Abstract
In this paper work carried out by the author to measure the thermal conductivity of steam at atmospheric pressure in the temperature range 100-700°C is reported. This work was undertaken in view of the discrepancies which exist in the experimental data at atmospheric pressure. In particular, the serious differences which exist at the high temperatures between the results of Russian experimenters, who give higher values than those given by American and German workers, needed investigation.
Utilizing two concentric cylinder cells an absolute steady state method has been used to measure the thermal conductivity of steam in the temperature range 100-700°C, at atmospheric pressure, with a probable accuracy estimated to be within ± l·5-±2 per cent.
The results obtained confirm Russian observations at the higher temperatures and it is hoped that these results will help finally to resolve the inconsistencies in the experimental data. A fresh assessment of all the experimental data is given by the author where arguments in favour of both the lower and higher atmospheric lines are discussed. A new correlation of experimental data has been undertaken and a reduction in the tolerances put on the equation defining the atmospheric line from ±3 per cent in the range 100-400°C and ±4 per cent in the range 400-700°C to ±2 per cent over the complete range 100-700°C is now recommended.
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