Water activity meter
AQUALAB TDL 2
Precise water activity measurements for volatile and complex samples where traditional sensors fail.
Built for challenging samples and strict standards
AQUALAB TDL 2 uses tunable laser diode technology to directly measure water molecules, allowing QA, R&D, and production teams to accurately test volatile samples like sauces, tobacco, alcohols, and fuels.
0.003aw
Water activity accuracy
≤5min
Typical read time
Precision where others fail
AQUALAB TDL 2 delivers reliable water activity measurements in samples with volatile compounds by using laser-based sensing, enabling accurate decisions for product safety, stability, and regulatory compliance.
Laser-based measurement
A tunable laser diode locks onto water molecules directly, measuring water activity regardless of volatile concentration—even in samples like pure alcohol, gasoline, or tobacco.
Volatile-proof accuracy
Unlike capacitive or dew point sensors, the TDL sensor ignores volatile interference, producing stable, repeatable water activity results in samples traditionally considered impossible to measure accurately.
Fast, reliable results
Typical measurements take less than five minutes, dramatically reducing test time compared to instruments that require extended equilibration or indirect correction methods.
Industry-validated performance
Specified by CORESTA as the only approved sensor for water activity measurement in tobacco, AQUALAB TDL 2 is trusted by researchers and regulated industries worldwide.
Simple to operate
With no moving parts and no calibration required, AQUALAB TDL 2 delivers lightning-fast measurements with minimal training, making accurate testing accessible to any operator.
Low maintenance design
A sealed sample chamber and solid-state laser sensor reduce routine maintenance, limit downtime, and ensure long-term performance even in demanding production and laboratory environments.
Shop accessories
Water activity standards
Certified salt standards for verifying water activity accuracy and repeatability across instruments, users, and locations. Each box contains 50 tubes.
Disposable sample cups
Single-use sample cups designed to prevent cross-contamination and ensure consistent, accurate water activity and moisture measurements.
Single-use cleaning swabs
Disposable swabs designed for quick chamber cleaning and contamination control between water activity or moisture measurements.
FAQs
Downloads and documents
Cited publications
Technical specifications
Measurement specifications
Water Activity
Range:
0.0000 to 1.0000 aw
Resolution:
0.0001 aw
Accuracy:
±0.0050 aw at 25 °C
Repeatability:
0.0010 aw
Sensor Type:
Tunable diode laser
Moisture Content
Accuracy:
0.1%–0.5% to moisture content reference*
Repeatability:
0.02%
Temperature
Range:
15–50 °C
Resolution:
0.01 °C
Accuracy:
±0.10 °C
Adjustment Increment:
1 °C
Read Time
~5 min
Physical specifications
Case Dimensions
Length:
26.7 cm (10.5 in)
Width:
17.8 cm (7.0 in)
Height:
12.7 cm (5.0 in)
Case Material
POLYLAC PA-765 (ABS) with fire retardant
Display
64 × 128 graphical
Power
85-264 VAC
47-63 Hz
Sample Cup Capacity
14 mL (0.47 fl oz)
Operating Temperature
Minimum:
4.0 °C
Maximum:
50.0°C
Operating Environment
0%–90% RH non condensing
Weight
3.1 kg (6.8 lb)
Data Communications
USB A and RS-232 serial 9,600–115,000 baud
