MOCON PERMATRAN-W® Model 101K High Water Vapor Transmission Rate Tester
| Brand | MOCON |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Product Origin | Imported |
| Model | PERMATRAN-W® Model 101K |
| Quotation | Upon Request |
| Test Range | 500–100,000 g/m²·day |
| Test Temperature | 20–50 °C with Automatic Temperature Control |
| Atmospheric Pressure Compensation | Standard |
| Flow Rate Compensation | Standard |
| Number of Test Cells | 6 |
| Cell Area | 10 cm² per cell |
| Compliance | ASTM D6701, WSP 001.0.R3 (12) (EDANA & INDA) |
Overview
The MOCON PERMATRAN-W® Model 101K is a high-throughput, gravimetric water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) tester engineered for precise quantification of moisture barrier performance in materials exhibiting elevated permeability—typically ranging from 500 to 100,000 g/m²·day. Unlike low-flux instruments based on infrared or coulometric detection, the Model 101K employs a dynamic, dual-chamber gravimetric principle: a conditioned test specimen separates a dry nitrogen carrier gas stream from a saturated humidity environment. Water vapor diffusing through the sample is swept by the dry carrier gas to a high-precision microbalance, where real-time mass gain is recorded under tightly regulated temperature and pressure conditions. This method delivers traceable, NIST-referenced accuracy without reliance on calibration curves or sensor drift correction—making it particularly suited for quality control and regulatory validation in hygiene and medical packaging applications.
Key Features
- Six independent test cells (10 cm² each), enabling parallel evaluation of up to six samples per run—significantly reducing throughput time to approximately 2–3 hours for full-cycle testing.
- Integrated environmental control system with ±0.1 °C temperature stability across the 20–50 °C operating range, ensuring repeatability in accelerated aging and comparative barrier studies.
- Automated atmospheric pressure and carrier gas flow compensation algorithms, dynamically adjusting WVTR calculations in real time to maintain metrological integrity across varying laboratory conditions.
- Windows-based control software with audit-trail capability, supporting 21 CFR Part 11-compliant user access levels, electronic signatures, and immutable data logging for GLP/GMP environments.
- Factory-calibrated using NIST-traceable standard membranes; includes documented calibration certificates and procedures aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for accredited laboratories.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Model 101K accommodates a broad spectrum of non-rigid, semi-permeable substrates—including spunbond/meltblown nonwovens, microporous breathable films, laminated medical-grade papers, extruded polyolefin films, and hydrophilic/hydrophobic composite structures used in absorbent hygiene products (AHPs) and sterile barrier systems (SBS). Its design meets the physical and procedural requirements of ASTM D6701 (“Standard Test Method for Water Vapor Transmission Rate Through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a Modulated Infrared Sensor”) and WSP 001.0.R3 (12), the globally recognized test protocol jointly published by EDANA and INDA for evaluating breathability and liquid barrier performance in nonwoven-based personal care products. All test reports generated include metadata compliant with ISO 15142-1 for instrument qualification documentation.
Software & Data Management
The proprietary PERMATRAN-W® Control Software provides full instrument orchestration—from method setup and real-time curve visualization to automated pass/fail assessment against user-defined specification limits. Raw mass vs. time datasets are stored in encrypted binary format with embedded timestamps, operator IDs, and environmental parameter logs. Export options include CSV, PDF, and XML formats compatible with LIMS integration. Audit trails record all critical events—including method modifications, calibration actions, and result approvals—with tamper-evident hashing to satisfy FDA and EU MDR traceability mandates. Software validation packages (IQ/OQ/PQ) are available upon request for regulated manufacturing sites.
Applications
This instrument serves as a core analytical platform in R&D labs and QC departments responsible for material selection, process optimization, and shelf-life prediction for products requiring controlled moisture exchange. Primary use cases include: validating breathability specifications of backsheet films in infant diapers and adult incontinence pads; assessing WVTR consistency in surgical drape laminates prior to sterilization; monitoring batch-to-batch variability in Tyvek®-based medical device pouches; and supporting regulatory submissions for Class I–III reusable or single-use medical packaging under ISO 11607-1. It is also routinely deployed in supplier qualification programs where EDANA/INDA conformance is contractually mandated.
FAQ
What standards does the PERMATRAN-W® Model 101K directly support?
ASTM D6701, WSP 001.0.R3 (12), and ISO 15142-1 for instrument qualification.
Can the system be validated for GMP compliance?
Yes—full IQ/OQ/PQ documentation packages, 21 CFR Part 11 configuration files, and traceable calibration records are available.
Is NIST-traceable membrane calibration included with purchase?
Each unit ships with certified reference membranes and a calibration certificate traceable to NIST SRM 1893.
What is the minimum sample thickness the test cells accommodate?
The fixture accepts specimens from 0.05 mm to 3.0 mm thick, with automatic clamping force adjustment to prevent compression-induced artifacts.
Does the software support multi-language interfaces?
English and Japanese language packs are pre-installed; additional localization can be commissioned via MOCON’s global support network.
