Vapor Sorption Analyzer
AQUALAB VSA
Complete moisture sorption isotherm analysis
Solve your most pressing problems with high-resolution moisture sorption isotherms. Determine shelf life, choose packaging, erase caking and clumping, and much, much more.
Precision in every point.
Newer DVS (Dynamic Vapor Sorption) methods are fast – but expensive and less data-driven. Old-school isotherm creation requires acres of desiccators and months of manual data collection. AQUALAB VSA delivers both DVS isotherms and truly dynamic high-resolution DDI isotherm curves – with hundreds of points, instead of just five or six. All within 48 hours. Solve problems like caking and clumping, matching the excipient to the API, and choosing the correct packaging.
hour isotherms
Higher resolution, less time.
The VSA’s groundbreaking design uses a fast water activity sensor combined with a very precise scale to create isotherm graphs dynamically. It passes humidified air over samples and measures both weight and water activity simultaneously. It then creates sorption and desorption isotherm curves with hundreds of points, instead of just five or six. And it does so in only a couple of days (approximately 48 hours), instead of a couple of months.
data points per isotherm
The AQUALAB VSA delivers fast, high-resolution graphs that change the way you understand your product and DVS isotherm interpretation. Dual testing modes and sophisticated modeling software turn your data into the solutions you need to manufacture, monitor, store, and ship a great product.
Double the insight
While average instruments only use the DVS method, the VSA delivers DVS isotherms plus patented DDI isotherm curves. DDI curves make never-before-seen details visible in your product and allow more precise formulation, more accurate predictions, and more complete product knowledge.
Moisture Analysis Toolkit
The VSA comes with intuitive, full-featured modeling software. The Moisture Analysis Toolkit helps you turn your data into solutions using research-tested predictive models. It's every model you need in one place, in a simple-to-use program.
Quick ROI
Sending materials to third-party labs for isotherm analysis or shelf life testing is far from economical. Save money and shorten R&D timelines by doing in-depth analysis in-house.
Glove-friendly buttons
Skip the finicky, unresponsive touch screens. VSA’s tactile and durable buttons make it easy to manage and start tests, even while wearing gloves or other PPE.
In the lead for 40 years
Since our founding in 1983, we’ve stayed laser-focused on moisture management science – and built the industry’s largest body of expertise on the topic.
Highly secure
Connect and sync if you need to. Stay offline and locked down if you don’t. Aqualab devices can sync data to any smart device – without being hamstrung if policies prohibit connectivity.
Feature summary
- 5 minute test setup
- Automatic data recording and delivery
- Match or outdo other systems at 50-80% of the cost
- Full-featured DVS and patented DDI isotherm creation and analysis to help you:
- Identify critical moisture ranges with high resolution DDI isotherms
- Study sorption kinetics with DVS isotherms
- Identify critical humidity for glass transition
- Determine shelf life
- Evaluate packaging performance
- Determine hygroscopicity
- Track hysteresis
- Predict coating breakdown
- Find susceptibility to caking/clumping
- Quick Start Guide
- Calibration certificate / SDS certificates
- Power cord
- USB interface cable
- Two stainless steel sample cups
- Three refillable desiccant tubes
- Cleaning kit
- Two water bottles
- Three vials of verification standards
- Moisture Analysis Toolkit Software Package with Registration Key
- One 2 g NIST traceable weight
- Tweezers
Education guides
Education guides4 min read
Introduction to water activity (aw): The beginner's guide to water activity's role in food production
Education Guide
Water activity (aw) is directly related to the microbial susceptibility of food products and is correlated with many of the reactions that end shelf life in foods. Learn why water activity measurements in food are so powerful.
Education guides5 min read
The food manufacturer's step-by-step guide to lowering water activity with humectants
Education Guide
There are countless humectants on the market, and many ways to use them profitably — but which one is right for you, and how should you put it to work?
Education guides8 min read
The beginner's guide to measuring yield and waste in food manufacturing
Education Guide
Understanding and eliminating waste is a powerful way to boost profits – but where to start? We recommend exploring these seven common methods for waste reduction.
Education guides2 min read
The beginner’s guide to shelf life stability and packaging
Education Guide
These seven steps (and several examples) will help you figure out the exact packaging your product needs for maximum quality and profit.
Education guides4 min read
The food manufacturer’s complete guide to shelf life
Education guide
Quality, safety, stability, microbial growth and more – water activity affects so many facets of shelf life. We've assembled everything you need to know about how to make the most of it.
Education guides20 min read
The food manufacturer’s complete guide to water activity
Education Guide
For a cheap ingredient, water can cause a lot of expensive problems in the food industry. The best way to understand water in your product is by learning about water activity (aw).
Education guides3 min read
The food manufacturer's step-by-step guide to eradicate caking and clumping
Education Guide
Caking and clumping are ubiquitous in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Where there is free-flowing powder, there will usually be lumps and clumps.