Usage and Intent

The QuickLine™-50 instrument is a device specifically developed for measuring interface thermal resistance.

Heat transport across gaps is most frequently improved by the addition of a layer of conductive material that fills the crevices in between, and with that thermally bridges the gap. Heat transfer is then governed by the thermal conductivity of the material, the thickness of the layer, and the two interfaces at the boundaries of the layer. For most engineering applications it is extremely difficult to model this combination from its components, as exact figures for the boundary resistances are usually not known. Further aggravating this is the effect varying surface conditions can bring to the interface. For this reason it is becoming general practice to measure the combination that closely replicates actual use, and determine experimentally the interface impedance of the filler and the two interfaces combined.

The versatility of the QL-50 comes from allowing the user to vary the most important parameters that have determining effects on the overall performance of a composite layered joint. While it is possible to measure interface resistance using conventional steady state heat flow methods, the time required for a test is long, and the method often marginal for low impedance joints. The QuickLine ™ -50 is based on a newly developed transient technique (patent pending) that is a magnitude faster than steady state measurements, and can also readily measure very low impedance combinations.

Operation

Operation is fully automatic and computerized. The system is supplied with a PC running Windows™ operating software to conduct the test, analyze the data and determine the thermal impedance. Thermal equilibration is reached in about 10 minutes at temperatures above ambient, and the test itself is completed in less than a minute after that. Repeat tests can be conducted in two minute intervals. Multiple repeat tests are programmable for statistically improved results.

The instrument is available in several configurations to serve different temperature and contact pressure ranges. To develop a model number, simply list the designators [ ] for ranges and options in any order, following QL50-.

Temperature Range:
[A] Ambient only
[B] Ambient to 150°C

Load Range:
[1] 5 psi (35 Kpa), not variable
[2] 5 to 100 psi (35 to 690 Kpa), variable

Specimen

The specimen test assembly is constructed by placing a layer of the material to be tested between two 25.4mm diameter metal disks. These consumable disks (P/N: QL50-X102) are made of an alloy steel, but optionally copper (P/N: QL50-X103) or aluminum (P/N: QL50-X104) alloy are also available. The disks are low cost and considered disposable, however, they may be reusable when the specimen does not adhere to them. Interface surfaces can be ordered rough(-R), medium (-M), or smooth (-F) to suit each application.

Special Accessories

To facilitate consistent specimen preparation, optionally available:
[c] Specimen cutting tool for polymer sheets
[d] Specimen forming tool for gels, pastes, etc.

Temperature Programming

Temperature is automatically controlled, and fully programmable (for model [B]), allowing determinations sequentially, at user pre-selected temperatures. This programming also allows interspersion of dwells to complete phase transformations, polymerization, etc. before moving to the next temperature level.

Utilities Required:

Power: 120 or 208-230 VAC 50/60 Hz single phase, 600W

Compressed air: 90-100 psi (620 - 690 Kpa), clean and dry

Size: 20” (51cm) L x 15” (38cm) W x 20” (51cm) H

Weight: 50 lbs (23 Kg)