LimsPulse
Construction materials testing

Blaine Air Permeability Apparatus

Measures the fineness of cement as specific surface area (m²/kg) by timing how long a fixed volume of air takes to pass through a compacted bed of cement.

  • Cement manufacturing
  • Construction materials testing
  • Fly ash and slag suppliers
  • Academic labs
Illustration of Blaine Air Permeability Apparatus
Follow your site SOP
This is a typical operating sequence for learning. Your instrument model and approved SOP take precedence.
STAGE 1

Before you start

  1. 1Check the apparatus constant and bed volume are current (re-determine after any part is replaced).
  2. 2Check the manometer liquid is at the lowest mark and clean.
  3. 3Bring the cement sample to room temperature and mix it well; know its density (e.g. 3.15 g/cm³ for OPC if not measured).
  4. 4Record the room temperature.
  • Use the same type of filter paper as used for calibration.
STAGE 2

Preparing the bed

  1. 1Calculate and weigh the sample mass for the required porosity.
  2. 2Place the disc and one filter paper in the cell, add the cement and tap to level it.
  3. 3Place a second filter paper on top and press the plunger down firmly until its collar touches the cell; withdraw it slowly.
  • Press the plunger once only; repeated pressing changes the bed.
STAGE 3

Measuring

  1. 1Fit the cell to the manometer, ensuring an airtight seal.
  2. 2Draw the liquid up to the top mark with the bulb and close the tap.
  3. 3Start timing when the meniscus passes the second mark and stop when it reaches the third mark.
  4. 4Repeat on a fresh bed and average the times (or follow the number of determinations in the standard).
  • If the liquid falls without the tap closed, there is a leak; reseat the cell.
STAGE 4

After testing

  1. 1Empty and clean the cell and disc with a soft brush.
  2. 2Calculate specific surface and report in m²/kg.
  3. 3Record time, temperature, sample mass and apparatus ID.
In LimsPulse · Calibration Management

Keep every Blaine in control: usage logs, calibration and maintenance schedules, and automatic blocking of overdue instruments.

See how