METER GROUP AquaLab 4TE - Sample Preparation for Accurate Readings

3
AQUALAB
Table 1 Installation (continued)
Installation
Plug In Instrument
Plug the power cord into the back of the AQUALAB unit and into an outlet.
Only use the supplied power cord or one rated for AQUALAB 4 and certied for
the country of use. The cord must be a minimum of 18 AWG and have a rating
for 10 A or greater.
WARNING: An incorrect main power voltage can damage the instrument.
Turn the Unit ON.
Allow the AQUALAB a 15-min warm-up period to ensure accurate readings.
2.2 SAMPLE PREPARATION
Proper sample preparation is important to keep the AQUALAB clean and achieve repeatable
results. Carefully prepare and load samples to lengthen time between cleanings and help
avoid downtime. Be consistent in sample preparation methods (e.g., crush, grind, slice the
sample) to obtain reproducible results.
More specific considerations regarding sample composition and sample temperature are
discussed in Section2.2.1 and Section2.2.2, respectively.
Follow the steps listed below to prepare samples:
1. Make sure the sample to be measured is homogeneous.
Multicomponent samples (e.g., mufns with raisins) or samples that have outside
coatings (like deep-fried, breaded foods) can be measured, but they need to have
representative portions in the cup and may take longer than other sample types
toequilibrate.
2. Place the sample in a disposable sample cup.
a. Completely cover the bottom of the cup, if possible, to provide enough sample to get
an accurate reading.
The AQUALAB is able to accurately measure a sample that does not (or cannot) cover
the bottom of the cup. For example, raisins only need to be placed in the cup and do
not need to be attened to cover the bottom.
A larger sample surface area increases instrument efciency by providing more
stable infrared sample temperatures. It also speeds up the reading by shortening the
time needed to reach vapor equilibrium.
b. Do not fill the sample cup more than half full.
Overlled cups can contaminate the chamber and do not make the readings faster or
more accurate.
3. Wipe any excess sample material from the rim and outside of the sample cup with a
clean KIMWIPES
®
tissue.