Patent ID: 8042994
Filing Date: 2011-10-25
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for measuring the specific heat of a fluid, the apparatus comprising: a thermoelectric module comprising a plurality of thermocouples arrayed between two electrically insulating end plates, the thermocouples electrically connected in series and physically arrayed parallel to each other so that when a selected DC current is passed through the thermoelectric module all hotter sides of the thermocouples abut one of the plates and all colder sides abut the other, the two insulating end plates in respective thermal contact, at respective electrically conductive surfaces electrically insulated from the thermocouples, with a fluid when the apparatus is in use; an electric power supply operable to selectively supply respective voltages to the two electrically conducting surfaces; and an electromechanical agitator operable to move the thermoelectric module relative to the fluid when the fluid is present.