Automated clamp-on sample chamber for flow porometry and a method of using same

A method of performing flow porometry, using a sample chamber comprising a movable upper chamber comprising a center bore opening to a bottom of the chamber, at least one port for introduction of gas under pressure to the center bore and a first annular seal around the center bore, a stationary lower seat opposing the upper chamber with a center bore aligned with the upper chamber, comprising an exhaust and a second annular seal around the center bore, wherein a material to be tested is placed between the upper chamber and the lower seat, and an actuator for moving the upper chamber, wherein when the upper chamber is moved down with the first annular seal in contact with an upper surface of a sample of the material and the second annular seal in contact with a lower surface of the sample, gas introduced to the upper chamber is constrained to go through the upper chamber and out through the exhaust, comprising the steps of:

• a) placing a sheet of material between the upper chamber and the lower seat;
• b) moving the upper chamber down, and applying pressure with the actuator until the first annular seal and the second annular seal create a gas-tight seal around the sample;
• and
• c) performing at least one flow porometry test by introducing gas through the port.

An apparatus for performing flow porometry using a clamp-on sample chamber, comprising:

• a) a sample chamber, comprising:
• a movable upper chamber comprising a center bore opening to a bottom of the chamber, at least one port for introduction of gas under pressure to the center bore and a first annular seal around the center bore;
• a stationary lower seat opposing the upper chamber with a center bore aligned with the upper chamber, comprising an exhaust and a second annular seal around the center bore, wherein a material to be tested is placed between the upper chamber and the lower seat;
• and
• an actuator for moving the upper chamber, wherein when the upper chamber is moved down with the first annular seal in contact with an upper surface of a sample of the material and the second annular seal in contact with a lower surface of the sample, gas introduced to the upper chamber is constrained to go through the upper chamber and out through the exhaust;
• b) a plurality of sensors for measuring flow and differential pressure;
• and
• c) a source of gas.