Searle's Thermal Conductivity Apparatus
Product Code : EL-H-10399
Quick answer: Searle's Thermal Conductivity Apparatus determines the thermal conductivity of copper, a good conductor, by Searle's method. A 30 cm copper rod is heated by a steam jacket at one end and cooled by water in a spiral tube at the other, inside a felt-lined wooden case. Lab Exports manufactures it in Delhi for colleges and universities.
Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Rod | Copper, cylindrical, 30 cm long |
| Rod diameter options | 3.7 cm, 2.5 cm or 1.8 cm |
| Heating | Steam jacket at one end |
| Cooling | Water flowing through a spiral tube at the other end |
| Housing | Wooden case lined with felt, removable front |
| Supplied | Without thermometers and steam boiler |
How the Searle's experiment is done
Searle's method measures the thermal conductivity K of a good conductor under steady-state conditions. Heat flows along the insulated copper rod from the steam-heated end to the water-cooled end. Once temperatures stop changing, the heat conducted along the rod per second equals the heat carried away by the cooling water, giving K = m c (T3 - T4) d / (A (T1 - T2) t).
- Place thermometers at two points along the rod a known distance d apart, and in the water inlet and outlet of the spiral tube.
- Connect the steam jacket to a steam boiler and start a steady flow of cold water through the spiral tube.
- Wait until all four thermometer readings are steady.
- Record the four temperatures, collect the outflowing water for a timed interval t and weigh it to find m.
- Measure the rod diameter to find the cross-section A, then calculate K.
The felt lining limits heat loss from the sides of the rod, so the heat flow stays close to one-dimensional, which is the assumption behind the formula. A thicker rod carries more heat and gives a larger temperature rise in the cooling water, which makes the readings easier to take.
Key features
- Cylindrical copper rod, 30 cm long, in a choice of 3.7 cm, 2.5 cm or 1.8 cm diameter
- Steam jacket at the hot end and spiral water-cooling tube at the cold end
- Wooden case lined with felt to insulate the rod and reduce side losses
- Removable front panel for access, observation and maintenance
- Standard college set-up for the steady-state thermal conductivity of a good conductor
Documentation and supply
Installation instructions and a manual are supplied with the apparatus. Most Lab Exports products carry a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Lab Exports manufactures the Searle's apparatus at its works in Laxmi Nagar, Delhi, and supplies it to colleges and universities in India and 60+ countries, handling the export documents for each shipment. More about the company is on the About Lab Exports page.
Related Heat products
- Linear Expansion Apparatus (EL-H-10398)
- Lee's and Charlton's Apparatus (EL-H-10400)
- Pyrometer (EL-H-10397)
- Joule's Calorimeter (EL-H-10401)
- Bar and Gauze Apparatus Aluminium (EL-H-10396)
- Callendar and Barne's Apparatus (Continuous Flow) (EL-H-10402)
The full range is in the Heat section of the Physics Lab range.
Frequently asked questions
What does Searle's apparatus measure?
The coefficient of thermal conductivity of a good conductor, here copper, using Searle's steady-state method.
Which rod sizes are available?
The copper rod is 30 cm long and is offered in 3.7 cm, 2.5 cm or 1.8 cm diameter.
Are thermometers and a steam boiler included?
No. The apparatus is supplied without thermometers and without a steam boiler; these can be added to the same enquiry.
What is the price of the Searle's apparatus?
Prices are not published on the website. Add the Searle's apparatus to the Enquiry Cart with the Add To Cart button on this page, or email [email protected] with the house code EL-H-10399 and the quantity, to receive a quotation.
Does Lab Exports manufacture the Searle's apparatus?
Yes. Lab Exports manufactures the Searle's apparatus at its works at 11/315, Lalita Park, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi 110092, under house code EL-H-10399.
Request a quote
Email [email protected] with the house code EL-H-10399 and the quantity, or add the Searle's apparatus to the Enquiry Cart with the Add To Cart button on this page. Tender buyers can also see the Tenders and OEM page.
