Labthink C303H Infrared-Based Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) Tester
| Brand | Labthink |
|---|---|
| Model | C303H |
| Measurement Principle | Infrared Detection (ASTM F1249 / ISO 15106-2) |
| Test Range | 0.02–40 g/(m²·day) @ 50 cm² |
| Resolution | 0.0001 g/(m²·day) |
| Repeatability | ±0.02 g/(m²·day) or ±2%, whichever is greater |
| Temperature Control | 15–50 °C (±0.05 °C stability) |
| RH Control | 5–90 %RH (±2 %RH) |
| Sample Size | 11.2 cm × 11.2 cm |
| Max Thickness | 3 mm |
| Carrier Gas | 99.999% N₂ (user-supplied, ≥280 kPa) |
| Power | 120/220 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
| Dimensions | 600 × 500 × 700 mm |
| Weight | 100 kg |
Overview
The Labthink C303H Infrared-Based Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) Tester is a precision-engineered instrument designed for quantitative determination of water vapor permeation through polymeric films, laminates, and rigid sheets used in high-integrity packaging applications. It operates on the principle of modulated infrared (IR) absorption spectroscopy—where water vapor molecules traversing a test specimen are swept by dry nitrogen carrier gas into an IR detection cell. The intensity of absorbed IR radiation at 2.6 µm is linearly proportional to water vapor concentration, enabling trace-level quantification with sub-milligram sensitivity. This non-destructive, non-consumable sensing method complies fully with ASTM F1249 (Standard Test Method for Water Vapor Transmission Rate Through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a Modulated Infrared Sensor) and ISO 15106-2 (Plastics — Film and sheeting — Determination of water vapour transmission rate — Part 2: Infrared detection method), ensuring regulatory acceptability across global pharmaceutical, food, medical device, and electronics sectors.
Key Features
- Triple independent test chambers (50 cm² each), enabling simultaneous, statistically independent WVTR measurements per ASTM/ISO parallel-sample requirements.
- Patented Labthink infrared moisture sensor with no consumables, >10-year operational lifespan, and detection limit down to 0.02 g/(m²·day).
- 360° circumferential air circulation thermal management system delivering ±0.05 °C temperature stability across full 15–50 °C operating range.
- Integrated high-accuracy capacitive RH sensors and platinum RTD temperature probes for real-time environmental monitoring and closed-loop control of both sides of the test specimen.
- Automated sample loading via drawer-style chamber actuation with audible/visual confirmation and pneumatically assisted sealing (consistent clamping force, <0.5% inter-test variance).
- Dedicated industrial-grade Windows-based 12-inch touchscreen HMI with embedded computing architecture—immune to OS-level malware, supporting audit-trail-capable data storage compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when configured with optional DataShield™ module.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The C303H accommodates flat, non-porous, and semi-crystalline barrier materials up to 3 mm thickness and 11.2 cm × 11.2 cm dimension—including biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) coextrusions, aluminum foil laminates, metallized PET, PVDC-coated paperboard, silicone-rubber elastomers, and thin-film photovoltaic encapsulants. It meets essential compliance frameworks: USP for container closure integrity, ISO 11607-1 for sterile medical packaging validation, YBB00092003-2015 (Chinese Pharmacopoeia), JIS K7129 (Japan), and GB/T 26253 (China). Its traceable calibration protocol supports GLP and GMP environments, with documented uncertainty budgets aligned to ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for accredited testing laboratories.
Software & Data Management
The instrument runs Labthink’s proprietary WinWVTR v5.x software—designed for regulated environments. It provides automated test setup (temperature, RH, duration), real-time curve plotting of cumulative transmission vs. time, slope-based WVTR calculation per ASTM F1249 Annex A1, and statistical reporting (mean, SD, RSD, confidence intervals). All raw sensor outputs, environmental logs, and operator actions are timestamped and stored in encrypted SQLite databases. Optional CFR 21 Part 11 compliance package includes electronic signatures, role-based access control, immutable audit trails, and 21-day automatic backup rotation. Export formats include CSV, PDF reports (with lab header/logo), and XML for LIMS integration.
Applications
This system serves as a primary qualification tool for barrier performance validation in multiple verticals: food packaging R&D (e.g., snack pouches, dairy cup lids), pharmaceutical blister and pouch development (aluminum/PVC cold-forming foils), sterile barrier systems for Class III devices, OLED display encapsulation film screening, and moisture-sensitive battery separator evaluation. It supports accelerated aging studies via controlled T/RH stress conditions and enables comparative analysis of hydrophilic starch-based biopolymers versus conventional petroleum-derived barriers—critical for sustainability-driven packaging innovation.
FAQ
What standards does the C303H comply with?
ASTM F1249, ISO 15106-2, GB/T 26253, JIS K7129, and YBB00092003-2015.
Is nitrogen gas supplied with the instrument?
No—99.999% pure nitrogen must be provided externally at ≥280 kPa inlet pressure.
Can the C303H test curved or textured samples?
No—it is validated exclusively for flat, dimensionally stable specimens meeting ISO-defined flatness tolerances.
What is the minimum detectable WVTR value?
0.02 g/(m²·day) under standard 50 cm² test area and 38 °C / 90% RH conditions.
Does the system support IQ/OQ/PQ documentation?
Yes—Labthink provides full qualification protocols and templates aligned with ASTM E2500 and EU Annex 15 for installation, operational, and performance qualification.
