Rotronic AwTherm Operating Manual
E-M-AwTherm-V1.1
Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
Document Type
Document code Unit
AwTherm: Water Activity at Controlled Temperature
Document title
Instruction Manual Version 1.1
© 2009-2010; Rotronic AG E-M-AwTherm v1.1
Instruction Manual
E-M-AwTherm-V1.1
Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
Advisory Notice
Document Type
Document code Unit
AwTherm: Important notice before first use
Document title
Contents of the Standard Supply Package:
• AwTherm stabilised temperature water activity meter with either PS-14 or PS-40 sample
cup holder
• HW4-P-Quick-V3 software code sticker
• MicroUSB cable for connection to HW4
• MicroUSB memory stick including HW4 and User Manual
• Power cables for UK or US/EU/CH
© 2009-2010; Rotronic AG E-M-AwTherm v1.1
E-M-AwTherm-V1.1
Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
Table of Contents
Document Type
Document code Unit
AwTherm: Table of Contents
Document title
1 Scope of Document ................................................................................................................ 1
1.1 Introducing the AwTherm ...................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Measuring Technology ........................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Calibration .............................................................................................................................. 1
2 Setting up the AwTherm ........................................................................................................ 2
2.1 Physical Location .................................................................................................................... 2
2.2 Electrical Supply ..................................................................................................................... 2
2.3 AwTherm Assembly ............................................................................................................... 4
2.4 Sample cup size ...................................................................................................................... 5
3 AwTherm Operation .............................................................................................................. 6
3.1 Switching On .......................................................................................................................... 6
3.2 AwTherm Interface ................................................................................................................ 7
3.2.1 Basic Navigation ........................................................................................................ 8
3.2.2 Main Menu ................................................................................................................ 9
3.2.3 AwTherm Settings ................................................................................................... 10
3.2.4 Setting the AwTherm Set Point Temperature ......................................................... 13
3.3 Making Measurements ........................................................................................................ 14
3.3.1 Starting a measurement run ................................................................................... 16
3.3.2 AwE Mode ............................................................................................................... 17
3.3.3 AwQ Mode .............................................................................................................. 18
3.4 Switching off the AwTherm ................................................................................................. 19
3.5 Preparing the Unit for Transit or Storage ............................................................................ 20
4 Sample preparation ............................................................................................................. 21
4.1 Protection from environment .............................................................................................. 21
4.2 Sample size and temperature equilibration time ................................................................ 21
4.3 Best Practices ....................................................................................................................... 21
4.3.1 Precondition samples to measurement temperature ............................................ 21
4.3.2 Avoid condensation................................................................................................. 21
4.3.3 Define procedures ................................................................................................... 22
5 PC Software ......................................................................................................................... 22
5.1 HW4 ..................................................................................................................................... 22
5.2 HW4 Support ........................................................................................................................ 22
6 Servicing and Maintenance .................................................................................................. 23
6.1 AwTherm Calibration ........................................................................................................... 23
6.1.1 Remove measuring head for calibration ................................................................. 23
6.1.2 Calibrate in Hygrogen2 ............................................................................................ 26
6.2 AwTherm Cleaning ............................................................................................................... 26
6.2.1 External surfaces ..................................................................................................... 26
6.2.2 Filter ........................................................................................................................ 26
6.2.3 Chamber .................................................................................................................. 27
6.3 Annual Servicing of AwTherm .............................................................................................. 28
6.4 Firmware Updates ................................................................................................................ 29
A1: AwTherm / Screen Messages ................................................................................................. 31
A2: AwTherm Specifications ........................................................................................................ 32
A3: AwTherm Order Codes .......................................................................................................... 33
© 2012; Rotronic AG E-M-AwTherm v1.1
E-M-AwTherm-V1.1
Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
Table of Contents
Document Type
Document code Unit
AwTherm: Table of Contents
Document title
A4: AwTherm Environmental Conditions ..................................................................................... 33
A5: Electrical Specifications ......................................................................................................... 33
A6: Battery disposal and replacement ......................................................................................... 34
B1: AwTherm Warranty Statement .............................................................................................. 35
B2: Manufacturer & Service Centre Contact Information .............................................................. 36
© 2012; Rotronic AG E-M-AwTherm v1.1
E-M-AwTherm-V1.1
Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
Instruction Manual for Software
Version 1.1
Document Type
Document code Unit
AwTherm: Water Activity at Controlled Temperature
Document title
Page 1
1 Scope of Document
This instruction manual refers to AwTherm running software version Aw-v1.00. To determine the
software version your instrument is running please refer to the Device Info screen as shown in
Section 3.2.1. Updates are available on www.awtherm.com
. This manual refers to the operation,
care and maintenance of the instrument itself, and best practices when making measurements.
For theory, background and further information on water activity, please refer to
www.awtherm.com.
1.1 Introducing the AwTherm
AwTherm is a temperature controlled water activity station – used for determining the water
activity of a sample, maintained at a known temperature. Water activity, which is used as a
measure of product consistency, is a parameter that is strongly dependent on temperature, and so
for consistent, repeatable measurements, it is vital to maintain known and stable thermal
conditions.
AwTherm is based on the same technology as the Rotronic HygroGen2 temperature and humidity
calibration suite of instruments which manipulate forced air to create highly stable thermal
conditions with minimal gradients within the measurement environment.
1.2 Measuring Technology
AwTherm uses a Rotronic HygroClip2 series probe to control and measure conditions.
1.3 Calibration
Calibration is an essential part of any reliable measurement process. AwTherm has a removable
measuring head which can be removed entirely (see Section 6.1.1) for calibration of both Aw and
Temperature parameters against references traceable to National Standards, using for example a
HygroGen2 temperature and humidity calibration system. The removed head is attached to the
HygroGen2 or a PC running Rotronic HW4 software (see section 5) using a special cable (not
supplied). Alternatively, the Aw parameter only can be calibrated in situ using Rotronic Calibration
Salts and adjusted using HW4 running on a PC connected to the AwTherm via its micro USB port.
© 2012; Rotronic AG E-M-AwTherm v1.1
E-M-AwTherm-V1.1
Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
Instruction Manual for Software
Version 1.1
Document Type
Document code Unit
AwTherm: Water Activity at Controlled Temperature
Document title
Page 2
2 Setting up the AwTherm
2.1 Physical Location
To ensure correct operation please ensure that:
1. The unit is level and stable;
2. There is at least 15 mm clearance underneath and at least 100 mm at the back of the unit
to enable adequate air flow;
2.2 Electrical Supply
Power Isolation
The unit is supplied with a mains cord set. The unit should be disconnected from the electrical
supply before the unit is moved, cleaned or has water added or removed.
Earthing
This unit must be earthed. Provision for the safety earth is made through the electrical mains
connection (Figure 2, item 5) to which all parts of the unit requiring earthing are internally
connected. An earthed electrical supply is required.
Earth Leakage Current
Due to RF filtering there is an earth leakage current, within the limits specified in EN 610101:2001. This may affect mains power circuits protected by Residual Current Device (RCD) or
Ground Fault Detector (GFD) type circuit breakers (particularly if used in multiples or with other
equipment with an earth leakage current on the same supply circuit).
Over Current Protection
To protect the internal circuitry against excess currents, the mains supply to the unit must be
connected with the mains cord set provided with the unit and to an appropriate mains supply.
Voltage Rating
The unit is designed to work within the limits of a 110-230 VAC 50-60 Hz mains supply with voltage
fluctuations up to ± 10% of the nominal voltage. The unit is rated impulse withstand (over voltage)
category II of IEC 60364-4-443. Where occasional voltage transients over 2.5 kV are expected or
measured, it may be necessary that the power installation to the unit includes a transient limiting
device.
© 2012; Rotronic AG E-M-AwTherm v1.1
E-M-AwTherm-V1.1
Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
Instruction Manual for Software
Version 1.1
Document Type
Document code Unit
AwTherm: Water Activity at Controlled Temperature
Document title
Page 3
Mains Filtration
If there is risk of power spikes or breaks, it is recommended that an Uninterruptable Power Supply
(UPS) is used to provide continued power and mains filtration. This should be rated according to
the AwTherm power specifications (see Appendix A5: Electrical Specifications) and the time
required to run/shutdown during power outage.
Conductive Pollution
The unit is rated Pollution Degree 2 and must not be operated in environments where conductive
pollutants (for example carbon) may enter the unit (this includes excessive moisture ingress).
© 2012; Rotronic AG E-M-AwTherm v1.1
E-M-AwTherm-V1.1
Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
Instruction Manual for Software
Version 1.1
Document Type
1) Lid
14) Screen
Document code Unit
AwTherm: Water Activity at Controlled Temperature
Document title
2.3 AwTherm Assembly
Page 4
Figure 2-1 - AwTherm Assembly (with lid open, front and rear view)
2) Removable measuring head
3) Sensor
4) Rubber seal
5) Electrical mains connection
6) Heat pump
7) Air flow sleeve
8) Sample cup
9) PSU fan outlet Heat pump fan outlet
Figure 2-2 Sample Chamber
10) Heat pump fan outlet
11) Micro USB port
12) Sample cup holder (PS14 or PS40)
13) Touch buttons
© 2012; Rotronic AG E-M-AwTherm v1.1
E-M-AwTherm-V1.1
Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
Instruction Manual for Software
Version 1.1
Document Type
Figure 2-3 AwTherm Assembly (lid closed)
Figure 2-4 Removable filter (heat pump fan)
Figure 2-5 AwTherm Touch Interface
Document code Unit
AwTherm: Water Activity at Controlled Temperature
Document title
Page 5
15) Touch Button (up)
16) Touch button (down)
17) Touch button (ENTER)
18) Removable heat pump fan filter
2.4 Sample cup size
AwTherm is available in either PS14 (14mm depth) or PS40 (40mm depth) sample cup holder sizes.
Alternative sample cup holders are available as accessories (see Section A3: AwTherm Order
Codes).
Note that sample equilibrium time is dependent on the sample space, and so the selection of
sample cup size should be the smaller PS14 size where possible. For example powders and liquids
would merit selecting the smaller PS14 size; samples that are impractical for this size, e.g. large
seeds and pet foods, would merit the larger PS40 sample cup.
© 2012; Rotronic AG E-M-AwTherm v1.1
E-M-AwTherm-V1.1
Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
Instruction Manual for Software
Version 1.1
Document Type
Document code Unit
AwTherm: Water Activity at Controlled Temperature
Document title
Page 6
3 AwTherm Operation
3.1 Switching On
1. Ensure the electrical mains supply is correctly plugged in and switched on.
2. Switch the unit on by pressing the ENTER button once.
3. The fans within the unit will switch on giving an immediate audible indication the unit is
powered.
4. The loading screen will display (Figure 3-1)
5. The controller will power up and display the Top Level screen (as shown in Figure 3-2).
Figure 3-1 Boot screen
On power up:
• The temperature set-point defaults to the last set value.
• The temperature control defaults to automatic mode (controlling the temperature).
© 2012; Rotronic AG E-M-AwTherm v1.1
E-M-AwTherm-V1.1
Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
Instruction Manual for Software
Version 1.1
Document Type
Document code Unit
AwTherm: Water Activity at Controlled Temperature
Document title
3.2 AwTherm Interface
Figure 3-2 AwTherm Top Level Screen
19) Temperature trend indication
20) Aw trend indication
21) Temperature field
22) Live Aw reading
23) Status field
24) MENU
Page 7
© 2012; Rotronic AG E-M-AwTherm v1.1
E-M-AwTherm-V1.1
Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
Instruction Manual for Software
Version 1.1
Document Type
Document code Unit
AwTherm: Water Activity at Controlled Temperature
Document title
Page 8
3.2.1 Basic Navigation
The AwTherm interface consists of a Top Level Screen with 3 fields which can be manipulated: (set
point) temperature, status, and device settings (Menu). Pressing the up or down arrow scrolls
through each of these, highlighting each one in turn. To select one, press the ENTER button. The
field will flash, and the functionality activated.
Figure 3-3 Basic Function Navigation
© 2012; Rotronic AG E-M-AwTherm v1.1
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