A temperature-controlled device for volumetric measurements of Helium adsorption in porous media

TL;DR

This paper introduces a temperature-controlled device that enables precise volumetric measurements of helium adsorption in porous media, facilitating studies of hysteresis and metastability.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel setup that allows accurate control of helium adsorption measurements across a wide temperature range, improving analysis of porous media behaviors.

Findings

Validated the device with experiments on silica aerogels

Demonstrated ability to study hysteresis and metastable states

First application shows detailed adsorption/desorption behavior

Abstract

We describe a set-up for studying adsorption of helium in silica aerogels, where the adsorbed amount is easily and precisely controlled by varying the temperature of a gas reservoir between 80 K and 180 K. We present validation experiments and a first application to aerogels. This device is well adapted to study hysteresis, relaxation, and metastable states in the adsorption and desorption of fluids in porous media.