Permeance Measurement System for Tubular Material Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring water vapor transmission and permeance of materials, such as those described in ASTM E96, face challenges including discrepancies between dry and wet cup methods and limitations to testing materials in specific forms like sheets or films, necessitating more direct and accurate measurement techniques for various material structures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for measuring permeance parameters that involve a tubular or sheet material setup with calibrated resistance, fluid sources, pressure gauges, and concentration meters to measure flow rates and concentrations of fluids permeating through materials, allowing for the calculation of permeance across different pressure and concentration gradients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ASTM E96 dry cup or wet cup methods are used to measure water vapor transmission, then permeation rates can be measured, but discrepancies occur between methods and accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a carrier gas as an intermediary substance that transports the permeating vapor from one side of the material to the other. The carrier gas flows through a channel on one side of the material, causing vapor to permeate through the material and mix with the carrier gas, which is then analyzed to determine permeation rate. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for direct contact between test chambers and material, reducing measurement discrepancies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional chamber-based methods are used, then vapor transmission can be measured, but the methods are limited to specific material forms like sheets or films
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal testing apparatus that can accommodate various material forms including sheets, films, tubes, and other structures. The apparatus uses a standardized channel configuration where carrier gas flows over the material surface, allowing consistent measurement across different material geometries. The channel dimensions, flow rates, and analysis methods can be adjusted to suit different material types while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If direct permeation measurement is implemented, then accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with a streamlined approach using carrier gas flow and concentration analysis. Instead of using multiple pressure sensors, weight measurements, or complex chamber systems, the invention uses a single channel configuration where carrier gas transports vapor to an analysis point. This substitution of mechanical measurement with fluid transport and concentration detection simplifies the overall system while maintaining high measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy incorporation of diverse material samples, accurate modification of test conditions, and precise measurement of permeation rates for gases and liquids, overcoming the limitations of existing methods by providing a comprehensive and versatile testing approach.
Implementation Method 1
A first fluid source is configured to feed a first fluid at a first pressure into the hollow passageway at the first end of the tube
Implementation Method 2
a second fluid reservoir configured to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the permeable section of the tube and to infuse a quantity of the second fluid by permeation into the hollow passageway of the tube
Implementation Method 3
A pressure gauge in pressure communication with the hollow passageway is provided at the second end of the tube. The pressure gauge is configured to measure a second pressure of the mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid at the second end of the tube
Implementation Method 4
A concentration meter in fluid communication with the hollow passageway at the second end of the tube is provided. The concentration meter is configured to measure the concentration level of the second fluid in the mixture
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring the permeance of a material. The permeability of the material may also be derived. The system provides a liquid or high concentration fluid bath on one side of a material test sample, and a gas flow across the opposing side of the material test sample. The mass flow rate of permeated fluid as a fraction of the combined mass flow rate of gas and permeated fluid is used to calculate the permeance of the material. The material test sample may be a sheet, a tube, or a solid shape. Operational test conditions may be varied, including concentration of the fluid, temperature of the fluid, strain profile of the material test sample, and differential pressure across the material test sample.