Figure 1-3: Large Tray Cartridge; Figure 1-4: Package Adapter Cartridge - Ametek mocon AQUATRAN 3/40 Operator's Manual

Introduction AQUATRAN Model 3/40 Operator's Manual
Testing Packages and Films
To test packages (or films) the sample must be mounted in a Diffusion Cell. A Diffusion Cell exposes one
side of the sample barrier to a Test Gas and the other side to a Carrier Gas. The gases supplied to the cell
can be dry or at a specified RH.
The Diffusion Cells used in the AQUATRAN Model 3/40 expose the Test Gas side of the sample barrier to
the controlled environment in the Test Chamber. A Compressed Air supply is used to maintain the
environment in the Test Chamber at a constant water vapor concentration (20.9%) and Relative Humidity.
The design of an effective Diffusion Cell must accommodate the physical characteristics of the sample to be
tested. A Diffusion Cell design optimized for testing small cups may not be suitable for testing large trays.
The Test Chamber in the AQUATRAN Model 3/40 contains positions for four removable Diffusion Cells.
These removable Diffusion Cells are referred to as Test Cartridges. To accommodate most testing
requirements MOCON offers a selection of Test Cartridges. The designs of these Test Cartridges are
optimized for different types of samples (bottles, trays, pouches, bags, cups, and films).
To test packages the sample must be mounted in an appropriate Test Cartridge. After the sample is
mounted in a Test Cartridge, it is installed and clamped into one of the four positions in the Test Chamber.
The four positions in the Test Chamber are referred to as Test Cells. The method used to mount the sample
in the Test Cartridge is dependent on the design of the cartridge and the sample. For more information on
mounting packages see the information supplied with your Test Cartridges. See Figure 1-3, 1-4 and 1-5 for
examples of some of the Test Cartridges that are available. For more information on testing packages see
Chapter 6.
To test a film sample, it is prepared and mounted in a Film Test Cartridge. After the sample is mounted, it is
installed and clamped into one of the positions in the Test Chamber. See Figure 1-6 for an illustration of the
Film Test Cartridge. For more information on mounting and testing Film Samples see Chapter 7.

Figure 1-4: Package Adapter Cartridge

Figure 1-3: Large Tray Cartridge

1-4 Revision D MOCON, Inc.