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Summary of Contents for Novasina LabMaster-aw neo
- Page 1 / aw measuring instrument / Appareil de mesure aw Operating Instructions LabMaster-aw neo Novasina versions: V1.11 and higher...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
7.1 Activation of plotting of measurement sequence 7.2 Basic configuration of the plot 7.3 Graph Analyzing 8. Recording of Measurement Values 8.1 Useful information about recording values with LabMaster-aw neo 8.2 Recording of a Measurement Sequence 8.2.1 Capacity of Data Storage 8.2.2 Data Logger Menu... - Page 3 13.2 Cleaning the aw-measurement cell 13.3 Cleaning the Infrared „IR“ sensor 13.4 Periodic Verification and calibration with Humidity Standards 13.5 Replacing Protective Filters 13.6 How to Check Chemical Protection Filters for Saturation 13.7 How to Change a Measurement Sensor www.novasina.ch...
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Page 4: Introduction
1.2 Intended Use The Novasina LabMaster-aw neo is exclusively intended for measuring WATER ACTIVITY under strict adherence to the information and notes given in this manual. Any use beyond this scope is considered to be a violation of the intended purpose and may endanger your safety or could result in the product being damaged. Any use of this Novasina instrument other than specified is at customer’s own risk. By any means will the manufacturer or supplier be liable for any resulting damage. Safety Instructions • The Novasina LabMaster-aw neo should be serviced, maintained •... - Page 5 Novasina offers a pragmatic solution by installing chemical protection filters. Those filters contain specially prepared material which absorb the dangerous volatiles BUT let water vapor passing through. This allows a user to get the real water activity value of his sample without the influence of volatile compounds. Eventhough it is best to monitor filter saturation by changes in verification/ calibration intervals, you can apply the following rule if sample is not loaded by volatiles dramatically: • Measure up to 5 samples a week, change filter half-yearly to yearly • Measure more than 5 samples a week, change filter quarterly to half-yearly A respective filter selection data sheet which guides you through filter selection can be downloaded on our website www.novasina.com Contact our local representative, if you have any doubts about which filter is the most appropriate one or if you feel unsure about the exchange intervall. www.novasina.ch...
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Page 6: Labmaster-Aw Neo
2. LabMaster-aw neo 2.1 Instrument overview 2.2 Scope of Supply The LabMaster-aw neo is available in one version containing all feauters and connectivity interfaces. No upgrades or license purchases needed If you open the box, you should find: • 1x LabMaster-aw neo • 1x Carton box with: - 2x ePW dispenser with 20 sample cups each plus a dispenser support - 1x USB and 1x RS232 cable - 1x Grey case with: 6x SAL-T (11/33/58/75/84/97%rH) 1x SAL-T 100 (empty) 1x Allen key 1x Service Tool LabMaster-aw neo - 1x USB key with manual in pdf on it • 1x power cord • 1x Quick Guide • 1x Factory certificate... -
Page 7: Optional Accessories
2.3 Optional Accessories Aside of the chemical protection filter, Novasina offers a variety of optional ac- cessories. This contains additional SAL-T standards, ranging from 4%rH (0.04aw) up to 97% ( 0.97aw). Another requested accessory is the SI-Set. To get further product insights, espe- cially detailed information about the kinetics of the water and the inner structu- ral changes, sorption isotherms are a good tool to support those investigations. To get a first impression about the shape of such an isotherm, the Novasina SI-Set in conjunction with the SAL-T humidity standards do the job. Please note that it is not possible to generate the same resolution and extent with this me- thod like in case of using a DVS Isotherm but it costs also just a fraction of such kind of machines. 2.4 Get it started! You have unpacked the new LabMaster-aw neo with pleasant anticipation, now we instruct you how you can get a perfect start working with the new aw-meter. Got lost somewhere? No worries, there is a Help System on the instrument. Simply press the yellow button with the question mark and get info about the programming opportunities in that specific menu. 2.4.1 Switching On and Off Switch on the instrument by pushing the small black button you can find in the right lower front-side corner. The system is booting for approx. 45sec. Once com- pleted, the measurement screen is displayed. Press the same black button if you want to switch off a LabMaster-aw neo Important: Always shut-down instrument COMPLETELY before you remove power plug. Data or essential system files can be destroyed otherwise. 2.4.2 Preparing the instrument for normal operation • Programm correct date and time (in menu „system settings“) • Perform a verification or calibration, if the instrument has not been used for a longer time. If it is brand-new, no verification or calibration is needed to start working with the LabMaster-aw neo. -
Page 8: Screens And Menu
- Stable: LED turns green, if measurement is finished. • Current Measurement Info (yellow color): Water Activity value, temperature, measurement time plus sample ID of an ongoing measurement. • Stable indicator (progress bar): Indicating progress of measurement. The gre- ener the bar, the closer to completion. Stable mode is displayed underneath of the bar. • Method Name: If a method is loaded from sample database, method name is displayed at the bottom of chamber area window. 3.1.2 Stable splay or Graph Area Depending on settings, stable measurement information or graph visualization is displayed in this area. To change from one to the other, press „Main Menu“ button in the function key area, then press on the icon „Display“ and change settings according to your needs. Stable Display Area Once a measurement has been finished, the stable information is displayed in this area, clearly visible from distance with the following information: • Stable: Indicates, that measurement is completed. • aw: Measured Water Activity value. • Temp: Measurement temperature. • Time: Measurement time in hours, minutes and seconds. www.novasina.ch... -
Page 9: Audit Trail Area
(U): User Events. (P): Parameter Changes. (E): Errors. (S): System Events. (R): Measure Results. • Log Description: Short info and description about the event. 3.1.4 Function Key Area In this area, the following main control buttons are accessible: • Sample Database: Load a specific method from sample database or adminis- trate it. • Start/Stop: Start or Stop a measurement. The actual status is displayed in the button itself. • Help: The button with the question mark is the entry to this help menu. • Main Menu: Access to main menu with all the „chamber setting“ and „sys- tem setting“ options. • Log-off: Log-off current user / lock instrument. A new log-in might require a user password, if one has been programmed. www.novasina.ch... -
Page 10: Warning Or Information Symbols
Chemical protection filter vated. Will be displayed in light required must be replaced red color Stable signal re- Stable signal reminder has minder activated! been activated Contact your local representa- Sensor is in bad condition Sensor nearly tive to order a spare sensor to and cannot be calibrated exhausted! avoid instrument downtime due anymore soon to defective sensor www.novasina.ch... -
Page 11: Main Menu Screen
Only availabe if further menu Scroll one page upwards items are above the current visible window Only availabe if further menu Scroll one page down- items are below the current wards visible window www.novasina.ch... -
Page 12: Menu „Chamber Settings
See chapter 8 functions Interval recording: 10 sec All necessary functions to Sensor Calib- display cal points or set See chapter 6 ration verification tolerance The following info is displayed: CHAMBER - Instrument name - Serial number chamber - Firmware version cham- ber and IR-sensor SENSOR Chamber Info - Version of sensor - Serial number of sensor - Firmware info - Last calibration info PROTECTION FILTER - Last registered exchange of chemical protection filter www.novasina.ch... -
Page 13: Menu „System Settings
Info about inst- rument, master System info firmware and type of license 4. Important Pre-Settings 4.1 Temperature Control 4.1.1 Adjustment of Temperature External regulations (ISO, AOAC etc) or internal guidelines request a water acti- vity measurement at a specific temperature (i.e. 25°C). The LabMaster-aw neo allows a measurement temperature setting between 0°C (32°F) and 60°C (140°F). To set or change a temperature value, go to Chamber Settings -> Temperature control and enter the requested temperature in the pop-up keypad. Deleting the current temperature value sets temperature control to „OFF“ Note: If target temperature has not been reached, a „stability check tempera- ture“ is activated, stability can not be reached , thus measurement is delayed. A Retarded (temp) message appears below the stable indicator bar in that case. Important! To avoid condensation of water, place sample in measurement chamber only after target measurement temperature has been reached. Hints: • Ideally, measurement temperature should not be lower than sample tempe- rature. By this, condensation can be excluded. • If stable parameters are set correctly, a short time condensation (humid sample, max. 4°C over measurement temperature) can occur and is not an issue. www.novasina.ch... -
Page 14: Functionality Of Temperature Control
4.1.2 Functionality of Temperature Control • Sample surface temperature is the one which is regognized and control is set to. Controller is optimizing itself to current operation and environmental temperatures. • Sample surface temperature is kept constant to target value +/-0.02°C. • If instrument is operated in completely new conditions or target value is changed remarkably, it can take up to 30mins until target value +/-0.30C is reached. It is not an error of the instrument, it is more an indication that optimization is in progress • Once optimization of control has been finished, the parameters are stored once instrument is shut-down or temperature control is set to „OFF“ www.novasina.ch... -
Page 15: Novasina Stable System
4.2.1 Working principle of Novasina Stable System The basic layout is quite simple. Once the water exchange between free availa- ble water in the sample and humidity in the air move towards an eqilibrium, the net amount of water which is exchanged becomes smaller and smaller. Therefo- re, the change in air humidity /and water activity finally) becomes smaller in the same way. -
Page 16: Selectable Stability Modes
Once this occured the first time, measurement is considered as completed and acoustic signal is issued. 4.2.2 Selectable Stability Modes As samples are different, Novasina offers different stability modes and settings to take the sample‘s properties into the account. The following modes and options are available: • Slow: is equivalent to a stability time of 6 minutes. • Average: is equivalent to a stability time of 4 minutes. • Fast: is equivalent to a stability time of 2 minutes. • ISO 18787: Measurement according ISO 18787:2017 standard with requi- rements in terms of temperature (25 +/-1°C) and determination of the final measurement point by reaching a plateau defined with a maximum amplitu- de of 0,0003aw, by three consecutive measurements and by stability over 1 min. By monitoring both stability criteria of the ISO standard, a wrong mea- surement by an initial over-or undershoot of the value due to temperature difference of chamber and sample can be avoided. • Manual: a new submenu is available in chamber settings where you can enter the requested stability time in minutes. • Quick: at-line mode for production, every measurement is finished within max. 10 minutes as long as temperature is set in the range of 20°C to 30°C • Query: a query about the requested stability time is issued, every time a measurement is started. Note: A stability time below 2 minutes is not recommended for batch release measurements in final QC as equilibrium could not be established in a way to ensure the stated specs. -
Page 17: Stable Indicator / Progress Bar
Stability is reached if aw value is stable plus once sample has reached target measurement temperature +/-0.05°C. This mode ensures accuracy and precisi- on as well as high repeatability but it takes longer as sample temperature must be exactly at target. Use this mode if you want to compare water activity values from batch to batch (quality trending) or different products. It is mandatory to record the values at the same temperature if you compare them! www.novasina.ch... -
Page 18: Measurement Temperature Below Dew Point Temperature
The following problems can appear if target measurement temperature is pro- grammed to a value below the dew point temperature: • Once the measurement chamber has opened, small water droplets are for- med within the measurement chamber as the surface is very cold (remem- ber the Coke you take out of the fridge on very hot summer days). This water acts as additional free water in consecutive measurements and will result in wrong values, moreover, you might classify good products as out of specs • Once you open the measurement chamber, water flows down on the outside of the measurement head. This will also falsify consecutive measurements. In both cases, dry the instrument by programming the sample temperature to 40°C and let the measurement chamber opened. If possible, avoid measurements with sample temperatures below dew point temperature. If it is necessary, put sample into the aw meter, close it, change sample temperature from 25°C to the low requested temperature, perform the measurement and heat up to 25°C afterward BEFORE opening the measurement chamber! Or place the instrument in a cold environment. This lowers the chance of condensation on cold surface. www.novasina.ch... -
Page 19: How To Conduct A Measurement
5.1 Conduct a first Measurement However, even if there is a word that the first steps are the most difficult and challenging one, - honestly- forget about that. Doing a first measurement with the LabMaster-aw neo is simple as 1-2-3. Just follow the step-by-step instruction below: 1. Prepare sample in a way that the small portion is representative. Cut the sample in small pieces, grind it, homogenise it or use another way to create little chunks. Just do not use ceramics as it absorbs free water and can change the water activity value 2. Fill sample cup half to 3/4. Do not overfill as it will just squeeze sample into the protection filter which results in filter replacement or cleaning work 3. Program important parameter as measurement temperature and select appropriate stable mode / stable time. Feel unsure? Just read chapter 4. 4. Go to main screen and press „START“ button 5. Measurement will be finished once stability has been reached. In that moment, an acoustic indication (beep) is also released. 6. Open measurement chamber and remove sample. Always remove sample once measurement is completed. NEVER switch off instrument with sample or salt standards left in the chamber www.novasina.ch... -
Page 20: Calibration And Verification
6. Calibration and Verification Contamination by volatiles and ageing of the sensor element can influence the accuracy of the measurement sensor. Due to that reason, it is necessary to verify the instrument from time to time. If verification fails, a two or more point calib- ration has to be performed. Note: Within scope of supply, there are various salt standard with RFID chip which allows a flawless identification of used standard by the LabMaster-aw neo. Please use Novasina standards only to perform verification or calibration. Stan- dards or own prepared liquids without RFID chip cannot be used for automatic verification and calibration. Calibration needs less time if you start with salt standard values bottom-up, i.e. start with the lowest and end with highest value. Important! • If a chemical protection filter is mounted in front of the sensor, remove it as it just elongates the procedure. The mechanical protection filter which is installed by default must not be removed. • Make sure the chamber is absolutely dry. If small water droplets are present, it might lead to wrong verification/calibration results. • A calibration at 1.0000aw (SAL-T 100) mainly causes such small droplets of water, so please calibrate this point as the very last one in the row. Once finished, left the measurement chamber open for a while until small droplets have disappeared. -
Page 21: Verification
• Please select „VERIFY“ to start verification process. If you have not closed the measurement chamber yet, a respective message appears. • The verification process is performed automatically and can take between 16 to 60 mins. During this process, „Verify“ is displayed in the start/stop button. To abort the process at any time, simply press start/stop button. • Once finished, stable beep is issued as an accoustic signal and a window containing the following information appears: Calibration recommended (sensor verification -> CAL.RECOMMENDED) or Calibration not necessary (Sensor verification -> OK) Target value, related to 25°C Sensor Health (more info see chapter 6.3. Sensor Health) Deviation from the actual reference value and if applicable, by how far tolerance has been exceeded plus the allowed tolerance If user management permission allows, a query is displayed if a calibrati- on should be directly executed at that point or not If yes, a second query appears, if all calibration values should be deleted or not. Only delete all values if you plan to perform a full span calibration Note: If instrument was logged-off during release of verification result, you can still start calibration at that point once you have logged-in by going to „Chamber Settings“ -> „Sensor calibration“ -> „Retrigger sensor calibration“ www.novasina.ch... -
Page 22: Calibration
However, best practice is to use 2 or 3 salt standards to perform a bracket calib- ration, means at least one value lower and one higher than the normal measure- ment range of the samples: Are calibration point 1 and point 2 more than 0.40aw apart, it is recommended to use a third calibration point in between. 6.2.1 Performing a calibration • Take the respective salt standard and place it on the RFID reader in the measurement chamber (indicated with RFID symbol) until you hear a short beep, then move the standard to the measurement position and close the measurement chamber. • A pop-up window as below is displayed: It contains info about the used salt standards as theoretical value at 25°C, serial number, last usage and number of use. • Please select „CALIBRATE“ to start calibration process. If you have not closed the measurement chamber yet, a respective message appears. • If sensor is password protected, you will be prompted to enter it now. • Then calibration is started and performed automatically. It can take between 16 to 120 mins. During this process, „Calibrate“ is displayed in the start/stop button. To abort the process at any time, simply press start/stop button. • Once finished, stable beep is issued as an accoustic signal and a window con- taining a calibratiuon successful or calibration failed note is displayed. • As long as the measurement chamber is not opened, you can retrigger cali- bration as often as required. To do so, go to „Chamber Settings“ -> „Sensor calibration“ -> „Retrigger sensor calibration“ www.novasina.ch... -
Page 23: Sensor Health Indicator
6.3 Sensor Health Indicator Based on the necessary correction (current value compared to the factory calib- ration value) at a calibration point, a sensor health (100% to 0%) is calculated. A calibration point can not be calibrated anymore, if sensor health is down to 0%. If sensor health is below a certain threshold value, which is individual for each calibration point, a warning message is displayed. This message includes the hint, that sensor is close to end of lifetime and cannot be calibrated soon. In this case, please contact your local Novasina agent to order a new sensor for replace- ment. Note: For the mentioned warning message, the calibration point with the worst sensor health is always considered. This calibration point is also listed in „Cham- ber settings“ -> „Chamber info“ under entry „Worst Health“ Important! The displayed sensor health in the submenu „Information Calibration“ at the re- spective calibration point is only brought up to date once a calibration had been performed at that point. In case of a verification, sensor health will be simulated and displayed after the process but not stored on the sensor and thereby the Information Calibration“ submenu is not updated. 6.3.1 Sensor Exhausted Warning This warning is issued in case of an exhausted sensor • After completion of a calibration • After completion of a verification In addition, a „Sensor nearly exhausted“ message is diplayed in red color in the... -
Page 24: Sensor Calibration Submenu
• Sensor Health • Temperature Important! If a sensor password has been for- Set sensor pass- Set a sensor password gotten, sensor must be returned to 8808 word Novasina Switzerland for performing unlock procedure Remider for performing calibration. Once the Warning expired entered time has passed, a recommendation for calibration calibration is issued Allowed deviation of current water activity value Verification tole- If set to „Off“, verification is not availa- to the theoretical value of before verification fails rance and a recommendation for calibration is issued •... -
Page 25: How To Handle Sal-T Standards Correctly
6.5 How to Handle SAL-T Standards Correctly The Novasina SAL-T standards are not labeled with a due date. The shelf-life itself depends on the handling and storage conditions. Experiences in the field have proven that those standards can be good for 3-5 years if handled correctly. To achieve the best possible shelf-life, please shake all SAL-T standards twice a month for one minute, nevertheless if you have used them or not. There is no need to take it out of the plastic container. Always store the standards in the plastic container (closed cover) and not expo- sed to direct sunlight. Do not expose the salt tablet to environmental air for longer than necessary; thus, put it back into plastic container once calibration has been finished at the particular point. Please always double-check, if the SAL-T standards below 33%rH contain no or just few water and all the others are present as slurries (salt/water mixture). Contact the local representative if you feel unsure, how to handle the SAL-T stan- dards correctly or feel uncertain if the existing ones are still in good shape. 7. Plot of Measurement Sequence... -
Page 26: Graph Analyzing
Skip to the start of the graph. Scroll backwards. Scroll forwards. Skip to the end of the graph. If a black dot is visible, graph is scrolled to the end automatically so that the latest values are always displayed. Skip to stable point. This button is only displayed if measurement has been stable. Graph is reset, parameters as programmed in "Graph Parameters" menu are used. A preset is also done if chamber is opened or a new measure- ment is started. X-axis zoom in. X-axis zoom out. Zoom X-axis is set in a way that all data is displayed. Select, if humidity (aw) or temperature should be displayed on Y-axis. The color of the curve in the Y-axis zoom buttons is changed accordingly (blue = humidity, red = temperature). Y-axis zoom in. Y-axis zoom out. Zoom Y-axis is set in a way that all data is displayed. www.novasina.ch... -
Page 27: Recording Of Measurement Values
8. Recording of Measurement Values This chapter describes, which options a user can select from to record measure- ment values. 8.1 Useful information about recording values with LabMaster-aw neo • Measurement values can be recorded in a freely selectable interval between 2 to 60 secs. • In addition, it is possible to store measurement protocols (actual and stable) as digitally-signed text files.The recorded data can be read-out and displayed with Novasina‘s NovalogMC software or with Excel as well. • All data will be stored first on the instrument but can be exported to the SD- Card, which is within scope of supply. • A directory named „Ch0“ is created automatically. •... -
Page 28: Capacity Of Data Storage
PC: Protocol will be trans- of stable protocol, see chapter 8.3 ferred to PC and displayed protocol in NovalogMC • LOG+PC: Both options men- tioned above. Laboratory Name of laboratory or group Will be stored in recorded data Batchname Query batch name at measu- see chapter 8.4 Input rement start www.novasina.ch... -
Page 29: Measurement Protocols
PC with running NovalogMC. 8.3.2 Manual Release of a Protocol Print Once a measurement has been started, a manual print of a protocol can be trig- gered by selecting „Print protocol“ on the main menu screen. Please consider as well that a local EPSON TM-U220D printer or a connection to a PC with running NovalogMC is available. It is not possible to „print“ the protocol to the SD-card. For an on-going measurement, only „actual Protocol“ is available, for a finished measurement, a „stable protocol“ can be printed. 8.3.3 Connect a Local Printer It is possible to connect a local printer to the RS-232 interface of the LabMaster- aw neo to get a paper print-out of the protocols. Important! There is only one type of printer which is supported and this is the EPSON TM- U220D! As additional adapters are necessary, it is recommended to order this printer at Novasina, respectively at your local Novasina distributor. To connect this printer to a LabMaster-aw neo, please proceed as follows: • Prepare printer as per instructions, given in the manual which comes along with the printer (Doc. No. 003613). Special attention needs to be paid to setting the DIP switches correctly • Connect printer and RS-232 interface at LabMaster-aw neo using the specific adapters and cable as per instruction. • Go to „System Settings“ -> „Maintenance“ -> „Interface for computer con- nection“ and select „Printer on RS232 (EPSON TM-U22D) • Stable protocol can now be printed as mentioned in chapter 8.3.1... -
Page 30: Xml Data For Lims
Information on the format of the data can be found in Appendix 18. 1. If the Lims output is activated, the 2nd remaining interface for the Nova- logMC PC software is available or Novax communication. The connection of a printer is not possible with activated LIMS output. 8.3.4 XML Data for LIMS Please see below the xml data format for LIMS integration: <?xml version=“1.0“ encoding=“utf-8“?> <LimsXmlData xmlns:xsi=“http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance“ xmlns:xsd=“http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema“> <Instrument> <Instrument>LabMaster-aw neo</Instrument> <MasterFw>V0.00</MasterFw> <Chamber> <Chamber>LM-aw neo</Chamber> <ChamberSnr>1709032</ChamberSnr> <ChamberFw>V01.03</ChamberFw> <HumSens>awSens-ENS</HumSens> <HumSensSnr>ae1707006</HumSensSnr> <HumSensFw>V01.02</HumSensFw> <IrSensFw>V00.05</IrSensFw> </Chamber> </Instrument> <Lab> <User>Default user</User> <Lab>Novasina</Lab> </Lab> <Sample> <Product>Novasinen</Product> <Batch>1234</Batch> <Nr>48</Nr> </Sample> <Settings> <StabMode>Manual 01 min</StabMode> <SampDb>Novasinen</SampDb> </Settings> www.novasina.ch... - Page 31 HumSensFw Firmware version humidity sensor IrSensFw Firmware version IR-sensor User User (who has started the measurement) Lab name which has been entered in „Chamber settings“-> „Data logger...“ -> „Laboratory“ Sample Product name, Batch and sample number if entered Settings Stable mode Used sample database Measure Time stamp of reached stability TimeStamp Measure Duration of measurement Duration Temperature Surface temperature of sample surface °C Security Used public key to calculate the RSA-SHA1 signature PublicSigKey www.novasina.ch...
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Page 32: Enter Batch Name And Its Use
If „Scanner“ has been selected, a separate scanner connection test windows ap- pears, containing two different barcodes. Those two barcodes must be scanned by the wireless barcode scanner. If a scan was successful, the respective barcode disappears. • Please note that incidence of light or reflections on the display can cause dif- ficulties to scan the displayed barcodes. If so, try to scan in a different angle or relocated the instrument • This test is mandatory to ensure proper communication and barcode reading of wiress barcode scanner with LabMaster-aw neo • If test was not successful, the last setting remain Important: • Perform this test if you have replaced the wireless barcode scanner or chan- ged its configuration • The barcode scanning test can be performed on a regular base (for OQ) by www.novasina.ch... -
Page 33: How To Install The Wireless Barcode Scanner
A respective entry in audit trial will be made as a proof. This option is only available if „Batch name input“ is set to „Scanner“. 8.5 How to install the wireless barcode scanner 1. Preparation Make sure, you have purchased a wireless barcode scanner set, P/N 26601698 from Novasina. Please note that just this set works with the LabMaster-aw neo, any other wireless barcode scanner will neither work not are supported by No- vasina. If you have ordered the wireless barcode scanner together with a LabMaster-aw neo, Novasina took already care for the implementation and you don‘t have to proceed with the tasks listed below. To perform these tasks, you need the following tools: • Torx wrench size 20: 2. Installing the wireless barcode scanner board •... - Page 34 • Take the box with the wireless barcode scanner, open it and make sure you find the following items: 1. Wireless barcode scanner 2. ESD bag containing a board and plugged-in adapter • Take the board and mount it on top of the display board which can be found in the front module of the LabMaster-aw neo as shown in the pictures below: • Once done, mount the LabMaster-aw neo front module back to the LabMaster-aw neo housing 3. Connecting the wireless barcode scanner to LabMaster-aw neo To use the wireless barcode scanner in conjunction with the LabMaster-aw neo, validation of the connection must be made. • Go to „Main Menu“ -> „Chamber Settings“ -> „Data logger“ -> „Batch name input“, then select „Scanner“ www.novasina.ch...
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Page 35: Audit Trail
The records of the current day are displayed in the audit trail area on the measu- rement screen. By pushing on that area of the screen, a new „audit trail analysis“ window is opened where all entries can be viewed. The internal memory capacity for the audit trail is limited to 365 days of instru- ment operation. After that period of time, the oldest entries will be deleted. To avoid a loss of important and usefull data, it is strongly recommended to export the audit trail from internal memory to the SD-card daily. Make sure as well that data on the SD-card are backed-up regularly. To export the internal audit trail data to SD-card, go to „System settings“ -> „Maintenance“ -> „Audit trail (Export)“. Export is carried-out into the main direc- tory of the SD-card. The file is named like „serialnumber.atr“. www.novasina.ch... -
Page 36: Incident Groups In Audit Trail
Note: • The .atr files have XML format and can be viewed by a XML or a text editor • It is not possible to import an audit trail to an instrument. • It might occur that a Novasina service technician is asking for the .atr file in case of getting a better understanding of a support case or a technical incident • Keep in mind that audit trail data can be lost due to a technical incident, thus, regular export and back-up helps keeping track of the instrument‘s history. 9.1 Incident Groups in Audit Trail Each audit trail entry has a letter in brackets in front of the text. This letter indi- cates a group, like the kind of incident: Group Examples • Log-in, log-off User Events • Start of measurement •... -
Page 37: Sample Database
Unauthorized changes in a sample database can be avoided by programming the correct permissions in the user management (see chapter 11). 10.1 How to Create a Sample Database Entry Please proceed with steps below to create a new sample database entry. 1. Program the settings (measurement temperature, stability mode etc) on the instrument as necessary to measure the specific product type. 2. Push „Sample Database“ button which is located int the right upper corner of the measurement screen 3. If any database entry has been made, a pop-up appears which confirms the- re is no entry. Press „OK“ www.novasina.ch... -
Page 38: Load A Method
SD-card Existing records/methods on the SD-card with same method name will be overwritten. • [Export all data to SD-card]: Same principle as [Export data to SD-card] but all stored sample methods are exported at once • [Import record from SD-card]: Import af a stored sample method on the SD- card The stored method/record file must be located in the main directory of the SD-card and must be a *.SDR file 10.4 Templates Novasina can provide ready-to-use methods (so called templates) for some product types. They have a *.SDT file format. Those templates can be imported by proceeding the sequence [Sample Database] -> [File operations]-> [Import record from SD-card]. Note: Templates differ from stored sample methods by the following properties: • Will be displayed in magenta color • Can not be overwritten but can be deleted from the LabMaster-aw neo • Cannot be exported www.novasina.ch... -
Page 39: User Management
11. User Management The LabMaster-aw neo user management offers the ability to deny unautho- rised access or changes in settings on the aw-meter itself. It is a vital function in laboratories and in production environment where various people from different departments need access to the instrument. Selective permission can be granted by an administrator. Based on many customer feedbacks, especially from the pharmaceutical indus- try, Novasina has implemented a user management which is 100% compliant with 21CFR11 requirement and thereby can be used to establish the well-known 3-level permission management which is best practice in pharma environments and works also well under GMP/GLP guidelines. The user management in combination with the audit trail allows a tracking of measurement and change in parameters down to a specific user. The user management of the LabMaster-aw neo work differently to predeces- sors or other instruments from the Novasina water activity meter portfolio. To set-up a user management successfully, the following steps need to be perfor- med: 1. Design the requested user management (which user has which permission). 2. Program permission profiles (i.e. QC-lab, production, R&D etc). 3. Create user accounts per user and allocate with the respective permission profile. The advantage of such permission profile / user account set-ups is obvious. If a person quites the job, there is no need to delete a complete permission set-up. Only the user account needs to be deleted and things are done. Same if a new person joins the team. No time-consuming permission programming needs to... -
Page 40: Security Features Of User Management
Send back a scan of the form plus the picture of the dispalyed code to the Novasina distributor. • You will receive a service code from the Novasina distributor which you have to enter in the prompted window. • Now the profile can be accessed and new code can be set. -
Page 41: Administration Of Permission Profiles
11.3 Administration of Permission Profiles Permission profiles can be adjusted or created by users which are allowed to perform such modifications. • Go to „System settings“ -> „User management“ -> „Permission profiles“ • The following options are available in the opening window: Open an existing permission profile to modify it Create a new profile by hit [New permission profile] Delete an existing profile by pushing [Delete permission profile] Hints: • If a permission profile is modified, modification are valid for all user accounts allocated to this permission profile • A permission profile which is allocated to at least one user account cannot be deleted. 11.3.1 Adjustable Permissions within Permission Profiles The table given below contains all adjustable permissions whithn a permission profile. Please set permission according to the permission policy and regulation of your company. www.novasina.ch... - Page 42 Date, time Permission to set date, time Units Permission to change units Acoustic and stable Permission to configure acoustic singal signals menu • None: All maintenance functions not accessible • Imp.Conf: All maintenance function accessible except im- Maintenance Permission to access maintenance menu port of configuration • All: All maintenance functions are available • None: No permission to change user management settings • Admin Users: Permission to set-up and modify user ac- Permission to configure user manage- counts User Management ment • Edit Profiles: Permission to set-up and modify permission profiles • All: Permission to access all functions of user management www.novasina.ch...
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Page 43: Administration Of User Accounts
• Protect each user account with a different password. Define a password for the • Do not set-up unprotected user Password respective user account accounts. • Select passwords which are difficult to find-out. 11.4.2 Check User Accounts To receive a list of all user accounts and to verify if they are password-protected, please go to „System settings“ -> „User management“ and select „List user ac- counts“. User accounts which are not password-protected are displayed in red color. www.novasina.ch... -
Page 44: Additional Functions
During stable: External singal is switched on as long as stable signal is dis- played • During stability beep: External signal is switched on fro the time the stable signal beep is active on the instrument 12.2 Save and Load of Configuration (SD-Card) Instrument specific data like profiles, sample database and other settings except calibration data can be exported to the SD-card. To do so, select „System set- tings“-> „Maintenance“->“Configuration (Export, Import)“. The exported configuration is stored in the main directory of the SD-card as a XXXXXXX.cfg file whereas XXXXXXX represents the serial number of the instru- ment. By this labeling, it is possible to store configurations of different instru- ments on one SD-card. Of course it is possible by this to transfer a once set configuration of one Lab- Master-aw neo to other LabMaster-aw neo to create several instruments with exact same configuartion. To protect the exportet files and to avoid that passwords can be read-out, files are AES-256 Bit encrypted. 12.2.1 Save Configuration To export (or save) a configuration, simply proceed to „System settings“-> www.novasina.ch... -
Page 45: Load Configuration
Audit Trail remains as well and reset is recorded • User management and Sample Database will be deleted • 12.4 System Update Novasina is offering system updates from time to time (not every month, maybe once a year or so). Those updates are free of charge. Please contact your local Novasina distributor and ask about the latest LabMas- ter-aw neo update file. Unce received, please proceed as follows: • Unzip the received file named update.zip. • Copy unziped update file into main directory of the SD-card by using a PC •... -
Page 46: Brightness Of Background Illumination
Best way is to use a wet tissue as well to remove dirt and dust. Important! Before cleaning, switch off the LabMaster-aw neo and disconnect it from the mains. 13.2 Cleaning the aw-measurement cell Please do NEVER clean the sensor itself, neither the grey protection filter in front of it. The sensor is a very sensitive element with a protection filter on top. Every cleaning (touching, use of pressurized air, cleaning detergents, scratching etc.) will destroy the measuring sensor inevitably. Possible warranty claims expire instantly. 13.3 Cleaning the Infrared „IR“ sensor Clean the IR sensor with a humid swab. Pay attention to not applying strong www.novasina.ch... -
Page 47: Periodic Verification And Calibration With Humidity Standards
13.4 Periodic Verification and calibration with Humidity Standards Like all precision measurement instruments, the LabMaster-aw neo must be checked periodically and if necessary recalibrated. Please head back to chapter 6 to learn more about verification and calibration . The Novasina SAL-T humidity standards are suitable for this procedure. If required, the standards can be provi- ded with an certificate issued by international accredited lab. 13.5 Replacing Protective Filters Always use at least the provided mechanical protection filter to protect the measuring sensor from contamination by overfilled sample cups. In addition, it might be necessary to use a chemical protection filter to protect sensor from volatile components. Various filters are available for different type of volatiles. Please consult the filter selection data sheet or contact your local Novasina agent if you need help. As the filters are fixed by magnet, use the service tool which is located in the salt standard case to take exhausted filters away and mount fresh ones back. -
Page 48: How To Change A Measurement Sensor
13.7 How to Change a Measurement Sensor If a measurement sensor is treated correctly (by using appropriate chemical filter pro- tection if necessary), lifetime should be around 3-5 years. If a sensor is defective or cannot be calibrated anymore, a replacement must be done. Please procced as follows: • Make sure you ahave a replacement sensor available. If not, contact your local Novasina agent to order one • Switch off LabMaster-aw neo instrument and open measurement chamber • Take the hexagonal wrench which is located in the salt standard case • loosen and remove the 3 screw fixing the measurement head •... - Page 49 Novasina AG Neuheimstrasse 12 8853 Lachen SWITZERLAND Tel +41 55 642 67 67 info@novasina.ch www.novasina.ch...
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