scigiene AW1 User manual

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User Manual
Humimeter AW1 Meter
2018

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User manual - Definitions
Water Activity: Water activity or aw is the partial vapor pressure of water in a
substance divided by the standard state partial vapor pressure of water. In
simplified terms, aw is the measure of “free” water in food or other product of
interest that is available to support the growth of microorganisms including
spoilage organisms.
Relative air humidity: indicates the relation between the current water
vapour pressure and the maximal possible water vapour pressure (called
saturation vapour pressure).
The relative humidity shows the degree to which air is saturated with water
vapour. For example:
50% relative humidity indicates that at the current temperature and the current
pressure the air is saturated with water vapour for half of its value, 100 %
relative humidity means that the air is totally saturated. When the air has more
than 100 % of relative humidity, the excessive moisture would condense or
form fog.
Absolute humidity: shows the contained amount of water in grams per cubic
metre of air. The absolute humidity is a direct degree for the amount of water
vapour contained in a certain air volume. It shows how much moisture can
maximally condense or how much water has to be evaporated to receive a
certain desired air humidity.
Dew point temperature: The dew point indicates the temperature that the not
completely saturated air has to reach in order to be completely saturated with
water vapour. If the room with the current relative humidity is cooled down to
the dew point temperature, the water vapour begins to condense.
Empty calibration curves: There are another 10 empty calibration curves
stored in the measurement device. These can be used for special fruits or
variety calibration.

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Detailed definition of Water Activity:
Water activity or awis the relationship between the partial water vapour pressure in food (p)
and the saturation vapour pressure of pure water (p0). It is an important indicator for
product quality in the food, tobacco and pharmaceutical industry and is indicated in an aw
value from 0…1.
Water activity is synonymous with the equilibrium moisture content –the relative humidity
of air in equilibrium with the sample product.
The relative humidity of air however is indicated in %.
Water activity value is temperature dependent. For the determination of water activity at a
desired temperature, the measuring device and the product sample should be stored at the
same temperature before starting the measurement.
The humimeter AWwater activity meter is suited for the measurement of materials like
cereal products, coffee, cocoa, muesli, butter, mixtures of dried fruit, spices, granulates,
mushrooms, sugar, xylitol, biscuits or dry sausages and many other types of food where a
check of the water activity is required.
The humimeter AWis in general not suited for liquids and juices (syrup), acidic food like
onions, fruits and tropical fruits or food and beverages containing alcohol, e.g. filled
chocolates. Vinegar and acids destroy the calibration and the sensor.
Materials with moisture above the fibre saturation point, (this means an awvalue above 1),
cannot be measured. For such materials only the water content can be determined.
Water activity must not be confused with water content –the percentage of water
contained in a product.
The water content is used for billing according to the dry content of food and materials, it
indicates the ratio of water to the total mass in percent (kg/kg x 100).
The water activity influences the following characteristics of a product:
• microbiological stability
• chemical stability
• enzymatic stability
• colour, taste and nutritional value
• content of proteins and vitamins
• stability of composition
• shelf life
• storage and packaging
All forms of life depend on water. The water activity indicates the amount of
water available for microorganisms such as: bacteria, fungi, moulds etc. Each
type of microorganism needs a certain minimum water activity value being
able to grow. A lower water activity value doesn´t allow any growth.

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Water activity Organism
aw = 0.91...0.95 bacteria
aw = 0.88 yeasts
aw = 0.80 moulds
aw = 0.75 halophilic bacteria
aw = 0.70 osmiophilic yeasts
aw = 0.65 xerophilic mould
Minimum water activity:
Measurement
To switch on the instrument, press the key for
three seconds. After showing the logo, the measuring
window opens and the current awvalue is displayed.
If a different calibration curve is set, select the curve “aw
value” using the or button. The calibration curves
saved in the device can be found in the following list:
0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
6.00
7.00
8.00
9.00
10.00
11.00
12.00
13.00
14.00
15.00
16.00
17.00
18.00
19.00
20.00
21.00
22.00
23.00
24.00
25.00
0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35 0.40 0.45 0.50 0.55 0.60 0.65 0.70 0.75 0.80 0.85 0.90
moisture content
AW value
Typical moisture sorption isotherms of different food and materials from the literature
ceramic powder
pulp
wheat
barley
rye

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Calibration curves
calibration curve
description
unit
measuring
range
awvalue
water activity
aw
0 to 1
rel. humidity
rel. air humidity
%rh
0 to 100%
dew point
dew point
°C / °F
-55 to +60°C
-67 to 140°F
abs. humidity
abs. air humidity
g/m³
0 to 130 g/m³
empty
free curve for own
calibration
%rh
CO2
CO2value
ppm
0 to 5000ppm
IR temperature
temperature
infrared sensor
°C or °F
-25 to 125 °C
-13 to 257 °F
List of calibration curves
Pressing the or key in the measuring
window for at least 3 seconds, a list with all
available calibration curves appears. Select
your sort by pressing or and confirm by
pressing the key.

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Application range
Within the normal application range (normal range) the accuracy of the device
is as indicated. A long-term application beyond the normal application range
(max. range), particularly at an air humidity of more than 80%, can lead to
higher measuring errors (+3% after 60 hours). Back in the normal application
range, the sensor will return to the indicated accuracy automatically.
Other instrument functions –overview
Manual saving of single measuring values in a measurement series
Display of measuring series and measuring values directly on the
instrument
Printing the saved measuring series (only with PC interface and printer)
Transfer and saving of measuring series on a PC (only with PC
interface)
Automatic single-point adjustment with 50% humidity standard
Selection of menu language (DE, EN, FR, IT, ES, RU)
Display of temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit

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Design of the device
Options
Connection
To sensors
calibration
curve
temperature
ON/OFF button
measurement
selection of
sensor type
batteries slot
(flipside)
Moisture & Temperature
Sensor (Part#: HM-
12032)
Precision Rel. Humidity
& Temperature Sensor
(Part#: HM-12004)
Air Humidity &
Temperature Sensor
AwSensor
Connecting Plug
Aw Sensor
(Part#: HM-
13700)
Connecting Plug

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Menu level overview
Type selection menu
Next calibration curve
Previous calibration curve
Power off
Store menu
Show last log
Store new log
Power off
Main menu
Switch lower
Switch upper
Open this menu/enter
Edit Logs
Options
Manual Logs
Date/Time
Auto Logs
Datalog Time
Clear Logs
Language
Unlock
Print Logs
°C/°F
Last Logs
User level
All Logs
BL On Time
Clear Logs
Auto Off Time
Send Logs
Calibrate
Material calib.
Manual Logs
Online Send
Auto Logs
Online Print
Clear Logs
Adjust
Password
Reset
Status
Keypad symbols
Measuring window:
Rolling Menu
Power ON / OFF
Switch upper
Switch lower
Save
Hold
Autolog
Watch saved data
Enter
supplier´s data
Menu:
Enter
Switch upper
Switch lower
Exit
Enter numbers
Enter letters
Next or right
Left
Yes
No
Shift
OK

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Operating the instrument
Switching on: Press for three seconds.
Changing the calibration curve: or .
Setting date and time: two times - Options –date / time
Set date and time using the button , according to the format indicated
(JJ.MM.TT). After entering the year, press the button for entering the
month and again for entering the day. For changing from date to time also
press the button . After finishing, press for saving the entered data.
Datalog: Select your desired interval in the menu Options –Log Time using
the arrow keys, and confirm by pressing OK. Now in the store menu appears
the symbol . By pressing this symbol you can activate the
AutoLog.
Info: In order to save battery power, the device switches off automatically after an
interval of 1 minute or longer; and then activates again for saving the logs!
For completing the AutoLog, switch on the device (if necessary) and press
the button. If you want to add supplier´s data please press the
button. Supplier´s Lot/Product data can also be entered on the PC
subsequently.
Switching on the display lighting: Press the key briefly; the display
lighting switches off automatically after approx. 20 seconds. Pressing any
key activates the display lighting again, and the period for switching off again
is prolonged to 4 minutes (The display lighting time can be modified in menu
level Options –BL On Time).
Switching off: Press the key for five seconds. The instrument switches
off after releasing the key. The instrument switches off automatically after
approx. four minutes. (The turn-off time can be modified in menu level
Options –Auto Off Time).

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Transfer saved data to the PC (NOTE: Only applicable if the HM-12778
humimeter USB data interface module with LogMemorizer)
To send your saved logs to the PC, connect the
humimeter device to your PC using the USB cable
that was delivered with your device. Carefully
loosen the protection cap on your humimeter and
plug in the USB mini B connector. The bigger
connector has to be connected to a USB port on
your PC.
Start the LogMemorizer software on your PC and
switch on your humimeter AW1.
The data transfer can be started on your
humimeter or on the software:
Starting data transfer on the humimeter:
Press the key until you reach the menu (see
image on the right). Then choose “Send Logs” and
confirm by pressing the key. Now choose
“Manual Logs” or “Auto Logs” and confirm with
again. All saved logs will be transferred to your
PC.
Starting data transfer on the PC:
Press the button “remote control” in the
LogMemorizer software. A drop-down menu with
several options opens (see image below).
For transferring the data you can select “Import
last manual log” (the last saved measuring series
is transferred) or “Import all manual logs” (all
saved logs are transferred.
If you click on one of these menu items, the
transfer starts immediately.
For the basic adjustments of the software please
look through the instructions on the LogMemorizer
CD.

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Print saved data (NOTE: Only applicable if the HM-11733 Thermo Printer is
ordered)
To print your saved data, connect the device to the
printer using the printer cable that was delivered
with your device: Carefully loosen the protection
cap on the humimeter. At first plug in the side of
the connector with the close plastic casing on the
humimeter (DO NOT PLUG IN OTHER SIDE INTO THE
PRINTER YET). Then switch on the device.
Now the other side of the cable can be plugged in
to the printer. Switch on the printer by pressing .
NOTE: The green LED should blink. If it does not
blink, please change the batteries and try again.
Press the button on your humimeter until you
reach the menu (see image on the right). Choose
“Print Logs” and confirm by pressing .
Now you can select if you want to print the last
saved measuring series or all saved measuring
series (logs).
Confirm by pressing again. The selected logs
are will be printed.
Info: To save paper, please clear the data storage regularly.

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Handling of water activity measuring chamber
Connect the sensor plug of the aw sensor to the basic device. Now the
switched on device shows the current temperature and activity of water
value.
Fill the plastic container with material at least two thirds full (~50-60g).
In case of coarse, lumpy material the container should be filled at least
half-way so that the moisture conditioning can be guaranteed. The
higher the filling, the faster the conditioning. A too low material quantity may
cause a deviation of the measuring result.
The material to measure must not come into contact with the metal
protective grid (the red line on the picture below is the absolute
maximum level)
The material must not enter the inside of the grid!!
After the filling, close the measuring chamber tightly.
The right measuring value can be read off when the displayed value does not
change any more over a longer period.
(Experience value for adjustment time: Change of aw value from 0.4 to 0.6
within 10 minutes).
With unpeeled materials such as nuts it may take longer until the sample
releases moisture in its surroundings for the measurement.
For a rapid conditioning, the water activity measuring chamber is equipped
with a ventilator. If the humimeter AW1 basic device is switched off, the
conditioning time is extended. In case of using the automatic datalog with a
datalog time of more than 30 seconds, the device switches off automatically
between the measurements.
The filled and closed measuring chamber must not be turned over.
Otherwise the measuring sensor positioned in the cap may be polluted
by the sample material, which leads to wrong measuring results.
Do not fill above this line

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Step 1: Insert Sample into AW Cup
Steps To “Real” aw
Step 2: Grind / Homogenize Sample
Step 3: Close AW Cup
Step 4: Turn on to Log Readings To
Stability; typically < 5 minutes

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Checking Calibration
In order to avoid the impairment of the measuring accuracy due to pollution
or a drift of the sensor by aggressive gases, we recommend a periodical
calibration check of the water activity measuring chamber with certified
calibration standards.
The check should be effected in the smaller sample cup and in the
approximate normal scope of application.
Examples:
If the measured range is between 0.4 and 0.75 aw, the calibration ampules of
50% rh should be used.
Subsequently the sample container must be cleaned thoroughly.

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Single-point adjustment with 50% humidity standard
For the adjustment, the appropriate calibration equipment as well as
calibration humidity standards of 50% rh are required.
(http://www.scigiene.com/SC-AW3650)
Preparation
To ensure proper results it is essential that the components of the calibration
equipment have approximately the same temperatures. The best way to do
that is to leave the calibration components at room temperature (+20°C to
+25°C) for at least 60 minutes (or more if you have time available).
Temperature must be between 20°C and 25°C.
The best way to ensure the same temperature of the different components is
to store all components together in a room with only small temperature
fluctuations ideally overnight (even better if done for 24 hours).
Components of calibration equipment
Aw Salt Standard Solutions (0.500 and
0.754), Calibration Jar (Container jar with
sponge base), RH2 Water Activity (Aw
meter) and measuring chamber (Sensor).
Precaution:
Aw standards are reusable and should be
used as it is supplied along with the jar. The
standards solutions are not meant for pouring into any other containers.
Please note the Aw standards shouldn’t be left open. Close the lid
immediately when not in use with the Aw measuring unit. Store and use at
room temperature and away from sunlight (at +15°C to +25°C).
Cross Verification using 0.754 Aw standards:
1. Open the lid of the calibration jar. Open the lid of the Aw standard and
place the whole plastic jar on top of sponge inside the calibration jar.
Quickly close the plastic jar using the sensor head of the water activity
measuring chamber.
2. Make sure the other end of Aw sensor is connected to the RH2 meter
and turn the device ON.
3. Change the scales to Water Activity (Aw) using UP and DOWN arrows.
Let the whole set-up stay there until you see a stable reading on the
screen (could take around 10 to 20 minutes to stabilize).

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If the meter reads within the tolerance of standard solution +/-0.02 (i.e., Aw
between 0.734 and 0.774), then Adjustment/Recal is not required. If it differs
from that tolerance range, we recommend carrying out a recalibration as
follows (next page):
Single Point Adjustment using 0.500 Aw Standards:
1. Switch off the meter and while switching is back on, take a
note of the serial number of your unit –This is the password
you might require later.
2. Replace the 0.754 standard with 0.500 standards in the
calibration jar (follow instructions similar to step 1 before).
Close the measuring chamber and make sure AW Meter is
turned on. Let the whole set-up stay there until you see a
stable reading on the screen (may need to wait for 10 to 20
mins).
3. Once stable, press the Rolling Menu button until you reach
the main menu.
4. Select the menu item Options by pressing the button and
confirm by pressing .
5. Select to Adjust using the button and confirm by pressing
again. Enter the password (serial number of the unit) if
required here using the buttons and respectively and
confirm by pressing .
6. A query reinitialize appears. Confirm by pressing .
Wait until the bar has risen completely. The device adjusts by itself
and automatically jumps back to the measuring window. The
adjustment/calibration is completed now.
Note: Check the result before you remove the device from the
calibration equipment. The display should show water activity of
0.500 now.

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Assembly of calibration equipment for Probe Sensors Only
1. Push in the sensor completely into the upper part.
2. Lie in the textile pad in the bottom part of the
calibration device, and pour the humidity standard
carefully at the textile pad.
3. Take the upper part with the Humimeter and
carefully attach this to the bottom part of the
calibration device.
4. Pick up the Humimeter together with the
calibration device STRAIGHT and DON’T TURN
IT AROUND.
5. Then put the Humimeter with the calibration
device down on a table carefully and proceed as
follows:
Conditioning the sensor
To achieve the best results, let the sensor stabilize for
two hours.
The temperature must be between 20°C and 26°C.
If the shown measuring value differs more than the
factory tolerance (0.015 (1.5%) rh), we recommend
that you carry out a recalibration as follows:
Offset adjustment
1. Leave the measuring device in the calibration equipment, and switch it
on.
2. Press the Rolling Menu button until you reach the main menu.
3. Select the menu item Options by pressing the button and confirm by
pressing .
4. Navigate to Setting using the button and confirm by pressing
again.

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5. Enter the main user password using the buttons resp. and confirm
by pressing .
The main user password after consignment is the serial number
of the device, shown on the display after
switching on the device or in menu item
Status.




6. A query if a setting is desired appears. Confirm by
pressing .
7. Wait until the side bar has risen completely. The
device adjusts by itself and automatically jumps
back to the measuring window. The calibration is
completed now.
8. Check the result before you remove the device
from the calibration equipment. Depending on the
temperature the display should show a water
content of about 50% now.
In case of a mistake during the setting, you can reset to the factory
calibration as follows:
Reset to factory calibration
1. Press the button two times to reach the menu point Options.
2. Select the menu item Reset using the button and confirm by pressing
.
3. Enter the main user password using the buttons resp. and
confirm by pressing .
The query reset? appears on the display.
4. Press the button for resetting the device to the factory calibration.
The software reloads the factory calibration data and reboots the
device. This will need about 15 to 20 seconds.
5. Pressing the button you can exit without any changes.

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Conditioning of the sensor
The conditioning of the sensor (time until the device shows the actual
measuring value) depends on several parameters. The parameter
responsible for the highest measuring error is a temperature discrepancy
between the sensors respective to the whole measuring instrument and the
material to measure respective to the air.
Care instructions
Do not drop the instrument or expose it to excessive temperatures. The
instrument is not waterproof. Do not immerse the sensor in liquid.
The intervals for checking the instrument depend on your operational
demands and the required level of accuracy. In general, the drift of the
sensor according to the degree of use (constant humidity or use within the
whole moisture measuring range) is beneath 0.5% per year. You can check
instruments of the humimeter AW series by yourself using the calibration
equipment (see optional accessories). For a fee, Scigiene can also carry out
a calibration in their test lab. On demand, you will also receive a calibration
certificate
Changing the batteries
First, remove the rubber protection cover. For that, hold the rubber protection
cover at the upper side and pull it over. If your humimeter is provided with an
optional USB port, you have to remove the protection cap before. Press with
your finger onto the arrow of the battery cap and pull it back.
Remove the empty batteries. Put four new 1.5 Volt AA Alkaline batteries in
the device. Make sure that the position of the battery poles is correct. Press
down the batteries and close the cap.

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Exemption from liability
For mis-readings and wrong measurements and of this resulting damage we
refuse any liability. This is a device for quick determination of moisture. The
moisture depends on multiple conditions and multiple materials. Therefore
we recommend a plausibility check of the measuring results. Each device
includes a serial number and the guarantee stamp. If those are broken, no
claims for guarantee can be made.
If the battery symbol appears in the measuring window
or if a critical charge of battery is shown in the status,
the batteries have to be changed IMMEDIATELY. Also if
you do not use your humimeter device for a longer
period, remove the batteries. For resulting damages, we
cannot provide any warranty.
In case of a faulty device, please contact Scigiene
Corporation at 416-261-4865 or www.scigiene.com.