The Membrane Permeation Analyzer (MPA Horizon) is a self-contained cross-flow gas permeation device designed to study the competitive permeation of gases and vapors through barrier films and membranes.
To ensure a comprehensive assessment of membrane performance, it can perform multi-component analysis and test important parameters like oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR).
Environmental factors, particularly temperature and humidity, can affect the permeation of gases or vapors through most membranes. The MPA Horizon allows permeation kinetics and gas/vapor permeation to be tested in real-world scenarios.
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The MPA Horizon addresses the important difficulties that researchers encounter when assessing the efficacy of polymer barriers. Accurately measuring the rates at which oxygen, CO2, and water vapor pass through polymer films offers crucial information about materials' performance.
Additionally, the MPA Horizon enables researchers to examine how different environmental factors, including temperature, humidity, and the presence of organic compounds, affect how components pass through membranes. This capability is essential for optimizing materials for improved barrier qualities and comprehending real-world permeation behavior.
Multi-Component Permeation Analysis
Concurrently examine complex gases, vapors, and humidity mixtures to fully comprehend how well a material performs in a range of situations.
High Sensitivity Sensors
Modern sensors installed on the MPA Horizon enable accurate measurement of CO2, oxygen, and water vapor transmission rates. The reliable and accurate data provided by these high-sensitivity sensors is essential for assessing the effectiveness of polymers as barrier materials.
Measurement of Permeation Kinetics
Permeation kinetics should be tracked and examined over time to better understand dynamic interactions and optimize materials for barrier properties.
Mimics Real-World Condition
Mimics change organic compounds, humidity, and temperature to accurately predict how a material will perform in practical applications.
Precise Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) Measurement
Accurate measurements of water vapor transfer rates range from 0.05 to 500 g/m²/day (80 cm²).
Tunable Mass Flow Controllers (MFCs)
Gas flow rates are carefully regulated and calibrated to guarantee consistent, repeatable outcomes that can be used in a variety of studies.
Benefits

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Real-World Conditions
Examine different temperatures, humidity levels, and organic compounds to forecast material performance.
Multicomponent Analysis
Examine intricate relationships between gases, vapors, and humidity to obtain a comprehensive understanding.
Variable Sample Thickness
It is appropriate for a variety of material studies because sample thicknesses range from micrometers to millimeters.
High-Temperature Capability
Heat samples to 150 °C to investigate temperature-dependent permeation behaviors.
Cross-Flow Configuration
Employ helium or nitrogen as carrier gases to ensure precise control and effective gas flow.
User-Friendly Interface
Make setup and operation simpler by using simple controls and software.
Rapid Results
Save vital time for research and development while obtaining prompt and accurate results.
High Reproducibility
To get accurate data, make sure that multiple tests produce consistent results.
Capabilities

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- Permeation of several components and detection of vapors, gases, and humidity
- The feed side has five gas mixing inlets for gases, humidity, and solvents
- Detection alternates between feed and permeate streams
- The production of single component flows of O2, CO2, or water vapor (>90% RH) in a carrier gas
- To replicate real-world conditions, the sample is locally heated between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius
- Sample sizes range from small to large, with a maximum diameter of 11 cm
Applications
- Cosmetics (contact lenses and wound dressings)
- Carbon capture with membranes
- Pharmaceuticals
- Membrane testing labs
- Packaging film testing
- Electronics encapsulation

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Specifications
Construction Materials
- Custom-built manifold: 316 stainless steel
- Tubing: 1/16- or 1/8-inch 316 stainless steel
- Seals: Viton® or equivalent, Kalrez® optional
Gas Flow Control
- Control Range 0-200 SCCM
- Turn-down Ratio up to 1000:1
- Calibrated gases N2, CO2, He, O2, Ar
Temperature Control
Incubator Control
- Controls entire generation and measurement system
- Control Range: 5 °C to 60 °C
- Control Accuracy: ±0.2 °C
Local Sample Heater
- Heated diameter: 120 mm
- Control Range: 10 °C to 150 °C
- Control Accuracy: ±1 °C
Sample Dimensions
- Variable sample diameter
- Thickness <0.5 mm
- Standard width 11 cm
Humidity Generation
Water Reservoirs
- 50 mL easy-change reservoir
- Heated to prevent evaporative cooling
Generation
Measurement
- Measurement Range 0-100% RH
- Accuracy (40-85 oC) ± 1.5% RH
- Accuracy (5-40 oC) ± 0.8% RH
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Gas and Vapor Sensors
CO2 Measurement
- 0 – 25% vol, atmospheric pressure
- Accuracy: Exact 3 or 0.05 %vol. of inlet concentration
Organics Measurement
- 0 – 98% for 5-60 oC
- Low-range sensor 1 ppb-40 ppm
- Mid-range sensor 0-4000 ppm
- High-range sensor 0-10,000 ppm
TCD Gas Measurement
O2 Measurement
- Measurement range 0-100%
- Accuracy (<1% O2) ± 0.02%
- Accuracy (100% O2) ± 2%
WVTR Measurement
- (80 cm2) 0.05 – 500 g m-2 day-1
- Dimensions: 520 mm (W) × 980 mm (H) × 610 mm (D)
- Weight: 80 kg (180 lb)
- Electrical: 200 – 240 v, 50/60 Hz, 1500 VA
- System Information
System Software
Instrument Control Software
- Several component permeation and detection
- Numerous concentration or temperature cycles
- Live data view and plotting
- Temperature changes in a single experiment
- Powerful custom methods and sequences
- Full control over parameters
MPA Analysis Software
- Calculation of Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR)
- Easy graphical plotting
- Permeability calculations
- Calculation of diffusion lag time
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Schematics

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Standard Compliance
The MPA Horizon conforms with:
Oxygen:
- F-1307-20
- F2622-08 (Reapproved 2013)
CO2:
- F2622-08 (Reapproved 2013)
- F-1307-20
H2O:
Bring the Power of the MPA Horizon to the Lab

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The best tool for precise cross-flow analysis of films and membranes is the MPA Horizon.