permeation tube

A device used for dynamic preparation of test gas mixtures by means of controlled permeation of a gaseous analyte out of a container through polymer material into a carrier gas stream. These devices containing certain condensable gases (e.g. NO2 , SO2 , etc.) when operated at closely controlled temperatures can be used as primary standards calibrated in terms of the weight loss per unit time.
Source:
PAC, 1990, 62, 2167 (Glossary of atmospheric chemistry terms (Recommendations 1990)) on page 2205