Patent ID: 7892492

Claim:
A flow-through apparatus comprising: a frame including a transparent surface; and a removable insert defining a cavity for receiving a compacted sample; wherein the insert is adapted to fit within the frame and cooperate therewith to define at least one flow-through channel for laminar fluid flow through the frame; wherein, the flow-through apparatus is configured such that when the compacted sample is received within the cavity of the insert fitted within the frame, a first surface of the compacted sample partially defines the flow-through channel and is exposable to laminar fluid flow, and a second surface of the compacted sample, perpendicular to the first surface at an interface, is directly adjacent to the transparent surface of the frame and is isolated from fluid flow; wherein at least part of the interface between the first surface and second surface of the compacted sample is directly adjacent to both the flow through channel and the transparent surface of the frame such that the interface is at least partially externally visible through the transparent surface of the frame.