GATS photo

The M/K GATS Model 1200 Absorbency Tester

M/K GATS Liquid Absorbency Device

The M/K GATS measures absorbency properties easily and reliably.   This precision absorbency device accurately measures absorbency rates and capacity using our M/K Systems' patented liquid interface.   The GATS employs an accurate water delivery method that accurately controls the height between your sample and the liquid source.   Use the GATS to replace your PFI absorbency tester. Replace your COBB tester with our automated absorbency testing system. All data and graphs are recorded in real time (5 points per second or faster if desired), then analyzed through our statistical software package.  In addition to measuring absorbency in towels, diapers, tampons, our device is also optimized to analyze polymer absorption properties.   Our automated system restores all settings and liquid levels for each test, eliminating user variability.    The GATS reveals absorbency differences not obtainable through other methods.  Easily measure both absorbency capacity and rate by both radial wicking and absorbency through your sample in the "z-directional" (thickness) .   The 2020 M/K Systems GATS now uses a programmable Smart-motor with improved sensitivity over earlier models.    Our different liquid interface designs allow you to measure measure absorbency rate under load (absorbency under pressure), z-directional absorbency tests, radial wicking, or even 45-degree absorbency tests.  

Some typical absorbency materials used in the GATS include: 

  • Nonwovens, Textiles, and Cotton materials, Knit and Woven Textiles.
  • Super absorbent materials and other polymers
  • Tissues and Paper Towels
  • Pulp, Fibers (absorbency and desorbency)
  • Clothing, apparel, textiles, polyesters, and other materials to model sweating. 
  • Diapers, tampons, and other Feminine Hygiene Products.
  • Absorbency in Cat litters, sodium bentonite, and other clays.
  • Polymers, Powders, and other granular substrates.
  • Pulp, fiberglass, or other materials with a threaded or string-laced structure.

Some industry standards and patents the M/K GATS complies with include:

  • TAPPI T-561 (Currently undergoing revision)

  • ASTM D5802

  • ISO 9073-12
  • AATCC-TM200 Water delivery 
  • Pulp-dewatering test
  • US Patent 7,779,685
  • US Patent 8,176,769
  • US Patent 8,869,634     
  • Other patents are pending. 

Our system accurately monitors the liquid uptake by lowering our patented test plate as the liquid is drawn into your substrate through capillary action.

The GATS measures hundreds of data points per minute and automatically graphs your absorbency curves in real time.   Software is used to statistically analyze your absorbency results. 

Send us samples for testing.  You can rent or buy the GATS.  Contact us for further details.

Copyright © M/K Systems 1969-2022

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Industry Patent References & Publications

1) Patent 10,092,674, "Absorbent structure with dryness layer", Attends Health Care, (Harry J. Chmielewski, Paul Ducker).

2) Patent 7,288,167, "Cross-linked pulp sheet", Rayonier Performance Fibers LLC
(Karl D. Sears, Michael E. Haeussler, Tina R. Solomon).

3) Patent 7,018,511, "Crossed-linked pulp and method of making same", Rayonier Performance Fibers LLC (Karl D. Sears, Michael E. Haeussler, Tina R. Solomon).

4) Patent 6,821,383, "Preparation of modified fluff pulp, fluff pulp products and use thereof", National Starch, Michele Merrette Shore, A. Levent Cimecioglu.

5) Patent 6,548,431, "Melt spun polyester nonwoven sheet", E.I. DuPont, (Vishal Bansal, Michael C. Davis, Edgar N. Rudisill).

6) Patent 6,383,609, "Absorbent structure comprising a highly absorbent polymer, and an absorbent article comprising the absorbent structure", E. I. Du Pont, (Vishal Bansal, Michael C. Davis, Edgar N. Rudisill). 

7) Patent 6,310,268, "Non-ionic plasticizer additives for wood pulps and absorbent cores", Rayonier Products (Krishnakumar Rangachari, Kays Chinai).

8) Patent 5,916,670, "Absorbent material for use in absorbent articles, Rayonier, (Erol Tan, Peter R. Abitz, Kays Chinai).

9) Patent 5,874,159, "Durable spun laced fabric structures", E.I. Dupont (Charles Clayton Cruise, Robert Howe Peterson, James Thomas Summers).

10) Patent 5,866,242, "Soft, strong, absorbent material for use in absorbent articles", Rayonier, (Erol Tan, Peter R. Abitz). 

11) Patent 5,693,707, "Liquid absorbent composition for nonwoven binder applications", Air Products, (John Tze-Chiang Cheng, Finn Lennart Marten, Joel Erwin Goldstein, Chung-Ling Mao).

12) Patent 5,531,727, "Fluid absorbing article utilizing a flow control cover sheet", Fibervisions, (Richmond R. Cohen, Edward J. Engle).

Publications referencing the M/K GATS:

  • "Cleaning Pad with Functional Properties", International Application Published Under the Patent Cooperation Treaty, WO 2005/068095,The Clorox Company, (Andrew Kilkenny, Cheryl Rodriguez).
  • "A Wearable Textile Thermograph", Nottingham Trent University (Pasindu Lugoda, Theodore Hughes-Riley, Rob Morris, Tilak Dias).  Published in Sensors 2018, 18. 
  • Nonwoven Fabrics For Wiping Applications, International
    Application WO2000037724A2, E.I. Dupont, (James Marshall Oathout).
  • The Functional Properties of Tencel® - A Current Update, Textile Innovation, Lenzing AG, Austria (Heinrich Firgoa, K. Christian Schustera, Friedrich Suchomela, Johann Männera, Tom Burrowa, Mohammad Abu-Rous)
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