Sibata AW-1 User manual

CODE 060990-010
Operation Manual
Thank you for purchasing this product.
Be sure to carefully read this operation manual before using the product.
Operate this product in accordance with the instructions on the following pages.
After reading this manual, keep it carefully stored together with the warranty.
For more information, contact your Sibata representative.
Water Activity Analyzer
AW-1

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Contents
Using this Product Safely and Correctly ···························································3
1Overview ·····································································································5
2Functions·····································································································5
3Precautions ··································································································6
4Names of Parts ·····························································································7
5Preparations for Measurement ·········································································9
5-1 Inserting Dry Cells ··················································································9
5-2 Replacing the Dry Cells ···········································································9
5-3 Using 100 V AC ··················································································· 10
5-4 Downloading the Special Software and USB Drivers ··································· 10
5-5 Connecting with the PC ········································································· 11
5-6 Setting the Date and Time······································································ 13
5-7 Switching the Measurement Mode ··························································· 14
5-8 Switching the Display ············································································ 15
6Measurements···························································································· 16
6-1 Measurements in Stability Mode ······························································ 16
6-2 Measurements in Quick (Prediction) Mode ················································ 17
6-3 Error Window······················································································· 18
7Calibration ································································································· 19
7-1 Water Activity Calibration ······································································· 19
7-2 Response Time Calibration ···································································· 22
7-3 Cell Management (Management of the Sensor-Equipped Sample Containers) · 25
7-4 File Management·················································································· 27
8Data Logging ······························································································ 28
9Switching the Display Language of the Special Software····································· 31
10 Repairs and Maintenance ············································································· 33
11 Warranty···································································································· 33
12 Specifications ····························································································· 34

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Using this Product Safely and Correctly
Read this operation manual thoroughly before operating this product.
Use this product correctly. In addition, keep this manual in an easily accessible location.
Before Use
(Be sure to read the following and be very careful during handling.)
This product is not designed to be explosion-proof, so do not use it near combustible
or flammable materials.
Do not modify or repair: Never disassemble or modify this product, as doing so will
void the Sibata warranty. It could also result in an unforeseen failure or accident.
Have any product failures repaired promptly. Never operate the product with an
unrepaired failure or attempt to repair it yourself. Doing so could result in an
unforeseen accident.
To clean dirty surfaces, wipe with a soft dry cloth (moistened with a neutral detergent
for stubborn dirt).
If this product starts to emit smoke, becomes abnormally hot, or makes a strange
noise, immediately stop using it, and switch OFF the power.

Package Contents
AW-1 (sensor-equipped sample container provided) ···············1 pc
Sample container····························································· 5 pc
Protective sensor filter, dia. 18 for AW-1 ·······························5 pc
USB cable, A-micro B ·······················································1 pc

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Using the Special Software
Caution
This software may be used only when you agree to all terms of this User Acceptance Agreement.
Read this User Acceptance Agreement carefully before using this software for the first time. If you
do not accept the terms of this User Acceptance Agreement, you may not use this software.
Precautions
You need to install this software, perform initial operating procedures, and set up your personal
computer for this software by yourself. Sibata and Sibata distributors are forbidden from directly
operating the personal computers of users in regards to this software.
(Because of the large storage capacity of personal computers, warranty-related issues regarding
the content stored would lead to litigation if a problem occurred after staff from Sibata or a Sibata
distributor configured or performed other operations. In order to prevent such problems, settings
changes are entirely the responsibility of the user.)
If you are unsure of the procedures, refer to the appropriate sections of the operation manuals for
the personal computer or this software.
User Acceptance Agreement and Warranty
Authorization
• This software and a set of related files may be used on a personal computer.
Prohibited
• Copying or distributing the operation manual or other documents provided with this software.
• Re-establishing these usage rights for this software in whole or in part.
• Investigating the source code for this software, reverse engineering, decompiling, disassembling,
revising, or translating for the purpose of creating a product similar to this software.
• Using a previous version of this software or a copy of it after receiving the latest version either
as an upgrade or replacement to this software.
Warranty
• The functions of this software have been thoroughly investigated for defects. At the development
stage of this software, it was examined by several major personal computer manufacturers in
Japan. However, the operation of the software with all international personal computers and
peripheral equipment cannot be guaranteed. We at Sibata Scientific Technology Ltd. will do our
utmost in such cases, but operation might not be possible depending on the individual
characteristics of the personal computer, other installed software, or the environmental status of
connected peripherals. Sibata Scientific Technology Ltd. assumes no responsibility as a
manufacturer for operational malfunctions on personal computers or in internal environments not
verified by Sibata Scientific Technology Ltd.
• This document does not guarantee that the user must be satisfied with this software. In addition,
it does not guarantee that there will be absolutely no errors in the content of this software.
Indemnity
• Sibata Scientific Technology Ltd. assumes absolutely no responsibility for specific damages,
indirect damages, or other damages caused by the download or operation of this software,
irrespective of the applicability of this User Acceptance Agreement or warranty compensation
clauses. Specific damages include any loss of profit to the user due to the use of this software,
or inadvertent data loss, or the inability to use this software. Sibata Scientific Technology Ltd.
assumes absolutely no responsibility for damages even if Sibata Scientific Technology Ltd. had
warned in advance of the possibility of such damages occurring.
• The above-mentioned limits on responsibility and exemption provisions apply regardless of
whether the user disposes of this software.

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1 Overview
The AW-1 water activity analyzer indicates the water activity of samples in a container
equipped with a precision humidity element.
Water activity is a measure of the steam pressure of the moisture at the sample surface,
and indicates the free water ratio. The sample moisture is divided into free water and
bound water. The free water component is not bound to the sample, so it can have an
impact on the proliferation of microorganisms. (Bound water is moisture that does not
have an impact on the proliferation of microorganisms.) Accordingly, in determining the
ease of storage of samples, measuring water activity rather than moisture content is
important, and can be useful in a variety of fields including food products,
pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
The measurement values are stored in the internal memory, and can be processed by a
personal computer (hereinafter PC) after the measurement work.
2 Functions
Built-in data logging function.
Data can be processed by a PC.
Operates on general-purpose mobile batteries.
The sensor can be calibrated, and the calibration value is stored with the sensor-
equipped sample container.

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3 Precautions
Do not use at sites where the product could be splashed with water, or where there is
a high concentration of dust. It is not water and dust proof.
Measure samples under conditions in which the sample temperature and humidity
change only slightly. During water activity measurements, the measurements cannot
be performed correctly if the sample temperature and humidity are changing. The
measurements will be more accurate if the temperature is the same as for the
standard sample used during calibration.
If samples with a high degree of water activity are measured, this could affect the
subsequent measurement. If samples with a high degree of water activity are
measured, it is recommended that you leave the sensor-equipped sample container in
an environment where the humidity is about 50 % for at least 10 minutes.
Sensor calibration offset could occur if the AW-1 is exposed for an extended time to
samples with volatile substances or water activity values in the vicinity of 1.00. To
prevent offset, after the measurements are finished, remove the sample immediately
so that it will have no impact on the sensor.
This is a precision measurement device. It will malfunction if dropped or subjected to
strong impacts. Be careful with it.
Do not use this product under conditions that exceed the measurement range noted in
the specifications. Doing so could damage the internal detection sensor.
After turning OFF the power switch, wait 30 seconds and then turn the switch ON
again. Do not turn the power switch ON and OFF again repeatedly within a short time.
Doing so could damage this product.
This product does not include dry cells, a mobile battery for operation, a general-
purpose charger (5 V output), or a connection cable. Purchase these separately.
Some mobile batteries have an automatic shutdown function that operates under low-
load conditions. Check the specifications of the mobile battery before purchasing it.
Never insert a USB flash drive into the insertion port for the sensor-equipped sample
container. Doing so could damage the USB flash drive or the main unit.

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4 Names of Parts
Front, Left and Right Sides
Name
Description
(1) Power switch
This sliding switch turns the power ON/OFF.
When the protrusion is at the top, it is ON. When it is at the
bottom, it is OFF.
(2) Display toggle switch
This switches the display between ambient temperature and
humidity.
The display switches between them each time it is pressed.
●This is only enabled when the sensor-equipped sample
container is not inserted.
(3) Measurement value display
area
Display during Standby
“---” is displayed in the top area. (It flashes during aging.)
In the bottom area, the remaining battery charge is shown
to the left. The ambient temperature or humidity is shown
to the right, and this can be switched as per step (2).
Display during Measurements
The water activity value is displayed in the top area. (The
value flashes until it stabilizes.)
In the bottom area, the remaining battery charge is shown
to the left. The temperature of the sensor-equipped
sample container is shown to the right.
(4)
Insertion port for the sensor-
equipped sample container
This is the insertion port for the sensor-equipped sample
container.
(5) Data logging indicator
Stability mode
During aging
Flashing
During
measurements
Steady
Illumination
Quick mode
During aging
Steady
Illumination
During
measurements
Steady
Illumination
(6) - Unused
(7) USB interface connector
This is used for the mobile battery connection and for the
connection to the PC. It is a micro B type connection.
(8)
Temperature/humidity
detection element
This element detects the ambient temperature and humidity.
(4)
(2)
(1) (3)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)

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Back
Name
Description
(9) Dry cell storage cover
This covers the storage container for the dry cells that power
the product.
The dry cells are placed inside.
(10) Bottom The nameplate is affixed to the bottom of the main unit.
This is inscribed with the serial number.
(11) Dry cell storage area This is where the dry cells that power the product are placed.
This product uses four AAA batteries.
Sensor-Equipped Sample
Container
Back of the Lid
Sensor-Equipped Sample
Container
Side of the Lid
Sample
Container
Top
Sample
Container
Side
Name Description
(12) Protective sensor filter, dia. 18 This filter protects the sensor.
(13) Sample container This container holds the sample to be measured.
(20 mL capacity)
(14) Connector
(insertion into the main unit)
This is the connector for inserting the container into
the AW-1.
(9)
(10)
(11)
(13)
(12)
(14)

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5 Preparations for Measurement
5-1 Inserting Dry Cells
Confirm that the power switch on the AW-1 is in the OFF position.
Remove the dry cell storage cover (9) on the back of the main unit.
●Slide the cover down and separate the mating parts. Then remove the entire cover.
Insert four new AAA batteries of the same type, being careful to orient the positive
and negative ends of the batteries correctly.
Then reattach the dry cell storage cover.
●Dry cells are not included. When using the product, purchase them separately.
5-2 Replacing the Dry Cells
When the dry cells are depleted, the bar graph in the display area
showing the remaining battery life (see figure at right) will
completely disappear.
For continuous use, replace the dry cells as indicated above.
●Replace all four depleted dry cells at once with four new ones, paying attention to their
orientation.

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AW-1
Micro B
Smartphone charger
Input 100 V AC
5-3 Using 100 V AC
The AW-1 can be run from a general-purpose 100 V
AC power source using a smartphone charger.
Use this when a stable power supply is required for
data logging over an extended period.
●A charger is not included.
5-4 Downloading the Special Software and USB Drivers
The time and date on this product are adjusted from the PC using special software.
Install the special AW-DSP software and USB drivers on the PC you are using.
The special AW-DSP software and USB drivers can be downloaded from the Sibata
website.
●Install the USB drivers before connecting the AW-1 to the PC.
●Be sure to finish installing the USB drivers before connecting to the AW-1.
(1) Browse to https://www.sibata.co.jp/ and in the
product information search field, enter “AW-1”
and click [Search].
(2) Click the link for the AW-1 water activity
analyzer. To download the software, click
[Communication Software] in the related
information area at the bottom of the page
displayed.
(3) The USB drivers can be downloaded from the
same page as communication software.
Download the special AW-DSP software and USB drivers from the Sibata website, and
then install them.

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5-5 Connecting with the PC
Check that the AW-1 power switch is OFF. Connect the micro B terminal of the USB
cable to the USB interface connector on the AW-1. Connect the other end to the PC
running AW-D S P.
Turn ON the AW-1 power switch. If the analyzer is connected to the PC correctly, “-
PC-” will be displayed in the AW-1 display area.
The AW-DSP startup window is shown below.
USB cable, A-micro B
Purchase the PC separately.
After the USB connection is
established, when the AW-1 power
switch is turned ON, “-PC-” will be
displayed in the AW-1 display area.
Micro B

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In the window, click [USB] to display the [USB connection status] dialog box. “1:COMM-
01” will be displayed in this dialog box
At this point, if the message shown in the figure
to the right is displayed in the [USB connection
status] dialog box, check the status of the USB
cable and the Sibata USB drivers.

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5-6 Setting the Date and Time
Confirm that the PC and the AW-1 are connected properly. Then click [Time Adjustment]
in the window shown below. The date and time on the PC connected will be transferred
to the AW-1.
●If the date and time on the PC are incorrect, this incorrect data will be transferred as is to the
AW-1.
If the time adjustment finishes properly, the dialog box
shown to the right will be displayed.
After finishing the above procedure, click [End] in the
AW-DSP window.
The [Quit application] dialog box will be displayed.
Click [Yes] to close the application.
This completes the date and time setting.

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5-7 Switching the Measurement Mode
The water activity analyzer is equipped with two measurement modes. This setting can
only be changed from the PC.
Select the measurement mode, and click [Setting].
Stability Mode
In this mode, measurements end when, after a set time, the water activity values settle
down to a set fluctuation range.
Pre-configure the [Stabilization Time] and [Allowable aw] settings.
In addition, the data saved at the configured logging interval can be checked using
special software. (For details, refer to 8 Data Logging.)
Water Activity (aw)
5 min
Time (min)
Stable
(balanced humidity state)

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
Quick (Prediction) Mode
In this mode, aging is performed for 1 minute, and measurements for 5 minutes, so the
process ends after a total of 6 minutes.
This mode is intended for quick measurements.
●Quick (Prediction) mode is a short-interval mode intended for users who are knowledgeable
about water activity measurements, and who have experience with measurements of water
activity in stability mode. Users who are inexperienced with water activity measurements are
advised to initially use Stability mode.
5-8 Switching the Display

When the Sensor-Equipped Sample Container is Not Inserted
The ambient temperature and humidity can be checked with the AW-1.
To switch between the temperature display and the humidity display, press the display
toggle switch (2). This switches the display.

When the Sensor-Equipped Sample Container is Inserted
The water activity is displayed in the top of the display area. In the bottom area, the
remaining dry cell life is shown to the left. The temperature inside the sensor-equipped
sample container is shown to the right. The display cannot be switched.
Display toggle switch
When the temperature is
displayed, “°C” is displayed.
When the humidity is
displayed, no units are
displayed.

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6 Measurements
When calibrating before measurement, refer to 7 Calibration.
Also, to check the precision before measurement, measure a standard sample.
6-1 Measurements in Stability Mode
(1) Place a sample in the sensor-equipped sample container or the sample container,
and put the lid on the sensor-equipped sample container. The sample should fill
between 70 and 80 % of the container.
●“-ST-” is displayed before the sensor-equipped sample container is inserted.
(2) Insert the sensor-equipped sample container into the AW-1.
(3) During aging (for 1 minute), “-” is displayed in the display area. During measurement,
the water activity value will flash.
(4) The measurements are finished when the water activity value changes from flashing
to steady.
When the AW-1 is ON Directly after the sensor-equipped sample container
is inserted (during aging)
During the water activity measurements
Water activity measurements are finished
Displayed only in Stability mode

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6-2 Measurements in Quick (Prediction) Mode
(1) Place a sample in the sensor-equipped sample container or the sample container,
and put the lid on the sensor-equipped sample container. The sample should fill
between 70 and 80 % of the container.
●“-qc-” is displayed before the sensor-equipped sample container is inserted.
(2) Insert the sensor-equipped sample container into the AW-1.
(3) During aging (for 1 minute), “-” is displayed in the display area. During measurement,
the water activity value will flash.
(4) The measurements are finished when the water activity value changes from flashing
to steady.
When the AW-1 is ON Directly after the sensor-equipped sample container
is inserted (during aging)
During the water activity measurements
Water activity measurements are finished
Not displayed in Quick (Prediction) mode

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6-3 Error Window
Display Status Corrective Measures
Err 1
Err 2
Err 3
Err 9
The AW-1 and the sensor-
equipped sample container
are not connected properly.
Turn OFF the power, and check that
the sensor-equipped sample container
has been inserted properly into the
AW-1.
If you repeat the procedure several
times but the error persists, there may
be a fault with either the sensor-
equipped sample container or the AW-
1. Contact the distributor where you
purchased the product or your Sibata
representative.
“CELL” is displayed
once every 5
seconds during the
water activity
measurements.
End of operating life of the
sensor-equipped sample
container (sensor
deterioration)
Purchase a new sensor-equipped
sample container.
It is not possible to repair just the
sensor-equipped sample container.

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7 Calibration
7-1 Water Activity Calibration
Measure a standard sample. Configure a correction factor to adjust the water activity
value for the sensitivity of the sensor. This must be done separately for each sensor-
equipped sample container.

Preparations
PC, standard sample (standard salt, saturated solution, etc.)
●Before measurement, remove the sensor-equipped sample container.

Calibration Method
(1) Connect the PC and the AW-1 using the USB cable.
(2) Run the special software. Click [Calibration]-[Water Activity Calibration].

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(3) Select the calibration mode, and enter the values for [Standard Water Activity] and
[Measurement Time].
The calibration factor is different for Quick mode and Stability mode.
If using both modes, calibrate each respectively.
●Initialize the calibration factor before changing a standard sample.
If the same standard sample is used, initialization of the calibration factor is not
necessary.
(4) Click [Start measurement] to start the measurement.
To abort calibration, click [Stop Measurement].
Click [Calibration Factor Initialization] to
return to the factory set calibration factors.