Design and performance evaluation of a device for determination of specific heat capacity of thermal insulators

Abstract

Background: Specific heat capacity is one of the prominent and deciding factors for selection of thermal insulation materials in thermal engineering. In recent times, there has been a great advancement in the manufacturing of a variety of advanced materials in order to meet the modern needs for thermal insulation. Unfortunately, certain drawbacks like high cost of procurement, low accuracy, and limited suitability are associated with the current device that can be used to probe the specific heat capacities of thermal insulators. Thus, there is need to devise a means of addressing the situation. A device, named SEUR’s apparatus, was designed, constructed, and used to determine specific heat capacities of some thermal insulators. Measurements were taken on 2 days, and KD2-pro meter was employed to obtain reference values. Results: The percentage error values in the specific heat capacity of plastic (solid), asbestos, and paperboard were found to be 0.09%, 0.14%, and 0.13% for day 1 measurements and 0.08%, 0.17%, and 0.13% for day 2 measurements, respectively. Reproducibility values of 7.4%, 6.4%, and 8.2% were obtained for the plastic, asbestos and paperboard, respectively. These values fall within the range for unconditional acceptability of a test device. Conclusion: Results obtained with the use of the SEUR’s apparatus are reliable, valid, and of high accuracy. The apparatus is cost-effective and very suitable for use in quick determination of specific heat capacity of porous, non-porous, homogeneous, or heterogeneous thermal insulating materials.