Water intrusion test for filters

摘要

An improved water flow test for determining the integrity and/or pore size distribution of a porous filter is disclosed. The improvement involves the ability to determine and take into account the changes in filter structure due to filter compaction or creep resulting from compressive forces when pressure is applied to the surfaces of the filter. By proper characterization of the filter under test, the initial system volume and the volume change associated with pressurizing the filter can be accurately determined at all points in time during a test cycle. As a result, composite flowrate changes (i.e. the flow due to filter compaction/creep plus the flow due to liquid intrusion) can be evaluated to distinguish between various flow components to accurately determine the pore size of the filter being tested or a filter defect.