Mocon launches WVTR instrument for ultra-high barrier films

Mocon Inc., a manufacturer of package integrity instrumentation, has developed a new system to measure the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of ultra-high barrier films with "greater sensitivity than ever before possible," the company said.

The Aquatran Model 2 WVTR measurement instrument targets commercial or developmental ultra-high barrier structures. These include flexible films for organic light-emitting displays (OLED), solar and similar demanding applications, which require accurate and sensitive instrumentation to build performance statistics.

The Aquatran Model 2 uses proprietary technology to provide an accurate and repeating measure of WVTR down to 5x10^-5 g/(m²-day), according to Mocon. This is one order of magnitude lower than its predecessor the Model 1, which was launched in 2005. 

The Model 2 uses proprietary technology to increase sensor sensitivity and reduce the possibility of ambient humidity interfering with test results. Mocon says the Aquatran Model 2 is the only system available for measuring trace WVTR that is not calibration dependent, providing more accurate and repeatable results.

The Aquatran Model 2 utilizes Mocon's newest AquaTrace Gold coulometric longer-life sensor, which is based on Faraday's Law. Every water molecule entering the sensor is directly converted to a measureable charge. No calibration is necessary, assuring an accurate test result.

Transient data are also quantifiable and can be viewed during or after the test. Analysis of transient data can yield important information about an OLED structure such as detecting defects and voids in the applied coatings, the company stated.

Additional enhancements to the Aquantran Model 2 include improved electronics, enhanced block and valve design, and the introduction of TruSeal technology that reduces seal-edge leaks due to ambient humidity.

The Aquatran Model 2 is available in two versions. The G system operates between 35 and 90% relative humidity (RH) and a temperature range of 10 to 40°C. The W version offers 100% RH and a temperature range 10 to 50°C.