Air Permeability Tester

This Air Permeability Test Apparatus can be directly connected to smartphones, computers, and enterprise ERP or laboratory LIMS systems, can directly transmit air permeability test reports, and related parties can view the test situation and air permeability test results, and it is also very convenient since you can select the Air Permeability Test Standards and Air Permeability Units from the screen. If you want to know more about air permeability testing or air permeability tester prices, please contact us now.

To ensure better air permeability test results for your fabric samples, consider the following best practices based on the information from various sources:

1. Sample Preparation

Select Representative Samples: Choose samples that accurately represent the fabric type and structure you want to test. Ensure they are free from defects.

Proper Cutting: Cut samples to the required dimensions specified by the testing standards (e.g., ISO 9073:15). Avoid wrinkles, folds, or creases that could affect airflow.

Conditioning: Precondition samples in a controlled environment (typically at 20°C and 65% relative humidity) for at least 24 hours to stabilize moisture content and temperature.

2. Standardized Testing Conditions

Temperature and Humidity Control: Maintain consistent temperature and humidity during testing to eliminate variations in fabric properties that could influence results

Edge Treatment: Trim edges neatly to prevent fraying and ensure a proper seal during testing. Use sealing materials if necessary to minimize edge leakage.

3. Equipment Calibration

Regular Calibration: Ensure that the air permeability testing apparatus is calibrated according to manufacturer guidelines or industry standards. Regular checks help maintain accuracy and reliability of results

4. Proper Setup and Clamping

Secure Mounting: Affix samples securely in the test apparatus, ensuring they are flat and centered without any gaps around the edges. This prevents air leakage that could skew results

Pressure Differential Management: Set the specified pressure differential accurately before starting the test. Follow recommended pressure levels (e.g., typically around 125 Pa) to avoid distortion or turbulence in airflow

5. Conduct Multiple Tests

Replicate Testing: Perform multiple tests on different samples or locations within the same sample to account for variability. Average the results for a more reliable measurement

Documentation: Maintain detailed records of each test, including conditions, sample details, and any deviations from standard procedures.

6. Data Interpretation

Understand Standards: Familiarize yourself with relevant testing standards (e.g., ASTM D737, ISO 9073) to ensure compliance and accurate interpretation of results

Analyze Results Thoroughly: Compare results against established benchmarks for air permeability to assess performance effectively.

By implementing these practices, you can enhance the accuracy and reliability of air permeability testing for your fabric samples, leading to better insights into their performance characteristics in real-world applications.

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

1. 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).

The Air Permeability Tester for fabric utilizes the following air permeability 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.

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.

For textiles, air permeability testing determines breathability, which is critical for comfort in clothing, particularly in sportswear, protective gear, and outdoor apparel. It also impacts performance in filtration systems and insulation materials.

Common standards include:

• ASTM D737 for textiles
• ISO 9237 for textiles and fabrics
• DIN 53887 for nonwoven fabrics
• BS EN 12114 for building materials
• ISO 5636 for paper and packaging materials Different industries follow specific standards based on their requirements.

While often used interchangeably, air permeability specifically refers to the rate of airflow through a material under a defined pressure difference. Breathability generally refers to the overall comfort of material in allowing air and moisture vapor to escape, which is a broader concept that may include other factors like moisture-wicking properties and heat dissipation.

Yes, textile manufacturers can control air permeability through material design choices, such as adjusting fiber density, weave patterns, material thickness, and surface treatments. Coatings or membranes may also be applied to reduce air permeability.

The ideal level of air permeability depends on the application. For example, high air permeability is preferred in sportswear for breathability, while lower permeability is desirable in windproof jackets, insulation materials, and some filtration applications. Consulting industry standards and understanding the product’s end use will guide the selection.

Yes, air permeability testing can account for different environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. These factors can influence the material’s performance, so testing under real-world conditions may be necessary to ensure accuracy for specific applications.

The purpose of paper permeability testing is to evaluate the resistance of paper to airflow through its pores, or the ability of paper to allow air to pass through. This test is important in paper production, quality control, and applications, and its main objectives include the following:

Assessing the pore structure and density of paper

Purpose: Air permeability testing can help determine the size and number of pores in a paper and their distribution. The pore structure has a significant impact on the performance of paper, with denser paper having lower air permeability and vice versa. Different paper types require different air permeability depending on the application, and the test can help determine the scenario in which the paper is suitable.

Applications: This test is particularly useful in the production of writing paper, printing paper, tissue paper, filter paper, etc

Printability Evaluation

Purpose: Air permeability directly affects the ink absorption of paper. In the printing process, the paper permeability is appropriate in order to make the ink uniform penetration and drying, to ensure the quality of printing. If the air permeability of the paper is too strong or too weak, it may lead to poor printing results.

Application: Printing materials such as newspapers, magazines, books, and wrapping paper need to be tested for air permeability to ensure that the paper has good printing performance.

Evaluation of Filtration Performance

Purpose: For certain special-purpose papers, such as filter papers, tea bag papers, cigarette papers, etc., air permeability directly affects their filtration performance. These papers need to be able to allow a moderate amount of air and liquid to pass through without compromising their primary filtration function.

Application: Air permeability testing of filter paper can help optimize its filtration performance so that it can effectively filter gas or liquid in actual use.

Paper Quality Control

Purpose: Air permeability is one of the important indexes of paper’s physical properties. Through air permeability testing, we can monitor whether the production process of paper is stable and ensure that the product meets the quality standards. If the air permeability of the paper deviates greatly, it may indicate a problem with the production process and require adjustment.

Application: Paper manufacturers usually conduct air permeability tests on a regular basis as part of product quality control.

Adapting to different applications

Packaging applications: Some packaging papers require low air permeability to ensure that the contents of the package are protected from outside air (e.g. food wrappers). Some packaging materials that require air permeability (e.g. fruit wrappers) require moderate permeability.

Tissue paper and paper towels: These products require high air permeability value for comfort and absorbency.

Environmental friendliness and sustainability

Purpose: Air permeability is related to the arrangement of paper fibers, coatings and production processes. Air permeability testing can also be used to study the environmental performance of paper, such as evaluating the breathability of biodegradable materials to meet the requirements for sustainable development.