MP-1 Advanced Measurement Platform

The MP-1 is designed to test the absolute thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, specific heat, and thermal effusivity of solids, liquids, pastes and powders with the powerful combination of multiple methods.

Transient Plane Source (TPS)

ISO 22007-2, ISO 22007-7, GB/T 32064 (solids)

Transient Hot Wire (THW)

ASTM D7896 (liquids)

Modified Transient Plane Source (MTPS)

ISO 22007-7:2023

Transient Line Source (TLS)

ASTM D5334-22a, ASTM D5930

Transient Hot Strip (THS)

Get Pricing
Compare TPS
THW
Request Demo

Request a Demonstration

We are happy to arrange a live demonstration for you!

Brochure

Sign Up to Get Free Brochure

Please enter your email to download the brochure.

Measurement Platform with TPS and THW Instrument
Video

The powerful combination of Transient Plane Source (TPS, ISO 22007-2) for solids, Transient Hot Wire (THW, ASTM D7896-19) for liquids, Transient Line Source (TLS) and Transient Hot Strip (THS) gives the MP-1 a unique and versatile selection of testing methods for your sample type. The TPS and THW methods are widely used for accurate measurement of absolute thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, specific heat and thermal effusivity. This versatility is greatly expanded with the addition of our proprietary Temperature Platform (TP) which is appreciated by academic and commercial users alike.

Following ISO 22007-2 and ASTM 7896-19, the TPS and THW are primary measurement methods trusted worldwide with 1000s of published papers.

Features

Measurement Platforms Parts

MP-1 Methods

All of the transient methods share similar theory, with differences that are specific to their primary design. The basic theory is that the sensor is electrically connected to a power supply and sensing circuit. A current passes through the sensor and creates an increase in temperature, which is recorded over time. The heat generated is then diffused into the sample at a rate dependent on the thermal transport characteristics of the material.

transient plane source tps sensor

Transient Plane Source (TPS) Sensor

The TPS sensor designed for solids, pastes and powders is comprised of a double-spiral of nickel encapsulated between layers of insulation. Standard operation of this sensor (Two-Sided) is placed between two pieces of the same sample, with expanded use to Single-Sided sensor, which only requires one piece of sample (Single-Sided). Our proprietary TPS calculation model measures the contact resistance between sensor and sample, as well as the thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, volumetric specific heat and thermal effusivity of the sample.
Transient Hot Wire Sensor

Transient Hot Wire (THW) Sensor

The THW sensor designed for liquids and phase change materials (PCMs) consists of a replaceable thin heating wire (40 mm in length) secured to specially designed sensor and sample cell which allows back pressurizing liquids to measure thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and volumetric specific heat past boiling temperatures. Measurements are done at short test times (1 second) to limit convective effects on samples with a wide range of viscosities.
TLS Sensor

Transient Line Source (TLS) Sensor

The TLS sensor designed for soil, paste and polymers consists of a thin heating wire and temperature sensor sealed in a steel tube. The sensor is completely inserted into the sample to be tested. Heat is delivered to the sample using a constant current source (q) and the temperature rise is recorded over a defined period of time. The slope (a) from plot of temperature rise versus logarithm of adjusted time is used in the calculation of thermal conductivity (k).

Transient Hot Strip (THS) Sensor

The THS sensor shares the same theory and sample configuration as the TPS sensor, with the unique ability to measure complex shapes. Results include thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and volumetric specific heat of the sample. Bulk, Anisotropic, and
Slab modules available.

Specifications

Methods

TPS

THW

MTPS

THS

TLS

Materials

Solids, pastes, and powders

Liquids and PCMs

Solids, pastes, and powders

Solid rectangles

Soil, pastes, and

polymers

Testing Modules

3-D: Bulk, Anisotropic, Slab Anisotropic, Slab, Finite,

Thin-Film |

1-D: Standard, 1-D Slab, TR Thin-Films, TR Contact Resistance |

General: Specific Heat

Bulk

3-D: Bulk, Anisotropic, Slab Anisotropic, Slab |

1-D: Standard, 1-D Slab

Bulk, Anisotropic, Slab

Bulk

Thermal conductivity (W/m•K)

0.005 to 2000

0.01 to 2

0.03 to 500

0.01 to 2

Thermal diffusivity (mm²/sec)

0.01 to 1200

Up to 0.5

0.01 to 300

Up to 0.5

Specific heat (J/kg-K)

Up to 5

Up to 5

Up to 5

Up to 5

Thermal effusivity (W√s/m²K)

5 to 60000

N/A

20 to 40000

N/A

Sensor contact resistance (m²K/W)

Measured

N/A

Measured

N/A

N/A

Sample size (mm | mL)*

5 diameter or square

20 mL

25 diameter or square

N/A

Sample thickness (mm)*

0.01

N/A

0.1

N/A

Largest sample size (mm)

Unlimited

Unlimited

Unlimited

Unlimited

Unlimited

Test time (seconds)

0.25 to 2560

1

0.25 to 2560

0.25 to 2560

180

Accuracy (Thermal conductivity)

3%

2%

5%

5%

5%

Repeatability (Thermal conductivity)

1%

1%

2%

2%

2%

Temperature range (°C)**

0 to 300

-160 | -45 to 300

up to 750 / 1000

10 to 200

-40 to 200

-160 | -40 | 0 to 300

0 to 100 | -50 to 200

-75 to 300

-40 to 100

Sample Configuration

Symmetric (Two-Sided) | Asymmetric (Single-Sided)

Inserted

Asymmetric (Single-Sided)

Symmetric (Two-Sided) | Asymmetric (Single-Sided)

Inserted

Standard

ISO 22007-2:2022,

ISO 22007-7:2023,

GB/T 32064-2015

ASTM D7896-19

ISO 22007-7:2023

ASTM D5334-22a,

ASTM D5930-17,

IEEE 442-2017

* Based on testing module used.
** For temperature, external control required.

Thermal Conductivity vs. Temperature

NIST Aluminum Graph
NIST Quartz Graph

As materials are unique, the reliance on reference information to predict thermal conductivity or its relationship with temperature, can lead to the use of inaccurate data. Using NIST’s “Thermal Conductivity of Selected Materials” reference for aluminum and quartz, we can see that there is a wide variance in thermal conductivity vs. temperature. Due to the dramatic variance in global material sources, it is critically important to fully characterize materials for thermophysical properties. Optional temperature capability can be added to the MP-1, allowing for full temperature characterization.

Citation: Powell, R.W., Ho, C.Y., and Liley, P.E. (1996). Thermal Conductivity of Selected Materials. Washington, U.S.: Dept. of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards; for sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.. Govt. Printing Office. pp. 17, 99.

Data Acquisition Software

Designed from the ground up, the MP-1 Data Acquisition Software (DAQ) smartly controls all aspects of testing and scheduling. Testing methods and experimental parameters may be selected for automated scheduling.

A unique feature for the MP-1 is the integration of a four channel switch which is designed to allow automation of multiple devices and sensors to be controlled at the same time, greatly increasing testing capacity.

Methods and Parameters

Methods and testing modules can be selected and parameters optimized for solids, liquids, pastes, and powders.

Scheduling

Any combination of methods, devices and sensors can be scheduled to operate at a variety of conditions, such as temperature range.

MP-1 Switch with ports

Switch

Integrated into each MP-1, the four port switch enables use of a number of optional devices, temperature platforms and sensors to maximize convenience and capacity.

Analysis Software

MP Transient Analysis Software
Creating a better user experience, the Analysis Software (AS) was designed to operate independent of the DAQ. A wide range of analysis operations can be conveniently accomplished. Testing data is grouped together based on method used, making corresponding calculations easy to apply.
MP Transient Analysis Software

In addition to summary of results, variations in applied corrections are stored for easy comparison and exporting.

TPS Contact Analysis

TPS theory states that the non-linear section of temperature rise vs time, known as contact resistance has to be removed, so the intrinsic thermophysical calculations are based on the linear region of transient. This can be done manually by iteratively removing start points till best fit is achieved. Although this is a suitable approach, it does take an experienced user to reduce errors and achieve required repeatability.

The contact resistance between the sensor and sample is dependent on the quality of the sample surface. When manually removing the contact resistance a small number of points (step 1) is removed and newly calculated for best fit analysis. If the resulting residual mean deviation can be improved, more points (step 2) can be removed and calculation steps repeated.

Raw Data

Raw Data

Calculation Data

MP-1 Calculation Data

Residual Data

MP-1 Residual Data

Alternatively, using our proprietary Contact Analysis (CA), the MP-1 is able to calculate the contact resistance (m²/KW) between sensor and sample, automatically removing the corresponding start time. In addition to better understanding the effects of surface finish on your measurements, this greatly simplifies the analysis for the intrinsic thermophysical properties.

Demonstrating the application of the contact analysis measurement, four samples of stainless steel 316 with different surfaces were measured for thermophysical properties.

As the MP-1 is able to measure contact resistance, selection of the calculation window is greatly simplified, maximizing repeatability of the intrinsic properties of the sample as the surface roughness increases, the measured contact resistance also increases.

Stainless Steel 316

Surface Finishes Surface Roughness
Ra (um)		 Contact Resistance
(m²K/W)		 Conductivity
(W/m·K)		 Diffusivity
(mm²/s)		 Volumetric Specific Heat
(MJ/m³K)		 Effusivity
(W√s/m²K)
Polished
0.101
Mean
1.00E-04
13.80
3.73
3.70
7149
%RSD
6
0.1
0.4
0.3
0.2
Machined
0.324
Mean
1.54E-04
13.93
3.75
3.71
7194
%RSD
1
0.1
0.3
0.2
0.1
400 grit
0.516
Mean
1.32E-04
13.84
3.74
3.71
7163
%RSD
2
0.1
0.3
0.3
0.1
80 grit
2.78
Mean
2.41E-04
13.85
3.73
3.71
7171
%RSD
1
0.02
0.2
0.2
0.1
Stainless Stee 316

TPS Sensors

TPS Sensor

TPS (400 °C or 800 / 1000 °C)

Standard double-spiral nickel sensor patterns can be insulated in various insulation types for use at a wide range of temperatures.

TPS Sensor

TPS Sensors

Sensors for testing solids, paste, and powders. Configurations of symmetric (two-sided) with one sample piece on top and bottom of sensor and asymmetric (single-sided) requiring only one piece of sample.

TPS Vertical Strip Sensors

TPS Vertical Strip Sensors

New proprietary sensor (TPS Vertical Strip) design is a near perfect circle, which better follows the ideal TPS theory. When testing with small sensor radii, this improved design reduces required corrections, while decreasing measurement uncertainty. When comparing the Corrected Radius between small diameter TPS sensors, the TPS Vertical Strip (2 mm, 1.30%) requires less correction when compared to TPS Double Spiral (2 mm, 5.75%) of the same radius. As the TPS sensor radius increases, this advantage is reduced.
Radius (mm) Corrected Radius (mm) % Difference
TPS Vertical Strip Sensor
2
2.026
1.30
3.2
3.201
0.03
6.4
6.405
0.08
TPS Double Spiral Sensor
2
2.115
5.75
3.2
3.28
2.50
6.4
6.591
2.98
9.9
10.11
2.12

TPS Modules

Thermtest offers a growing selection of testing modules which are grouped based on their testing theory.

3-Dimensional

icon

Standard

Bulk thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, specific heat and thermal effusivity. Symmetric and Asymmetric.
icon

Slab

Isolated in-plane, for thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and volumetric specific. Symmetric and Asymmetric.
icon

Anisotropic

Anisotropic In-plane and out-of-plane thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity. Symmetric and Asymmetric.

icon

Thin-film

Thermal conductivity of thin-films and coatings according to ISO 22007-2.

1-Dimensional

icon

Standard

Isolated out-of-plane, for thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and volumetric specific heat for elongated shapes, rods and bars. No input of volumetric specific heat is required. Symmetric and Asymmetric.

icon

Contact Resistance

Isolated out-of-plane, for thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and volumetric specific heat for elongated shapes, rods and bars. No input of volumetric specific heat required. Symmetric and Asymmetric.
icon

Thin-film

Thermal Resistance and thermal conductivity of free standing thin-f ilms, adhesives and coatings.

General

icon

Specific Heat

High accuracy direct measurement of specific heat. Various cell dimensions available, for improved accuracy of heterogenous materials.

Transient Plane Source Accessories

Muffle Furnace

Muffle Furnace

  • Large sample or multiple samples
  • Size up to: 150 x 150 x 50 mm
  • 750 °C in backfilled environment
Muffle Furnace

Fan Furnace

  • Affordable, versatile, expandable
  • Up to 4 samples
  • Size up to: 75 x 75 x 50 mm
  • 300 °C and 400 °C options
Two-Sided Sensor

Two-Sided Sensor

Two-sided sensor for accurate lab testing

Extended TPS-Sensors

Extended TPS Sensors

  • Small sensors for samples as small as 2 mm
  • Large sensors for heterogeneous samples or large particle powders
Compression Stand + Temperature

Compression Stand + Temperature

  • For compressible materials
  • Force gauge: 10 to 100 N
  • Distance gauge
  • Room temperature or -40 to 200 °C
Tube Furnace

Tube Furnace

  • Option 1: 40 x 40 x 13 mm
  • Option 2: 75 x 75 x 25 mm
  • 1000 °C in backfilled environment
TPS Expanding Switch

TPS Expanding Switch

  • Automate multi-sensor testing
  • Channels: x2, x4, or x8
tps sensor

Single-Sided TPS Sensor

Spring-loaded sensor for testing large samples or one when only one piece of sample is available.
Testing Cells

Testing Cells

  • Powder Cell
  • Liquid Cell
  • Paste Cell
  • Polymer Melt Cell

Transient Plane Source (TPS) Models Comparison


MP-1 with TPS

MP-V

TPS-3

TPS-4

Models

MP-1 with TPS

MP-V with TPS

TPS-3

MP-2 with MTPS

Thermal Conductivity

0.005 to 2000 W/m•K

0.01 to 500 W/m•K

0.03 to 70 W/m•K

0.029 to 20 W/m•K

Additional Properties

Thermal Diffusivity, specific heat, thermal effusivity, and thermal contact resistance

Thermal diffusivity, specific heat and thermal effusivity

Thermal diffusivity and specific heat

N/A

Measurement Time

0.25 to 2560 seconds

2 to 160 seconds

10 to 160 seconds

10, 20 and 40 seconds

Sample Size*

5 diameter or square to unlimited

10 diameter or square to unlimited

40 diameter x 5 length to unlimited

25 diameter or square to unlimited

Reproducibility

1%

2%

2%

2%

Accuracy

3%

5%

5%

5%

Temperature Range

0 to 300 °C

-160 | -45 to 300 °C

up to 750 / 1000 °C

0 to 300 °C

-75 to 300 °C

10 to 80 °C

0 to 80 °C

Optional Sensors

THW, TLS, MTPS, THS

THW, TLS, MTPS

N/A

THW, TLS, TPS-EFF

Standards

ISO 22007-2, ISO 22007-7,

GB/T 32064

ISO 22007-2, ISO 22007-7,

GB/T 32064

N/A

N/A

iTransient Parameter Automation

Yes

Yes

N/A

N/A

Single-Sided

Yes

Yes | MTPS (Ø 12.8 mm)

N/A

Yes

*Dependent on module in the end of the table

THW Sensors and Cells

THW-RT Sensor (10 to 40 °C)

THW-RT Sensor (10 to 40 °C)

THW Sensor for liquids, pastes and small particle powders in composite for measurements at ambient pressure.

THW-L200 Sensors

THW-L200 Sensor (-50 to 200 °C) up to 20 bar

THW Sensor for liquids, pastes and small particle powders is stainless steel construction with sealed liquid cell for use of back pressure to test past boiling points.
THW-L300 Sensor (-50 to 300 °C) up to 35 bar

THW-L300 Sensor (-50 to 300 °C) up to 35 bar

High-Temperature THW Sensor for liquids, pastes and small particle powders is stainless steel construction with sealed liquid cell for use of back pressure to test past boiling points.

THW-LT Sensor (-160 to 200 °C) up to 35 bar

THW-LT Sensor (-160 to 200 °C) up to 35 bar

Low-Temperature THW Sensor for liquids, pastes, and small particle powders at cryogenic conditions.

Paste and PCM Cell

Paste and PCM Cell

Special Phase Change Materials (PCM) with easy to load access. Unique spring design allows sample expansion and contraction while ensuring sample is in constant contact with THW wire during measurement.

Ambient Density Powder Cell

Ambient Density Powder Cell

The THW Ambient Density Powder Cell is suitable for basic powder sample testing at ambient pressure.

Observation Cell

Observation Cell

THW observation sample cell is used for liquids, powder, and paste testing. The cell has convenient glass ports for observing what is happening with the sample. Typical applications are phase separation, boiling or particle settling.

Variable Density Powder Cell

Variable Density Powder Cell

THW test cell with screw-type compression system for varying the density of powder samples can also be used to ensure powders stay in contact with THW wire.

THW Testing

Demonstrating the accuracy of the transient hot wire method, below are thermophysical measurements of water and ethylene glycol. Low back pressure can be applied, to allow testing past boiling points.

Water

Thermal Conductivity

Thermal Conductivity of Water

Thermal Diffusivity

Thermal Diffusivity of Water Graph

Volumetric Specific Heat

MP-1 Volumemetric Specific Heat vCp water

Ethylene Glycol

Thermal Conductivity

Thermal Conductivity of Ethylene Glycol

Thermal Diffusivity

Thermal Diffusivity of Ethylene Glycol

Volumetric Specific Heat

Volumetric Specific Heat of Ethylene Glycol

PCM Tests

Testing of phase change materials is possible with the use of the optional PCM cell. The unique spring design ensures the sample stays in contact with the sensing wire through phase changes. Isopropanol was measured for thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and specific heat from 20 °C to -110 °C . The sharp “anomalous” thermal conductivity rise during the phase transition is expected during the melting of the samples.

Isopropanol

Thermal Conductivity

PCM Isopropanol Thermal Conductivity MP-1

Thermal Diffusivity

PCM Isopropanol Thermal Diffusivity MP-1

Volumetric Specific Heat

Volumetric Specific Heat vCp PCM MP-1

Transient Hot Wire (THW) Models Comparison


mp-1 thw

THW-L1

MP-2 with THW-L3

Models

MP-1 with THW

THW-L1

MP-2 with THW

Materials

Liquids and PCMs

Liquids and PCMs

Liquids

Testing Modules

Bulk

Bulk

Bulk

Other Materials

Solids with TPS

No

Solids with TPS, TLS

Thermal Conductivity

0.01 to 2 W/m•K

0.01 to 2 W/m•K

0.01 to 1 W/m•K

Sample Size

20 mL

20 mL

15 mL

Additional Properties

Thermal Diffusivity and Specific Heat

Thermal Diffusivity and Specific Heat

No

Temperature Range

10 to 200 °C

-40 to 200 °C

-160 | -40 | 0 to 300 °C

10 to 200 °C | -40 to 200 °C

-160/-40/0 to 300 °C

0 to 80 °C

Pressure

Up to 35 bar*

Up to 35 bar*

Ambient

Test Times

1 second

1 second

1 second

Data-Points

400 points/second

100 points/second

60 points/second

Thermal Conductivity Accuracy

2 %

2 %

5 %

Repeatability

1 %

1 %

2 %

Standards

ASTM D7896-19

ASTM D7896-19

ASTM D7896-19

External Cooling Apparatus Required

No | Yes*

No | Yes*

Yes

*Depending on the Model used

GET PRICING.
FAST, FREE, NO COMMITMENT.

Simply fill in the form and submit. One of our qualified team members will reach out to you to offer a price that fits your needs.