Abstract: A device for measuring the permeability of a porous material to a fluid includes an air cavity, a material module including a support configured to contain a volume of fluid, and the porous material. The air cavity and the support are arranged such that the porous material is between the volume of fluid and the air cavity. The device includes means for measuring the pressure in the air cavity over time, means for controlling the pressure of the volume of fluid, which are configured to apply a pressure to the volume of fluid so as to induce a flow through the porous material in the air cavity, and digital means configured to determine the pressure gradient between the volume of fluid and the air cavity, the flow rate of the fluid through the porous material, and the permeability of the porous material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for storing electrical energy in a superconducting coil. The secondary phenomenon of magnetic induction which limits the size of existing superconducting energy storage coils is overcome by utilizing two superconductor material coils coupled by mutual induction through a high permeability magnetic material. This eliminates induction in the superconductor material thus eliminating the difficulty of the destruction of superconducting capability because of secondary induction. This construction permits high current storage capability in a small volume.