Permeability tester C403M

water vapor transmission ratefor oxygen transmission rateair permeability

Overview
The C403M Oxygen and Water Vapor Transmission Test System C403M measures oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) on films, packaging and sheets. Based on a coulometric oxygen sensor and an infrared water vapor sensor (Labthink components), it is designed to meet ASTM D3985, ASTM F1249 and ISO 15106-2 for barrier material evaluation in pharmaceuticals, food, medical devices, chemicals, photovoltaics and electronics.

Product Features

• Integrated OTR and WVTR testing in one instrument with selectable modes: OTR+WVTR, OTR only, WVTR only.
• Single sample mounting runs combined OTR and WVTR tests automatically to avoid cross-contamination.
• Simultaneous evaluation of OTR and WVTR on the same sample for consistent results.

Core Sensor: Coulometric Oxygen Sensor

• ppb-level coulometric oxygen sensor (Labthink) for low detection limits and absolute-value measurement per ASTM D3985.
• No routine calibration required; extended service life versus traditional sensors.
• High oxygen absorption efficiency within the stated range (≈95–98%).

Core Sensor: Infrared Water Vapor Sensor

• Labthink infrared WVTR sensor designed to ASTM F1249 requirements.
• Non-consumable design for long service life and built-in over-limit alarm and protection.

Temperature, Humidity and Gas Control

• 360° airflow circulation constant-temperature technology for stable thermal conditions.
• Automated control of carrier gas flow and temperature during testing for improved accuracy.
• Humidity generation based on NIST principles and high-precision temp/humidity sensors for real-time monitoring and recording.
• Optional GP-02 gas purification for ultra-pure nitrogen supply.
• System repeatability achievable to 0.02 cc/(m²·day).

Independent Three-Cell Design

• Drawer-style test cells with automatic sample clamping for fast handling and secure sealing.
• Three independent 50 cm² test cells enable parallel testing of three samples under identical conditions with independent data.
• Increases throughput per test cycle from two to three samples.

Intelligent Control System

• 10" medical-grade touchscreen with desktop OS for straightforward operation.
• Fully automated test sequences with automatic data saving and intelligent alerts from multiple sensors.
• Embedded functions: calendar, multilingual switching, multi-level access control, network port for external access and remote upgrades.

Multi-Instrument Management and Software

• Optional platform software for centralized control of one or multiple instruments and consolidated data management.
• Real-time display of transmission rate, transmission coefficient, temperature and humidity curves; professional test modes for research.
• Optional GMP data traceability and DataShield™ integration for centralized secure data handling.

Energy Efficiency and Operation

• Variable-frequency control technology and low-energy components for reduced power consumption.
• Instrument can operate standalone without a dedicated computer.
• Stable test data without a professional constant-temperature room reduces laboratory construction and operating costs.

Testing Principle
The pretreated sample is clamped between test chambers. Oxygen or humidified gas flows on one side while high‑purity nitrogen flows on the other. Diffused oxygen or water molecules are carried by the nitrogen to the sensor; measured concentrations are used to calculate OTR/WVTR and related results.

Reference Standards

• ASTM D3985; ASTM F1307; GB/T 19789; GB/T 31354; DIN 53380-3; JIS K7126-2-B; YBB 00082003-2015
• ASTM F1249; ISO 15106-2; GB/T 26253; JIS K7129; YBB00092003-2015

Test Applications (Basic / Extended)

• Basic — Films, packaging and sheets: plastic films, composite films, co-extruded and metallized films, aluminum composites, bottles, pouches, cans, boxes, PP/PVC/PVDC sheets, metal foil, silicon wafers.
• Extended — Caps, solar backsheets, pipes (PPR), medical blisters, vehicle fuel tanks, battery housings and other components requiring OTR/WVTR evaluation.

Technical Specifications

• Model: C403M
• Test range (standard area 50 cm²): OTR 0.05–200 cc/(m²·day); WVTR 0.05–40 g/(m²·day)
• Mask area 5 cm² (optional): OTR 0.5–2000; WVTR 0.5–400
• Resolution: 0.0001 cc/(m²·day) and 0.0001 g/(m²·day)
• Repeatability: OTR 0.02 or 1%; WVTR 0.02 or 2% (whichever greater)
• Temperature range: 15–50 °C; fluctuation ±0.2 °C
• Humidity range: 0%, 35–90% ±2% RH
• Test cells: 3 sets (drawer-style, automatic clamping)
• Sample size: 4.2" × 4.2" (10.6 × 10.6 cm)
• Sample thickness: ≤ 120 mil (3 mm)
• Test area: 50 cm²
• Gas: 99.999% N2 and 99.5% O2 (user-supplied)
• Gas source pressure: ≥ 40.6 PSI / 280 kPa
• Port size: 1/8" metal pipe
• Dimensions (H×W×D): 30.7" × 14.1" × 26.7" (78 × 36 × 68 cm)
• Power: 120 VAC ±10% 60 Hz or 220 VAC ±10% 50 Hz
• Net weight: 176 lbs (80 kg)
• Standard configuration: instrument host, sampler, vacuum grease, Φ4 mm polyurethane tube
• Options: GP-02 gas purifier; DataShield™; GMP computer system; CFR 21 Part 11 support; software; computer; air compressor