A new peltier sensor for measuring the thermal conductivity of fluids

This paper describes a new sensor and a new method to measure the thermal c onductivity of many fluids. The principal advantage of the device is self c ompensation against temperature brought about by an appropriate choice of t he materials, Moreover, because the sensor uses both the Peltier and Seebec k effects, measurements can be carried out with accuracy according to an av erage temperature increase of the device lower than SK, Operation of the de vice brings about a very low Joule power (5 mW), A coherent design rational e is formulated and the various stages in the technical development of the sensor are delineated. Several cases are discussed with a view to increasin g the applicability of the method, Notable applications include thermal con ductivity gauges for measuring pressures in high-vacuum systems, tank gaugi ng for liquids featuring fire hazards, and low velocity measurements occurr ing in natural convection mechanisms. It is expected that the versatility o f the device will result in a nide number of industrial applications.