Patent ID: 6655192
Filing Date: 2003-12-02
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
Apparatus for measuring flow of fluid through samples of porous material in either of a lateral or normal direction, said porous material samples having a peripheral edge and first and second spaced apart surfaces extending inwardly therefrom comprising:(a) a support member having a surface, said surface including an annular portion for supporting a sample so as to accomodate fluid flow in a normal direction thru such sample; (b) a fluid chamber housing including a cylindrical wall and an end wall cooperating to define a chamber for receiving fluid, said end wall having an annular surface cooperating with said support member annular surface to clamp annular portions of a sample first and second spaced apart surfaces adjacent said peripheral edge therebetween so as to accommodate radially outward or lateral fluid flow thru such sample; (c) an opening in said end wall for introducing fluid to said sample; and (d) a fluid flow controller for forcing said fluid under pressure through said opening and said sample.