HARKE HK-T103 Gas Permeability Analyzer for Polymeric and Functional Membranes

Overview

The HARKE HK-T103 Gas Permeability Analyzer is a gravimetric and pressure-difference based instrument engineered for precise, traceable quantification of gas transmission rates (GTR) and permeability coefficients (P) through polymeric, composite, and functional thin-film membranes. It operates on the standardized principle of steady-state permeation measurement per ASTM D1434, ISO 15105-1, and ISO 2556, where a constant partial pressure gradient is maintained across a sealed membrane specimen, and the transmitted gas volume (or mass) is measured via high-stability thermal mass flow meters under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. Designed specifically for R&D laboratories and QC departments in packaging, filtration, biomedical device, and membrane separation industries, the HK-T103 delivers reproducible Barrer-scale permeability data—critical for evaluating barrier integrity, selectivity, and environmental stability of films used in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), fuel cell proton exchange membranes, breathable medical packaging, and gas separation modules.

Key Features

• Wide dynamic permeability range: 0.01 to 10⁴ Barrer (1 Barrer = 10⁻¹⁰ cm³·cm/cm²·s·cmHg), enabling characterization of both ultra-high-barrier coatings and highly permeable functional membranes.
• Dual-range mass flow sensing: Standard 0–20 mL/min resolution with optional extended 0–200 mL/min capability for high-flux membranes or mixed-gas diffusion studies.
• Modular environmental control: Independent, externally mounted temperature and humidity conditioning units allow precise simulation of real-world storage and operational conditions (5–95 °C at ±0.1 °C; RH from 0% to 100% at ±1% RH).
• Multi-gas compatibility with safety-integrated architecture: Supports routine gases (O₂, N₂, CO₂, He, air); hazardous gases (H₂, CO, CH₄) are accommodated only via factory-configured explosion-proof gas handling modules compliant with IEC 60079-0.
• Single-specimen test chamber with fixed 4.9 cm² effective area and ≤2 mm thickness limit—optimized for ISO/ASTM-compliant sample mounting and minimizing edge leakage errors.
• Robust mechanical design: CNC-machined aluminum housing, pneumatic sealing actuation, and leak-tight stainless-steel gas pathways certified to <1×10⁻⁹ mbar·L/s helium leak rate.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HK-T103 is validated for use with flat, non-porous, and microporous polymeric films—including ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), silicon oxide (SiOₓ)-coated PET, polypropylene (PP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and advanced nanocomposite barrier layers. It supports regulatory-aligned testing workflows required under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (when paired with HARKE’s audit-trail-enabled software), ISO 11607-1 for sterile barrier systems, and ASTM F1927 for oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of flexible barrier materials. All hardware components meet CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU) and low voltage safety (LVD Directive 2014/35/EU).

Software & Data Management

The system integrates with HARKE PermeaSoft™ v3.2—a Windows-based application supporting automated test sequencing, real-time permeation curve visualization, multi-point temperature/humidity ramping, and batch report generation in PDF/XLS formats. Software features include user-level access control, electronic signatures, full audit trail logging (per ALCOA+ principles), and raw data export in CSV/ASCII for third-party statistical analysis (e.g., JMP, OriginLab). Optional 21 CFR Part 11 compliance package includes digital certificate management, biometric login support, and immutable record archiving.

Applications

• Quantitative O₂, CO₂, and N₂ transmission rate (OTR, CTR, NTR) profiling for food and pharmaceutical packaging films.
• Gas pair selectivity (α_A/B) and ideal selectivity ratio calculation for asymmetric and composite separation membranes.
• Temperature-dependent Arrhenius analysis of activation energy for permeation processes.
• Humidity-induced plasticization effects on barrier performance—particularly relevant for hydrophilic polymers such as PVA and cellulose derivatives.
• Accelerated aging correlation studies linking permeability drift to thermal/hygrometric stress exposure.
• Validation of coating uniformity and defect density in vacuum-deposited inorganic barrier layers.

FAQ

Is the HK-T103 compliant with international standard test methods?
Yes—it adheres to ASTM D1434 (gas transmission rate), ISO 15105-1 (determination of gas permeability), ISO 2556 (gas transmission rate using manometric method), and GB/T 1038 (Chinese national standard equivalent).

Can the instrument measure mixed-gas permeation simultaneously?
No—the HK-T103 performs single-gas permeation tests sequentially. Mixed-gas behavior must be inferred from individual component measurements or validated via complementary GC-MS analysis of downstream effluent.

Is temperature and humidity control included in the base configuration?
No—both climate control modules are optional accessories. The base system operates at ambient laboratory conditions unless external conditioning units are installed and interfaced.

What calibration standards are supplied with the instrument?
Each unit ships with a certified reference membrane (NIST-traceable O₂-permeable PET film) and documented calibration certificate covering flow meter linearity, pressure transducer accuracy, and temperature sensor offset verification.

Does the system support GLP/GMP documentation requirements?
Yes—when configured with the Part 11 software option and connected to a validated network environment, it fully supports electronic records, signature authentication, and audit trail retention for regulated environments.