ROTRONIC HygroLab C1 - Manual (Page 3)

E-M-HyLabC1-V1
Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
Document code Unit
HygroLab C1 bench-top indicator:
User Guide
Instruction Manual
Document Type
Page 3 of 28
Document title
© 2011; Rotronic AG E-M-HyLabC1-V1
Applicability:
This manual is valid for the HygroLab C1 with firmware version 1.xx, where 1.xx can be 1.0a, 1.1b etc.
Changes to the last two digits of the version number reflect minor firmware changes that do not affect the
manner in which the instrument should be operated.
1 Overview
The HygroLab C1 is a multifunction bench-top indicator that can read simultaneously up to 4 HygroClip 2
digital humidity-temperature probes. The HygroLab C1 is primarily designed for measuring the water activity
(aw) of foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The HygroLab C1 can also be used in other laboratory
applications that require measuring humidity and temperature.
The HygroLab C1 is equipped with both a USB and an Ethernet interface.
The HygroLab C1 features two distinct operating modes:
► Aw Measurement:
This specialized mode is used for measuring the water activity (Aw) of product
samples and materials in bulk such as powders, seeds, etc. When set to operate in the water activity mode,
the HygroLab C1 automatically displays humidity as Aw (1.000 a
w
= 100 %RH). The Aw Mode offers the
following options:
 Accelerated water activity measurement (AwQuick): permits measuring the water activity of
most products in typically 5 minutes. The measurement starts simultaneously for all four probe inputs
and is ended automatically.
 Conventional water activity measurement (AwE): the measurement starts simultaneously
for all four probe inputs. The HygroLab C1 automatically detects full equilibrium conditions and ends
the measurement at that time.
The HygroLab automatically signals the end of each water activity measurement and offers the option of
automatically capturing both the end result and the value of temperature in 4 separate data bins (one non-
volatile memory per probe). Up to 500 records can be captured per probe and each record is stamped for date
and time. Data viewing can be done from the keypad and the data can be saved to a PC using the Rotronic
HW4 software.
► Standard Mode:
in this mode the HygroLab C1 can be used as a general purpose indicator with the
following functions:
o Relative humidity and temperature data measured by up to 4 HygroClip 2 digital probes
o Calculated humidity parameter such as dew / frost point or other, for up to 4 HygroClip 2 probes
o Up to 4 user defined calculations such as the difference between the temperature and the dew point
measured by a probe, the average of the temperature measured by two probes, etc.
The HygroLab C1 is available with a wide assortment of HygroClip 2 humidity-temperature probes to meet
almost any requirement. The HygroClip 2 probes feature well proven, durable sensors. Digital signal
processing ensures consistent product performance and also facilitates the task of field maintenance with
features such as potentiometer free – digital calibration.