Filter Membrane Pore Analysis Tester

Meet the standard:

ASTM E1294  ASTM F316

ISO 4003 ISO 15901-2

Product Introduction:

The pore size and distribution within a filter membrane dictate its filtration efficiency, flow rate, and retention capabilities. A Filter Membrane Pore Analysis Tester provides quantitative data on these critical properties. The most common technique employed is Capillary Flow Porometry, which is based on the principle of displacing a wetting liquid from the pores using a non-wetting gas.

A specimen of the flat filter membrane is placed in a specialized holder or cell that seals the membrane and separates the upstream and downstream sides. The membrane is first wetted with a fluid that completely fills its pores. A non-wetting gas (such as air or nitrogen) is then applied to the upstream side, and the gas pressure is gradually increased. The liquid held in the pores by surface tension prevents gas flow until the applied pressure is high enough to overcome the capillary forces in the largest pore. The pressure at which gas first flows through the largest pore is the bubble point pressure, indicating the maximum pore size.

The instrument is used in laboratories for:

Determining the pore size distribution, bubble point, and mean flow pore size of flat filter membrane materials.

Validating membrane properties against product specifications.

Quality control during the manufacturing of filter membranes to ensure consistency.

Research and development of new membrane materials and structures.

Characterizing membranes used in various filtration applications, including microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and sterile filtration.

Investigating membrane performance issues.

Product Advantages:

Provides objective, quantitative data on the pore structure of filter membranes.

Essential for understanding and validating membrane filtration performance and retention characteristics.

Determines the largest pore size (bubble point), which is a key indicator of membrane integrity.

Calculates pore size distribution for a comprehensive understanding of the membrane's structure.

Standard compliant test methods (ASTM E1294. ASTM F316) are widely used and recognized.

Can be used to test a wide range of membrane types and pore sizes.

Non-destructive to the membrane under certain test conditions.

Product Features:

Test stand with a membrane holder or cell designed to securely clamp and seal flat membrane specimens, separating the upstream (gas) and downstream (flow measurement) sides.

Pressure control system capable of precisely applying and gradually increasing the gas pressure to the upstream side of the wetted membrane.

Gas flow meter (or multiple flow meters for different ranges) to accurately measure the gas flow rate passing through the membrane.

Pressure transducer to accurately measure the applied gas pressure.

Reservoir or system for introducing and managing the wetting fluid used to saturate the membrane.

Automated control system for executing the entire test sequence (wetting, pressurization ramp, data acquisition, flow measurement).

Data acquisition and analysis software to record pressure and flow data, perform calculations based on physical models, and generate pore size distribution curves, bubble point, and mean flow pore size results.

Digital display showing real-time pressure, flow rate, and test status.

Temperature sensor to monitor the test temperature, as fluid properties are temperature-dependent.

Safety features for pressurized systems.