A self-contained cross-flow gas permeation device called the Membrane Permeation Analyzer (MPA Horizon) was created to study the competitive permeation of gases and vapors through barrier films and membranes.
It ensures a comprehensive assessment of membrane performance by testing important parameters including oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and having multi-component analysis capabilities.
The environment’s characteristics, particularly temperature and humidity, can affect how easily gases or vapors pass through most membranes. Gas/vapor permeation and permeation kinetics can be tested in real-world settings, thanks to the MPA Horizon.
MPA Horizon Introduction with Dr. Sean McIntyre
Looking for Greater Efficiency?
The MPA Horizon tackles the significant obstacles that researchers encounter while assessing the efficacy of barrier membranes. It offers crucial information on material performance by precisely monitoring the rates at which oxygen, CO2, and water vapor pass through barrier membranes and polymer films.
Researchers can also examine how several environmental factors, like temperature, humidity, and the presence of organic compounds, affect component penetration through membranes using the MPA Horizon. This capacity is essential for comprehending actual permeation behavior and refining materials to improve their barrier qualities.
Image Credit: Surface Measurement Systems Ltd
Multi-Component Permeation Analysis
Analyze intricate gas, vapor, and humidity mixtures all at once to gain a thorough grasp of how well a material performs in a variety of settings.
High Sensitivity Sensors
The MPA Horizon provides accurate measurements of CO2, oxygen, and water vapor transmission rates using its sophisticated sensors. Characterizing the efficacy of polymers as barrier materials requires accurate and trustworthy data, which these high sensitivity sensors provide.
Measurement of Permeation Kinetics
To comprehend dynamic interactions and optimize materials for better barrier qualities, track and evaluate permeation kinetics over time.
Mimics Real-World Conditions
Accurately predicts material performance in real-world applications by simulating changing temperatures, humidity levels, and organic compound concentration.
Precise Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) Measurement
Water vapor transmission rates between 0.05 and 500 g/m2/day (80 cm2) are accurately measured.
Tunable Mass Flow Controllers (MFCs)
Precisely regulate and modify gas flow rates, guaranteeing repeatable, consistent outcomes that can be used in a variety of research projects.
Benefits:
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Real-World Conditions
Analyze different temperatures, humidity levels, and organic compounds to forecast material performance.
Multicomponent Analysis
Examine intricate gas, vapor, and humidity mixtures to gain a thorough understanding.
Variable Sample Thickness
Allows for sample thicknesses ranging from millimeters to micrometers for a variety of material investigations.
High-Temperature Capability
To examine temperature-dependent permeation behaviors, heat samples to 150 °C.
Cross-Flow Configuration
Use carrier gases such as helium or nitrogen for accurate control and effective gas flow.
User-Friendly Interface
Use software and controls that are easy to understand to streamline setup and operation.
Rapid Results
Save important time on research and development by obtaining fast and precise results.
High Reproducibility
For trustworthy data, make sure that various tests yield consistent results.
Capabilities:
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- Sample sizes range from tiny to large, with a diameter of up to 11 cm
- On the feed side, there are five gas mixing inlets for gases, solvents, and humidity
- Creation of O2, CO2, or water vapor (>90% RH) single component flows in a carrier gas
- Multicomponent permeation and humidity, vapor, and gas detection
- To replicate real-world conditions, the sample is locally heated between 10 and 150 ℃
- Switching between the feed and permeate streams for detection
Applications:
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- Carbon capture with membranes
- Packaging film testing
- Cosmetics (contact lenses and wound dressings)
- Membrane testing labs
- Electronics encapsulation
- Pharmaceuticals
Specifications
Construction Materials
Custom-built manifold: 316 stainless steel
Tubing: 1/16 or 1/8 inch 316 stainless steel
Seals: Viton® or equivalent, Kalrez® optional
Gas Flow Control
Calibrated gases N2, CO2, He, O2, Ar
Control Range 0-200 SCCM
Turn-down Ratio up to 1000:1
Temperature Control
Incubator control
Control Range: 5 °C to 60 °C
Controls entire generation and measurement system
Control Accuracy: ±0.2 °C
Local Sample Heater
Heated diameter: 120 mm
Control Range: 10 °C to 150 °C
Control Accuracy: ±1 °C
Sample Dimensions
Variable sample diameter
Thickness <0.5 mm
Standard width 11 cm
Humidity Generation
Water Reservoirs
50 mL easy-change reservoir
Heated to avoid evaporative cooling
Generation
0 – 98% for 5-60 ℃
Measurement
Measurement Range 0-100% RH
Accuracy (40-85 ℃) ± 1.5% RH
Accuracy (5-40 ℃) ± 0.8% RH
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Gas and Vapor Sensors
CO2 Measurement
Accuracy: Exact 3 or 0.05 %vol. of inlet concentration
0 – 25% vol, atmospheric pressure
Organics Measurement
0 – 98% for 5-60 ℃
Low-range sensor 1 ppb-40 ppm
Mid-range sensor 0-4000 ppm
High-range sensor 0-10000 ppm
TCD Gas Measurement
Measurement Range 0-100%
O2 Measurement
Measurement range 0-100%
Accuracy (<1% O2) ± 0.02%
Accuracy (100% O2) ± 2%
WVTR Measurement
(80 cm2) 0.05 – 500 g m-2 day-1
System Information
Weight: 80 kg (180 lb)
Dimensions: 520 mm (W) × 980 mm (H) × 610 mm (D)
Electrical: 200 – 240 v, 50/60 Hz, 1500 VA
System Software
Instrument Control Software
- Temperature changes in a single experiment
- Powerful custom methods and sequences
- Live data view and plotting
- Multiple component permeation and detection
- Full control over parameters
- Multiple concentration or temperature cycles
MPA Analysis Software
- Calculation of diffusion lag time
- Easy graphical plotting
- Permeability calculations
- Calculation of water vapor transmission rate (WVTR)
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Schematics
Image Credit: Surface Measurement Systems Ltd
Standard Compliance
The MPA Horizon complies with:
Oxygen:
F-1307-20
F2622-08 (Reapproved 2013)
CO2:
F2476-20
ISO 15105-2
H2O:
ISO 15106-1
Bring the Power of the MPA Horizon to Your Lab
The MPA Horizon is the preferred device for accurate cross-flow analysis of films and membranes.
Image Credit: Surface Measurement Systems Ltd