Features of KD2 Pro

The KD2 Pro: is a fully portable field and lab thermal properties analyzer. It uses the transient line heat source method to measure thermal conductivity, resistivity, diffusivity, and specific heat.  Sophisticated data analysis is based on 30+ years of research experience on heat and mass transfer in soils and other porous materials. 

Accuracy: The compact KD2 Pro controller is much more than a simple readout for time and temperature. A proprietary algorithm fits time and temperature data with exponential integral functions using a nonlinear least squares method. This fully mathematical solution delivers thermal conductivity/resistivity to within ±10%.

Corrects for Temperature Drift: Temperature changes of a thousandth of a degree per second--the sun warming the soil, for example, or someone walking into the lab-- destroy the accuracy of thermal properties calculations. Unlike other thermal needle systems, the KD2 Pro corrects for linear temperature drift that can cause large errors.

The KD2 Pro measures:
  • Thermal Conductiresivity / Resistivity
  • Thermal Diffusivity
  • Specific Heat 

Measurements can be taken in the field or with soil samples in a laboratory. Measurements are taken within minutes of inserting the probe. On board memory stores up to 4,095 readings that can be downloaded in the office. 

Accessories include:
  • KS-1 Conductivity/Resistivity sensor (liquids)
  • TR-1 Conductivity/Resistivity sensor (solids)
  • SH-1 Dual Needle Diffusivity & specific heat sensor (solids)
  • User's manual
  • Carrying case
  • Performance verification standards
  • Thermal grease
  • Drill bit for pilot holes in solid material
  • KD2 Pro download utility
  • RS232 cable

Testing soil for horizontal GHX

The Decagon KD2 Pro accurately measures the Thermal Conductivity and Thermal Diffusivity of soil samples either in the laboratory or in the field. Increase the accuracy of modeling horizontal trench or pit heat exchangers or horizontal directionally drilled GHX's to provide greater confidence in your GCHP system projects. 

Without accurate soil testing you are guessing at the thermal properties of the soil. This will have an impact on the cost of installing the system and/or the efficiency at which the heat pump operates. Knowing the soil properties will protect you and your client. 

Testing grout  in vertical boreholes

The grout used in vertical boreholes will have a significant impact in the Borehole Thermal Resistance - the speed at which energy transfers to or from the fluid in the pipe to the surrounding soil or rock. If you've specified thermally enhanced grout for a vertical GHX design, it is critical that the grout specifications are followed. 

If the correct grout mixture is not installed as specified, the minimum and maximum temperatures the system operates at will be exceeded...in extreme situations to the point heat pumps connected to the GHX will operate inefficiently or not at all. 

The Decagon KD2 Pro can be used during site inspections to measure grout samples submitted to you to ensure the proper grout mixture is installed.