PCE Instruments PCE-WAT 10 Water activity and humidity analyser with 0.02aw accuracy and 0.01aw resolution
(Incl. Tax: €1,183.28)
The water activity analyser is a powerful instrument designed to assess moisture in various materials, with a measurement range from 0.00 to 1.00 aw. With its ability to store up to 99 measurement values, it offers high traceability and facilitates comparative analyses. This functionality promotes efficiency in sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. In addition, the included software allows real-time measurements and data transfer directly to the computer, optimising the process of analysis and information storage.
The water activity analyser is a reliable instrument with a wide measuring range, high resolution and accuracy. Its practical functions, such as the measured value memory and backlit LCD screen, make it indispensable in areas where monitoring water activity is crucial for quality assurance.
Technical specifications:
|
Water activity |
|
|
Measurement range |
0 aw - +1 aw |
|
Resolution |
0.01 aw |
|
Accuracy |
± 0.02 aw |
|
Temperature |
|
|
Measuring range |
-10 °C - +60 °C |
|
Resolution |
0.01 °C |
|
Accuracy |
± 0.2 °C |
|
General technical data |
|
|
Display type |
LCD with illumination |
|
Storage medium |
Internal memory |
|
Storage capacity |
99 data records |
|
Sensor |
Non-conductive humidity sensor |
|
Measurement rate |
5 min |
|
Menu language |
English |
|
Protection class (device) |
IP20 |
|
Weight |
250 g |
|
Device weight with scope of delivery |
975 g |
|
Device weight with scope of delivery and outer packaging |
985 g |
|
Dimensions (L x W x H) |
147 x 75 x 53 mm |
|
Other dimensions |
Internal diameter of sample trays: 35 mm |
|
Operating conditions |
0 - 50 °C , 0 - 80 % r.H |
|
Storage conditions |
-10 - 60 °C , 0 - 90 % r.H |
|
Languages of the instructions |
English |
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)
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1 represents pure, free water
aW measurements are essential because they directly impact:
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Microbial growth: Most pathogens require aW > 0.86 to proliferate
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Chemical/enzymatic reactions: Processes like lipid oxidation accelerate at higher aW levels
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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:
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Fresh bread (aW ≈ 0.96): High mold risk
-
Biscuits (aW ≈ 0.30): Long-term stability
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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:
- Measuring range 0.00 - 1.00 aw
- Resolution 0.01 aw
- Accuracy ±0.02 aw
- Memory for 99 measurements
- Includes 5 x sample dishes
- Backlit LC display
Delivery scope:
1 x PCE-WAT 10 moisture analyser
5 x sample dishes
3 x 1.5 V AAA battery
1 x USB cable
1 x carrying case
1 x operating instructions
1 x software for real-time measurement
- EAN Code:
- 4250348733481
- Typology:
- aw meters
- Brand:
- PCE INSTRUMENTS
- Resolution (mm):
- 0.01 aw
- Measurements range:
- 0 - 1 aw
