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Testing Flat Film Samples
Preparing for a Film Test
Before a test can be conducted there are a number of tasks that must be performed: The samples to be
tested must be prepared. The samples must be mounted in a Film Test Cartridge and Loaded into the
instrument. If the test requires a Generated RH, the Water Reservoirs must be filled if necessary.
When testing with 100%RH, use the Film Test Cartridge designed for 100%RH.
For information on preparing the film samples refer to the sections on "Sample Size", "Using Masks" and
"Orienting the Sample" in this chapter.
For information on mounting samples and loading the test cell refer to "Mounting a Sample in a Film
Cartridge" in this chapter and "Loading and Unloading a Test Cartridge" in Chapter 3.
For information on fill the Water Reservoirs refer to "Humidified Environment Testing" in Chapter 3.
Sample Size
The film sample should be approximately 4" x 4" (10.16 x 10.16 cm), with a thickness not exceeding 2 mm
(0.08 inches). Smaller samples can be masked to allow them to be mounted in the Film Test Cartridge, see
the following section on "Using Masks".
The film must be cut to a specific size and shape so it will fit in the Test Cartridge. Mocon provides a film
template (available as part of optional Starter Kit 052-734) as an aid to cutting your film samples.
Using Masks
A foil mask should be used if any of these conditions exist:
You are testing a material with a transmission rate near or exceeding 200 cc / (m
•
(such as polyethylene or polycarbonate). If such materials are tested as full-size samples,
the sensor will over range.
Using a 5 cm
10 allowing a sample with an un-masked (50 cm
day) to be tested safely.
The test material is not available in pieces large enough to mount in the cell.
•
The test material is too fragile to support itself across the full cell area.
•
Visit MOCON website to watch a video showing how to use foil masks for film testing. (The
•
link for the video is .......)
NOTE:
Some materials may fail to adhere fully to the masks, and thus give erroneous and/or highly
variable sample-to-sample transmission rates. Always check the compatibility and seal of
your sample to the mask adhesive to determine if these problems exist.
When using a mask, specify the mask open area be before starting the test. The mask reduces the area of
the test sample (from the standard unmasked 50 cm
instrument must compensate for the difference between the masked and unmasked areas.
7-2
2
mask will reduce the amount of water vapor sent to the sensor by a factor of
Revision D
AQUATRAN Model 3/40 Operator's Manual
area) transmission rate of 2000 cc / (m2 •
2
area). To correctly calculate transmission rate, the
2
• day)
2
MOCON, Inc.
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