Thermal conductivity of insulating refractory materials: comparison of steady-state and transient measurement methods

Abstract Measurements of thermal conductivity with the heat flow meter, laser flash method, hot disk method and hot wire method are compared on two kinds of refractory materials: Insulating Boards and Insulating Fireclay Bricks. Heat losses, humidity, anisotropy and heterogeneity can explain the variation in thermal conductivity values obtained with the different techniques. If they are taken into account in the analysis, discrepancy within 10% can be found. The choice of the technique depends on the investigated material and on the level of information required.