Air permeability

Air permeability: It is the volume of air measured in cm3 passed per second through 1cm2 of
the fabric at a pressure of 1cm of water.
Air resistance: It is the time in seconds for 1cm3 of air to pass through 1cm2 of the fabric
under a pressure head of 1cm of water.
Air porosity: It is the ratio of air space to the total volume of the fabric expressed as
percentage.
Air porosity = 100

Air permeability and fabric properties

1. Air permeability and openness of fabric: If the fabric is too much open , air permeability
of the fabric is increased. As fabric is open so more air pass through the fabric. The rotation
between air permeability and fabric.

2. Air permeability and twist factor: When yarn of the fabric has more twist then less air
pass through the fabric. If the twist factor of yarn increased, then air permeability will be
decreased.

3. Air permeability and thermal properties:

When air is passed through the fabric. If the thermal properties of fabric are increased,
the air permeability is decreased. When air permeability of fabric is increased, then air
resistance is decreased.

4. Permeability and cover factor: If the cover factor of yarn increased, then air permeability
will be decreased.

Air resistance tester:

The Shirley air permeability tester.

Fraize permeability.

The Appermeter.

Air permeability test by the Shirley air permeability tester

Principle
Air permeability is the volume of air measured in cm3 passed per second through 1cm2 of the
fabric at a pressure of 1cm of water.
Apparatus

Sample fabric.

Shirley air permeability tester.

Scissor.

Iron etc.

Machine description:
In this machine, the air flow at start from the suction pump and by pass valve. Then the air
passes in the reservoir and series valve. The air passes into the rotameter at a certain amount
of air then pass into the sample. A draught gauge is indicate to the amount of air pass in the
specimen. A safety valve is attached with the draught gauge. The sample holder dimension is
5.07cm2. Air flow range of the rotameter: R1=0.05-0.5cm3/sec, R2=0.5-3.5cm3/sec, R3=335cm3/sec, R4=30-350cm3/sec.

Working procedure:
At first we have to collect the sample fabric and cut it according to the dimension of sample
holder (5.07cm2).

Then the specimen set on the sample holder.

Then the suction pump is started.

At first R4 is open and other rotameters are closed. If the air flow is less than 30cm3/sec. R3 is
open and R4 closed. Then indicate the range of air flow from the draught gauge.

Then take 5 sample reading and calculate the air permeability of these fabrics.

Precaution

Sample should be cut according to the dimension at 5.07cm2.

Before taking the value the rotameter selection must be perfect.

Sample should be set on the sample holder correctly.

If the suction pump air is not enough, the by-pass valve should be opened.

During taking measurement excess air must be passed through safety valve.