This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D7896 − 19

Standard Test Method for

Thermal Conductivity, Thermal Diffusivity, and Volumetric
Heat Capacity of Engine Coolants and Related Fluids by
Transient Hot Wire Liquid Thermal Conductivity Method1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7896; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-

1.1 This test method covers the use of a transient hot wire priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
liquid thermal conductivity method and associated equipment mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
(the System) for the determination of thermal conductivity, 1.11 This international standard was developed in accor-
thermal diffusivity and volumetric heat capacity of aqueous dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
engine coolants, non-aqueous engine coolants, and related ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
fluids. The System is intended for use in a laboratory. Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.2 The System directly measures thermal conductivity and Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
thermal diffusivity without the requirement to input any
additional properties. Volumetric heat capacity is calculated by 2. Referenced Documents
dividing the thermal conductivity by the thermal diffusivity of 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
the sample measured. D1176 Practice for Sampling and Preparing Aqueous Solu-
1.3 This test method can be applied to any aqueous or tions of Engine Coolants or Antirusts for Testing Purposes
non-aqueous engine coolants or related fluid with thermal D5931 Test Method for Density and Relative Density of
conductivity in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 W/m·K. Engine Coolant Concentrates and Aqueous Engine Cool-
1.4 This test method excludes fluids that react with plati- ants by Digital Density Meter
num. E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
1.5 The range of temperatures applicable to this test method
is –20 to 100 °C. 3. Terminology
1.6 This test method requires a sample of approximately 40 3.1 Definitions of Thermal Related Units:
mL. 3.1.1 density (ρ), n—the mass per unit volume of a sub-
stance under specific conditions of pressure and temperature.
1.7 The System may be used without external pressurization
Unit: kg/m3.
for any fluid having a vapor pressure of 33.8 kPa (4.9 psia) or
less at the test temperature. 3.1.2 specific heat capacity (Cp), n—the amount of heat
required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of material by
1.8 For a fluid having a vapor pressure greater than 33.8 kPa 1 °C. See Annex A1. Unit: J/(kg·K).
(4.9 psia) at the test temperature, external pressurization is
required (see Annex A2). 3.1.3 thermal conductivity (λ), n—rate of heat flow under
steady conditions through unit area, per unit temperature
1.9 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as gradient in the direction perpendicular to the area. Unit:
standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are W/m·K.
provided for information only and are not considered standard.
3.1.4 thermal diffusivity (α), n—a measure of the ability of a
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the substance to transmit a difference in temperature. Unit: m2/s.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.5 volumetric heat capacity (VHC), n—the amount of
1
heat required to raise the temperature of a unit volume of
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D15 on Engine
Coolants and Related Fluids, and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
2
D15.22 on Non-Aqueous Coolants. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved June 1, 2019. Published June 2019. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2014. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D7896–14. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D7896–19. the ASTM website.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D7896 − 19
material by 1 °C. Volumetric heat capacity is the thermal specimen are determined. Volumetric heat capacity is deter-
conductivity of a material divided by its thermal diffusivity. mined by dividing the measured thermal conductivity by the
Unit: J/m3·K. measured thermal diffusivity of the specimen.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: 5. Significance and Use
3.2.1 transient hot wire method, n—a method for measure-
ment of thermal properties wherein a thin wire is immersed in 5.1 This test method covers the measurement of thermal
a liquid specimen that is contained in a sampling cell. An properties for engine coolants (aqueous or non-aqueous) and
instant of current is sent through the wire, heating both the wire related fluids.
and specimen. Immediately afterward, the resistance of the 5.2 With each single measurement, the thermal conductivity
wire is measured with respect to time, while the wire cools. A (λ) and thermal diffusivity (α) are measured directly, and
temperature-time profile of the specimen is produced and from volumetric heat capacity (VHC) is determined by the relation-
this profile, thermal properties are determined. ship:
3.2.1.1 dry bath, n—a temperature control peripheral with a VHC 5 λ⁄α (1)
central heating well that receives the sampling cell containing
5.3 The test method is transient and requires only a small
the liquid specimen for providing temperatures above ambient.
amount of specimen and a short duration of time (0.8 s) to run
3.2.1.2 heat exchanger and circulator, n—a temperature a measurement. These attributes minimize heat convection in
control peripheral consisting of a refrigerated/heated circulator the liquid.
for heating and cooling that is connected to a heat exchanger.
5.4 The brief application of current to the sensor wire adds
The heat exchanger has a central well that receives the
very little heat to the test specimen and ten repetitive tests may
sampling cell containing the liquid specimen, for providing
be applied at 30 s intervals without causing any significant
temperatures above and below ambient.
convection or temperature drift.
3.2.1.3 liquid, n—refers to the engine coolant or related
fluid sample. 6. Apparatus
4. Summary of Test Method 6.1 Transient Hotwire Liquid Thermal Conductivity Mea-
surement System:
4.1 A fluid to be tested is placed inside the sampling cell
assembly that is part of the system apparatus. The temperature NOTE 1—The descriptions and instructions contained herein are based
upon familiarity with the ThermTest, Inc. THW Lambda Transient Hot
within the sampling cell assembly is regulated by the use of a Wire Liquid Thermal Conductivity Meter.3 Other equivalent systems may
temperature control peripheral. Regardless of the test be suitable for this application.
temperature, the sample and the System sensor are allowed to
6.1.1 The apparatus for the test method (Fig. 1) consists of
equilibrate to approximately the same temperature. The sam-
a sampling cell assembly with platinum wire sensor inserted,
pling cell assembly may be pressurized by up to a gauge
and a controller containing a microprocessor. Unless the
pressure of 241 kPa (35 psig). The sensor, a thin platinum wire,
measurements are to be made at ambient temperature, the
is immersed in the liquid test sample. A current is introduced
apparatus also includes a temperature control peripheral (either
into the wire over the short test time of 0.8 s that heats both the
a dry bath or heat exchanger and circulator type). In a typical
wire and the liquid sample. The temperature of the wire and the
implementation of the System, a personal computer is used for
resistance of the wire decay rapidly once the current is
convenience and greater flexibility in operation, and software
removed. The resistance of the wire is measured with respect to
supplied by the manufacturer provides the user interface,
time and a temperature versus time profile for the liquid sample
is created. From the temperature versus time profile, the
thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of the liquid 3
http://www.thermtest.com.

Shown are the controller connected to the platinum-wire sensor with the sensor residing in the sampling cell, along with the liquid specimen. For non-ambient
temperature readings, the sampling cell inserts into a temperature control peripheral (not shown). The computer downloads data from the controller for storage and for
the creation of spreadsheets and reports.
FIG. 1 Transient Hot Wire Liquid Thermal Conductivity Apparatus

2
 D7896 − 19
control of test sequencing, data acquisition, and options for 7.8 Pressure of up to 241 kPa (35 psig) psi may be applied
working with test results in a spreadsheet program. Specific to the sampling cell assembly. An inert gas (from an argon or
operating instructions are provided in the equipment manuals. nitrogen tank) is introduced into the sampling cell assembly
6.2 Transient Hot Wire Sampling Cell Assembly: through a pressure regulator. The level of pressure introduced
6.2.1 Fig. 2 shows details of the sampling cell assembly. is manually controlled and set to the desired level for the
Fig. 3 shows what the hot wire sensor actually looks like. measurement. (Warning—Use care when applying pressure to
the cell, and ensure the proper regulator is used for the intended
7. Specimen and Test Preparations pressure range and type of inert gas to be used. See the
7.1 The sampling cell must be clean and dry before the operating manual supplied with the equipment for more
liquid to be tested is introduced into it. information on applying pressure to the sampling cell.)

7.2 If the liquid to be tested is aqueous and dilutions are 8. Procedure

required, follow the procedures of Practice D1176 for proper
sample preparation. 8.1 An ambient temperature measurement should be made
prior to proceeding with actual sample measurements. Once
7.3 If the liquid to be tested is non-aqueous, the liquid complete, the controller is balanced and ready for use.
specimen is tested directly, without any changes or dilutions.
Shake or stir the liquid to assure that it is homogeneous. 8.2 When testing at other than ambient temperature, follow
the instructions in the operating manual provided with the
7.4 If the liquid to be tested is non-aqueous, it should be
temperature control equipment.
assumed to be hygroscopic and its exposure to ambient air
should be as brief as possible. 8.3 Perform ten repetitive measurements of the thermal
7.5 Introduce approximately 40 mL of sample into the properties of the test specimen:
sampling cell. Important—make sure that the liquid level is 3 8.3.1 Set the measurement temperature and specify ten
to 4 mL below the threads that are clearly marked on the inner thermal property measurements to be made at that temperature.
wall of the sampling cell. This allows room for possible 8.3.2 When the measurement temperature is reached, ten
thermal expansion of the specimen while heating without any measurements will be automatically performed at 30 s inter-
spillage or overflow, yet ensures full immersion of the sensor. vals. The results will be displayed on the computer monitor and
can be stored according to the System software.
7.6 With the sample introduced, lower the sensor into the
sampling cell. Remove any trapped air bubbles near the 8.4 Refer to the System’s operating manual for further
interface of the sensor and specimen. Air bubbles can introduce instructions on equipment settings, taking and storing
errors and significantly degrade the resulting thermal properties measurements, and exporting data files to spreadsheet soft-
measurement. Tap the sampling cell to dislodge any air ware.
bubbles, and then screw the sensor onto the sampling cell.
9. Report
7.7 Refer to Annex A2 to determine if pressure needs to be
added to the sampling cell. If pressure is required, follow the 9.1 The report of the results of each test shall include the
manufacturer’s instructions with regard to the introduction of following information with all data to be reported in SI units
pressurization gases. unless otherwise specified.

The sampling cell holds the liquid sample and receives the hot wire sensor. The platinum resistance thermometer continuously measures the specimen temperature.
The platinum hot wire and the system electronics measure the thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of the specimen.
FIG. 2 Sampling Cell Assembly

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 D7896 − 19

FIG. 3 Close-Up of the Transient Hot Wire Sensor

9.1.1 Date (mo./day/year) and time that each specimen laboratory, Practice E691 was followed for the design and
measurement in the report was made. analysis of the data; the details are given in ASTM Research
9.1.2 Temperature of each specimen test, °C. Report No. RR:D15-1034.
9.1.3 Thermal conductivity, W/m·K. 10.1.1 Repeatability (r)—The difference between repetitive
9.1.4 The average of the ten thermal conductivity test results obtained by the same operator in a given laboratory
iterations, W/m·K. applying the same test method with the same transient hot wire
9.1.5 Thermal diffusivity, m2/s [report as 106 × m2/s]. thermal conductivity measurement system under constant op-
9.1.6 The average of the ten thermal diffusivity test erating conditions on identical test material within short
iterations, m2/s [report as 106 × m2/s]. intervals of time would, in the long run, in the normal and
9.1.7 Volumetric heat capacity, J/m3·K, computed as: (ther- correct operation of the test method, exceed the repeatability
mal conductivity) / (thermal diffusivity) [report as kJ/m3·K]. limits (r) shown in Tables 1-3 only in one case in 20.
9.1.8 The average of the ten volumetric heat capacity
10.1.2 Reproducibility limits cannot be calculated from a
calculations, J/m3·K [report as kJ/m3·K].
single laboratory’s results.
10. Precision and Bias4 10.1.3 Any judgment in accordance with statement 10.1.1
10.1 The precision of this test method is based on an would normally have an approximate 95 % probability of being
interlaboratory study that was conducted in 2013. A single correct, however the precision statistics obtained in this ILS
laboratory participated in this study, testing five liquids for must not be treated as exact mathematical quantities which are
thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and volumetric heat applicable to all circumstances and uses. The limited number
capacity. Every “test result” represents an individual determi- of laboratories reporting replicate results essentially guarantees
nation. The laboratory reported ten replicate test results for that there will be times when differences greater than predicted
each liquid, 150 results total. Except for the use of only one by the ILS results will arise, sometimes with considerably
greater or smaller frequency than the 95 % probability limit
4
would imply. Consider the repeatability limit as a general
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D15-1034. Contact ASTM Customer guide, and the associated probability of 95 % as only a rough
Service at service@astm.org. indicator of what can be expected.

TABLE 1 Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K)

Repeatability Repeatability
Average Standard Deviation Limit
x̄ sr r
Dow Syltherm XLT at 40 °C 0.106890 0.000970 0.002716
2-Butoxy Ethanol at 60 °C 0.152080 0.000225 0.000630
Glycerin at 20 °C 0.310690 0.000538 0.001508
50 % Ethylene Glycol/50 % Water (by mass) at 20 °C 0.384980 0.001976 0.005534
Ethylene Glycol at 90 °C 0.270430 0.000048 0.000135

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 D7896 − 19
TABLE 2 Thermal Diffusivity (106 × m2/s)
Repeatability Repeatability
Average Standard Deviation Limit
x̄ sr r
Dow Syltherm XLT at 40 °C 0.08072 0.00009 0.00025
2-Butoxy Ethanol at 60 °C 0.08183 0.00002 0.00006
Glycerin at 20 °C 0.10446 0.00007 0.00020
50 % Ethylene Glycol/50 % Water (by mass) at 20 °C 0.11329 0.00025 0.00070
Ethylene Glycol at 90 °C 0.08807 0.00000 0.00001

TABLE 3 Volumetric Heat Capacity (kJ/m3·K)

Repeatability Repeatability
Average Standard Deviation Limit
x̄ sr r
Dow Syltherm XLT at 40 °C 1324.420 10.475 29.330
2-Butoxy Ethanol at 60 °C 1858.530 2.223 6.225
Glycerin at 20 °C 2974.270 3.555 9.953
50 % Ethylene Glycol/50 % Water (by mass) at 20 °C 3397.340 10.009 28.025
Ethylene Glycol at 90 °C 3070.480 0.352 0.986

10.2 Bias—At the time of the study, there was no accepted 11. Keywords
reference material suitable for determining the bias for this test 11.1 anhydrous; aqueous engine coolants; heat transfer
method. Therefore, no statement on bias is being made. fluids; non-aqueous engine coolants; specific heat capacity;
thermal conductivity; thermal diffusivity; volumetric heat ca-
pacity; waterless

ANNEXES

(Mandatory Information)

A1. SPECIFIC HEAT CAPACITY

A1.1 The specific heat capacity of the specimen can be Cp 5 VHC/ρ (A1.1)
calculated by dividing the volumetric heat capacity by the where:
density at the test temperature. Keeping the specimen at its test
Cp = specific heat capacity
temperature, determine its density by the procedure of Test
VHC = volumetric heat capacity
Method D5931. ρ = density

A2. VAPOR PRESSURE CONSIDERATIONS

A2.1 The absolute pressure within the test chamber must be psia), or a gauge pressure of at least 202.9 kPa (29.4 psig).
at least three times the vapor pressure of the test sample at the Non-aqueous engine coolants, in general, have low vapor
test temperature. For example, water has a vapor pressure of pressures and in most cases, do not require pressurization at
101.4 kPa (14.7 psia) at 100 °C. To study water at 100 °C test temperatures of 100 °C or less.
would require an absolute pressure of at least 304.2 kPa (44.1

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 D7896 − 19

A3. CALIBRATION

A3.1 The System is factory-calibrated prior to shipment and liquid is known for the temperature at which you are calibrat-
it can be recalibrated at any time. A new calibration would be ing; the new platinum hot wire is entirely submerged in the
required, for example, if the platinum hot wire of the sensor reference liquid; the reference liquid is isothermal and the
were broken and a new wire installed. thermal property values on the controller are stable.
A3.2 Calibration involves the selection of a well-known and A3.4 When the System is recalibrated, the original calibra-
characterized liquid (a suggestion is distilled or deionized tion is stored and can be restored at any time.
water) and running a calibration sequence on the apparatus.
A3.5 Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for further
A3.3 Before starting a new calibration, ensure the following information regarding calibration of the system.
conditions are met: thermal conductivity of your reference

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