Asahi Seiko EG01-6-1MR Gurley-Type Air Permeability Tester
| Brand | Asahi Seiko |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | EG01-6-1MR |
| Test Principle | Gurley-type differential pressure method |
| Measurement Units | Gurley seconds (s), air permeability [µm/(Pa·s)] |
| Accuracy | ±2% |
| Measurement Time | Up to 50× faster than conventional constant-volume methods |
| Pressure Source | 0.25 MPa (2.5 kgf/cm²) |
| Display | Red LED digital display |
| Timer Range | 0–999 s |
| Interface | RS-232C |
| Power Supply | AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 320 × 520 × 520 mm |
| Net Weight | 20 kg |
| Compliance | JIS P 8117:2009 |
Overview
The Asahi Seiko EG01-6-1MR Gurley-Type Air Permeability Tester is a precision-engineered instrument designed for rapid, high-reproducibility measurement of air permeability in thin, planar materials. It operates on the Gurley principle—a standardized differential-pressure method defined in JIS P 8117:2009—where airflow through a fixed sample area under controlled upstream pressure is quantified by measuring the time required for a specified volume of air (typically 100 mL) to pass through the specimen. Unlike constant-volume or constant-pressure alternatives, the EG01-6-1MR employs a calibrated orifice and pneumatic timing mechanism that eliminates flow-rate dependency on downstream resistance, thereby delivering superior repeatability (±2% error) and significantly reduced test duration—up to 50 times faster than conventional methods requiring full volumetric displacement. Its robust mechanical architecture, integrated pressure regulation at 0.25 MPa, and red LED digital display ensure stable operation in QC laboratories across paper, nonwovens, filtration media, and lithium-ion battery separator manufacturing.
Key Features
- Gurley-type measurement compliant with JIS P 8117:2009, ensuring regulatory alignment for quality audits and inter-laboratory data comparability
- Dual-parameter output: Gurley seconds (s) for air resistance and derived air permeability in µm/(Pa·s), supporting both legacy reporting and SI-aligned analysis
- Automated pneumatic actuation via solenoid-controlled cylinder—initiated with a single button press—minimizing operator influence on timing accuracy
- Adjustable timer range (0–999 s) accommodates ultra-low-permeability membranes (e.g., Li-ion separators) and highly porous substrates (e.g., medical nonwovens)
- RS-232C serial interface enables direct data logging to LIMS or Excel-based QA databases; compatible with standard terminal emulation protocols
- Compact footprint (320 × 520 × 520 mm) and lightweight design (20 kg) facilitate integration into constrained lab spaces without sacrificing structural rigidity
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The EG01-6-1MR accepts circular specimens with standardized diameters (typically 38 mm or 47 mm per JIS/ISO conventions), secured via precision-machined clamping rings to prevent edge leakage. It is validated for use with paperboard, filter papers, spunbond/meltblown nonwovens, polyolefin microporous films, and ceramic-coated battery separators. All measurements adhere to the physical principles outlined in JIS P 8117:2009 and are traceable to NMIJ (National Metrology Institute of Japan) calibration standards. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11-compliant, its deterministic analog timing circuitry and RS-232C ASCII output support integration into validated environments when paired with compliant data acquisition software featuring audit trails and electronic signatures.
Software & Data Management
The EG01-6-1MR operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded firmware or proprietary software. Measurement results are displayed in real time on a high-contrast red LED screen and transmitted as ASCII-formatted strings (e.g., “GURLEY=12.45s”) via RS-232C at 9600 baud. This architecture ensures long-term compatibility with industrial SCADA systems, LabVIEW-based QA platforms, and custom Python or MATLAB scripts for batch statistical process control (SPC). Users may configure automated CSV export, mean/SD calculation per test series, and pass/fail flagging against user-defined specification limits—all externally managed to maintain instrument-level simplicity and validation stability.
Applications
- Paper & packaging: Quantifying caliper-dependent breathability of kraft linerboard, tissue, and food-grade barrier papers per ISO 5636-5
- Filtration media: Characterizing pressure drop versus flow rate in HVAC filters, HEPA pre-filters, and liquid filtration membranes
- Battery materials: Verifying pore uniformity and tortuosity in PE/PP monolayer and ceramic-coated separators—critical for thermal runaway mitigation
- Medical textiles: Validating microbial barrier performance of surgical gowns and sterilization wraps under ASTM F1670/F1671 protocols
- Automotive composites: Assessing resin infusion rates in carbon fiber preforms during RTM process development
FAQ
What standards does the EG01-6-1MR comply with?
It fully conforms to JIS P 8117:2009 for Gurley-type air permeability testing and supports method adaptation for ISO 5636-5 and TAPPI T 460.
Can the instrument measure both Gurley seconds and air permeability in SI units?
Yes—results are displayed as Gurley seconds (s); air permeability in µm/(Pa·s) is calculated using the built-in conversion formula per JIS P 8117 Annex B.
Is calibration certification included with shipment?
Each unit ships with a factory calibration report traceable to NMIJ reference standards; optional annual recalibration services are available through Asahi Seiko’s authorized service network.
Does the EG01-6-1MR require compressed air supply beyond the internal regulator?
No—it integrates a precision pressure regulator set to 0.25 MPa (2.5 kgf/cm²); only standard shop air (≥0.4 MPa) is needed as input.
How is sample thickness accommodated during clamping?
The dual-stage clamping system applies consistent compressive force regardless of specimen thickness between 0.05 mm and 3.0 mm, minimizing compression-induced porosity changes.
