A system and method for measuring streaming potential, conductivity and permeability of a porous sample, such as a plug of fibrous material, in which a test electrolytic solution, such as a neutral dilute salt solution, is flowed through a flow cell containing the sample. The test solution, and a treatment solution whose effect on the sample is to be measured, are flowed through the flow cell as a series of liquid spurts. The system includes a plurality of solenoid valves which are controlled by a computer in accordance with a software program.