Optimization of Bubble Point test for large surface membranes

 

  • Client: ****, Checz Republic
  • Date: February 2015
  • Info: Bubble Point test modification

 

Bubble point test is a popular ASTM integrity test especially for porous membranes. During this test, pressure is applied by air or other gas [air most commonly] in one side of an immersed membrane in a liquid. This liquid is commonly water or IPA. Gaseous pressure results initially in mass transfer via diffusion through the membrane's pores and after a critical size due to mass flow. The specific pressure at which gas permeates the porous structure with mass flow is correlated to the pore size and the integrity of the structure can be tested. Major issue with this test is when a membrane is highly porous or consists of macro porosity and gas bubbles are present everywhere, not allowing for a direct identification of the bubble point. This issue was resolved in terms of minimizing diffusional mass transfer with two different approaches.