C-THERM TCi, Operator'S Manual, Page: 7 / 138

TCi Operator Manual
1
1 Introduction
The third generation of the C-Therm thermal conductivity technology expands the capabilities of
this rapid, non-destructive thermal testing instrument to a whole new level. Designed to provide
simple, highly accurate thermal characterization of thermal conductivity and thermal effusivity for
in lab use, quality control, and production environments, the C-Therm TCi
TM
Thermal Conductivity
Analyzer requires no calibration or sample preparation. The system has broad testing capabilities
(0.0 to 100 W/mK) across a wide range of temperatures (–50
˚
to 200
˚
C).
The key capabilities and benefits of the system include the ability to test:
 Materials ranging from ~ 0 to 100 W/mK in thermal conductivity or 0 – 19000 W
√
s/m
2
k in
effusivity.
 Solids, liquids, powders and pastes.
 A wide temperature range from –50 to 200°C.
 Accuracy and precision under 5% and 1% respectively. (Stated from 0°C to 50°C).
The C-Therm TCi system is engineered to operate in lab environments (including QA/QC labs),
for off-line and at-line testing. The base technology is migratable to the production floor and can
be integrated into many manufacturing processes as an in-line monitoring and control system
measure (see C-Therm ESP product line).
The C-Therm TCi provides many additional thermo-physical properties by indirect calculation,
including:
 Diffusivity
 Thermal Conductivity (calculated from Thermal Effusivity)

Heat Capacity, volumetric specific heat
 R-value (insulations)
 Depth of penetration
A full description of the indirect calculations is provided in Appendix G.
The C-Therm TCi system uses the base platform technology developed by Mathis Instruments
Ltd. in 2004/2005 for the pharmaceutical industry, leveraging the solid-state sensor technology as
well as associated electronics and improved software.
Keeping true to the original concept of a non-destructive testing technology, the C-Therm TCi
maintains the ability to test materials with little to no sample preparation, and the versatility to test
small sample volumes (approximately the size of a nickel coin). There are no limitations as to
how large a sample can be due to the transient method of measurement the system employs.
Testing times are typically within a few seconds and automated testing remains a key
convenience. Dual sensor testing is also available for higher testing throughput, as are additional
accessories for specific applications.
The C-Therm TCi platform offers modular expansion of the system’s capabilities (e.g. calibration
ranges, sensor upgrades, accessories, etc.), and a flexible software architecture that offers a full,
relational database platform for data management. The 2.3 software introduces the option for
user calibration, available with the “Max k” module. The factory calibrations provide immediate
and broad testing capability while the user calibration feature offers the ability to focus on a
narrower region of interest at fixed temperatures.
This operating manual provides in-depth guidance to users in leveraging the C-Therm TCi for its
intended use. It is very important that users invest the time in reviewing the information provided
within this document for the safe and effective application of this advanced technology. Upon
reviewing the document, should users have any further questions we encourage them to contact
their C-Therm representative.