METER GROUP AquaLab 4TE - Introduction to AQUALAB Series 4

1
1. INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the AQUALAB
®
4 Series Water Activity Meter from METER Group.
AQUALAB is the most accurate and most reliable instrument available for measuring water
activity (a
w
).
The AQUALAB 4 Series includes four models:
• AQUALAB 4TE uses a chilled-mirror dew point sensor and thermoelectric (Peltier)
components to maintain a user-selectable internal temperature.
• AQUALAB 4TEV uses both a chilled-mirror dew point sensor and a capacitance sensor for
measuring nonvolatile and volatile substances, respectively. Either sensor is selected using
the instrument menu system.
• AQUALAB 4TE DUO uses a chilled-mirror dew point sensor and programmed models
obtained from isotherm data to give the user both water activity and moisture content
simultaneously in 5 min or less.
• AQUALAB 4TEV DUO uses both a chilled-mirror dew point sensor or capacitance sensor
as well as programmed models obtained from isotherm data to give the user both water
activity and moisture content simultaneously for samples containing both nonvolatile and
volatilesubstances.
This manual includes instructions for setting up, verifying the calibration, preparing samples,
taking readings, and maintaining AQUALAB instruments.
Verify all instrument contents shipped and appear in good condition:
• AQUALAB Water Activity Meter
• Calibration certificate
• Power cord
• USB A to USB B cable
• 50 disposable sample cups
• AQUALAB Cleaning Kit
• Two vials each of the following verification solutions:
0.760 a
w
6.00 mol/kg NaCl
0.500 a
w
8.57 mol/kg LiCl
0.250 a
w
13.41 mol/kg LiCl