Air Permeability Tester

Air Permeability Tester, also known as Fabric Air Permeability Tester or air Permeability Testing Machine, is a type of gas permeability tester used to measure the air permeability of various textiles including industrial fabrics, nonwovens, and other breathable materials. It is also suitable for testing the air permeability of breathable materials such as paper.

Air permeability is another important factor affecting the comfort of fabrics. Sportswear, windproof, and coldproof clothing have higher requirements for air permeability of fabrics. Some industrial textiles such as parachutes and filter cloths have special requirements for air permeability. The air permeability of fabrics is determined by the number and size of gaps between the warp and weft yarns as well as between the fibers. It also relates to factors such as yarn density, yarn fineness, yarn twist, etc. In addition, it is related to the properties of fibers, yarn structure, fabric thickness, and areal density. The so-called air permeability refers to the performance of a fabric allowing air to pass through when there is a pressure difference on both sides of the fabric. That is, under the specified pressure difference on both sides of the fabric, the volume of air passing through the unit area of the fabric per unit time, the unit being L/mm2s. Because the pressure difference is a necessary condition for air to flow, only when a certain pressure difference is maintained on both sides of the measured fabric, air flow can be generated in the fabric.

1. Air Permeability: It quantifies the ease with which air can pass through a material. It is typically expressed in terms of airflow rate or air permeability index.
2. Pressure Drop: It measures the pressure difference across the material when air is forced through it. This parameter indicates the resistance of the material to airflow.
3. Air Resistance: It is a measure of the obstruction offered by the material to the flow of air. It is often expressed as the pressure drop per unit thickness of the material.
4. Porosity: It quantifies the fraction of empty spaces or voids within the material where air can pass through. Porosity is expressed as a percentage.
5. Pore Size Distribution: It characterizes the size distribution of the pores or openings in the material through which air can permeate. This parameter provides information about the material’s filtration or breathable properties.

The Textile Air Permeability Tester utilizes the following test methods:

• ISO 9237: This is the international standard method for determining the air permeability of fabrics using a constant airflow. It measures the air permeability in terms of the volume of air passing through a known area of the fabric per unit of time.
• ASTM D737: This is the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard test method for air permeability of textile fabrics. It measures the rate of airflow passing perpendicularly through a known area of fabric under specific conditions.
• DIN 53887: This is a German standard method for determining the air permeability of textile fabrics using constant airflow. It is similar to ISO 9237 and provides a measure of the air permeability in liters per square meter per second.
• JIS L 1096: This is a Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) method for determining the air permeability of woven and knitted fabrics. It measures the volume of air passing through a specified area of the fabric under specific test conditions.

1. Woven Fabrics: This includes fabrics made by interlacing warp and weft yarns, such as cotton, polyester, silk, linen, and their blends.
2. Knitted Fabrics: This includes fabrics made by interlocking loops of yarn, such as jersey, rib, interlock, and other knitted constructions.
3. Non-Woven Fabrics: These are fabrics made by bonding or interlocking fibers or filaments, such as spunbond, melt-blown, needle-punched, or air-laid non-wovens.
4. Technical Textiles: This category includes fabrics designed for specific functional purposes, such as filtration fabrics, medical textiles, geotextiles, automotive textiles, and protective textiles.
5. Coated or Laminated Fabrics: These are fabrics that have been treated with coatings or lamination to enhance certain properties such as water resistance, breathability, or flame retardancy.
6. Composite Fabrics: These are fabrics made by combining different types of fibers or materials, such as laminates with a combination of woven and non-woven layers.

1. Quality Control: The air permeability test is an important quality control measure for textile manufacturers. It ensures that fabrics meet specified standards and performance requirements, such as breathability, comfort, and functional properties.
2. Fabric Development and Research: Theair permeability test apparatus is used in fabric development and research to evaluate the impact of different fabric structures, compositions, and finishing treatments on air permeability. This helps in the development of new fabrics with desired properties.
3. Performance Evaluation: The air permeability test helps assess the performance of fabrics in various applications. For example, in sportswear or activewear, high breathability and moisture management are important factors for comfort and performance. The Shirley air permeability tester can measure the air permeability to determine the fabric’s suitability for such applications.
4. Filtration Industry: Air permeability testing is crucial in the filtration industry, where fabrics are used as filter media. It helps determine the filtration efficiency and airflow characteristics of filter fabrics for applications such as air filters, liquid filters, and dust collection systems.
5. Medical Textiles: In medical textiles, an air permeability test is used to evaluate the breathability of fabrics used in surgical gowns, masks, and other healthcare-related products. It ensures that the fabrics allow proper airflow and reduce the risk of moisture buildup.
6. Comfort Evaluation: Air permeability is closely related to the comfort of textiles. By measuring air permeability, the air permeability testing machine helps assess the breathability, ventilation, and thermal comfort of fabrics used in clothing, bedding, and upholstery.
7. Regulatory Compliance: Many industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and personal protective equipment, have specific regulations and standards related to air permeability. The air permeability tester for textiles enables manufacturers to ensure compliance with these standards.