permeability tester
Fast, reliable and non-destructive measurement of the
permeability of concrete structures
The permeability of concrete at the surface (concrete cover) has been recognized as a major factor in determining the
durability of concrete structures. Many specialists emphasize the importance of this property and the possibility of
measuring it reliably - not only in the laboratory but also at the building site.
Permeability measurements
The particular features of the TORRENT method are a two-chamber vacuum cell and a pressure regulator, which ensure
that an air flow at right angles to the surface is directed towards the inner chamber. This permits the calculation of the
permeability coefficient kT on the basis of a simple theoretical model.
The unit has a user-friendly menu technique and measures the pressure increase as a function of time according to a
specific sequence. The associated data is automatically collected by the display unit and the permeability coefficient kT
and the depth of penetration L of the vacuum are calculated. The measurement takes 2-12 minutes, depending on the
permeability of the concrete. In the case of dry concrete, the quality class of the concrete cover can be read from a table
using the kT value. In the case of moist concrete, kT is combined with the electrical concrete resistance (rho) and the
quality class is determined from a nomogram.
The TORRENT permeability tester is based on investigations which were carried out by the research centre of Holder-
bank Management and Consulting Ltd., Switzerland. The result of these measurements, which were made in the labo-
ratory and on the building site, are in good agreement with laboratory methods, such as oxygen permeability, capillary
suction, chloride penetration, etc.
1 Inner chamber, pressure pi In the case of moist concrete, the
pa
Atmospheric
2 Outer chamber, pressure Po measured permeability is lower, i.e.
pressure pa
3 Po=pi the concrete quality seems to be
too good. This effect can be
3 Air flow to the outer chamber corrected using the electrical
4 4 Air flow to the inner chamber resistance of the concrete. The
1 concrete quality class is determi-
L=Depth of penetration of the vacuum
2 ned from kT and in a nomogram.
Air flow to the two chambers Nomogram for concrete
of the vacuum cell quality class
Standard: SN 505 262/1, Annexe E
www.proceq.com
Technical Information Basic Unit Atmospheric pressure pa
at start of measurement
Display Unit with nonvolatile memory
Associated concrete resistance
for 200 measured objects Number of measurement
t = Duration of the test in s
DISPLAY: 128x128 graphic LCD Pi = Pressure in the inner
chamber of the cell in
INTERFACE: RS232 or with adapter to USB mbar
kT, L = Results of the
SOFTWARE: Integrated for printing out measured objects measurement
and transmission to PC
BATTERIES: 6 1.5V, LR 6 batteries for 60 hours operation
TEMPERATURE RANGE: -10 to +60C
User guidance during
CARRYING CASE: 325 x 295 x 105mm, total weight 2.1kg measuring process
Input information
Control Unit with membrane pressure Display before start of the
measurement
regulator and pressure sensor
VACUUM CONNECTION: small flange 16KF
CARRYING CASE: 520 x 370 x 125mm, total weight 6.3kg
The unit is operated with a commercial vacuum pump.
Technical data according to DIN 28400:
Suction capacity 1.5m/h, final total pressure 10mbar,
suction-side connection: small flange 10KF/16KF, high water
vapour toleration. Control Unit
Ordering Information
UNIT KIT
380 02 200 TORRENT Permeability Tester
Includes Display unit, printer cable, transfer cable for PC,
carrying strap, operating instructions, control
unit, two carrying cases
ACCESSORIES
Two-chamber vacuum cell with sea-
380 02 500 Resistance probe WENNER-PROCEQ with
ling rings
8 foam pads, cable and control plate
390 00 540 Adapter RS232/USB
REPLACEMENT PARTS
380 02 272 Carrying case to display unit
380 02 270 Carrying case to control unit
330 00 456 Transfer cable to PC
330 00 460 Printer cable serial interface
380 02 502 Resistance probe WENNER-PROCEQ without
foam pads, without cable
380 02 510 Cable to resistance probe
380 02 508S Foam pad to resistance probe, 4 pieces Printout of an object
380 04 250 Control plate to resistance probe
380 00 079 Carrying strap to display unit
820 38 005E Operating instructions
Subject to change without notice.
All information contained in this documentation is presented in good faith and believed to be correct.
Proceq SA makes no warranties and excludes all liability as to the completeness and/or accuracy of
the information. For the use and application of any product manufactured and/or sold by Proceq SA
explicit reference is made to the particular applicable operating instructions.
Resistance probe WENNER-PROCEQ
Sales and Service Contacts:
Europe/Africa Americas Asia/Pacific
Proceq SA Proceq USA, Inc. Proceq Asia Pte Ltd
Ringstrasse 2 117 Corporation Drive 12 New Industrial Road #02-02A
CH-8603 Schwerzenbach Aliquippa, PA 15001 Singapore 536202
Switzerland USA Republic of Singapore
Phone: +41 (0)43 355 38 00 Phone: +1-724-512-0330 Phone: +65-6382-3966
Fax: +41 (0)43 355 38 12 Fax: +1-724-512-0331 Fax: +65-6382-3307
info-europe@proceq.com info-usa@proceq.com info-asia@proceq.com
810 380 01E ver 12 2007 Proceq SA, Switzerland. All rights reserved. www.proceq.com
