HygroLab Bench-Top Water Activity Indicator
Short Instruction Manual
1. General Description
Congratulations on your purchase of the HygroLab water activity indicator. Please read these short instructions carefully before installing the device. The detailed instruction manual can be found on the internet at: www.rotronic.com or by scanning the QR code.
The HygroLab is a multifunction bench-top indicator that can read simultaneously up to 4 HygroClip2-Advanced digital humidity-temperature probes. The HygroLab is primarily designed for measuring the water activity (Aw) of foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The HygroLab can also be used in other laboratory applications that require measuring humidity and temperature.
NOTE: Make sure that the HygroLab has the newest software. For more information read the instruction below.
2. Dimensions
Approximate dimensions: 214.40 mm (width) x 146.07 mm (depth) x 78.88 mm (height).
3. Power Supply
The HygroLab requires the power AC adapter model PA 1024 - 120IB200.
- INPUT: 100-240VAC 50-60Hz 0.6A
- OUTPUT: 12VDC 2.0A 24W Max
NOTE: The power supply serves as a separator to disconnect the device from the electric power and this must always be easily accessible.
4. Probe Inputs
The HygroLab has 4 probe inputs designed for use with either HC2-AW or all standard HygroClip2-Advanced probes.
5. Back Panel
The HygroLab back panel features:
- 1. Four (HC2) probe inputs
- 2. Two USB 2.0, two USB 3.0 ports
- 3. Ethernet ports
- 4. Power supply input
6. Keypad
ON/OFF key: Used to turn the instrument on or off by pressing it.
7. First Use
Upon starting the HygroLab for the first time, the system requires a user name and password for the Administrator. The system will ask for password confirmation upon initial setup.
8. Skipping Login
The HygroLab allows skipping the login procedure if not desired or necessary. A guest account with limited rights is provided for safe usage. User rights for the guest account can be defined in role management.
9. Display
The LCD touch display serves as the primary input device. The display backlight can be adjusted in the device settings.
10. Peripherals
The HygroLab can be operated with a mouse and keyboard by plugging them into the USB ports.
15. Trend Indicators
During measurement, arrows indicate trends for temperature, humidity, and water activity:
- [value up] : Value tends to go up
- [value down] : Value tends to go down
- [value stable] : Stable value
Start/Stop all measurements: The HygroLab can start or stop all available probes simultaneously.
16. Software Update
It is crucial to maintain the latest software version. Check for updates via: Main menu > Settings > Device settings > Device settings > Update software version.
NOTE: Internet access is required for checking and updating the software.
17. Remote Access
The HygroLab can be remotely controlled via any internet-connected device (Computer, Smartphone, Tablet). Scan the QR-Code or enter the HygroLab's IP address into a browser's search window.
Access IP/QR code details via: Main menu > Settings > Device settings > Network settings.
NOTE: For remote access, the controlling device must be on the same network as the HygroLab. Recommended Browsers: Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge.
18. Frequently Used Settings
Unit system & language: Change units and language via Main menu > Settings > Device settings > Local settings. Press 'save' to apply changes.
WARNING: Changing the unit system does not affect the numerical value of the fixed barometric pressure.
19. Date and Time
Set date and time via Main menu > Settings > Device settings > Local settings. Select date and time to change manually if not connected to the internet, or click the box to use network time. Date and time formats can also be adjusted.
20. Changing Measurement Method
To change the measurement method, select the desired probe, go to 'Measurement data', and choose the method in the measurement submenu.
NOTE: The measurement method can only be changed when the probe is not active.
21. Practical Advice for Measuring Water Activity
AWE mode: The HygroLab waits for full equilibration of the product and probe (typically 30-60 minutes). It automatically detects equilibrium conditions and ends the measurement, displaying trend indicators.
AW Quick mode: Uses an algorithm for faster measurement (approx. 5-6 minutes). When temperature conditions are stable, the value is generally within ±0.005 AW of the full equilibration value.
Using the AWE mode: Navigate to 'Measurement method', select AWE, and specify tolerances for temperature (Stab.T) and water activity (Stab.AW). Measurement ends when parameters are met.
- Define temperature stability per minute: Stab.T: 0.01 (°C / °F) [/min] (Recommended)
- Define water activity stability per minute: Stab.AW: 0.0001 [/min] (Recommended)
NOTE: Lower Stab.T and Stab.AW values ensure higher accuracy but increase measurement time.
Using the AW Quick mode: Similar to AWE, but uses 'Dwell time' instead of Stab.AW. Dwell time is user-set for a balance between speed and accuracy. Recommended: 4-5 minutes dwell time and Stab.T of 0.01 [/min]. Longer dwell times yield more accurate but longer measurements.
AW Setpoints: For products with specific quality requirements, set AW setpoints. The HygroLab will report if the product has reached the setpoint, with this information stored in reports.
22. Technical Data
| Number of probe inputs | 4 |
| Probe type | HygroClip2 probes |
| Operating limits at probe | Depends on probe model |
| Operating limits at electronics | 0...40 °C (32...104 °F) / 0...80%RH |
| Housing material | ABS, aluminium, stainless steel |
| Weight | 1.02 kg (2.25 lbs) |
23. Delivery Package
- HygroLab unit
- Power adapter
- Pen
- Short instruction manual
- (Optional) USB WiFi stick
