AQUALAB 5TE

The most accurate standard in moisture science, refined.

Q: How does the AQUALAB 5TE support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?

The AQUALAB 5TE provides role-based user access (Admin and Technician) with PIN login, time-stamped records of every reading, verification, and correction, and searchable history on the instrument and in AQUALAB Cloud. Readings cannot be deleted. In AQUALAB Cloud, a reading can be marked as voided, and the original record is kept permanently.

Water activity and moisture content in 1 minute. Built for every team, connected to the cloud, and ready for whatever compliance demands next.

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±0.003 a_w

accuracy

1 ^min

Reading

0.001 a_w

Repeatability

AQUALAB 5TE

The culmination of 40+ years of applied moisture science, now with zero-downtime calibration, a 7" glove-ready touchscreen, and AI-ready data export built in.

Glove-ready. Works the first time, every time.

Water activity and moisture content, simultaneously.

Swap the block. Never stop the line.

Scanners and USB connectivity ready out of the box.

See it in action

Watch how the AQUALAB 5TE delivers simultaneous water activity and moisture content results — in 1 minute.

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AQUALAB Cloud

Every reading. Every product. Every batch. All in one place.

The AQUALAB 5TE automatically syncs every result to the Cloud the moment a reading is complete. Track readings by product and batch, monitor pass/fail status across your facility, and export AI-ready data — all from a single dashboard your entire team can access.

Results dashboard

View every reading by product and batch, with instant pass/fail status and water activity + moisture content side by side.

Audit trail

Searchable, 21 CFR Part 11 compliant audit trails — on the instrument and in the cloud. Ready for any inspection, any time.

AI-ready export

Export your data in formats built for analysis. Connect your quality data to the tools your team already uses.

AQUALAB Cloud

Every reading. Every product. Every batch. All in one place.

The AQUALAB 5TE automatically syncs every result to the Cloud the moment a reading is complete. Track readings by product and batch, monitor pass/fail status across your facility, and export AI-ready data — all from a single dashboard your entire team can access.

Results dashboard

View every reading by product and batch, with instant pass/fail status and water activity + moisture content side by side.

Audit trail

Searchable, 21 CFR Part 11 compliant audit trails — on the instrument and in the cloud. Ready for any inspection, any time.

AI-ready export

Export your data in formats built for analysis. Connect your quality data to the tools your team already uses.

Close the gap between R&D, production, and QA.

The AQUALAB 5TE doesn't just measure faster. It connects every team to a single trusted source of truth so quality decisions happen at the speed your operation demands.

SPEED

Results in 1 minute

The AQUALAB 5TE delivers simultaneous water activity and moisture content in a single 1-minute test using patented Chilled-Mirror Dew Point technology — cutting measurement cycles without cutting corners on accuracy.

DURABILITY

Zero-downtime calibration

BlockSwap™ lets you swap calibration blocks without sending the instrument offline, so maintenance never stops production. Smart alerts notify you before standards expire — not after.

INTERFACE

Built for the lab floor

A 7" high-resolution, glove-ready touchscreen with instant audio and visual feedback means any operator can run a confident reading on the first try. Integrated tutorials and global language support eliminate the learning curve.

DATA

Connected from the first reading

Every result automatically syncs to AQUALAB Cloud, tagged by product and batch, with instant pass/fail results against your defined thresholds. Your data is always where your team needs it — on the instrument, in the cloud, or exported for deeper analysis.

CALIBRATION

Industrial-grade reliability

Robust thermopile plating and proactive fan health diagnostics are built to sustain high-volume operational demands — catching potential failures before they become downtime.

COMPLIANCE

Audit-ready from day one

21 CFR Part 11 compliant electronic records and signatures, searchable audit trails both on-instrument and in the cloud, and secure user access controls mirrored across all devices mean you're always inspection-ready.

Built for every team

One precision standard. No gaps.

Whether you're formulating, producing, auditing, or deciding — the AQUALAB 5TE gives every stakeholder the data they need in the format that works for them.

Building upon excellence

See what's new in the AQUALAB 5TE

Every generation built upon the last. Here's how the 5TE raises the standard.

Feature	Aqualab 3	Aqualab 4TE	Aqualab 5TE
Speed	5 min standard / 1 min	5 min	5 min standard / 1 min One-Minute reading*
Water Activity Accuracy	±0.005 a_w	±0.003 a_w	±0.003 a_w
Simultaneous Moisture Content	Requires SKALA	Requires SKALA	Requires AQUALAB Cloud
User Interface	No display (status LED only)	2.7" monochrome, 7 buttons	7" true color capacitive touch
Sensor Maintenance	User-swappable block	Factory calibration only	BlockSwap™ User-swappable
Data Management	No local storage / unlimited SKALA storage	8,000 local readings	Unlimited storage AQUALAB Cloud + local
Access Control	Online UAC via SKALA, password/pin self-management	Single Admin / Offline	Online UAC via AQUALAB Cloud, offline UAC supported, mirrored
Compliance	21 CFR Part 11	21 CFR Part 11	21 CFR Part 11 Instant audit-ready data
AI-Ready Export	--	--	Yes
Corrosion Resistant Sensor Protection	Standard	Standard	Advanced
Network Connection Support	Ethernet via SKALA Nexus	Ethernet via SKALA Nexus	Ethernet + optional wireless
Water Activity Range	0.030 - 1.000 a_w	0.030 - 1.000 a_w	0.0300–1.0000 a_w
Temperature Control Range	25°C fixed only	15 - 50°C	15.00–50.00 °C
Temperature Accuracy	±0.1°C	±0.1°C	±0.1 °C
Event Logs	SKALA event log, searchable, exportable (CSV/JSON/XLS)	--	--
Reading Modes	Single, ISO 18787, Low Emitting	Single, Continuous, ISO 18787, Low Emitting, Custom	Single, Continuous, ISO 18787, Low Emitting
Standalone Mode Option	No	Yes	Yes
Data Export	Online via SKALA — PDF/CSV/XLS, custom reports	Offline via serial printer or Aqualink — fixed ASCII only	Online via AQUALAB Cloud + offline via USB host (PC) — PDF/CSV, custom and automated scheduled reports
External Peripheral Support	--	Serial printer	Keyboard, mouse, barcode scanner, USB host PC, generic USB HID
Product & Batch Configuration	Requires SKALA	--	Requires AQUALAB Cloud
Admin View of Multiple Locations	Requires SKALA	--	Requires AQUALAB Cloud
Customer Self-Help Options	--	--	Yes
Instrument Verification	Verification adjustment, standard selection, required/recommended	Verification adjustment only	Verification adjustment, standard selection, required/recommended, frequency scheduling, lot tracking + alerts
Factory Calibration Process	Requires application, granular authentication	Requires application, common authentication (flagged as security risk in source)	No application/PC required, granular authentication
Language Support	English only	11 languages	8 languages (more being added)
UAC Levels	Admin, Manager, Technician, Limited User	Single Admin, customizable	Admin, Technician

*AQUALAB 5TE One-Minute readings require an AQUALAB Cloud license.

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What does the AQUALAB 5TE measure?

The AQUALAB 5TE measures water activity (aw) and sample temperature. With an active AQUALAB Cloud license and a configured product, it also reports moisture content from the same reading. Moisture content is a secondary method: it is calculated from water activity and a moisture sorption isotherm for that product.

How long does an AQUALAB 5TE reading take?

A full water activity reading typically takes 5 minutes or less. With an AQUALAB Cloud license, a One-Minute reading gives an estimated result in about one minute. One-Minute readings are available after at least three full readings of the same product.

How accurate is the AQUALAB 5TE?

Full readings use a chilled-mirror dew point sensor, with ±0.003 aw accuracy and 0.001 aw repeatability. One-Minute readings use a capacitive sensor, with ±0.020 aw accuracy. Moisture content accuracy is ±0.5% of the moisture content reference value.

What is the difference between a One-Minute reading and a full reading?

A One-Minute reading predicts the final water activity. It uses a proprietary algorithm and product-specific data stored in AQUALAB Cloud. A full reading continues until the sample reaches equilibrium and gives the final confirmed result. Users can end the test after the One-Minute result when a full reading is not required.

Does the AQUALAB 5TE require AQUALAB Cloud?

No. The AQUALAB 5TE can operate cloud-connected, standalone with internet, or fully offline. AQUALAB Cloud is required for these features:

One-Minute readings
Moisture content
Product and batch configuration
Pass/fail limits
Automatic data backup

Note: an instrument first set up in standalone mode needs a full system reset to connect to AQUALAB Cloud later. The reset clears stored readings, so export your data first.

How does the AQUALAB 5TE support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?

The AQUALAB 5TE provides the following controls:

Role-based user access (Admin and Technician), with PIN login
Time-stamped records of every reading, verification, and correction
Searchable history on the instrument and in AQUALAB Cloud

Readings cannot be deleted. In AQUALAB Cloud, a reading can be marked as voided, and the original record is kept permanently.

How is the AQUALAB 5TE calibrated and verified?

Calibration is performed only by Addium or an Addium-authorized service center. Users verify accuracy by measuring certified verification standards. Seven levels are available, from 0.150 aw to 1.000 aw. Addium recommends verification daily or once per shift. If a verification fails, the user can apply an optional correction, which affects future readings only.

What is BlockSwap™?

BlockSwap is the AQUALAB 5TE's user-swappable sensor block. A facility can install a spare block while the other block goes to Addium for calibration. To swap blocks, power off the instrument, change the block, and power it back on. Verification is recommended after a block change.

How is the AQUALAB 5TE different from the AQUALAB 4TE?

Both instruments have ±0.003 aw dew point accuracy and 15.00–50.00 °C temperature control. The AQUALAB 5TE adds:

A 7-inch glove-compatible touchscreen
A user-swappable sensor block
AQUALAB Cloud connectivity, with moisture content and One-Minute readings
Support for USB keyboards, mice, and barcode scanners

See the full instrument breakdown in this comparison chart.

Can I measure volatile samples with the AQUALAB 5TE?

Samples that contain volatiles, such as alcohols or propylene glycol, may interfere with the sensors. For volatile samples, see the AQUALAB TDL 2.

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AQUALAB water activity verification standards

Water activity standards

Certified salt standards for verifying water activity accuracy and repeatability across instruments, users, and locations. Each box contains 50 tubes.

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