fabric moisture permeability tester

Fabric Moisture Permeability Tester

Fabric Moisture Permeability Tester

A Fabric Moisture Permeability Tester, also known as a Water Vapor Permeability Tester, is a laboratory instrument designed to measure the rate at which water vapor passes through textile materials. This measurement is crucial for assessing the breathability and comfort of fabrics, especially those used in active wear, outdoor gear, medical textiles, and protective clothing.

Purpose of Fabric Moisture Permeability Tester

The primary function of this tester is to evaluate a fabric’s ability to allow moisture vapor to pass through it, which directly impacts the wearer’s comfort by facilitating sweat evaporation and thermal regulation. High moisture permeability indicates better breathability, making the fabric suitable for applications where moisture management is essential.

Working Principle of Fabric Moisture Permeability Tester

The tester operates by placing a fabric specimen over a container filled with water. Under controlled temperature and humidity conditions, water vapor passes through the fabric over a specified period. The amount of water vapor transmitted is determined by measuring the weight loss of the container, allowing for the calculation of the Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR).

Common Testing Methods

1. Upright Cup Method: The fabric covers a cup containing water, and the assembly is placed upright in a controlled environment. After a set duration, the weight loss is measured to determine the WVTR.
2. Inverted Cup Method: The fabric is sealed over a cup, which is then inverted and exposed to a controlled environment. The amount of water vapor absorbed by the fabric is measured over time.

3. Sweating Hot Plate Test: Simulates human perspiration by measuring the energy required to maintain a constant temperature on a heated plate covered with the fabric, providing insights into the fabric’s breathability.

Key Specifications of Fabric Moisture Permeability Tester

– Test Cups: Typically 6 to 8 cups, each with a diameter of approximately 83 mm and a depth of 18.5 mm.- Turntable Speed: Approximately 2 revolutions per minute (RPM) to ensure uniform exposure.

– Environmental Conditions: Tests are conducted under controlled temperature (e.g., 23 ± 2°C) and humidity (e.g., 50 ± 5% RH) settings.

– Standards Compliance: Conforms to international standards such as ASTM E96, ISO 15496, BS 7209, and JIS L1099.

✅ Benefits of Fabric Moisture Permeability Tester

– Enhanced Product Development: Provides critical data for designing breathable and comfortable textiles- Quality Assurance: Ensures consistency in fabric performance across different production batches- Regulatory Compliance: Helps manufacturers meet industry standards and certifications.

– Consumer Satisfaction: Contributes to the development of garments that offer better moisture management, leading to increased wearer comfort.

Applications of Fabric Moisture Permeability Tester

– Active wear and Sportswear: Assessing fabrics for athletic performance and comfort.

– Outdoor and Protective Clothing: Ensuring materials provide adequate breathability while offering protection. Medical Textiles: Evaluating materials used in healthcare settings for moisture management.

– Technical and Industrial Textiles: Testing specialized fabrics used in various industrial applications.

Features of fabric moisture permeability tester

1. Multi-Cup Design – Typically includes 6 or more test cups for simultaneous testing of multiple samples.
2. Rotating Turntable – Ensures uniform air exposure and consistent vapor transmission across all samples.
3. Precision Weighing System- Accurate measurement of weight loss to calculate water vapor transmission rate (WVTR).

4. Temperature & Humidity Control – Maintains stable environmental conditions (e.g., 23°C, 50% RH) for reliable results.
5. Digital Display or Software Interface – Displays real-time data and test status; advanced models offer data logging and export.
6. Compliance with Standards – Supports ASTM E96, ISO 15496, BS 7209, JIS L1099 testing methods.

7. Sealed Test Chambers- Prevents external air interference, improving accuracy.
8. Corrosion-Resistant Construction – Durable materials suitable for long-term use in lab environments.
9. Easy Sample Mounting – Quick and secure fabric placement on test cups with sealing rings.
10. Low Maintenance Design- Simplified components for easy cleaning and upkeep.

How to Use Fabric Moisture Permeability Tester (Cup Method):

1. Prepare the Test Solution – Fill each test cup with a set amount of water (e.g., 50 ml), or a desiccant if using inverted method.
2. Mount the Fabric – Cut the fabric into circular pieces matching the cup size.

– Securely seal each fabric over the cup opening with a gasket and ring to prevent leakage.

3. Weigh the Cups – Record the initial weight of each cup with the fabric mounted.

4. Place on Turntable – Position all cups on the rotating tray inside the controlled chamber.
5. Set Conditions – Close the chamber and maintain temperature (e.g., 23°C) and relative humidity (e.g., 50%) as per test standard.
6. Start the Test – Begin rotation (usually ~2 RPM) and let it run for the specified time (often 24 hours).
7. Weigh the Cups Again- After the test duration, reweigh the cups to determine weight loss due to moisture vapor passing through the fabric.

8. Calculate WVTR – Use the formula: WVTR = (Weight Loss in grams × 24) / (Test Area in m² × Time in hours) Expressed in g/m²/24h.
9. Clean and Store – Clean cups and components for future use.

fabric moisture permeability tester

Scope of application

It is used to determine the moisture permeability of various fabrics
(including moisture permeable coated fabrics)
and nonwovens such as batting cotton and space cotton.
[Related standards] GB/T12704 ASTM E90 JIS L1099A BS 7209 JIS L1099B (custom) etc.

Instrument characteristics

1. Integrated structure of baking oven and constant temperature and humidity box.
2. Microcomputer control, color touch screen Chinese menu operation.
3. Circulating air velocity 0.2-3m/s digital setting.
4. Imported high-precision temperature and humidity sensor, imported motor drive, ceramic
heating tube heating.

Technical parameters

1.Work mode: Microcomputer control, color touch screen Chinese menu operation, test environment monitoring.
2. Sample box control temperature:15 ~ 40 C, accuracy 0.1 + C, resolution 0.01 C
3. Heat dissipation mode:Air cooling
4. Sample box control humidity:30 ~ 95%, precision + 2%, resolution 0.01%
5. Test chamber humidification:≥300ml/h
6. Accompany oven control temperature: Room temperature to 200 c
7. Test time:1min～999h59min
8. The rate of circulating steam flow:0. 2-3m/s digital setting resolution 0.01m/s
9. Moisture permeability area:2827㎜2（∮60㎜GB）
Optional 3848, 2 (70 70 ASTM)
10. The number of moisture permeable cups.6 (GB) can be replaced by 6 (US standard).
11. Internal dimensions of drying oven:490×400×215mm
12. Power supply:Ac220V 50Hz 6kw
13. Size:930×820×1700mm
14. Weight:350kg