Abstract

A porosimeter evaluates the porosity characteristics (specifically, pore volume, pore distribution and liquid permeability) of a porous sample of material. The porosimeter includes a fluid reservoir located below the sample, and a penetrometer comprising a vessel which catches any fluid displaced from the reservoir of fluid, wherein a level of fluid rises in the penetrometer when additional fluid enters the penetrometer. The sample is preferably wetted, with the same type of fluid which is in the reservoir, prior to placing the sample on the porosimeter. The porosimeter preferably also includes a membrane located between the sample and the reservoir of fluid. The membrane has pores with a size smaller than any of the sample pores. Pore volume of the sample is determined by measuring the change in fluid level in the penetrometer after pressure, which is above the bubble point pressure of the sample but below the bubble point pressure of the membrane, is applied to the sample. Permeability is measured by measuring rate of flow while the liquid level is above the sample.