HARKE HK-G6 Vacuum-Method Gas Permeability Tester

Overview

The HARKE HK-G6 Vacuum-Method Gas Permeability Tester is an engineered solution for precise, reproducible measurement of gas transmission rates (GTR), permeability coefficients (P), diffusion coefficients (D), and solubility coefficients (S) in flexible and rigid packaging materials. It operates on the fundamental principle of the vacuum-manometric method—where a known test gas is introduced on the high-pressure side of a sealed sample, while the low-pressure side is evacuated to high vacuum. The rate of pressure rise in the downstream chamber is monitored via high-resolution capacitance manometers, enabling direct quantification of gas flux through the specimen under controlled thermal and barometric conditions. This methodology ensures traceable, first-principles-based results compliant with gravimetric and volumetric calibration protocols required for regulatory submissions and quality assurance workflows in regulated industries.

Key Features

• Single-chamber architecture with optional upgrade path to triple independent test stations—enabling parallel evaluation of heterogeneous materials without cross-contamination or thermal crosstalk.
• High-stability temperature control system (5–95 °C, ±0.1 °C) compatible with external recirculating chillers or Peltier-based modules for extended low-temperature testing (e.g., refrigerated food packaging simulation).
• Three programmable test termination modes: proportional threshold, fuzzy logic-based stabilization detection, and fixed-duration protocols—supporting both rapid screening and equilibrium-state characterization.
• Pneumatic clamping mechanism ensures uniform sealing pressure across irregular or low-modulus substrates (e.g., foamed elastomers, hydrogel films), minimizing edge leakage and improving inter-laboratory reproducibility.
• Modular gas handling design supports safe operation with hazardous gases—including H₂, CH₄, NH₃, and C₃/C₄ hydrocarbons—via optional explosion-proof solenoid valves, stainless-steel wetted parts, and integrated gas purge interlocks (requires pre-order specification).
• Wide dynamic range (0.05–160,000 cm³/m²·24h·0.1MPa) accommodates both ultra-high-barrier materials (e.g., AlOx-coated PET, SiOx-laminated films) and highly permeable elastomers or microporous membranes used in battery separators or wound dressings.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HK-G6 accepts flat specimens up to 5 mm thick and ≥48 cm² active area—including laminates, metallized foils, coextrusions, thermoformed trays, rubber compounds, and porous polymeric membranes. Its mechanical design conforms to ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for test equipment validation, and all measurement outputs are traceable to NIST-calibrated pressure and temperature standards. Regulatory compliance includes full alignment with GB/T 1038 (China), ISO 15105-1 (gas permeability of plastics), ISO 2556 (determination of oxygen transmission rate), ASTM D1434 (standard test method for determining gas permeability of plastic film and sheeting), JIS K7126-1 (Japanese industrial standard for gas transmission rate), and YBB00082003 (Chinese pharmaceutical packaging standard). Data integrity meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 expectations when paired with HARKE’s validated software suite featuring electronic signatures, audit trails, and role-based access control.

Software & Data Management

The instrument integrates with HARKE PermeaSoft™ v4.x—a Windows-based application supporting automated method setup, real-time curve visualization, multi-point temperature ramping, and batch reporting in PDF/CSV/XLSX formats. All raw sensor data—including absolute pressure vs. time, temperature logs, and vacuum decay profiles—are stored with metadata (operator ID, calibration certificate ID, environmental conditions). The software implements GLP/GMP-compliant features: user-defined report templates, configurable pass/fail criteria per USP or ISO 11607-1, and encrypted database backups with SHA-256 hashing. Optional network deployment enables centralized data archiving via SQL Server or cloud-hosted SFTP repositories.

Applications

The HK-G6 serves as a primary analytical tool in R&D, QC, and regulatory affairs laboratories across packaging, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, energy storage, and aerospace sectors. Typical use cases include: evaluating O₂ barrier performance of blister pack lidding foils; quantifying CO₂ transmission in carbonated beverage pouches; assessing H₂ permeation in fuel cell proton exchange membranes; validating moisture and oxygen ingress resistance of biodegradable mulch films; characterizing helium leak rates in hermetically sealed implantable device housings; and measuring methane permeability in landfill liner geomembranes. Its adaptability to non-standard gases and elevated temperatures makes it suitable for accelerated aging studies per ASTM F1980 and ISO 11607-2.

FAQ

Does the HK-G6 support simultaneous multi-gas testing?
No—each test run is configured for a single pure gas or defined gas mixture. Sequential multi-gas analysis is supported via automated method chaining.
Is external temperature control hardware required for operation?
Yes—the built-in heater/cooler module covers 5–95 °C, but sub-ambient or ultra-stable thermal environments require an externally connected chiller or thermoelectric controller (sold separately).
Can the system be validated for GMP environments?
Yes—HARKE provides IQ/OQ documentation packages, including installation checklists, operational verification protocols, and factory-issued calibration certificates for all critical sensors.
What safety provisions exist for flammable or toxic gases?
Custom configurations include Class I Div 2-rated electronics, double-walled gas lines with leak detection ports, and fail-safe venting pathways—all subject to pre-delivery hazard analysis and third-party ATEX/IECEx review.
Is sample preparation assistance available?
HARKE offers application-specific guidance documents, ASTM-aligned cutting jigs, and optional training modules covering specimen conditioning per ISO 291 and humidity equilibration per ASTM E104.