Paratronix WVTR-C6 Gravimetric Water Vapor Transmission Rate Tester
| Brand | Paratronix |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shandong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Manufacturer |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | WVTR-C6 |
| Price | USD 9,500 (FOB) |
Overview
The Paratronix WVTR-C6 is a gravimetric water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) tester engineered for precision and regulatory compliance in packaging, medical device, pharmaceutical, and building material R&D and quality control laboratories. It operates on the standardized cup-based gravimetric method (ASTM E96 / ISO 2528), where a test specimen is sealed over a desiccant-filled permeation cup and exposed to controlled temperature and relative humidity conditions. Water vapor diffuses through the sample from the humid side (typically 90% RH or 100% RH) to the dry side, inducing a measurable mass gain in the cup over time. The system continuously monitors cup weight change via high-resolution electromagnetic force compensation balance, enabling accurate calculation of WVTR in g/m²·24h — the industry-standard metric for barrier performance evaluation.
Key Features
- Six independent permeation stations with fully autonomous operation — each cup equipped with individual environmental isolation, mechanical lift actuation, and real-time mass tracking
- High-precision electromagnetic force compensation balance (resolution: 0.01 mg, repeatability ≤ ±0.02 mg) integrated with automatic tare function prior to each weighing cycle
- Programmable dual-zone climate chamber: temperature range 15–40 °C (±0.1 °C), RH range 10–90% (±1% RH), with active humidity generation via saturated salt solutions or steam injection
- Controlled laminar airflow (standardized at 0.5–2.5 m/s per ASTM E96 Annex A3) across cup surfaces to maintain consistent boundary layer conditions and minimize edge effects
- Pneumatic cup-lifting mechanism with programmable dwell time and synchronized intermittent weighing protocol to reduce thermal drift and mechanical noise interference
- Dedicated calibration interface supporting both certified reference films (e.g., NIST-traceable PET/AlOx standards) and Class M1 stainless-steel calibration weights
- Windows-based control software with audit trail, user-level access control, and 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic signature capability
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The WVTR-C6 accommodates flat, flexible film specimens up to 100 mm in diameter (standard cup size) and thicknesses ranging from 12 µm to 500 µm — including PE cling films, BOPP laminates, AlOx-coated PET, PVDC-coated paperboard, hydrophilic hydrogels, and breathable medical packaging substrates. All test procedures align with international standard methods: ASTM E96 (desiccant and water methods), ISO 2528, GB/T 1037, JIS Z 0208, and TAPPI T464. System validation documentation supports GLP and GMP environments; raw data files are timestamped, immutable, and exportable in CSV, PDF, and XML formats for traceability.
Software & Data Management
The Paratronix WVTR Control Suite provides full lifecycle data governance: real-time curve visualization of cumulative mass gain vs. time, automatic linear regression fitting (R² ≥ 0.995 required for valid result), outlier detection, and uncertainty estimation per GUM (Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement). Audit logs record all operator actions, parameter changes, calibration events, and instrument status flags. Data export complies with LIMS integration protocols (ODBC, REST API optional). Reports include test certificate templates compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements, with configurable metadata fields (sample ID, operator, lab ID, instrument serial number, environmental conditions).
Applications
- Quantitative barrier assessment of food packaging films (e.g., PE wrap, LDPE pouches, multilayer snack bags) under accelerated shelf-life simulation conditions
- Validation of sterile barrier systems (SBS) for ISO 11607–compliant medical device packaging
- Development and QC of moisture-sensitive pharmaceutical blister lidding foils and sachet laminates
- Performance benchmarking of nanocomposite and bio-based barrier coatings against conventional polymer films
- Regulatory submission support for FDA 510(k), CE marking, and PMDA dossier packages requiring WVTR evidence
FAQ
What is the minimum detectable WVTR value for this instrument?
The system achieves a lower detection limit of 0.1 g/m²·24h under standard test conditions (38 °C / 90% RH), validated using ultra-low-permeability reference films.
Does the instrument support non-standard test conditions (e.g., 23 °C / 50% RH)?
Yes — the climate chamber allows user-defined temperature and humidity setpoints within its operational range, with full traceability and uncertainty reporting.
Is the software compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements?
Yes — electronic signatures, audit trails, role-based permissions, and data integrity safeguards are embedded in the software architecture and documented in the system validation package.
How often does the system require calibration verification?
Daily verification with certified weights is recommended; full calibration using reference films is advised every 30 days or after maintenance, per ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.5.
Can the WVTR-C6 be integrated into an existing laboratory network?
Yes — it supports static IP configuration, DHCP, and secure remote monitoring via TLS-encrypted web interface; optional OPC UA module available for MES/SCADA integration.
