Fast, Reliable and Traceable Measurements of Water Activity

Labcell Ltd believes that hundreds if not thousands of the UK’s food producers could be saving time and money by using an AquaLab Series 4TE water activity analyser to complement sending samples for laboratory analysis. The AquaLab Series 4TE is probably the fastest and most accurate instrument of its type on the market, providing lab-quality readings for water activity in five minutes or less, with a resolution of +/- 0.0001 and an accuracy of +/-0.003 aw.

Increasingly food manufacturers are using water activity measurements as critical control points within HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) programmes, as well as for end-of-line quality checks, due to water activity having a significant bearing on food safety, taste, texture and longevity.

The cost-effective AquaLab Series 4TE is robust enough to be used in goods inwards departments, storage areas, production lineside checks, quality control laboratories, pre-shipping inspections, and the development of food products and packaging – and because it is portable, it can easily be moved between locations. The analyser just needs a 7.5 ml sample, which can be solid, powder, paste or liquid, and its supreme ease of use means there is no need for expensive training of operatives.

Decagon’s AquaLab Series 4TE is proving to be a popular addition to the AquaLab family of water activity and moisture analysers, featuring an easy-clean sensor block, compliance with the requirements of the FDA's 21 CFR Part 11 rule regarding electronic records and signatures, and an optimised user interface. Its built-in temperature equilibration enables users to select an operating temperature of anywhere between 15 and 50ºC. For each measurement and calibration, the instrument logs the date, time and user. Up to 8,000 data points can be stored securely on the instrument, and data can be downloaded or printed via the USB or RS-232 port.

Labcell is the sole UK distributor for the AquaLab Series 4TE water activity analyser. A PDF data sheet is available directly from Labcell's website at www.labcell.com or contact the company to request a copy of the 'Managing by Water Activity' booklet.