초록 ▼

A multi-purpose thermal insulation test apparatus is used for testing insulation materials, or other components. The test apparatus is a fluid boil-off calorimeter system for calibrated measurement of the apparent thermal conductivity (k-value) of a specimen material at a fixed vacuum level. The app

A multi-purpose thermal insulation test apparatus is used for testing insulation materials, or other components. The test apparatus is a fluid boil-off calorimeter system for calibrated measurement of the apparent thermal conductivity (k-value) of a specimen material at a fixed vacuum level. The apparatus includes an inner vessel for receiving a fluid with a normal boiling point below ambient temperature, such as liquid nitrogen, enclosed within a vacuum chamber. A cold mass assembly, including the inner vessel and thermal guards, is suspended from the top of the vacuum chamber. Handling tools attach to the cold mass assembly for convenient manipulation of the assembly and for the installation or wrapping of insulation test materials. Liquid nitrogen is typically supplied to the inner vessel using a fill tube with funnel. A single port through the top of the vacuum chamber facilitates both filling and venting. Aerogel composite stacks with reflective films are fastened to the top and the bottom of the inner vessel as thermal guards. The comparative k-value of the insulation material is determined by measuring the boil-off flow rate of gas, the temperature differential across the insulation thickness, and the dimensions (length and diameters) of the test specimen.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A thermal insulation apparatus adaptable for use with a boil-off flow measuring device for determining the thermal performance of a testing material, comprising:a) an inner vessel extending within the testing material, said inner vessel having a top, a bottom, a sidewall and a first liquid port f

1. A thermal insulation apparatus adaptable for use with a boil-off flow measuring device for determining the thermal performance of a testing material, comprising:a) an inner vessel extending within the testing material, said inner vessel having a top, a bottom, a sidewall and a first liquid port for receiving a cryogenic fluid having a normal boiling point below ambient temperature; b) an outer vacuum chamber enclosing said inner vessel and the testing material and having a second liquid port; c) a conduit passing through said second liquid port of said outer vacuum chamber and into said first liquid port of said inner vessel through which said cryogenic fluid may pass from outside the vacuum chamber into the inner vessel; d) a first thermal insulation guard positioned at said top of said inner vessel; e) a second thermal insulation guard positioned at said bottom of said inner vessel.