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AquaLab 4TE Series - User Manual

AquaLab 4TE Series
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Water Activity Meter
Operator’s Manual
For Series 4, 4TE, 4TEV, DUO, and TEV DUO
Decagon Devices, Inc.
Version: February 28, 2014 — 09:24:12

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers

  • B
    bjacksonAug 17, 2025
    How to fix an AquaLab 4TE that will not turn on?
    • J
      Jose NicholsAug 17, 2025
      First, check that the power cord is securely attached to the back of the instrument and plugged into the power outlet. If it still doesn't turn on, a power surge may have blown a fuse. To replace the fuse: 1. Unplug the power cord. 2. Locate the panel where the power cord plugs in. The fuse box is on the right side of that panel. Press in on the release tab and pull the fuse-holder out. Pull the broken fuse(s) out and replace with a 1.25 Amp 250V fuse. 3. Replace the fuse-holder and push it into the fuse-well until the release tab snaps in place. 4. Connect the power cord and turn your instrument on. If the fuse blows again, a failed component may be the cause.
  • F
    fergusonmichaelAug 19, 2025
    Why are my AquaLab 4TE readings slow or inconsistent?
    • H
      hannahjohnsonAug 19, 2025
      Slow or inconsistent readings on your AquaLab Measuring Instruments can stem from several factors. The sample chamber may be dirty. The temperature difference between the sample and the block chamber may be too great, requiring the sample to equilibrate to the instrument temperature. Some products absorb or desorb moisture slowly. Your sample may contain volatiles. A fan blade in the block chamber may be broken or bent.
  • S
    Shawna BartlettAug 22, 2025
    What to do if verification is not correct on AquaLab 4TE?
    • P
      Paul RodriguezAug 22, 2025
      Incorrect verification on your AquaLab Measuring Instruments may be due to a dirty sample chamber and mirror, so you should clean them. After cleaning, verify and adjust for linear offset using a Verification Standard.
  • R
    rsmithAug 25, 2025
    Why are water activity readings on AquaLab 4TE too high or low?
    • K
      Keith ToddAug 26, 2025
      If water activity readings on verification standards are too high or low on your AquaLab Measuring Instruments, and a linear offset adjustment cannot be made any higher or lower, the thermopile in your chamber or the chamber mirror may be contaminated. Consider cleaning them.
  • A
    April CampbellAug 27, 2025
    What does 'aw below instrument detection limits' mean on AquaLab 4TE Measuring Instruments?
    • J
      Joshua CervantesAug 28, 2025
      This message on your AquaLab Measuring Instruments means the sample is too dry for the instrument to read accurately or the mirror may be dirty. If your sample has a water activity that is less than below the detection limits of the instrument, this message will come up. Try cleaning the mirror and chamber and measuring the sample again.
  • E
    Ellen FinleyAug 31, 2025
    Why is the moisture content displayed not correct on AquaLab Measuring Instruments?
    • E
      erikadavisAug 31, 2025
      If the moisture content displayed is not correct on your AquaLab Measuring Instruments, the model selected may not be correct for the product being tested. Toggle through the available models to find a more appropriate one. If the model is correct but not giving correct moisture content values it may be necessary to generate a new model for the product or update an existing model.
  • J
    John HamiltonSep 2, 2025
    What does 'sample is too hot' mean on AquaLab Measuring Instruments?
    • J
      Jamie TranSep 2, 2025
      This warning on your AquaLab Measuring Instruments indicates that your sample temperature is too high for the instrument to equilibrate with it in a reasonable amount of time. Only measure samples that are at the same temperature as the instrument.
  • K
    Katie DunnSep 5, 2025
    How to correct a test run with the wrong model on AquaLab Measuring Instruments?
    • K
      Kara AdkinsSep 5, 2025
      If you ran a test with the wrong model on your AquaLab Measuring Instruments, toggle to the correct model on the measurement screen using the up and down arrow keys. The moisture content value will update to correspond with the selected model. If the correct model is not available, it may not be loaded on the instrument. To determine which models are loaded, cycle to the menu tab, select Moisture Content, and the loaded models will appear. If the correct model is still unavailable, load the appropriate model using AquaLink 4 Software.
  • J
    Justin SnyderSep 8, 2025
    Why does moisture content not show up on the screen of AquaLab Measuring Instruments?
    • R
      Rickey EdwardsSep 8, 2025
      If moisture content does not show up on the screen of your AquaLab Measuring Instruments, toggle to the menu tab, select moisture content, and select the appropriate model. If no models appear in the moisture content screen, models will need to be reloaded using AquaLink 4 software. If moisture content is not an active selection, the DUO feature may not be active.
  • J
    Jade ScottSep 12, 2025
    What does 'contaminated mirror' mean on AquaLab 4TE?
    • M
      Matthew EllisSep 12, 2025
      This message on your AquaLab Measuring Instruments means the mirror used for dew point measurements requires cleaning. Follow the cleaning instructions before trying to run your sample again.

Summary

Introduction

Customer Support

Contact information and support channels for assistance with your AquaLab instrument.

About This Manual

Overview of the manual's content, covering setup, calibration, sample preparation, and maintenance.

Warranty

Details the 30-day satisfaction guarantee and one-year warranty on parts and labor for the AquaLab.

Sellers Liability

Defines the seller's warranty against defects and limitations of liability for the AquaLab.

About AquaLab

AquaLab 4 Instrument Specifications

Technical specifications for the AquaLab 4 water activity meter, including range, accuracy, and dimensions.

AquaLab 4 DUO Specifications

Technical specifications for the AquaLab 4 DUO, focusing on moisture content repeatability and accuracy.

AquaLab Model and Options

Describes the different AquaLab series (4, 4TE, 4TEV, DUO) and their features.

How AquaLab Works

Explains the chilled-mirror dew point technique and capacitance sensor operation in AquaLab.

AquaLab and Temperature

Discusses the importance of temperature control for accurate water activity measurements.

Chilled Mirror Dew Point Limitations

Details limitations of the chilled mirror dew point sensor, especially with volatile samples.

Water Activity Theory

Moisture Content

Explains moisture content determination methods and its limitations as a predictor.

Water Activity

Defines water activity as an energy status measure and its relation to perishability.

Temperature Effects

Describes how temperature differences can affect water activity measurement accuracy.

Water Potential

Explains water potential as a thermodynamic property related to water activity.

Sorption Isotherms

Discusses the relationship between water activity and water content, and sorption isotherms.

Getting Started

Components of your AquaLab

Lists all items included in the AquaLab shipment, including the meter and verification solutions.

Choosing a Location

Guidance on selecting an optimal location for the AquaLab to ensure correct and consistent operation.

Preparing AquaLab for Operation

Steps for setting up the AquaLab, including plugging it in and initial warm-up.

Menus

Measurement Tab

Description of the main measurement screen displaying water activity and sample temperature.

Configuration Tab

Navigating the configuration menu to adjust settings like calibration, temperature, and sensor.

Admin Settings

Managing administrator passwords, user setup, auto-save, beeps, and contrast settings.

Data Tab

Options for viewing, deleting, and managing stored measurement data.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the Block Sensors

Procedure for accessing and cleaning the sample chamber and its sensors.

Cleaning a Series 4 TEV

Specific cleaning instructions for Series 4TEV, including capacitance sensor care.

Cleaning Procedure

Detailed multi-step procedure for washing, rinsing, and drying components.

Verification of Calibration

Checking instrument performance after cleaning to correct for linear offset.

Verification and Calibration

Water Activity Verification

Importance and methods for verifying AquaLab calibration using known standards.

Verification Standards

Details on using prepared unsaturated salt solutions for accurate verification.

Verification of Calibration

Step-by-step guide to verify calibration and check for linear offset.

Adjust for Linear Offset

Procedure to adjust the linear offset of the instrument based on verification standards.

Sample Preparation

Preparing the Sample

Guidelines for preparing samples, including homogeneity, filling, and consistency.

Samples Needing Special Preparation

Addressing samples that require extra preparation for accurate readings, like coated or dried items.

Slow Water-Emitting Samples

Tips for measuring samples that release water slowly, requiring continuous or custom mode.

Volatile Samples

Measuring volatile samples using the capacitance sensor and potential interference issues.

Low Water Activity

Handling samples with water activity below the instrument's detection limits.

Samples Not at Room Temperature

Guidelines for measuring samples that are significantly colder or warmer than the instrument.

Taking a Reading

Measurement Steps

Step-by-step instructions for performing a water activity measurement.

How AquaLab Takes Readings

Explanation of the AquaLab's reading cycle and how it determines equilibrium.

DUO Operation (Optional)

Obtaining Product Isotherm Models

Information on generating and obtaining product-specific isotherm models for moisture content calculation.

Loading and Organizing Product Models

How to load and manage product models using the AquaLink 4 software.

Measuring Moisture Content

Steps for measuring moisture content simultaneously with water activity using DUO models.

Moisture Content Adjustment

Adjusting moisture content calculations to correlate with reference methods.

How to Adjust for Linear Offset or Create a New Model Based Off an Old Model

Procedure for adjusting linear offset or creating new moisture content models.

Restore Moisture Content Settings

Restoring original moisture content model settings to factory defaults.

How to Delete Models

Steps for deleting product models from the instrument.

Computer Interface

AquaLink 4 Software

Description of AquaLink 4 software for data collection, report generation, and instrument management.

AquaLink 4 Part 11 Compatible Software

Information on AquaLink 4 software compliant with CFR Part 11 regulations.

Using a Communication Program

Instructions for connecting AquaLab to a computer using terminal programs and required settings.

Troubleshooting

AquaLab will not turn on

Troubleshooting steps for when the AquaLab instrument fails to power on.

Readings are slow or inconsistent

Solutions for slow or inconsistent readings, including chamber cleanliness and temperature.

Water activity readings on verification standards are too high;low and a linear offset adjustment cannot be made any higher;lower

Troubleshooting high/low verification readings and issues with linear offset adjustment.

Message on screen displays a warning that the sample is too hot

Addresses the 'Sample too hot' warning and provides solutions for temperature-related issues.

Message on screen displays aw below instrument detection limits

Troubleshooting messages indicating sample water activity is below detection limits.

Message on screen displaying dew point sensor failure

Diagnosing and resolving dew point sensor failure errors, often requiring service.

Message on screen displays the error “Firmware is corrupted.”

Steps for resolving firmware corruption errors, which may require instrument servicing.

Verification is not correct

Troubleshooting incorrect verification results, including cleaning and linear offset adjustments.

Message on screen displays “Contaminated mirror.”

Solutions for 'Contaminated mirror' errors, emphasizing mirror cleaning.

DUO Model-Test was run with wrong model

Correcting errors when a test is run with an incorrect product model on the DUO.

DUO Model-%Moisture Content displayed is not correct

Troubleshooting incorrect moisture content display on DUO models.

DUO Model-%Moisture Content is not shown on screen

Resolving issues where moisture content is not displayed on the DUO screen.

DUO Model-Moisture Content is not correct

Addressing incorrect moisture content readings on DUO models, likely due to model selection or calibration.

Support and Repair

Repair Costs

Information on warranty repairs and charges for non-warranty services.

Loaner Service

Details on Decagon's loaner instrument service while your AquaLab is being serviced.

Appendix A

Preparing Salt Solution

Instructions for mixing saturated salt solutions for use as verification standards.

Appendix B

Temperature Correction of Decagon’s Verification Standards

Table showing water activity values of selected salt solutions at various temperatures.

Appendix C

AquaLab Verification Standards Application Note

Benefits of using pre-packaged standard salt solutions for AquaLab verification.

Uncertainties Using Saturated Salt Solutions

Discussion on the limitations and uncertainties associated with saturated salt solutions.

Why AquaLab Verification Standards are Superior

Explanation of why unsaturated salt solutions are superior verification standards.

Instructions for Using Decagon’s Verification Standards

Step-by-step guide for using Decagon's verification standards with the AquaLab.

Declaration of Conformity

Certificate of Traceability

AquaLab 4TE Series Specifications

General IconGeneral
Accuracy±0.003 aw
Temperature Control15 to 50 °C
Measurement Time5 minutes
Measurement PrincipleChilled Mirror Dewpoint
Resolution0.0001 aw
Temperature Accuracy±0.1 °C
CommunicationUSB, RS-232
DisplayLCD
Measurement Range0.03 to 1.00 aw
Operating Temperature4-50 °C (39-122 °F)
Data Storage8000 readings
Power Supply50/60 Hz
Storage Temperature-20 to 50 °C

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