Method and apparatus for determining pore volume in a solid sample

Method for determining pore volume parameters of a solid sample by porosimetry, characterised in that the following steps are carried out:

• a) an empty sample holder is filled with a non wetting liquid with a compressibility ratio which is less than or equal to that of mercury, such as mercury;
• b) the sample holder is placed in a chamber in a high pressure cell, the chamber being in communication with the sample holder;
• c) the high pressure cell chamber is filled with said liquid using a suitable pump means;
• d) the filled chamber is isolated;
• e) a substantially steady flow of said liquid is programmed and introduced into the cell chamber by the pump means for a set period of time, and the volume of liquid introduced is thereby continuously calculated;
• f) the pressure corresponding to the volume of liquid introduced during said period is continuously measured;
• g) the sample holder is emptied;
• h) a known weight of a sample is introduced into the sample holder which is filled with said liquid;
• i) the sample holder is placed in the high pressure cell chamber;
• j) steps c), d) and e) are repeated in the presence of the sample in the sample holder;
• k) the pressure corresponding to the volume of liquid introduced into the cell chamber containing the sample is continuously measured during said period;
• and
• l) suitable processing means continuously determine the volume of liquid introduced into the sample per unit weight for each pressure measurement obtained from steps f) and k) and the pore volume parameters per unit weight of the sample are thereby calculated.