Labthink C306H Infrared-Based Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) Tester for Biodegradable Films and Packaging Materials
| Brand | Labthink |
|---|---|
| Model | C306H |
| Measurement Principle | Infrared Detection of Water Vapor |
| Standards Compliance | ASTM F1249, ISO 15106-2, GB/T 26253, JIS K7129, YBB00092003-2015 |
| Test Area | 50 cm² (standard), optional 5 cm² or 1 cm² MASK fixtures |
| WVTR Range | 0.02–40 g/(m²·day) [50 cm²], 0.2–400 g/(m²·day) [5 cm²], 1–2000 g/(m²·day) [1 cm²] |
| Resolution | 0.0001 g/(m²·day) |
| Repeatability | ±0.02 g/(m²·day) or ±2%, whichever is greater |
| Temperature Range | 15–50 °C (standard), 5–60 °C (optional) |
| Temp. Stability | ±0.15 °C |
| Humidity Range | 100% RH, or 5–90% RH ±2% RH |
| Test Chambers | 6 independent |
| Sample Size | 11.2 cm × 11.2 cm |
| Max. Sample Thickness | 3 mm |
| Carrier Gas | 99.999% N₂, ≥280 kPa inlet pressure |
| Power Supply | 120 VAC ±10% / 60 Hz or 220 VAC ±10% / 50 Hz |
| Dimensions | 600 × 490 × 660 mm |
| Weight | 100 kg |
Overview
The Labthink C306H is a high-precision, six-chamber infrared-based water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) tester engineered for rigorous permeation analysis of polymeric films, biodegradable packaging materials, laminates, foils, and rigid sheets. It operates on the principle of dynamic carrier gas detection: a controlled humidity gradient is established across a conditioned specimen—humid nitrogen flows on the upstream side, while dry nitrogen sweeps the downstream side. Water vapor permeating through the sample is transported by the dry carrier gas to a non-consumable, proprietary infrared moisture sensor. The sensor converts differential absorption of near-infrared light (at characteristic H₂O absorption bands) into quantitative water vapor concentration signals, enabling direct calculation of WVTR in g/(m²·day) with trace-level sensitivity and long-term stability.
Key Features
- Six independent test chambers, each with a standardized 50 cm² exposure area—triple the throughput of conventional single- or dual-chamber instruments.
- Labthink’s patented solid-state infrared moisture sensor: non-dispersive, non-consumable, with a detection limit as low as 0.02 g/(m²·day) and operational lifetime exceeding 10 years under routine use.
- “Rainbow Bridge” chamber architecture featuring 360° circumferential airflow and PID-controlled thermal management, achieving ±0.15 °C temperature uniformity across all chambers.
- Integrated high-accuracy relative humidity sensors within each test cavity, enabling real-time monitoring and closed-loop control of both upstream humidity and downstream desiccation conditions.
- Automated sample clamping mechanism with consistent pneumatic force (±2% variation), ensuring reproducible seal integrity and eliminating operator-induced variability.
- Embedded industrial-grade Windows-based computing platform with 12-inch capacitive touch interface—immune to consumer OS vulnerabilities, supporting audit-ready data storage and deterministic system behavior.
- Full automation workflow: enter target T/RH setpoints, initiate test, and receive calibrated, timestamped results without manual intervention; includes acoustic/visual alerts for lid status and out-of-range events.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The C306H accommodates a broad spectrum of planar materials relevant to regulated packaging development and quality assurance. Compatible substrates include aluminized PET, PVDC-coated paperboard, PLA-based biodegradable films, silicone-rubber sheets, metallized foils, photovoltaic encapsulant films, and pharmaceutical blister lidding materials. Its mechanical design accepts specimens up to 3 mm thick and 11.2 cm × 11.2 cm in dimension. The system conforms to internationally recognized test standards including ASTM F1249 (for high-barrier films using IR detection), ISO 15106-2 (infrared sensor method), GB/T 26253 (Chinese national standard for plastic film WVTR), JIS K7129 (Japanese industrial standard), and YBB00092003-2015 (Chinese pharmaceutical packaging regulation). Optional CFR 21 Part 11 compliance packages support FDA-regulated environments, delivering electronic signatures, audit trails, and role-based access control aligned with GMP/GLP requirements.
Software & Data Management
Labthink’s proprietary WinWVTR software provides full instrument control, real-time graphing of permeation kinetics, and automated report generation compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation practices. All raw sensor outputs—including flow rates, chamber temperatures, humidity profiles, and time-stamped concentration readings—are archived in encrypted binary format with SHA-256 checksums. DataShield™ optional module enables cryptographic hashing, immutable log files, and export to CSV/PDF with embedded metadata (operator ID, calibration certificate ID, environmental logs). System validation documentation—including IQ/OQ protocols, uncertainty budgets per GUM (Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement), and sensor linearity verification reports—is supplied with each unit.
Applications
The C306H serves critical roles across R&D, QC, and regulatory submission workflows. In food packaging, it quantifies shelf-life limiting moisture ingress in compostable pouches and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) films. For medical device manufacturers, it validates barrier performance of sterile barrier systems per ISO 11607. In pharmaceutical development, it supports container-closure integrity assessment for blister cards and sachets under ICH Q5C stability protocols. Photovoltaic material engineers use it to benchmark ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) encapsulant degradation under damp-heat stress. Additionally, academic researchers apply it to structure-property studies of starch-based nanocomposites and cellulose nanocrystal-reinforced membranes—where ultra-low WVTR values demand sub-0.1 g/(m²·day) resolution and statistical confidence across replicate measurements.
FAQ
What carrier gas is required, and why must it be ultra-high-purity nitrogen?
Ultra-high-purity nitrogen (99.999%) is mandatory to prevent interference from ambient moisture, CO₂, or hydrocarbons that could saturate or poison the infrared sensor. Impurities compromise baseline stability and introduce systematic bias in low-WVTR measurements.
Can the C306H test samples with surface coatings or adhesives?
Yes—provided the coating remains intact and non-permeable during conditioning. The system accommodates coated substrates such as acrylic-laminated PET or epoxy-sealed aluminum foil; however, edge-sealing of multilayer composites is recommended to isolate bulk film permeation from interfacial pathways.
Is temperature and humidity control fully automated during testing?
Yes. Each chamber maintains independent, closed-loop control of temperature (via Peltier + resistive heating) and relative humidity (via saturated salt solutions or precision humidification modules), with continuous feedback from embedded sensors and automatic correction every 2 seconds.
How does the system ensure measurement traceability?
All units are factory-calibrated against NIST-traceable permeation standards (e.g., certified Mylar® reference films). Calibration certificates include expanded uncertainty (k=2), environmental conditions during calibration, and sensor response linearity data across the full dynamic range.
What maintenance is required for the infrared sensor?
None—unlike electrochemical or coulometric sensors, the infrared detector has no consumables, electrolytes, or membranes. Routine maintenance is limited to periodic verification using reference films and cleaning of optical windows with spectroscopic-grade methanol.
