Measurement of Thermal Conductivity of Gases using Thermal Diffusion Columns

A discussion of the method of determining thermal conductivity of a gas employing a thermal diffusion column is presented along with its theory and various corrections. This method has been earlier employed by Blais and Mann, who were also the first to suggest it. However, this work posed certain doubts about the suitability of the method, which is convenient and preferable for high-temperature measurements. An apparatus of this type is employed to determine the thermal conductivity of air and helium. The maximum temperature investigated is 140°C only, and the success achieved has encouraged to extend the scope of these measurements to still higher temperatures.