Rotronic HygroPalm AW1 Instruction Manual
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Rotronic HygroPalm AW1 Instruction Manual

Portable water activity indicator
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HygroPalm AW1
Portable Water Activity Indicator
Instruction Manual
v 3
20020715

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Summary of Contents for Rotronic HygroPalm AW1

  • Page 1 HygroPalm AW1 Portable Water Activity Indicator Instruction Manual 20020715...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Note: functions such as instrument configuration with a PC as well as the calibration of HygroClip probes separately from the HygroPalm AW1 require the optional HW3 PC software. Instructions for using the HW3 software are not included in this manual. These instructions are shipped separately on the same CD ROM as the HW3 software.

  • Page 3: Overview

    The HygroPalm AW1 operates with a regular 9V alkaline battery or with a rechargeable 9V battery. The optional docking station makes it possible to use the HygroPalm AW1 as a table top indicator and to power it with an AC adapter.

  • Page 4: General Description

    The HygroPalm AW1 operates with a regular 9V alkaline battery or with a 9V rechargeable battery. Important: the HygroPalm AW1 is shipped with a regular 9V battery and is factory preset with the battery charge function turned off. If you plan on using a rechargeable battery (requires docking station), you should turn on the battery charge function (see Function Menu –...
  • Page 5 Note: all of the following probes have a DAT-05 connector and require an adapter cable MOK-01-B5 for connection to the HygroPalm AW1 (see Appendix 4: Accessories). Materials in bulk: HP28 insertion probe This probe is used to measure seeds, barrels of pharmaceutical powders, etc.

  • Page 6: Display

    - 6 – ______________________________________________________________________ Packaging materials (stacks/rolls of paper and cardboard): HS28 Sword probe Display The LC display shows the water activity and temperature by the probe, with the associated engineering unit. When relevant, the message line provides additional information. Water Activity and Temperature Probe Input (1 is the only input used)

  • Page 7: Keypad

    (see Settings). Operation Connect a probe to the HygroPalm AW1 and press on the ON/OFF key. After a brief test and introductory message, the instrument defaults to the “standard” mode (see Operating Modes). Measurements appear on the LC display and are updated to the display every 0.75 sec.

  • Page 8: Operating Modes

    The HygroPalm AW1 has 3 operating modes: Standard Mode: this mode is the default mode of the HygroPalm AW1. It is used for calibrating the probe above a reference humidity standard or to measure the full equilibration of a product (conventional water activity measurement).
  • Page 9 Use the UP or DOWN arrow to set the definition of stable humidity. In the above example, the HygroPalm AW1 will consider humidity to be at equilibrium when the rate of change of the humidity signal is less than 0.0001 Aw per minute. Default value: 0.0001 Aw / min Press the ENTER key to record and confirm this setting.
  • Page 10 D w e l l [ m i n ] Use the UP or DOWN arrow to set the dwell time. In the above example, the HygroPalm AW1 will wait 4 minutes before processing the humidity data with the AwQuick algorithm.

  • Page 11: Water Activity Measurement

    - 11 – ______________________________________________________________________ Water Activity Measurement Water Activity: definition and applications Definitions The moisture content of a product can be defined as the percentage weight of water in relation to the dry weight of the product. Products in which moisture can be present can be classified in two categories: hygroscopic and non hygroscopic.
  • Page 12 - 12 – ______________________________________________________________________ Aw and Temperature Both water activity (materials) and relative humidity (gases) are referred to the saturation pressure (ps) or partial pressure of water vapor above pure water: Aw = p / ps %RH = 100 x p/ps The saturation pressure (ps) is strongly dependent on temperature.

  • Page 13: General Recommendations

    Use the shallow sample cups (PS-14) and the shallow sample holder (WP-14) for calibrating the probe with the Rotronic certified humidity standards or with saturated salt solutions. In general, use the shallow cups for a liquid, a paste or a powder. Use the deep sample cups (PS-40) and...
  • Page 14 When using either the AW-DIO or the AwVC-DIO probe, check that the probe is on (this is the default when powering up the HygroPalm AW1). When the probe is on, the red LED on the top of the probe should be flashing. The probe does not operate and the HygroPalm AW1 does not get any signal when the LED is not on.

  • Page 15: Using The Awquick Mode

    - 15 – ______________________________________________________________________ Using the AwQuick Mode In the AwQuick mode, the HygroPalm AW1 uses an algorithm to project the full equilibrium value (water activity) of the product sample. The measurement is automatically ended and typically requires about 5 minutes.
  • Page 16 AwQuick mode no longer in the dwell phase When the projected value of Aw is stable, the HygroPalm AW1 freezes the display. Black rectangles to the left of the display indicate that the measurement is ended. 0. 9 3 4 2 4.

  • Page 17: Using The Awe Mode

    ______________________________________________________________________ Using the AwE Mode In the AwE mode, the HygroPalm AW1 monitors the water activity and temperature values. When both values are at equilibrium during a few minutes, the measurement is automatically ended. Depending both on the product being measured and on the stability of temperature, measurements typically require 30 to 60 minutes.

  • Page 18: Function Menu

    - 18 – ______________________________________________________________________ Upon reaching and holding equilibrium for a few minutes, the HygroPalm AW1 freezes the display. Black rectangles to the left of the display indicate that the measurement is ended. 0. 9 3 5 2 4. 8 8...

  • Page 19: Adjust M.pt (Full Probe Calibration Against A Reference)

    ADJUST M.PT (full probe calibration against a reference) Definition The Adjust M.PT function permits the full calibration of the ROTRONIC HygroClip digital probe against a known reference environment. This function is designed to permit calibration at 2 temperature values and at up to 4 relative humidity values.

  • Page 20: Adjust 1Pt (1-Point Adjustment Against A Reference)

    The Adjust 1PT function permits to do a 1-point adjustment (temperature or humidity) of the ROTRONIC HygroClip digital probe against a known reference environment. This function is limited to a simple offset adjustment that is applied across the entire measuring range.
  • Page 21 Humidity calibration using any suitable reference environment Temperature: Temperature calibration using any suitable reference environment 1) For humidity calibration, ROTRONIC offers convenient, certified humidity standards that generate known humidity values (for more details, see Appendix 3 - Humidity Calibration). Procedure Prior to using the Adjust 1PT function, monitor the water activity and temperature readings in the Standard Mode.

  • Page 22: Settings

    Units: use the UP or the DOWN arrow key to toggle between Metric ( C) and English ( F). PROBE Definition This function displays the version number and serial number of the ROTRONIC HygroClip digital probe connected to the instrument. Procedure When entering the function, the version number of the probe is displayed first.

  • Page 23: Sys Status

    - 23 – ______________________________________________________________________ SYS STATUS Definition This function displays the software version of the instrument, any user defined description for the instrument (requires the optional HW3 software) and the serial number of the instrument. Procedure When entering the function, the software version number is displayed first. Use the UP or the DOWN key to display the other data.

  • Page 24: Environmental Limits

    - 24 – ______________________________________________________________________ Environmental Limits The HygroPalm AW1 can operate in the temperature range of -10..50 C (14…122 F) and should not be exposed to condensing humidity. Maintenance The HygroPalm AW1 should not require any routine maintenance other than replacing the battery.

  • Page 25: Appendix 1: Practical Advice For Measuring Aw

    - 25 – ______________________________________________________________________ Appendix 1: Practical Advice for Measuring Aw When measuring water activity, the main concerns should be (a) the water activity and temperature stability of the product sample and (b) the stability of temperature at the probe. Beware of product samples that have been refrigerated and beware of product sample that have been freshly taken from the production line.
  • Page 26 - 26 – ______________________________________________________________________ Factors that influence the time taken to reach full equilibrium In addition to the factors mentioned above, the time required for a measurement at full equilibrium is obviously very much affected by any change in the temperature of the probe and sample. At full equilibrium the value both aw and temperature should be stable for several minutes.

  • Page 27: Appendix 2: Maintenance Of The Rotronic Probes

    Be careful not to touch the sensors while they are not protected by the dust filter. Periodic Calibration Check of the Probes Long term stability of the ROTRONIC Hygromer humidity sensor is typically better than 1 %RH per year. For maximum accuracy, calibration of the probe should be verified every 6 to 12 months.

  • Page 28: Appendix 3: Calibration Basics

    The following choices are available to calibrate the probe(s) used with the HygroPalm AW1: a) Calibration using the HygroPalm AW1 display and keypad (see Functions). b) Calibration of the probe alone (removed from the HygroPalm AW1), using a PC with the optional HW3 software and the MOK-WIN calibration cable (see separate instructions for the HW3 software).
  • Page 29 When calibrating either with the HygroPalm AW1 or with the HW3 software, the effect of temperature on the standards is compensated by the software and no further correction is required. The value of the standards is not affected by altitude.

  • Page 30: Appendix 4: Accessories And Spare Parts

    - 30 – ______________________________________________________________________ Appendix 4: Accessories and spare parts Order Code Description PalmDock Docking station for battery charging and RS232 communication (consult your local distributor regarding the 9VDC adapter) MOK-01-B5 Adapter cable for HygroClip probes with DAT05 connector, compatible with 2 probe input of HygroPalm 2 or 3.

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