SDL Atlas DryRate 201 Thermal Plate Moisture Evaporation Rate Tester

Overview

The SDL Atlas DryRate 201 Thermal Plate Moisture Evaporation Rate Tester is an ASTM- and AATCC-compliant instrument engineered for objective, repeatable quantification of moisture management performance in textile fabrics. It operates on the principle of controlled thermal evaporation: a precisely heated metal plate (maintained at 37 °C ± 0.3 °C to simulate human skin surface temperature) serves as a thermally stable substrate. A standardized volume of deionized water is applied to the underside of a conditioned fabric specimen, which is then placed in direct contact with the heated plate. A regulated laminar airflow—measured in real time by an integrated high-accuracy hot-wire anemometer—is directed across the fabric’s upper surface. As moisture evaporates, latent heat loss induces a measurable decline in fabric surface temperature, captured continuously via a non-contact infrared thermopile sensor calibrated to ±0.1 °C. The system records the full temperature-time profile, from initial wetting through complete dryness, enabling calculation of drying time (DT), drying rate (g/m²·min), and evaporation efficiency (%). This methodology directly aligns with AATCC Test Method 201–2022 (“Moisture Evaporation Rate of Textiles”) and supports comparative evaluation under GLP-aligned test conditions.

Key Features

• Thermal plate with PID-controlled heating (37 °C ± 0.3 °C) and embedded platinum RTD feedback for long-term stability
• Integrated laminar airflow system with adjustable velocity range (0.1–2.0 m/s), monitored via traceable hot-wire anemometer (NIST-traceable calibration certificate available)
• Non-contact infrared surface temperature monitoring using a calibrated thermopile sensor (spectral response: 5–14 µm; field of view: 25 mm diameter)
• Automated fluid delivery module with gravimetric dosing accuracy ±1% of set volume (typical water volume: 0.5–2.0 mL per test)
• 7-inch capacitive touchscreen HMI with multi-language support (English, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Turkish) and intuitive parameter configuration
• Closed-loop environmental control architecture ensuring reproducible test conditions across ambient temperature fluctuations (15–30 °C) and relative humidity (30–65% RH)
• Onboard data logging (≥10,000 test records) with timestamped CSV export and USB/RS-232 connectivity for external PC integration

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DryRate 201 accommodates flat, flexible textile specimens measuring 100 mm × 100 mm (standard) or 150 mm × 150 mm (optional fixture). Compatible materials include woven, knitted, nonwoven, and laminated fabrics—provided they exhibit sufficient dimensional stability under thermal and hygric stress. Specimen mounting uses a low-profile clamping frame that ensures uniform thermal contact without compression-induced capillary distortion. The instrument conforms to AATCC TM201–2022 requirements for plate temperature uniformity, airflow characterization, and measurement repeatability (within-lab CV ≤ 3.2% for DT across five replicates). It also supports alignment with ISO 11092 (textile physiological properties) and ASTM D737 (air permeability), when used in conjunction with complementary instrumentation. All firmware and calibration protocols are documented per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 7.7 (measurement traceability).

Software & Data Management

The embedded controller runs proprietary DryRate OS v3.2 firmware, supporting audit-trail-enabled operation compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 principles (user authentication, electronic signatures, immutable event logs). Test parameters—including water volume, airflow velocity, plate temperature setpoint, and acquisition interval—are stored with metadata (operator ID, date/time, sample ID). Raw temperature-time datasets are exportable in ASCII CSV format, compatible with MATLAB, Python (Pandas), and industry-standard statistical analysis platforms (e.g., JMP, Minitab). Optional DryRate Connect software (Windows-based) enables centralized fleet management, automated report generation (PDF/Excel), trend charting over time, and deviation alerts based on user-defined specification limits. Calibration history and sensor drift compensation coefficients are retained in-device and synchronized during firmware updates.

Applications

• Performance validation of moisture-wicking sportswear, activewear, and military uniforms
• R&D screening of hydrophilic/hydrophobic finish efficacy and durability after laundering (AATCC TM135)
• Quality assurance of medical textiles (e.g., surgical gowns, wound dressings) per ISO 20743 and AAMI PB70
• Comparative assessment of biodegradable and recycled fiber blends in sustainable apparel development
• Correlation studies between evaporation kinetics and subjective wearer comfort scores (e.g., ISO 11092 psychophysical panels)
• Supporting technical claims for OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 and bluesign® certification documentation

FAQ

What standards does the DryRate 201 validate against?

It is fully aligned with AATCC Test Method 201–2022 and supports implementation of ISO 11092, ASTM D737, and ISO 20743 where applicable.
Can test parameters be modified during runtime?

No—parameters are locked at test initiation to ensure method integrity; however, pre-test configuration allows full customization of water volume, airflow, and dwell time.
Is external PC hardware required for basic operation?

No—the 7-inch touchscreen enables standalone testing, reporting, and data review; PC connectivity is optional for advanced analytics and LIMS integration.
How frequently must the infrared sensor be recalibrated?

Annual NIST-traceable recalibration is recommended; onboard self-diagnostic routines verify optical path integrity before each test cycle.
Does the system support GLP-compliant audit trails?

Yes—firmware enforces role-based access control, immutable electronic records, and timestamped operator actions per 21 CFR Part 11 Subpart B.