1. Introduction ....................1 2. System ......................2 2.1 Specifications .................... 2 2.2 TEMPOS Controller ..................4 2.2.1 Main Menu ..................6 2.2.2 Take a Reading Screen ..............7 2.2.3 Measurement Configuration Screen ..........7 2.2.4 Stored Readings Menu ..............9 2.2.5 Unattended Mode Screen ..............
Page 3
3.4 Take a Reading ..................22 3.5 Saving and Viewing a Reading ..............24 3.6 Interfacing with TEMPOS Utility ............... 25 3.6.1 Install TEMPOS Utility ..............25 3.6.2 Download Data ................26 3.6.3 Update Firmware Version ............... 27 4. Theory ......................
Thank you for purchasing the TEMPOS Thermal Properties Analyzer from METER Group. This manual will help the user understand and use the TEMPOS controller to the best of its capability. Verify all components are included and appear in good condition: •...
SySTEM 2. SySTEM This section describes the specifications and components of the TEMPOS. The system comprises the handheld device (Section 2.2) and compatible four sensors (Section 2.3). 2.1 SPECIFICATIONS MEASUREMENT SPECIFICATIONS KS-3 (6-cm [small] single needle) Conductivity Range 0.02–2.00 W/(m • K) Accuracy ±10% from 0.2–2.0 W/(m •...
Page 7
TEMPOS RK-3 (6-cm [thick] single needle) Conductivity Range 0.1–6.0 W/(m • K) Accuracy ±10% from 0.1–6.0 W/(m • K) Resistivity Range 17–1,000 °C • cm/W PHySICAL CHARACTERISTICS Controller Dimensions Length 18.5 cm (7. 28 in) Width 10 cm (3.94 in) Height 3.5 cm (1.38 in)
(Section 3.6). The TEMPOS controller requires five alkaline AA batteries (included). The TEMPOS controller has a POWER button, a BACK button, and a central D-pad. The POWER button (Figure 1) turns the TEMPOS controller on and off. To completely power down the unit, quickly press the POWER button and release.
Page 9
Main menu. Changes are automatically saved. The D-pad selects configurations or options in the TEMPOS controller (Figure 1). • The CENTER button (Figure 1) serves as the Select or Enter function.
Configuration Stored Readings Take a Reading Device Configuration Unattended About Mode Figure 3 Main menu There are six icons in the Main menu that represent the six main functions of the TEMPOS. • Take a Reading (Section 2.2.2) • Measurement Configuration (Section 2.2.3)
TEMPOS • Stored Readings (Section 2.2.4) • Unattended Mode (Section 2.2.5) • Device Configuration (Section 2.2.6) • About (Section 2.2.7) 2.2.2 TAKE A READING SCREEN The Take a Reading screen is where a user will start a single measurement after configuring measurement options (Section 3).
Page 12
The TEMPOS controller will automatically choose the best heating time for the material selected in the Measurement Configuration screen (Figure 5). Configure the TEMPOS controller to measure each of the four sensor types in either high- power mode or low-power mode by selecting the reading type Conductivity/Resistivity (Diffusivity/Heat Capacity for the SH-3 sensor) in the Measurement Configuration screen (Figure 14).
The KS-3 needle defaults to low-power mode, while the TR-3, SH-3, and RK-3 needles default to high-power mode. METER recommends that only expert operators change the power mode from the default settings for special measurements. In all but a few cases, changing the power mode from the default settings results in reduced accuracy.
Page 14
VIEW From the Stored Readings screen (Figure 6), select the View option. This allows a user to view all the data currently stored in the TEMPOS controller (Figure 7). Measurements are stored in the order they are taken. Figure 7 Data View list There are four columns in the Data View list: Index—the sequential number assigned to the reading.
TEMPOS Annotation for the measurement, Time at the start of the measurement if there is one Date of measurement Measurement mode used Any tags that have been made Type of sensor used Index number of measurement Power mode Thermal reading...
Page 16
SySTEM Readings: 5 Interval: 15 min Main menu Unattended Mode screen Figure 9 Unattended Mode screen Use the Readings option to select the number of readings to take in any given measurement session. Use the D-pad to navigate to the Readings option and push the CENTER button. Use the UP and DOWN arrows to toggle to the number of readings desired.
TEMPOS 2.2.6 DEVICE CONFIGURATION SCREEN The Device Configuration screen is where a user can set the TEMPOS controller settings. These settings are universal and will influence all readings and data saved on the TEMPOS controller. To reach the Device Configuration screen, select the Device Configuration icon on the Main menu.
In low-viscosity liquids operate in low-power mode to avoid free convection and avoid any vibration of the sample. Some users have found good results by placing the TEMPOS in unattended mode, reading every 15–30 min, and leaving it to read overnight. The lowest readings obtained are those without convection.
Page 19
TEMPOS 2.3.2 TR-3 The large (100-mm long, 2.4-mm diameter), single-needle TR-3 sensor measures thermal conductivity and thermal resistivity. The TR-3 is primarily designed for soil and other granular or porous materials and is the preferred choice if a tight hole can be made to accommodate the sensor.
OPERATION 3. OPERATION Please read all of the instructions before operating the TEMPOS to ensure it performs to its full potential. PRECAUTIONS METER sensors are built to the highest standards, but misuse, improper protection, or improper installation may damage the sensor and possibly void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Press the BACK button to return to the Main menu. 3.2 MEASUREMENT CONFIGURATION Before taking a reading, the TEMPOS controller must be configured to reflect the desired reading type. From the Main menu, navigate to the Measurement Configuration icon (Figure 3).
Page 22
Table 3 Measurement Configuration menu options Mode Setting Description For measurements made in intermediate conductivity porous materials such as soils. Compatible with all TEMPOS sensors except SH-3. Uses only high-power mode. Soil Read time is 1 min. Computes thermal conductivity ( ) and thermal resistivity ( r ) from proprietary advanced algorithms.
Page 23
) from proprietary advanced algorithms. For measurements on soils, rock, and concrete when the older, less accurate ASTM/IEEE specifications must be followed. Compatible with all TEMPOS sensors except the SH-3. ASTM/IEEE Uses high-power mode. Read time is either 5 or 10 min. The TR-3 needle and a 10-min read time are consistent with the IEEE 442-1981 specification.
11. Press the BACK button to return to the Main menu. 3.3 SENSOR INSTALLATION METER designed all four TEMPOS sensors for ease of installation and use. To install sensors, insert the sensor needle(s) all the way into the sample material. Some materials are more difficult than others to get the needle(s) inserted.
Follow the steps below to install a sensor into rock or cured cement. CAUTION: METER recommends the user wear safety goggles and use care when drilling into rock or cured cement. Drill a 4-mm (5/32-in) hole with a rotary hammer.
Longer equilibration times are often needed due to the low thermal conductivity of insulative materials. 3.4 TAKE A READING Before taking a reading, plug the sensor into the TEMPOS controller using the DB-15 connector. NOTE: For information on using Unattended Mode to take readings in go to Section 2.2.5. Contact...
Page 27
TEMPOS In the Reading screen, press the CENTER button to select Start Reading. NOTE: If in Insulation Reading mode, the reader will prompt for the thickness at the end of the reading. To abort a reading at any time, push the CENTER button of the D-pad. Aborting the reading will return to the Take a Reading screen.
OPERATION Annotate and Save Scroll Bar Save as Verification Discard Calculated thermal measurement and units. The letter to the left of the reading indicates the type of reading. K = thermal conductivity D = thermal diffusivity C = volumetric specific heat capacity ρ...
NOTE: Once a reading has been discarded, it cannot be retrieved. 3.6 INTERFACING WITH TEMPOS UTILITy TEMPOS Utility is a free download utility available from metergroup.com. It is used to download data from the TEMPOS controller and enables the user to analyze data in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
Once connected, the controller serial number will appear in the TEMPOS Utility dropdown (Figure 20). If more than one TEMPOS is connected via USB, each will show in the dropdown. Click on the correct TEMPOS from those listed in the dropdown list.
Once connected, the controller serial number will appear in the TEMPOS Utility dropdown (Figure 20). If more than one TEMPOS is connected via USB, each will show in the dropdown. Click on the correct TEMPOS from those listed in the dropdown list.
Page 32
OPERATION Click the Update Firmware button in the TEMPOS Utility screen (Figure 20). Click the Disconnect button. Unplug the TEMPOS from the computer. Close TEMPOS Utility.
The TEMPOS design attempts to optimize thermal properties measurements relative to these issues. METER sensors are relatively large and robust making them easy to use. The TEMPOS keeps heating times as short as possible to minimize thermally induced water movement and lower the time required for a measurement.
THEORy In the past the temperature data obtained from probes like those used in TEMPOS were converted to thermal properties using an approximation to the solution for the infinite line heat source equations. In some cases this worked well, but in others the results were pretty bad.
TEMPOS The TEMPOS collects data for at least 30 s to determine the temperature drift. If the drift is below a threshold, current is applied to the heater needle for 30 s, during which time the temperature of the sensing needle is monitored. At 30 s the current is shut off and the temperature is monitored for another 30 s.
As mentioned earlier, analytical solutions are available for the real needles TEMPOS uses that more closely approximate the measured temperatures. However, these solutions take a lot of computing power, so they are not well suited to a handheld field instrument.
(Section 4.4). The dimensions and thermal properties of the KS-3 needle are known and are incorporated into the numerical model in the TEMPOS. The volumetric specific heat determined experimentally is entered into TEMPOS at the start of the measurement. The KS-3 needle is inserted into the insulation and allowed to thermally equilibrate.
⋅ ⋅ An uncertainty of ±20% in this value will have a negligible effect on the conductivity reported by TEMPOS, so a single value representing the insulation of that type should be sufficient. 4.5 UNDERSTANDING THE S VALUE is a goodness of fit measure used in a least squares analysis. S does not tell how close the result is to the real value because the real value is unknown.
The sensors will require periodic verification. Verification that the instrument is working correctly can be done by measuring a standard of known thermal conductivity. The TEMPOS kit ships with two standard materials that can be used to verify that the sensors are operating according to specifications: •...
Page 40
12. Compare the reading of the value recorded on the Certificate of Quality Assurance (included in the TEMPOS kit) to the results from the verification reading. For the sensor to be reading accurately, the measurements must be within ±10% of the glycerin standard.
The TEMPOS controller requires five alkaline AA batteries. Follow the steps below to change the batteries: Turn the TEMPOS controller over and locate the battery cover in the lower section of the back panel (Figure 23). Battery cover Figure 23 Battery cover...
Insert new batteries, orienting them according to the polarity marks shown in the case. Replace the cover and return the screws. Turn on the TEMPOS controller. Update the time and date as prompted. If the TEMPOS controller should ever require servicing, please contact Customer Support. 5.3 TROUBLESHOOTING...
NOTE: For instruments purchased through a distributor, please contact the distributor directly for assistance. 5.5 TERMS AND CONDITIONS By using METER instruments and documentation, you agree to abide by the METER Group, Inc. USA Terms and Conditions. Please refer to metergroup.com/terms-conditions...
REFERENCES REFERENCES Abramowitz, Milton, and Irene A. Stegun. Handbook of mathematical functions: with formulas, graphs, and mathematical tables. Vol. 55. New York: Dover publications, 1972. Blackwell, JHl. "A transient-flow method for determination of thermal constants of insulating materials in bulk part I—Theory." Journal of applied physics 25, no. 2 (1954): 137-144.
TR-3 sensor 2 volumetric specific heat capacity 2 phone number 39 power mode 14 , 18–19 , 24 taking a reading 20–22 TEMPOS Utility 25–26 readings terms and conditions 39–40 best practices 18–19 , 24 theory 29–32 read time 18–19 , 24 dual-needle algorithm 30–31...
Page 47
18216-04 7.31.2020 METER Group, Inc. USA 2365 NE Hopkins Court Pullman, WA 99163 T: +1.509.332.2756 F: +1.509.332.5158 E: info@metergroup.com W: metergroup.com METER Group AG Mettlacher Straße 8, 81379 München T: +49 89 1266520 F: +49 89 12665220 E: info.europe@metergroup.com W: metergroup.de...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the TEMPOS and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers