing conditions, and temperature range. Please contact us to receive a personalized quote tailored to your specific samples.
What is the turnaround time for high-pressure thermal conductivity testing?
Typical turnaround time is 2 to 3 business weeks, depending on the sample type, testing method, and current workload. Expedited testing is available for an additional surcharge and can reduce the turnaround time to as little as a few days.
How do I submit a sample or request a quote for high-pressure thermal conductivity testing?
You may submit a single sample or multiple samples, or request a quote, by contacting us through our online form, email, or call us at +1-877-827-7623 (toll-Free) or +1 (506) 457-1515 (international). Please provide details about your material, sample count, sample sizes, and desired testing parameters to ensure an accurate quote.