Trident
Thermal conductivity instrument
C-Therm is the global leader in thermal conductivity testing and measurement. C-Therm’s Trident system offers the ability to easily measure the thermal conductivity of samples in seconds under representative test conditions. Trident can test the thermal conductivity of solid samples, liquids, pastes, gels, and powders. The instrument offers the versatility of four different transient methods available on the same system. When it comes to thermal conductivity measurement – “it’s better to have options!”
C-Therm has been researching and developing thermal conductivity sensors for over 30 years.
Trident is available from C-Therm.
Trident Overview
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This test method is fast, easy, and highly accurate. A single-sided, “plug & play” sensor suitable for testing solids, liquids, powders and pastes. Offers maximum sample versatility. Conforms to ASTM D7984. | 
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The “hot disk” transient plane source method employs a flexible double-sided sensor available in different sizes. Greater control over experimental parameters makes TPS ideal for more advanced users and applications like thin films and anisotropic materials. Conforms to ISO 22007-2, and GB/T 32064. |
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The transient line source method employs a needle probe to characterize the thermal conductivity of viscous and granular materials. This method offers maximum robustness. Conforms to ASTM D5334, D5930, and IEEE 442. | 
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The transient hot wire method is optimal for testing liquids, gels and powders. The THW probe is ideal for measuring the thermal conductivity of coolants. Conforms to ASTM D7896-19. |
The C-Therm Trident Thermal Conductivity Instrument provides optimal testing methods for a broad range of materials and industries, including:
- Textiles
- Conductive Polymers
- Batteries
- Automotive & Electric Vehicles (EVs)
- Metal Hydrides for Hydrogen Storage
- Phase Change Materials
- Powders
- Additive Manufacturing
- Insulation
- Heat Transfer Fluids
- Oil & Gas
- Biomaterials
- Explosives & Propellants
- Building Materials
- Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs) & Dielectrics
- Geological
- Nanomaterials
- Metals
- Electronic Materials, and
- Optical/glass materials
Trident Features
Multiple sensor options
◆Flexible double-sided sensor: TPS Flex Sensor
◆Fast liquid measurement: THW Sensor
◆A single sided "plug & play" sensor: MTPS sensor
◆Maximum robustness: TLS sensor
◆Fast liquid measurement: THW Sensor
◆A single sided "plug & play" sensor: MTPS sensor
◆Maximum robustness: TLS sensor
Accurate and fast measurement
Thermal conductivity from 0.01 to 500 W/m·K can be measured within 3 seconds.
Measurement temperature range
−50°C to 200°C
Non-destructive sensor
Testing does not alter or damage the sample, and the sensor is reusable.
Ideal for QC testing of finished products and in-process items.
Ideal for QC testing of finished products and in-process items.
Measures a variety of samples
Compatible with various sample forms such as solids, liquids, powders, pastes, and gels.
No complicated sample preparation required
The minimum thickness required for measurement is 1 mm (for ≤1 W/m·K, the minimum thickness depends on thermal conductivity); for liquids, 1.8 mL.
Simple and space-saving
Can be used in various settings from laboratories to production sites. Measurements can be performed inside heating and refrigeration equipment and glove boxes.
Dedicated software
Dedicated software enables rapid operation from measurement to analysis on a single screen.
Power
100 V, 50/60 Hz
Trident Videos
Trident Specifications
| Test Methods | MTPS | TLS Needle | Flex TPS | Hot Wire THW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recommended applications | Aerogels, Automotive, Batteries, Composites, Insulation, Explosives, Geological, Liquids, Metals, Nanomaterials, Metal Hydrides, Nuclear, Phase Change Materials (PCMs), Polymers, Rubber, Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs), Thermoelectric |
Polymer Melts, Semi-Solids, & Soil. (Not suitable for lower viscosity fluids due to convection.) |
Cement/Concrete, Metal Sheets, Polymers, Porous Ceramics, & Thin Films | Automotive fluids, non-conductive liquids, gels, and powders |
| Thermal conductivity range | 0.01 to 500 W/mK | 0.1 to 6 W/mK | 0.005 to 2000 W/mK | 0.01 – 2 W/mK |
| Thermal diffusivity range | 0.01 to 300 mm²/s* | Not applicable | up to 1200 mm²/s | Better than 10% |
| Heat capacity Range | Up to 5 MJ/m³K* | Not applicable | Up to 5 MJ/m³K | Better than 10% |
| Thermal effusivity range | 5 to 40,000 Ws½/m²K | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Temperature range | -50º to 200ºC -With option to extend to 500ºC |
-55º to 180ºC -With option to extend to 300ºC |
-200º to 300ºC | -40 – 200 °C |
| Precision | Better than 1% | Better than 3% | Better than 2% | Better than 1% |
| Accuracy | Better than 5% | Stated for °20C ± (3% + 0.02) W/mK |
Better than 5% | Better than 5% |
| Test time | 0.8 to 3 seconds | 1 to 4 minutes | 10 to 180 seconds | <1 second |
| Sensor size | 18 mm diameter | 150 mm length | 6 mm, 13 mm and 30 mm diameter sensors available | 45 mm length |
| Minimum sample size | Solids: Min. diameter of 18 mm Min. thickness is dependent on the thermal conductivity. For materials under 1 W/mK a min. thickness of 1 mm is suggested. Liquids & Powders: 1.25 mL |
80 mL | Requires two identical samples. The diameter of the samples should be 2.5X sensor diameter (e.g. 6 mm sensor requires sample diameter of 15 mm) Thickness should be at minimum the same diameter as the sensor (e.g. 6 mm sensor requires 6 mm thick samples. |
40 mL |
| Maximum sample size | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| International standards | ASTM D7984 | IEEE 442-2017, ASTM D5930-17, ASTM D5334-22 | ISO 22007-2, GB/T 32064 | ASTM D7896-19 |
| *calculated |
Trident Resources
Trident thermal conductivity application highlights
 Accelerated Thermal Conductivity Testing of Aerogels with MTPS |
Read the App Note |
| Measuring Thin Film Samples using Flex TPS Sensor |
Read the App Note |
| Thermal Mapping and Filler Settling Detection in Polymer Composites With MTPS |
Read the App Note |
Search C-Therm's Tech Library
Trident Events
Learn more about our products at these events
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EventDatesLocationEvent website
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Master Thermal Analysis in Just 30 Minutes! Feeling the Heat: What Can You Do with STA?November 24 2025 - November 24 2025Webinar
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Master Thermal Analysis in Just 30 Minutes! Feeling the Heat: What Can You Do with DSC?February 25 2026 - February 25 2026Webinar
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Master Thermal Analysis in Just 30 Minutes! What Can You Do with TMA?May 27 2026 - May 27 2026Webinar
Trident
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