Gas permeability tester C401H

water vapor permeabilitytransmission ratewater vapor transmission rate

Overview
C401H is an integrated test system for measuring oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) based on a ppb-level coulometric oxygen sensor and an infrared water vapor sensor. Designed to meet standards such as ASTM D3985, ASTM F1249 and ISO 15106-2, it is suitable for films, packaging, sheets and similar materials in pharmaceutical, food, medical, electronics and industrial applications.

Product Features

• Single instrument supports combined OTR+WVTR, OTR-only or WVTR-only modes.
• One sample mounting runs both tests to avoid cross-contamination and reduce handling.
• Independent film and package test cells in the same cabinet for direct comparison of samples.

Core Competence: Coulometric Oxygen Sensor

• ppb-level coulometric sensor for very low detection limits.
• Absolute-value test principle per ASTM D3985; no routine calibration required.
• Extended sensor lifetime (~3× conventional sensors) and high oxygen absorption (95–98%).

Core Competence: Infrared Water Vapor Sensor

• Labthink infrared water vapor sensor designed to ASTM F1249.
• Non-consumable design for long service life and built-in over-limit alarms.

Temperature and Humidity Control

• 360° airflow circulation constant-temperature technology for stable test conditions.
• Automated carrier gas flow and temperature control; NIST-based humidity generation for precise RH control.
• High-precision sensors for real-time monitoring and recording.

Testing Films and Packaging

• Dual-function test cell enables fast switching between film and package tests.
• Automatic clamping ensures uniform force and reliable sealing for repeatable results.

Intelligent Control System

• 10" medical-grade touchscreen with desktop OS for intuitive operation.
• Fully automated test sequences with automatic data saving and multi-level access control.
• Network port for external access, data transfer and remote upgrades.

Multi-instrument Management

• Optional platform software for single or multi-host control and centralized management.
• Real-time display of transmission curves, coefficients, temperature and humidity.
• Optional GMP traceability and DataShield™ centralized data management.

Energy Efficiency

• Variable frequency control and low-energy components reduce power consumption.
• Instrument can operate standalone (PC optional), lowering lab setup and O&M costs.

Testing Principle
Pretreated sample is clamped between test chambers. Oxygen (or carrier gas with controlled humidity) flows on one side and high-purity nitrogen on the other. Diffused oxygen or water molecules are transported to the sensor and concentrations are used to calculate OTR/WVTR.

Reference Standards
ASTM D3985; ASTM F1307; GB/T 19789; GB/T 31354; DIN 53380-3; JIS K7126-2-B; ASTM F1249; ISO 15106-2; GB/T 26253; JIS K7129

Test Applications
Basic Applications

• Films: plastic, composite, co-extruded, metallized and aluminum-composite films.
• Packaging: bottles, pouches, cans, boxes and drums in plastic, paper/plastic composites, glass, metal.
• Sheets: PP, PVC, PVDC, metal foils, rubber sheets, silicon wafers.

Extended Applications

• Caps, LCD components, solar backsheet materials, pipes (PPR), medical blisters, sterile dressings, battery housings.

Technical Parameters (selected)
Test area (standard): 50 cm²; OTR range: 0.01–200 cc/(m²·day); WVTR range: 0.005–50 g/(m²·day); Package test ranges: 0.00005–1 cc/(pkg·day) and 0.00002–0.25 g/(pkg·day); Resolution: 0.0001 cc or g/(m²·day); Repeatability: OTR 0.01 cc/(m²·day) or 1% ; WVTR 0.005 g/(m²·day) or 2%; Temperature: 15–50 °C (±0.2 °C); Humidity: 0%, 35%–90% ±2%

Technical Specifications (selected)
Film size: 4.2" × 4.2" (10.6 cm × 10.6 cm); Sample thickness ≤ 3 mm; Container max ≤ Φ100 mm × 250 mm; Test area: 50 cm²; Carrier gas: N2 99.999% (user-supplied); Gas pressure ≥ 40.6 PSI / 280 kPa; Dimensions: 68 × 40 × 68 cm; Weight: 75 kg; Power: 120 VAC 60 Hz or 220 VAC 50 Hz (selectable)

Options & Product Configuration

• Optional: GP-02 gas purifier, DataShield™, GMP computer system, CFR 21 Part 11 module, additional test cells, masks, software and PC.
• Standard configuration: instrument host, sampler, vacuum grease, Φ4 mm polyurethane tube.

Technical Characteristics

• Model: C401H
• Measuring principles: Coulometric oxygen sensor (ppb) + infrared water vapor sensor
• Standards: ASTM D3985, ASTM F1249, ISO 15106-2 and listed national/international standards