Abstract: A thin sensor for heat flux and temperature, designed for adhesive attachment to a surface, is manufactured on a flexible insulated metallic substrate. The sensor exhibits a combination of high sensitivity for heat flux and low resistance to the flow of heat. These characteristics enable it to measure heat flux at surface boundaries with improved accuracy over conventional heat flux transducers because the temperature drop produced by the sensor is very small. The response by the sensor to radiation, convection and conduction are equal. As such, the sensor can be calibrated in one mode of heat transfer and used for measurement in other modes. The high sensitivity of the sensor makes it ideal for measuring heat flow through insulating materials, and well adapted to instrumenting heat flow in buildings, detecting fires at an early stage, or remotely measuring the temperature of string and web products in industrial processing.

Abstract: A thermal analyzer includes a processor for processing a thermal analysis signal of a sample obtained by performing high-speed thermal analysis of the sample at an experimental heating rate. The processor includes a peak component calculator for calculating peak components of the thermal analysis signal, an activation energy calculator for calculating activation energy values based on the peak components of the thermal analysis signal, and a heating rate conversion and output device for estimating a second thermal analysis signal that would be obtained under a thermal analysis of the sample conducted at a desired heating rate different from the experimental heating rate based on the experimental heating rate and the activation energy values obtained by the activation energy calculator, the second thermal analysis signal being calculated based on the thermal analysis signal obtained at the experimental heating rate.

Abstract: An improved Schmidt-Boelter heat flux gage is disclosed in which the heat absorbed by the top windings of the gage is removed from the ends of the thermally resistive wafer instead of through the bottom windings. This arrangement results in greatly improved transient response with little or no loss of sensitivity. The thermally resistive wafer is formed of an electrically insulating material with high thermal conductivity such as aluminum nitride.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simultaneously determining thermal conductivity and thermal contact resistance of a sample which employs an transient method of taking data for use in such determinations, and an inverse method of determining the values using a methodology set forth herein. As a result, the present invention permits a more accurate, and economically efficient determination of thermal conductivity and thermal contact resistance than methods presently used.

Abstract: The curing of a resin in a continuous manufacturing process is monitored by a sensor which measures the surface thermal energy of the resin. The surface thermal energy is measured without physically touching the resin. The surface thermal energy measurements are processed and sent to an automatic controller. The controller adjusts either the speed of the resin or the heat applied to the resin or both in order to optimize the curing process.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for transiently measuring surface temperatures and heat flux at the interface of two media, one of which is solid. In a solid wall through which a thermal stream flows, a cut is made which opens into the interface between the wall and the other medium. The cut is parallel to the stream at a point of contact corresponding to the interface. A microthermocouple is arranged in a plane of the cut in the immediate vicinity of the interface. The cut is closely covered by the material of the solid wall or a material with thermal characteristics similar to those of the peripheral material.

Abstract: A heat detector includes an external temperature detector for detecting an external temperature outside the heat detector and an internal temperature detector for detecting an internal temperature inside the heat detector. A microcomputer calculates a temperature difference between the external temperature detected by the external temperature detector and the internal temperature detected by the internal temperature detector. The microcomputer monitors the above-described temperature difference to detect an event in which the temperature difference has remained greater than a predetermined value for a predetermined duration or longer. If the microcomputer detects that the temperature difference has remained greater than the predetermined value for the predetermined duration or longer, the microcomputer outputs an abnormal signal representing that the external temperature detector is abnormal.

Abstract: A remote optical heat-flux gauge for use in extremely high temperature environments is described. This application is possible because of the use of thermographic phosphors as the sensing media, and the omission of the need for an intervening layer of insulator between phosphor layers. The gauge has no electrical leads, but is interrogated with ultraviolet or laser light. The luminescence emitted by the two phosphor layers, which is indicative of the temperature of the layers, is collected and analyzed in order to determine the heat flux incident on the surface being investigated. The two layers of thermographic phosphor must be of different materials to assure that the spectral lines collected will be distinguishable. Spatial heat-flux measurements can be made by scanning the light across the surface of the gauge.

Abstract: A heat flux gauge comprising first and second thermographic phosphor layers separated by a layer of a thermal insulator. The gauge may be mounted on a surface with the first thermographic phosphor in contact with the surface. A light source is directed at the gauge, causing the phosphors to luminesce. The luminescence produced by the phosphors is collected and its spectra analyzed in order to determine the heat flux on the surface. First and second phosphor layers must be different materials to assure that the spectral lines collected will be distinguishable.

Abstract: A heat flux gauge comprising first and second thermographic phosphor layers separated by a layer of a thermal insulator wherein each thermographic layer comprises a plurality of respective thermographic phosphors. The gauge may be mounted on a surface with the first thermographic phosphor in contact with the surface. A light source is directed at the gauge, causing the phosphors to luminesce. The luminescence produced by the phosphors is collected and its spectra analyzed in order to determine the heat flux on the surface. First and second phosphor layers must be different materials to assure that the spectral lines collected will be distinguishable.

Abstract: A heat flux gauge comprising first and second thermographic phosphor layers separated by a layer of a thermal insulator, wherein each thermographic layer comprises a plurality of respective thermographic sensors in a juxtaposed relationship with respect to each other. The gauge may be mounted on a surface with the first thermographic phosphor in contact with the surface. A light source is directed at the gauge, causing the phosphors to luminesce. The luminescence produced by the phosphors is collected and its spectra analyzed in order to determine the heat flux on the surface. First and second phosphor layers must be different materials to assure that the spectral lines collected will be distinguishable.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing material for thermally insulating pipes comprises a closed loop of pipe in a square configuration with an electric heater mounted coaxially within it. Thermocouples are attached to the pipe from the inside, and they and the heater are accessible via removable caps at the corners of the square. The pipe is suspended from a support framework by rods of low thermal conductivity welded to the inside corners of the square. The insulating material is applied to the pipe, and additional thermocouples fixed to its exterior. The heater is energized and the steady-state temperatures inside and outside the insulating material are measured. The configuration of the apparatus enables corrections for non-uniformity of heat loss and leakage through the rods to be readily made. Thus thermal conductivity values accurately representative of the performance of the insulating material in actual operation can be derived from the temperature measurements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining both the thermal conductivity, k, and specific heat, c.sub.p, of a fluid of interest are disclosed. An embodiment uses proximately positioned resistive heater and thermal sensor coupled by the fluid of interest. A pulse of electrical energy is applied to the heater of a level and duration such that both a transient change and a substantially steady-state temperature occur in the sensor. The k of the fluid of interest is determined based upon a known relation between the sensor output and k at steady-state sensor temperature; and c.sub.p of the fluid of interest is determined based on a known relation among k, the rate of change of the sensor output during a transient temperature change in the sensor and c.sub.p.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring heat flow from a surface, including a heat flow measuring device for measuring heat flow from a surface; a structure for applying a relatively constant and repeatable force on the heat flow measuring device contacting the surface; a free standing support for supporting the heat flow measuring device and the force applying structure, and an infrared pyrometer for measuring the temperature of the surface.

Abstract: Thermal conditions inside an oven are measured by a transducer device (1) having plates providing heat absorbent and heat reflective surfaces (2,4) and a thermocouple for measuring the temperature difference between them as a measure of radiant heat. The plates are mounted on a thin thermally insulating layer secured to a heat sink in the form of a copper mass (7,9), and a second thermocouple measures the temperature difference between the heat absorbent surface and the heat sink as a measure of heat flux through the surface. A Peltier cooler (55) or a flowing liquid can be used alternatively as a heat sink. Heat flux alone can be measured by omission of the heat reflective surface, and where the heat sink is a flowing fluid the heat gained can be measured.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring heat flow from a surface, including a heat flow measuring device for measuring heat flow from a surface; a structure for applying a relatively constant and repeatable force on the heat flow measuring device contacting the surface; and a free standing support for supporting the heat flow measuring device and the force applying structure.

Abstract: A device is provided for measuring the intensity of a radiative flux and optionally also a convective flux, including a thin support made from an insulating material; a thin continuous strip of meandering shape made from a first conducting material; a series of discontinuous deposits made from a second conducting material having a thermoelectric power different from that of the first material and a high electric conductivity, the whole of the deposits and of the associated underlying strip portion forming an elementary thermocouple and having, in the transverse direction with respect to the direction of extension of the strip, a width which varies between its two ends, the variation in width being in the same direction for the successive deposits along the strip; and a coating with high emissivity intimately covering at least the successive deposits. The device may also include a heat conducting layer.

Abstract: The invention is a heat flux gage applied to a surface, for the measurement of surface heat transfer. All elements of the gage are thin films, deposited on the surface by sputtering or an equivalent process. The gage comprises a plurality of thermocouple junctions connected as a differential thermopile, with hot and cold junctions on the two faces of a planar thermal resistance element. Electrical insulating and protective layers are deposited between the surface and the gage, and over the exterior of the gage. The gage output signal is a voltage indicative of heat flux.

Abstract: Double-sided, high-frequency response heat flux gauge for use on metal turbine blading consists of a metal film (1500A) resistance thermometer sputtered on both sides of a thin (25 .mu.m) polyimide sheet. The temperature difference across the polyimide is a direct measure of the heat flux at low frequencies, while a quasi-ID analysis is used to infer the high-frequency heat flux from the upper surface history.

Abstract: Heat fluxmeter incorporating a row of thermistors, whose electrical resistance varies significantly with the temperature and which are arranged on the outer surface of the container for accurately measuring the temperature thereof. The range of temperatures in the vicinity of the container is determined by means of a second row of thermistors. It is possible to deduce therefrom the heat flux leaving the container, i.e. the power emitted by the calorigenic material contained therein. The considerable sensitivity of this meter makes it possible to use it without excessively disturbing the thermal equilibrium so that the measurement can be carried out in a very short time.

Abstract: The installation for determining the thermal resistance of a wall comprises a first measuring unit applicable to the inner side, respectively the warm side of the building element, the unit comprising a measuring plate made of heat conducting material having a given thermal resistance of which one face is intended to be applied to the building element and of which the other face is in thermal contact with an adjustable plane heating body. The measuring plate provides by means of thermocouples arranged on either face a reference signal corresponding to the heat flow through the measuring plate to an electronic control and calculating unit. Furthermore a second measuring unit arranged on the outer side or cold side of the building element comprises at least one contact plate made of heat conductor material covering the measured area and connected to the control and circulation unit by at least another thermocouple.

Abstract: A heat transfer sensing apparatus for opening window drapes and blinds determines whether the net heat flux is positive or negative. The apparatus includes first and second temperature sensing devices which are mounted adjacent a window. Both of the devices are exposed to the convective heat transfer conditions within the room, and the first temperature sensing device can be heated or cooled by radiant energy through the window. A shield shields the second temperature sensing device from direct radiant heat transfer to the window. A signal generator device connected to the temperature sensing devices generates a signal depending upon the difference in temperature of the temperature sensing devices, and the drapes are opened or closed according.

Abstract: A heat flux meter for measuring heat flux in a hot environment, such as, a coal-fired boiler, includes a cup-shaped body member of one-piece construction having an internal cavity in which is mounted an annular thermoelectrically-dissimilar member from that of the body member and in heat and electrically conducting contact with the body member. Electrically conducting wires of the same metal as the annular member enter the cavity and are connected to the center of the circular portion of the body member and to the annular member. An e.m.f. is induced by the difference in temperature between the center of the disc portion and the annular member. Since the body member is of one piece construction and the heat flux meter is sealed to the walls of the boiler, gases from the hot environment cannot enter the cavity and cause failure of the meter.

Abstract: In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, multiple fixtures are set forth which function as support structures for thermal fluxmeters. A fluxmeter wafer or pad having top and lower faces and forming an output signal by means of thermopiles connected to both faces is used. It is supported by first and second alternate forms of fixtures. A force is applied to the fluxmeter wafer which is approximately normalized in both fixtures. This establishes a stabilized contact force against a surface to measure heat loss through the surface. This avoids variations in surface contact.

Abstract: An electrical heating system for buildings is described in which the output voltage to a resistance heater is varied in accordance with outside temperature. The disclosure includes system means for compensating for solar radiation and wind effects. Also, night setback and morning start up are provided. The heat present on the interior of the building is provided in accordance with the building characteristics and without regard to interior temperatures.

Abstract: A pair of metallic thin films are attached to opposite surfaces of a heat resistive thin film, and the heat flux through the heat resistive thin film is determined by measuring the temperature gradient therein while using the metallic thin films as resistance thermometer elements.

Abstract: The build up of ash in a pulverized coal-fired boiler and other similar ash producing combustion operations is achieved by comparing the heat flux simultaneously detected by a first flux detector which is maintained free of deposits and a second flux detector on which deposits are permitted to form. The net values from the heat flux comparison is proportional to the heat flux which is not reaching the boiler walls as a result of the ash deposits.

Abstract: Heat flux sensors respectively painted black and white and mounted to a passive solar energy window intercept solar radiation and change the temperature of part of the window. The sensors, and differentially connected thermocouples attached to them, couple data to an electronic computer by which the solar radiation, reradiation, and conduction/convection thermal loss through the undisturbed balance of the window can be deduced. The computer outputs the net energy transfer NET to a recorder, a two-state indicator, and a window insulation control unit. The circuitry of the control unit responds to an ordinary thermostat and the NET from the computer to produce a condition signal, senses the position of the insulation, and repositions the insulation when necessary in response to the condition signal.

Abstract: A method for accurate, on site heat flow measurement through a substrate surface using surface mounted heat flow sensors and an apparatus for on site calibration of surface mounted heat flow sensors are presented. The method comprises mounting on the substrate surface a heat flow sensor which is calibrated to establish the relationship between heat flow through the surface and the resultant induced voltage in the sensor under the convective and radiative heat transfer environmental conditions of the surface, measuring the voltage output induced in the sensor by heat flow through the surface, and converting the voltage output to a quantitative heat flow on the basis of the calibration of the sensor. The apparatus of the invention permits the calibration of the sensors under convective and radiative heat transfer environmental conditions which substantially duplicate those of the experimental substrate.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for measuring heat flux, as is a method for forming a device for such use. Thermopile junctions are formed on a belt-like support so that the heat flux from an article, such as a pipe or process equipment, is sensed while the support is positioned against a surface of the article, and a voltage indicative of the sensed heat flux is generated and coupled to an outlet connector adapted for connection to a voltage readout device. The belt-like support is relatively narrow, flexible, and has one side of a polymer with high infrared emissivity and the other side of a metal foil with low infrared emissivity.

Abstract: The quality of heat insulation materials is tested and/or compared in a portable structure in which two heat insulation materials are subjected simultaneously to heat flow from a single common metal-clad heating element and the quantity of heat flow through said material is measured and compared. In one case the portable structure has two conveniently accessible cavities within which equal amounts of such insulation, in flat form, may be placed in contact with corresponding opposite sides of a single common metal-clad planar heat source. In a modification of the invention two tubular insulating materials each of the form and type for insulating pipe, is placed around a metal-clad round heating element and the amount of heat flowing from the heating element and through a corresponding one of said materials is measured and compared using individual thermopiles secured to the outer surface of each material.

Abstract: Transient change in heat flux due to ultrasmall variation in flow conditions (say from NO-FLOW-to-FLOW) within a series of flowlines to pinpoint sources of plant upset is achieved, by carefully positioning a series of M transducer-meters for sensing transient heat flux, each meter being disposed at a selected location completely exterior of a flowline, and recording in sequence at a central control center for each of the M meters at least a transient signal indicative of a FLOW condition. For each meter, signals are generated by a thermopile attached to each flowline in a heat flux sensing relationship. Location takes into account the type of fluid being monitored, and the temperature gradient existing across the relief valve. Recordation of the sensed signals is via a series of M recorders and alarm circuits at the control center.

Abstract: Thermocouple junctions located in the hot and cold regions of an elongated heat conductive body extending through a measurement zone of a power monitoring device, are interconnected in series to provide a differential temperature signal of increased signal strength and fast signal response. The signal is free of the error heretofore arising from asymmetrical axial heat flow through the heat conductive body.

Abstract: Transient change in heat flux due to a small variation in flow conditions (say from no flow-to-flow or vice versa) within a fluid-carrying body under a variety of conditions, is indicated. Ultrasensitivity is achieved by cascading the signal output of a plurality of N thermocouples (i.e., a thermopile), attached to upper and lower metallic plates of a heat flux transducer-meter, the upper plate being in heat transfer contact with at least a sector of the previously-mentioned fluid-carrying body. In a preferred case, N is about 80 but can be as high as 320, if desired. Recordation of the output signals is via a recorder, although use of an audio-alarm to immediately alert an operator of a change in flow conditions, contemplated.

Abstract: The elongated monolithic radiation absorbing body of a gamma ray sensor has its entire external surface exposed to coolant for establishing a uniform heat sink temperature throughout. Cold junction regions are formed in portions of the elongated body of reduced cross-sectional area sufficient to produce measurable signal levels from a differential temperature thermocouple. A removable low melting filler in the reduced cross-sectional portions of the body enable accurate electrical calibration of the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device sensitive to a temperature gradient or to a heat flow comprising at least one elementary cell formed by a thin layer made from a first electric conductor or semiconductor, such as constantan, coated with a very thin electrolytic layer of a second electric conductor or semiconductor, such as copper.It has been discovered that induced electric currents flow through the surface separating the conductors, the electric voltages observed in each of the conducting or semiconducting layers being proportional to the instantaneous spatial mean of the surface thermal gradient.The invention also relates to the application of such cells for measuring temperature gradients and heat flows and for converting heat energy into electric energy.