METER AQUALAB 3 - One-Minute Water Activity Reading Mode; Setting Up Isotherm-Determined Moisture Content

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AQUALAB 3
Figure59 List of completed water activity readings
The AQUALAB3 reports the reading when equilibrium is reached; for many products,
equilibrium will occur in 5 min or less. However, some types of products may take longer,
such as products with
• a moisture barrier (e.g., whole seeds and nuts),
• a high fat content (e.g., peanut butter),
• extremely low water activity, or
• multiple components (e.g., cakes with filling, cheese and crackers, cereal with fruit).
Contact Customer Support to help determine if the product requires longer read times and if
any actions may shorten the read time.
2.5.2 TOTAL MOISTURE READING
This section contains information about taking total moisture readings which require
a subscription. Learn more about SKALA subscription plans at metergroup.com/skala-
upgrade or contact Customer Support.
Traditionally, companies are used to just getting half of the moisture picture by only
measuring moisture content. Measuring and knowing just moisture content gives yield and
some vague quality data. By also knowing moisture energy (water activity) you will get high-
resolution quality and safety information of the product, like how it relates to lipid oxidation,
browning, caking, and clumping. The difference between crisp and stale can be pinpointed by
knowing the water activity and not moisture content.