REOCATTesting laboratoryRUSend a request

Surface area and porosity: which parameters do you need?

Defining a structural characterisation task for a catalyst, sorbent or support without mixing different parameters.

Industrial material samples
Industrial materials in the laboratory catalogue

One structure, several questions

The catalogue includes specific surface area, pore volume, diameter and distributions. Do not automatically select every parameter in a combined entry. First identify the requirement to be checked and the samples to be compared.

For an initial request, list the parameters of interest and attach the specification. The laboratory will confirm the scope and document applicability to your material.

What a BET reference means

ASTM D3663-20 describes catalyst and carrier surface-area determination using nitrogen adsorption and a BET calculation. That reference alone does not define a complete pore-characterisation programme.

Entry No. 114 retains the combined name from the source catalogue. If you also need pore volume, size or distributions, separately agree on the parameters and documents.

Surface area, volume and distribution

ParameterClarify in the request
Specific surface areaThe material and the document against which the value will be assessed.
Pore volumeThe exact parameter named in the specification and the document required.
Pore size and distributionWhether a distribution is needed and any reporting requirements.

This table helps define the task; it does not replace the procedure and its scope.

Preparing a comparison request

  • Identify the grade and condition of each material, such as fresh or used where relevant.
  • Attach the specification or previous report rather than a number without its method.
  • State the decision: checking a requirement, comparing batches or examining a particular change.
  • Agree on preparation, sample quantity and reporting before shipment.

Do not infer a complete assessment from one parameter

A request for one structural parameter is not a composition, strength or catalytic activity programme. List any further characteristics your decision requires and agree on the programme.

The public ASTM description in the source explains terminology. It does not confirm that REOCAT operates a particular instrument model or automatically uses every edition of a standard.

Sources and scope

These sources explain technical concepts. Document applicability and the test scope are confirmed when agreeing on a request.

Related catalogue entries