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Key Specifications to Look for in an Air Permeability Tester

Key Specifications to Look for in an Air Permeability Tester

Key Specifications to Look for in an Air Permeability Tester

Various industries use air permeability, like automotive, filtration, and textile, which help in the measurement of performance and quality of the product. We all know sportswear — that type of fabric that should be breathable. If the nonwoven material shows airflow, then a small measurement is compulsory.

Nowadays, air permeability testers have become important because they help the manufacturer and researcher to know how air can flow more precisely and help increase the functionality, comfort, and safety.

There are a lot of testers available in the market, but it’s a big challenge to choose the best tester machine. Understanding the specification of a permeability tester requires knowing about the machine, its key areas, how the tester and how it operates. Let’s dive into it.

Air Permeability Testing Machine

Technical specification is an important thing about any test, but before considering it, it’s compulsory to know how permeability testing works.

It’s a tester that calculates the air volume from the material if it passes through different pressures. It measures in cm³/cm²/s or l/m²/s.

In this testing, it’s crucial to maintain a balance between mechanical strength, protection, and breathability. For instance, membranes, foam, leather, textile, and paper.

Importance of Air Permeability Test

In the filtration process
This tester helps in the measurement of efficiency and filtration pore uniformity.

In the packaging and paper industry
Paper product porosity is most important — how much ink it absorbs, and the exchange of gases can be assessed through an air permeability testing machine.

In the construction sector
As a membrane of roofing, it’s very crucial to find a barrier material, so this machine is helpful in evaluating the barrier. It is also used in ventilation in wall covering.

In the automotive industry
Air filtration is most important in this industry. To solve their issue, they use this tester.

In the textile industry
Air breathability in fabric is important, and that is accurate in measurement, commonly measured in protective clothing, upholstery, and apparel.

Selection of optimized material, comfort improved, which meets international standards. This testing machine is widely used in various industries, which makes it more demanding.

Air Permeability Tester Working

Working principle

There is a test chamber present in the machine where a clamp is attached to the fabric. At a given time, pressure of the machine is applied. When fabric is put then, it’s compulsory that it should be breathable. The permeability of air is checked by reading the machine shows through digital display. The sample is cut into a piece that’s placed under the machine scanner, then the clamp.

In standard units, it is displayed as a result shown in a table in reading from the lower to higher range set, then it becomes easy for the manufacturer the fabric should be chosen as a product or not. When shoe-making companies use it because demand for shoes is in the market, if they are breathable, because the cushion in shoes really matters — that makes shoes more comfortable and usable.

Air Permeability Testing Machine Specifications

Accuracy and measuring range
The measuring range is the most important feature that helps in testing the airflow range of the product, and it covers a broad range.

 Range - 1 to 12,000 l/m²/s
Accuracy - ±2% measurement is repeatable and dependable.

Flexibility in various materials depends upon the filters and meshes, which is why testing involves going through the tester airflow.

Pressure control
When the pressure difference lies between 10 to 2500 pa that needs, precision digital and manual adjustment is needed.

1. Regulation of stable pressure

2. The testing cycle becomes faster

3. Human error reduction

For consistent results to occur, the application of pressure is uniform and it’s applicable in elastic and delicate materials.

Area of test
1. The application is for different test areas.
2. Test includes 5cm², 20cm², 38cm² and 100cm².
3. Interchangeable test moves according to the flexibility of various materials.
4. Permeable samples go with an open structure that’s applicable to nonwoven fabric. R&D adaptability occurs in quality control.

Measurement system flow
The sample undergoes a flow of the measurement system and checks how much air passes through it. The instrument should be of high quality because precision in meters, orifice, and pressure transducers that accurately measure flow.

It provides:

1. Fluctuation in reading becomes stable

2. The display is digital, which shows the result in units

3. Compensation is automatic for pressure that is barometric

This feature helps in improving reliability and repeatability, which is important for testing certification and also comparison in the laboratory.

International Standards

Choose a machine that follows the international standard of testing that guarantees results will be comparable, valid, and known globally.
Standards include:

1. ASTM D737 - it’s applicable in textiles for air permeability

2. ISO 9237 / ISO 9073-15 - it’s applicable to textiles

3. BS 5636 - it’s used in textiles and the  British Standard

4. DIN 53887 - it’s a German quality standard

Integration of Software and Output of Data

The advanced air permeability tester features compatibility of software and interface digitally that in case the chances of handling data.


Feature

1. USB connectivity

2. Logging of data in real time

3. Customized report of the test

4. Monitoring of trends and graphically analyzing results

Sealing System and Clamping of Sample

As an airtight clamp is tightly placed, it prevents leaks.

1. Clamping is vacuum-based

2. Sealing in a way that does not damage delicate fabric

Applications of Air Permeability Testers

In automotive and filtration

1. Access to the oil system, fuel, and air

2. Testing nonwoven, airflow, and retention of dust

In packaging and paper

1. Gas exchange shows the porosity of the paper

2. Packing material designed in a way that maintains the freshness of the product

In construction and building

In roofing material, insulation, and analysis of the membrane that helps in the control of permeability

In technical

Foam, geotextile, and composite materials that control permeability

In textile

1. Test the breathability of the fabric

2. Fabric performance and sportswear evaluation

3. Sportswear also tested

Why Choose Us?

Texcare Instruments Limited has become one of the best manufacturers and suppliers of various testing equipment. We show various offers where every testing equipment is checked with accuracy. Pricing is the main and another important thing that varies according to the quality of instruments used in the tester. The air permeability tester is one of the best sellers because of its demand in the market. As a manufacturer, we also install these testers and follow up with customers for after-sales service.

FAQ

Q. What is used for an air permeability tester?
A: It helps in the measurement of air passes from materials like filters, textiles, paper, and foam with controlled pressure.

Q. Why is textile air permeability testing important?
A: It helps in the determination of the breathability of fabric, crucial for apparel and upholstery.

Q. Can we use air permeability testing for non-textile materials?
A: Yes, that’s also used for products like plastic, building materials, leather, paper, and filters.

Q. What is a commonly used safety standard for air permeability testing?
A: Standards are BS 5636, ISO 9237, DIN 533,6, and ASTM D 737.

Q. How can we use the right air permeability tester?
A: Look for the best tester, then consider the international safety standard, a reliable calibration option, and an automation feature.