HARKE HK-T700 Gas Permeability Tester

Overview

The HARKE HK-T700 Gas Permeability Tester is an advanced, vacuum-based instrumentation system engineered for precise and reproducible measurement of gas transmission rates (GTR) through thin-film and sheet materials. It operates on the principle of coulometric detection combined with controlled vacuum differential pressure, conforming to the fundamental physical model described in ASTM D1434 and ISO 2556—where gas permeation is quantified as the steady-state volume of gas passing per unit area, per unit time, under defined temperature and partial pressure gradient conditions. Designed specifically for packaging R&D labs, quality control departments in pharmaceutical and food manufacturing, and advanced material development facilities, the HK-T700 delivers traceable, standards-compliant data for oxygen transmission rate (OTR), carbon dioxide transmission rate (CO₂TR), nitrogen transmission rate (NTR), and related permeation parameters including permeability coefficient (P), diffusion coefficient (D), and solubility coefficient (S). Its modular architecture supports operation across a wide range of test gases—including O₂, N₂, CO₂, He, H₂, CH₄, NH₃—and accommodates both standard and custom pressure regimes (0–20 kPa, extendable upon specification).

Key Features

• Vacuum-mode testing platform compliant with GB/T 1038, ISO 15105-1, ASTM D1434, JIS K7126-1, and YBB00082003
• Single-test-chamber configuration optimized for cost-efficiency without compromising metrological integrity
• High-precision imported electrochemical gas sensors with long-term stability and <0.5% RSD repeatability
• Original imported fluidic path components rated for ultra-high-barrier materials (e.g., AlOx-coated PET, SiOx-laminates, metallized foils)
• TFT true-color LCD touchscreen interface with tactile-responsive membrane keypad and intuitive navigation
• Embedded 32-bit ARM processor running real-time OS; supports continuous 24-bit Δ-Σ ADC sampling at ≥1 kHz
• Full automation: auto-calibration (vacuum baseline & certified reference film), auto-zeroing, and one-touch test initiation
• Real-time graphical display of permeation curves, pressure decay profiles, and transient flux behavior
• Integrated support for vacuum-level calibration, standard membrane validation, and multi-point drift compensation
• Standard RS232/USB interfaces compliant with IEEE 11073 and ASTM E1384 for secure, timestamped data export

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HK-T700 accommodates rigid and flexible specimens up to 5 mm thick and 0.025 in² (16.1 cm²) effective test area. Compatible substrates include—but are not limited to—aluminum foil laminates, PVDC-coated films, LDPE/EVOH coextrusions, pharmaceutical blister foils (PVC, cold-formable aluminum), battery separators (polyolefin microporous membranes), biodegradable polymers (PLA, PHA), aerospace barrier composites, and synthetic biomembranes. All test configurations adhere to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) requirements, with full audit trail capability when paired with optional DSM Laboratory Data Management System (LIMS). The instrument meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Class B per IEC 61326-1 and electrical safety standards per IEC 61010-1. For hazardous gases (e.g., H₂, NH₃, CH₄), pre-test risk assessment and external gas handling certification are required per local occupational health regulations.

Software & Data Management

The embedded firmware provides native support for GLP/GMP-aligned data integrity: each test record includes operator ID, timestamp, environmental chamber temperature/humidity (when interfaced), sensor calibration history, raw ADC counts, and derived permeation metrics. Export formats include CSV (ISO 8601 timestamps), XML (ASTM E1384-compliant), and PDF reports with digital signature fields. Optional DSM LIMS integration enables centralized user access control, role-based permissions, electronic signatures per FDA 21 CFR Part 11, and automated report generation aligned with internal SOPs or regulatory submission templates (e.g., CMC sections of IND/NDA dossiers). All software modules undergo annual verification against NIST-traceable permeation standards.

Applications

This system serves critical functions across regulated and industrial sectors: evaluating shelf-life prediction models for retort pouches and sterile barrier systems; validating OTR specifications of medical device packaging per ISO 11607; characterizing ion transport resistance in lithium-ion battery separators; benchmarking biodegradation kinetics of compostable films under modified atmospheres; and supporting DOE-funded research on next-generation hydrogen barrier coatings for fuel cell membranes. Routine use cases span QC release testing of pharmaceutical blister cards, incoming inspection of automotive interior trim films, and accelerated aging correlation studies under variable RH/temperature profiles.

FAQ

What gases can be tested with the HK-T700?
Oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium, hydrogen, methane, propane, butane, and ammonia—subject to pre-qualification of gas handling infrastructure and safety documentation.
Is the instrument compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
Yes, when deployed with the optional DSM LIMS module and configured with electronic signature workflows, audit trails, and role-based access controls.
Can the HK-T700 measure permeability coefficients directly?
Yes—the system calculates permeability coefficient (P), diffusion coefficient (D), and solubility coefficient (S) automatically using Fick’s law derivations and user-input thickness/temperature data.
What is the minimum detectable OTR value?
Detection limit is application-dependent but typically reaches ≤0.5 cm³/m²·day·atm for high-barrier films when using extended stabilization protocols and certified reference standards.
Does the system require external vacuum pumps or gas sources?
Yes—a certified oil-free vacuum pump (≥0.1 mbar ultimate vacuum) and regulated, filtered gas supply are mandatory; gas cylinders must be equipped with dual-stage regulators and leak-tested prior to connection.