The moisture analyzer is a portable measuring device designed to precisely determine the water activity in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and organic materials. The aw parameter, expressed on a scale from 0 to 1.0000, indicates the amount of free water in the sample, a critical factor for microbial stability and product shelf life.

Technical specifications:

The device operates with high-precision sensors, delivering reliable results within minutes, with an accuracy of up to ±0.015 aw within a temperature range of 10 to 30 °C. Thanks to multiple operating modes, including continuous and fast measurement, and multi-point calibration, it ensures versatility and adaptability in analytical processes. The 2.8" TFT color display and intuitive user interface make control easy, even under mobile conditions.

The device stores up to 5030 measurements and allows data transfer to external software via USB connection. Powered by batteries or direct supply, it is ideal for use in a variety of fields, including food industry, pharmaceutical production, biological research, quality inspection, and process control. The analyzer includes sampling accessories and a protective case, making it suitable for both laboratory and field use.

Water activity (aW) is a fundamental dimensionless parameter for assessing the stability and safety of food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products. This critical measurement represents the ratio between the vapor pressure generated by water in a product (p) and that of pure water (p₀) at the same temperature, expressed by the formula:
aW = p/p₀

The aW scale ranges from 0 to 1, where:

• 0 indicates completely anhydrous materials (no free water)

• 1 represents pure, free water

aW measurements are essential because they directly impact:

1. Microbial growth: Most pathogens require aW > 0.86 to proliferate

2. Chemical/enzymatic reactions: Processes like lipid oxidation accelerate at higher aW levels

3. Physical properties: Product texture (e.g., crispness), solubility, and shelf life

Temperature is a critical factor, and measurements must always be performed under controlled conditions (typically 25°C). Precise aW values are obtained using specialized water activity meters, equipped with hygrometric sensors or dew-point systems. These devices provide direct numerical aW values (unitless).

Practical examples:

• Fresh bread (aW ≈ 0.96): High mold risk

• Biscuits (aW ≈ 0.30): Long-term stability

• Honey (aW ≈ 0.60): Natural microbial inhibition

Standardized methods like ISO 21807 (for food applications) ensure measurement reliability. Proper aW evaluation helps optimize formulations, manufacturing processes, and shelf life, enhancing product safety and quality.

'aW' and 'aw' refer to water activity (aₙ), expressed according to ISO 21807.

Features:

- Quick measurement function
- Adjustable measurement time
- Calibration from 1 to 4 points
- Memory: 5030 data records
- Data transfer to PC software
- Power supply via USB-C or battery

Delivery scope:

1 x Moisture Analyzer PCE-WAM 20
1 x Sensor aw
1 x Sample holder
10 x Sample trays
1 x USB-C cable
4 x 1.5 V AA batteries
1 x PC software
1 x  Instructions
1 x Carrying case