JOIJRNAI, OF POLYMER SCIENCE: PART A-2 VOL.

6 (1968)

NOTES

The “Barrer” Permeability Unit

The permeability coefficient for gases in polymeric membranes is expressed a t present

in a variety of systems of units and no agreement appears to exist between different in-
vestigators on the selection of a rational system. The permeability coefficient, P,
(which is also called the permeability “constant” or, more simply, the “permeability”)
is generally defined by the expression

P = q-t/A*Ap (1)

where q is the mass flux of gas through a membrane of area A and thickness t, under a
partial pressure gradient A p across the membrane. Some investigators in the field of
gas permeation, particularly those interested in mechanism studies, have expressed q
in cma(STP).sec-’, A in cme, t in cm or m,and A p in cm Hg or atm. Other workers,
who were more concerned with the performance of membranes in packlging and other
applications, have preferred to use systems of units that provide a more descriptive
measure of the permeation process under conditions of practicsl interest. For example,
they have expressed q in cmz(STP).(24 hr)-I, A in f t a or 100 in.*, t in md (1 X 10-3 in.),
and A p in atm.
Several years ago, Alter1 proposed that the permeability coefficient. be report#ed in
terms of the unit
-
[ ‘‘-lo
cm*(STP) cm
sec.cm’.cm Hg 1
which is to be designated as the “barrer.” This proposal is being studied presently by
several investigators and quality control specialists.
The idea of honoring Professor R. M. Barrer in this manner for his pioneering studies
on permeation is indeed an excellent one. However, it is suggested that a permeability
unit based on the CGS system of measures be considered as a n alternative definition of
the “barrer,’’ for reasons of dimensional consistency.
In the CGS system, 1he mass flux, q, across the membrane is expressed in g sec-1, the
membrane arca, A , in ems, and its thickness, t, in cm. The CGS unit of pressure fs the
dyne.cm-2, which is also known as the mimobar ( = 10- bar); the pertinent conversion
factors are:
1 bar = 1 X lo” microbar = 75.006 cm Hg
1 cm Hg = 1.3332 X bar
Hence, the CGS permeability unit will be expressed in terms of

The relationship between the above unit and that proposed by Alter is given below:
g.cm ]- - (2.9882 X 1018) [10-10
cmYSTP)cm
sec.cm2.(dynecm-a) M seecm’. cm Hg
1933
1934 JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE: PART A-2 VOL. 6 (1968)

where M is the molecular weight of the penetrant gas. The microbar is not a familiar
or convenient unit of pressure and it may prove more useful to define the permeability
in terms of the bar, which is equivalent to approximately one atmosphere pressure.
Therefore, it is suggested that the following permeability unit be designated as the
“barrer” :

1 “barrer” = 1 (5)
sec.cme.bar
This designation could be used in conjunction with the usual numerical prefixes, such as
micro, num, and pico, to express permeability values smaller than the proposed unit by
factors of lod, 10-0, and 10-12, respectively. For example,

10 “picobarrers” = lo-”
[ g*cmbar
sec.cm2. ] -- _ _ _[
29&%2 -
cm3(STP) cm
]
lo-’’ sec.cme.cm Hg- (6)

It is seen that for gases of interest to many development and testing laboratories,
such as oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, the unit proposed by Alter is of the mag-
nitude of 10 “picobarrers.”

Reference
1. H.Alter, J . Polymer Sci., 57,926 (1962).
S. A. STERN
Dept. of Chemical Engineering and Metallurgy
Syracuse University
Syracuse, New York 14152
Received April 5, 1968