top of page

AA-GWR Water Retention Meter

Principle of Measurement

The method is based on pressure filtration of coatings under an externally applied air pressure over a certain time period. It utilizes gravimetric determination of the aqueous phase penetrating through a filter and absorbed by a paper sample. The measurement is very sensitive to changes in coating colour formulation and has good reproducibility because the procedure is simple and the measurement system is well defined. Various contact times and pressures can be easily studied.

To learn more, please read the article, "Measuring the water retention of coating colors," written by Stefan E. Sandas, Pekka J. Salminen, and Dan E. Eklund for the Tappi Journal, Vol. 72, No. 12, December 1989 issue.

​

How the AA-GWR Works

The absorbing paper is weighed and placed on the lower mat. The filter and cup are set on top of the paper. The system is sealed by the magnets on the cup and lower mat. The coating is then poured into the test cell and placed into the unit. The test cell is then pressurized for a given time period. Upon completion of the test period, the paper is re-weighed to determine the amount of liquid de-watered from the coating.

​

Features and Benefits
  • Measures coating de-watering under pressure.

  • Identifies differences on absorptive properties of paper samples.

  • Rapid measurements, 2-5 minutes per test.

  • Easy to operate and clean.

  • Very high accuracy and repeatability.

  • Portable, ideal for on-site troubleshooting and problem solving
    at the mill.

  • Digital timer controls test duration and alerts the operator when
    the test is complete.

​

​

​

​

​

Official TAPPI Test Method 

AA-GWR Model 250 Manual
Model 250

The digital model 250's cell pressure is set using a pressure reference knob and a LCD display. This model utilizes a servo pressure control system, which is comprised of two valves, a pressure sensor and electronic control circuitry. Pressure in the measuring cell is continuously monitored and, if necessary, adjusted to maintain precise control to within ±1% of full scale.

​

Instrument Specifications

​

Test Cell Area...................................................................................8.0 cm² 
Sample Volume ..................................................................................10 ml 
Cell Pressure ...........................................................0 - 30 psi (0 - 2 bar) 
Input Pressure ...................................................................100 psi (7 bar) 
Voltage........................................................................115 Volt or 220 Volt 
Timer.............................................................................LCD Digital Display,

0 - 9990 Second Counter

Weight............................................................................................18 lbs. net
Dimensions (HxWxD)..................................................10 x 10 x 7 inches 
Recommended Blotter Paper .............................Chromatography 17,

(Our P/N GWR430) 

Recommended Filter........................Polycarbonate 5.0 micron filter,

47 mm diameter

(Our P/N GWR420)

Contact Us

KALTEC SCIENTIFIC SUPPLIES & INSTRUMENTS LLC

37742 Lancaster Street

Livonia, Michigan 48154-1560 USA

Customer Service

Text:              313 910 4336

Email:           connie.fletcher @kaltecsci.com

We Accept

© 2026 Kaltec Scientific Supplies and Instruments LLC

bottom of page