Drick DRK-1001 Female Hygiene Product Absorption Rate Tester (Compliant with GB/T 8939–2018)

Overview

The Drick DRK-1001 Female Hygiene Product Absorption Rate Tester is a fully automated, standards-compliant instrumentation platform engineered for precise quantification of liquid uptake kinetics in feminine hygiene products—including sanitary napkins, panty liners, and absorbent nonwovens—according to the Chinese national standard GB/T 8939–2018. The instrument implements a gravimetric–chronometric methodology: a standardized test module (127.0 ± 2.5 g, 76 × 80 mm footprint) is positioned directly onto the product’s absorption zone, which is secured on a curved specimen holder replicating anatomical contour. A precisely metered volume (1–50 mL ± 0.1 mL) of synthetic test fluid—formulated per GB/T 8939–2018 Annex A—is dispensed automatically onto the module surface. The integrated high-resolution timer initiates upon contact and records the elapsed time until complete absorption (defined as cessation of visible fluid pooling), yielding an objective, repeatable absorption rate value (mL/s or s/mL, depending on reporting convention). This principle ensures metrological traceability, minimizes operator influence, and supports inter-laboratory comparability.

Key Features

• Full automation of module positioning, fluid dispensing, timing, and data logging—eliminating manual intervention during critical measurement phases.
• Motorized vertical actuation system with adjustable descent speed (50–200 mm/min) ensures consistent contact force and avoids sample compression artifacts.
• Medical-grade silicone gel coating on the test module surface provides controlled, physiologically relevant interface friction and wetting behavior—critical for mimicking real-world adhesion and capillary ingress dynamics.
• STMicroelectronics 32-bit embedded control board delivers deterministic real-time operation, firmware upgradability, and robust electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) per IEC 61326-1.
• Imported linear motion rails guarantee positional repeatability < ±2 µm over full stroke, supporting long-term calibration stability.
• Integrated precision bubble level and machined granite-equivalent base plate ensure mechanical orthogonality and minimize tilt-induced measurement bias.
• Quick-release specimen holder design enables under-60-second changeover between test configurations—essential for high-throughput QC environments.
• 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with dual-language (English/Chinese) GUI, menu-driven navigation, and password-protected configuration access.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DRK-1001 accommodates standard-format sanitary pads (length ≤ 300 mm, width ≤ 180 mm) and panty liners mounted on its 230 × 80 mm curved support. Nonwoven substrates, laminated composites, and superabsorbent polymer (SAP)-integrated structures are routinely tested without modification. All hardware, software logic, and procedural workflows conform strictly to GB/T 8939–2018 Clause 6 (Test Method for Absorption Rate). While not certified to ISO/IEC 17025, the system is designed to support GLP-aligned documentation practices—including audit trails, user authentication logs, and electronic signature-capable result export—facilitating integration into ISO 9001 or GMP-regulated quality systems. Raw timing data and metadata (test date, operator ID, sample ID, environmental temperature/humidity if logged externally) are stored in CSV and PDF report formats compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed with validated IT infrastructure.

Software & Data Management

The embedded firmware supports local storage of ≥10,000 test records with timestamp, parameter set ID, and pass/fail flags based on user-defined thresholds. Export options include USB flash drive transfer of raw .CSV files and formatted .PDF reports containing graphical trend plots (absorption curve overlay), statistical summaries (mean, SD, CV%), and instrument calibration status. No cloud connectivity or remote telemetry is implemented—ensuring data sovereignty and alignment with industrial cybersecurity policies. Firmware updates are performed via signed binary upload through the touchscreen interface, with version rollback capability and checksum validation.

Applications

• Quality control release testing of finished hygiene products against internal specifications and GB/T 8939–2018 acceptance criteria.
• R&D evaluation of SAP distribution uniformity, topsheet hydrophilicity, and acquisition layer architecture.
• Comparative benchmarking of competitive products in third-party contract laboratories.
• Process validation for converting lines—correlating absorption performance with adhesive application weight, embossing depth, or thermal bonding parameters.
• Stability studies tracking absorption kinetics degradation under accelerated aging (e.g., 40°C/75% RH for 90 days).

FAQ

What synthetic test fluid is required for GB/T 8939–2018 compliance?
A saline–glycerol–surfactant solution formulated per GB/T 8939–2018 Annex A (0.9% NaCl, 1.0% glycerol, 0.1% Tween 80 in deionized water) must be used. Pre-mixed certified reference fluids are available from accredited suppliers.
Can the DRK-1001 measure absorption under load?
No. The standard GB/T 8939–2018 method specifies zero-applied load during absorption; optional load modules are not supported by this model.
Is calibration verification traceable to national standards?
Yes. Mass calibration uses NIST-traceable weights; timer accuracy is verified against a cesium-beam frequency standard (±0.005 s/day); volumetric dispensing is validated using Class A borosilicate burettes.
Does the system support multi-sample batch testing?
It operates sequentially per sample. Batch processing is enabled via manual loading of successive specimens—no robotic auto-loader is integrated.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Linear rail lubrication every 6 months; silicone gel surface inspection before each shift; annual verification of dispensing volume accuracy and timer resolution using external metrology tools.