Evaluation method for pore size distribution by using capillary liquid suction tests

In this paper, we introduce a method to evaluate pore size distribution using capillary absorption curves obtained by wicking methods. Its usefulness lies in its capacity to interpret experimental data by means of its reproduction, its capacity to predict them and its capacity to analyze work hypothesis. The theoretical basis for this study lies in the cylindrical capillaries model, to which two main considerations have been introduced: (a) the tortuosity, independent of pore volume, in which all the causes of the slowing down in liquid absorption with respect to the model are included, and (b) the influence of porous distributions, under the hypothesis that they adjust to simple mathematical functions. Numerous capillary absorption experiments were carried out and the data obtained from three of the tests, regarded as representative of the experiments developed, were reproduced by means of a simulation software in which the theoretical considerations described were implemented.