EKO HC-10 Transient Plane Source Thermal Conductivity Analyzer
| Origin | Japan |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | HC-10 |
| Price Range | USD 13,500–40,500 (FOB) |
| Instrument Type | Transient Plane Source (TPS) Method |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 250 × 200 × 85 mm |
| Accuracy | ±0.001 W/m·K (for VIP range) |
| Thermal Conductivity Range | 0.001–0.015 W/m·K (VIP materials) |
| Repeatability | ±5% (relative) |
Overview
The EKO HC-10 Transient Plane Source Thermal Conductivity Analyzer is a compact, handheld instrument engineered for rapid, non-destructive thermal conductivity measurement of low-conductivity and heterogeneous materials—particularly vacuum insulated panels (VIPs), foams, aerogels, powders, pastes, and thin-sheet composites. It operates on the transient plane source (TPS) principle: a dual-function sensor acts simultaneously as both a resistive heater and a temperature sensor. Upon contact with the sample surface, the device first equilibrates thermally (20 s), then applies a controlled constant-current pulse to the embedded heater for 10 s, inducing a transient temperature rise. The resulting temperature response—recorded in real time by the same sensor—is analyzed using Fourier-based inverse modeling to compute thermal conductivity (λ) without requiring prior knowledge of specific heat or density. This method complies with ISO 22007-2 and ASTM D5470 principles for transient thermal property determination, enabling traceable, physics-based measurements under ambient conditions without vacuum chambers or complex sample preparation.
Key Features
- Single-touch operation: Place sensor on sample surface → press START → result displayed in ≤60 s.
- Integrated sensor cooling station: Automatic 30-second passive cooldown cycle ensures thermal reset between measurements, maintaining repeatability across sequential tests.
- Dual-range capability: Optimized calibration protocols for ultra-low-λ VIPs (0.001–0.015 W/m·K) and conventional solids (0.03–10.00 W/m·K), each supported by NIST-traceable reference standards.
- Onboard data management: Stores up to 99 measurement records with timestamp, λ value, surface temperature, and classification flag (A/B/C).
- Classification logic engine: Users define two threshold values (V₁, V₂); instrument auto-categorizes results into Class A (λ ≤ V₁), Class B (V₁ < λ < V₂), or Class C (λ ≥ V₂) for QC pass/fail screening.
- USB 2.0 interface with Windows-compatible software for parameter configuration, batch export (CSV), calibration update, and audit-log generation compliant with GLP documentation requirements.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The HC-10 accommodates flat, semi-rigid, and deformable surfaces—including VIPs with metallized barrier films, extruded polystyrene (XPS), expanded polystyrene (EPS), mineral wool batts, silicone greases, phase-change material (PCM) pastes, and thin metal substrates (e.g., SUS304). Its low-pressure sensor contact design minimizes indentation error on soft materials. Calibration employs certified reference samples: zirconia (λ = 4.0 W/m·K), acrylic (λ = 0.2 W/m·K), EPS foam (λ = 0.035 W/m·K), and stainless steel 304 (λ = 16.0 W/m·K per EKO’s internal certification report). All calibrations follow ISO/IEC 17025-aligned procedures. Device firmware supports user-defined calibration curves and maintains full traceability of standard lot numbers, test dates, and environmental conditions (Tₐmb = +5 to +40 °C).
Software & Data Management
The HC-10 Control Software (v3.2+, Windows 10/11) enables remote configuration of measurement duration, classification thresholds, backlight intensity, and language (English/Japanese). Measurement logs include raw voltage-time traces, computed λ, uncertainty estimates (±5% RSD), ambient temperature, and operator ID. Exported CSV files contain ISO 8601 timestamps and are compatible with LIMS integration. Audit trail functionality records all parameter changes, calibration events, and data deletions—supporting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when used with electronic signature modules. No cloud dependency; all processing occurs locally on the host PC or HC-10 unit.
Applications
- Quality assurance of VIP cores in refrigeration cabinets and building envelope systems.
- R&D screening of novel aerogel composites and nano-insulation formulations.
- In-line verification of thermal performance for floor coverings, automotive interior foams, and battery pack thermal interface materials (TIMs).
- Field validation of insulation degradation due to moisture ingress or vacuum loss in VIPs.
- Educational labs requiring portable, intuitive thermal property instrumentation aligned with ASTM E1530 and ISO 22007 pedagogical frameworks.
FAQ
What materials require special handling during HC-10 measurement?
Highly reflective metallic surfaces (e.g., bare aluminum) may yield underestimates due to radiative heat loss; application of matte black thermal paint or use of supplied SUS304 reference shim is recommended.
Can the HC-10 measure anisotropic materials?
No—the TPS method assumes isotropic thermal behavior within the sensor footprint (~15 mm diameter). For layered or fiber-reinforced composites, directional testing requires orthogonal sensor placement and separate reporting per orientation.
Is calibration required before every use?
Daily zero-check using the integrated cooling socket is mandatory; full recalibration against reference standards is recommended after 50 measurements or at start of each shift per ISO/IEC 17025 internal audit schedules.
Does the device meet CE or UKCA marking requirements?
Yes—HC-10 complies with EU EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU; Declaration of Conformity available upon request.
How is measurement uncertainty quantified?
Total uncertainty combines repeatability (±5% RSD), calibration standard uncertainty (±1.2% k=2), and sensor contact resistance variability (±0.001 W/m·K), reported per GUM (JCGM 100:2008) methodology in software-generated certificates.
