The Exchange Test Method
LABORATORY TEST METHOD NO. H-5: ABSORBENCY RATE - SANITARY PRODUCTS
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PURPOSE:
To determine rate at which liquid is absorbed by the sanitary products.
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PRINCIPLE:
The test specimens are partially submerged to a predetermined depth into 1% saline solution for a predetermined amount of time and allowed to absorb solution by wicking, under controlled conditions. The higher the rate of absorbency, the better a specimen is, because a specimen's ability to keep the user dry is directly dependent upon the rate of absorbency.
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APPARATUS AND MATERIALS:
- 3.1 One percent saline solution
- 3.2 Beaker with at least 1 liter capacity
- 3.3 Bull Clips
- 3.4 Mettler PE 24 Scale, or equivalent
- 3.5 Timer
- 3.6 A stand to suspend a specimen with capability to raise or lower the specimen.
- 3.7 Ruler
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PROCEDURE:
- 4.1 Pour 1% saline solution at 38°C (100°F) into beaker.
- 4.2 Weigh a specimen and note weight.
- 4.3 Fold the specimen back to back one half normal size.
- 4.4 From center of pad (or the folded edge), mark one half inch on both sides and draw lines across.
- 4.5 Suspend the folded specimen on a stand with clip and lower the specimen into .beaker filled with saline solution up to the lines marked on the specimen.
- 4.6 Leave the specimen in the solution for two minutes.
- 4.7 Raise the specimen from the solution and remove it from the stand and weigh the specimen again.
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EVALUATION:
Calculate the amount of solution picked up by subtracting dry specimen weight from wet specimen.
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REPORT
The absorbency rate is reported as the amount of solution picked up (absorbed by the specimen) in two minutes.