Air Permeability Tester for Fabric Factory Cost-Chiuvention

Tests are easy and fast.

The Air Permeability Tester is easy to use. You can select the test standards and units from the operation screen. The Air Permeability Tester can recognize the test fixture head’s different ranges. You can start the air permeability testing and get the result.

The air passes up through the fabric. This forms a pressure difference between the front and back of the fabric. We measure the amount of air that goes through the fabric under a certain pressure. This gives us the fabric’s air permeability value.

More reliable air permeability test results

The range conversion components of this Permeability Tester are innovative. They are maintenance-free and have no loss. They bring high repeatability and reliability to air permeability testing results.

The core components are high-quality. They include pressure sensors from famous brands. These parts further ensure the accuracy of the test results.

Smart instrument

This Air Permeability Tester can connect through Wi-Fi. It connects to the SmarTexLab App on smartphones. You can set limits. You can watch tests. You get equipment alerts. You can share results with quality control or buyers.

IoT technology

This Air Permeability Tester can achieve real-time remote testing and monitoring. You can get the air permeability test reports on your smartphone and export or print them.

Customer Feedback

“I learned about this instrument at the ITMA 2023 Exhibition in Milan and was impressed to some of the features on site. It was particularly easy to operate and the test results were quickly available. So we purchased it in 2024.”

Lea / Laboratory of special materials factory in Germany

“The air permeability test results are reliable. And the machine is easy to use and not too big. We are in the down apparel business and there is a high demand for it.”

Noah / Canada Goose

The Specification of Air Permeability Tester

Measurement units

mm/s, m/s, l/m²/s, ft³/min/ft², cfm

cm³/s/cm², l/s/cm², l/m²/min

1/dm²/min, l/min, m³/min, dm³/s

m³/s/m², m³/min/m², m³/h/m², ft³/s/ft²

Test Mode Automatic

Test head 20 cm²(standard)

Test pressure 10 ~ 2,500 Pa

Air velocity 0.6 ~ 10,000 mm/s (20 cm²)

The sample thickness range is 0 to 10 mm. You can customize other thicknesses and fixtures.

Testing Accuracy <+/-2%

Optional test heads 5 cm², 25 cm², 38 cm², 50 cm², 100 cm²

Power 220V/110V 50/60Hz

Weight 125kg

Dimension

970*400*970 mm (L*W*H)

OUR BROCHURE

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FLYER

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STANDARDS

ISO 9237

ISO 9073:15

GB/T 5453

GB/T 24218.15

BS 3424-16

BS 6F 100 3.13

NWSP 070.1.RO(15)

JIS L1096 Item8.26 Method C

BS 3424-16 BS 6F 100 3.13

ASTM D737

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The test measures the rate at which air passes through a material. Here’s a detailed explanation of how the test works:

Test Principle

Sample Preparation:

The material sample will be tested. It is securely mounted in the test apparatus to block bypassing air.

Controlled Airflow:

Air is driven through the sample using a pump or blower.

The airflow rate and pressure differential are controlled and measured precisely.

Pressure Differential (ΔP):

A known and constant pressure difference is applied across the material.

This test simulates real conditions.

They are the ones the material will face. Pressure differential is measured in pascals (Pa) and inches of water column (inH2O).

Measurement of Airflow Rate:

The volume of air passing through the material per unit of time is measured. This is the core measurement in an air permeability test.

The airflow rate is typically measured in cubic centimeters per second (cm³/s) or cubic feet per minute (CFM).

Calculation of Air Permeability:

To calculate air permeability, divide the airflow rate by the sample’s area.

This gives a value, usually in cm³/s/cm² or CFM/ft². It measures the material’s permeability.

Test Method for Air Permeability

Sample Preparation:
- Cut a sample of the material to the needed size. The size is set by the testing standard.
- Ensure the sample is clean, dry, and free from any defects affecting the test results.
Calibrate the equipment.
- Calibrate the air permeability tester based on our instructions. Also, follow the relevant testing standard. Ensure that the pressure gauges and flow meters are accurate.
Mount the Sample:
- Secure the sample in the test chamber of the air permeability tester. To prevent any air leakage around the edges, clamp the sample tightly.
Set the pressure differential.
- Adjust the apparatus to create a specific pressure differential across the sample. The pressure difference is usually chosen based on the material and its use. Testing standards specify common values.
Initiate Airflow:
- Start the airflow through the material. The air permeability tester will draw air through the sample or blow air through it.
Measure airflow rate:
- Measure the rate of air passing through the sample. The flow rate is often recorded using built-in sensors. It is then shown on the equipment’s readout panel. Ensure the measurement is taken after the airflow has stabilized.
Record Environmental Conditions (Optional):
- Record the temperature and humidity if the test standard requires it. These can affect the air permeability of some materials.
Calculate Air Permeability:
- The test result will be expressed in units such as cm³/s/cm² or CFM/ft ² or other types.(You can select the units from the operation screen)
Repeat the test (optional):
- To ensure accuracy, repeat the test on multiple samples or on different areas of the same sample. Then, calculate the average air permeability.

Key Points to Consider:

Follow the guidelines for sample size and shape. The guidelines are in the testing standard (e.g., ASTM D737, ISO 9237).
Use the pressure differential from the standard or suitable for the material type.
Equipment Calibration: Calibrate the air permeability tester often. Also, maintain it to ensure accurate results.
The test standard may require you to control or record the temperature and humidity.

Common Standards for Air Permeability Testing:

ASTM D737: Standard Test Method for Air Permeability of Textile Fabrics.
ISO 9237: Textiles – Determination of the Permeability of Fabrics to Air.
BS 5636: Method for Determination of the Air Permeability of Fabrics.

Follow these steps and the relevant standards. Then, you can get reliable air permeability measurements for various materials. You can also reproduce them.

Calibration is performed using a 20cm² upper and lower fixtures, with units selected in mm/s. And you can enter the calibration mode on this Air Permeability Tester operation screen. You can calibrate the air flow and differential pressure.

For the detailed calibration steps please view the air permeability tester operation manual or contact us.

The instrument shell should be grounded reliably. Its grounding resistance should be ≤1Ω.

Clean the filtering steel mesh once a month. The mesh is stainless steel. It is best to blow it with high-pressure gas or wash it with water. To wash with water, put it into the instrument after drying. Place the mesh in the designated location.

Take out the lower fixture, and see the filtering stencil.

You can use the sealing rubber sheet, supplied as an accessory, to test the air tightness of the device. Please contact ChiuVention to replace the rubber sheet with a new one when it deteriorates.

If you turn off the power switch, do not restart it within 1 minute. Wait until you discharge the electrical system before restarting the unit.

Specialists should fix the instrument when it malfunctions. Or, the manufacturer should check it. Non-professionals cannot open the door of the electrical box. That door has a safety device. Press the button where the arrow points. Go to the bottom without releasing it. At the same time, open the door to access the circuit. It’s forbidden to open the door, otherwise, there’s a danger of electric shock.

Frequently Asked Questions of Air Permeability Tester

What is an air permeability tester?

An Air Permeability Tester measures the air permeability of textiles. It is also known as a Permeability Tester or Air Permeability Testing Machine. This equipment tests industrial fabrics, nonwovens, and other breathable materials. It’s also good for testing the air permeability of breathable materials. These materials include paper.

Why is air permeability of fabrics important to test?

Air permeability is another important factor affecting the comfort of fabrics. Sportswear, windproof, and coldproof clothing have higher requirements for air permeability of fabrics. Parachutes and filter cloths are types of industrial textiles.

They have special needs for air permeability. The air permeability of fabrics depends on the number and size of gaps. These gaps are between the warp and weft yarns and between the fibers. It also relates to factors like yarn density, fineness, and twist. These factors relate to fiber properties, yarn structure, fabric thickness, and density. The “air permeability” refers to a fabric’s performance.

It lets air pass through when there is a pressure difference on both sides. Under the specified pressure difference, air passes through the fabric. This happens on both sides of the fabric. Air flows only when a pressure difference is on both sides of the fabric.

What is a good score on the air permeability test?

A “good” air permeability score depends on the application and material. Different applications and industries have varying requirements for air permeability. Here are some general guidelines. They show what might be good air permeability in various contexts.

Textiles (Apparel and Technical Fabrics):
- Breathable Fabrics (e.g., sportswear, outdoor clothing): 10-50 cm³/s/cm². Higher values may be desirable for increased breathability.
- Windproof Fabrics: 0-10 cm³/s/cm². Lower values say better wind resistance.
Geotextiles:
- General Purpose Geotextiles: 100-300 cm³/s/cm². Values within this range usually or show good drainage properties.
- Filter Fabrics: 50-200 cm³/s/cm². The exact need depends on the specific filtration application.
Nonwoven Fabrics (e.g., medical textiles, hygiene products):
- Medical Textiles: 10-100 cm³/s/cm². Lower values are often better for barriers. Higher values may be preferred for breathability.
- Hygiene Products (e.g., diapers): 100-300 cm³/s/cm². This range generally indicates a good balance between absorbency and breathability.
Building Materials (e.g., house wraps, insulation):
- House Wraps: 5-60 cm³/s/cm². Lower values are better for water and air barriers. Higher values improve vapor permeability.
- Insulation Materials: Variable. Specific requirements depend on the insulation type and intended use.
Filters (e.g., HVAC filters, industrial filters):
- High-Efficiency Filters: 10-100 cm³/s/cm². Lower values typically indicate higher filtration efficiency.
- General Purpose Filters: 100-500 cm³/s/cm². Higher values may be acceptable where less stringent filtration is needed.

The ranges are approximate. The standards vary. They depend on the needs of different groups and industries. The best air permeability for an application depends on breathability, barriers, and strength. It’s based on the material’s intended use.

What parameters does an air permeability tester measure?

An air permeability tester typically measures the following parameters:
Air Permeability is the primary measurement. It shows the amount of air that passes through a material over time. People often express it in units such as cubic centimeters per second per square centimeter (cm³/s/cm²). Or, they use cubic feet per minute per square foot (CFM/ft²).
The pressure differential (ΔP) is the difference in air pressure. It’s between the two sides of the material being tested. The differential is usually kept constant during the test. This standardizes the measurement of air permeability. Common units are pascals (Pa) or inches of water column (inH2O).
Sample Area: The area of the material sample through which the air is passing. This ensures that the air permeability is calculated per unit area. It is generally measured in square centimeters (cm²) or square inches (in²).

What test methods are used for textile Air permeability Tester?

The Air Permeability Tester for fabric utilizes the following test methods:

ISO 9237 is the international standard for finding the air permeability of fabrics. It uses a constant airflow. It measures air permeability as the volume of air passing through a known area of fabric per unit of time.
ASTM D737 is the American Society for Testing and Materials standard. It tests the air permeability of textile fabrics. It measures the rate of airflow passing through the fabric. The airflow is passing through a known area.
DIN 53887 is a German standard. It determines the air permeability of textile fabrics using constant airflow. It’s like ISO 9237 and provides a measure of the air permeability in liters per square meter per second.
JIS L 1096 is a Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS). It measures the air permeability of woven and knitted fabrics. It measures the volume of air passing through a set area of the fabric. The test has specific conditions.

What are typical applications for air permeability testers?

Air permeability testing is important for textile manufacturers. It’s a key part of quality control. It ensures that fabrics meet standards and performance requirements. These include breathability, comfort, and function.

The permeability meter is used in fabric development and research. It evaluates how different fabric structures, compositions, and finishes impact air permeability. This helps in the development of new fabrics with desired properties

Performance Evaluation

The air test assesses fabric performance in many uses. For example, in sportswear or activewear, high breathability and moisture management are important. They affect comfort and performance. The Shirley air permeability tester can measure the air permeability. It does this to find out if the fabric is suitable for such uses.

Air permeability testing is crucial in the filtration industry. Fabrics are used as filter media there. It helps determine the filtration efficiency and airflow of filter fabrics. These fabrics are for air filters, liquid filters, and dust collections.

Medical Textiles

Air permeability testing is used in medical textiles. It tests how breathable the fabrics are. They are used in surgical gowns, masks, and other healthcare products. It ensures that the fabrics allow proper airflow and reduce the risk of moisture buildup.

Comfort Evaluation

Air permeability is closely related to the comfort of textiles. The machine measures air permeability. It helps assess the breathability of fabrics. This includes their ventilation and thermal comfort. They are used in clothing, bedding, and upholstery.

Many industries have specific regulations and standards related to air permeability. These industries include automotive, aerospace, and personal protective equipment. The permeability tester enables manufacturers to ensure compliance with these standards.