Textile moisture meter AQUA-LAB | 2450A-B

for cottonmicrowavelaboratory

Overview
AQUA-LAB is an instrument for fast, accurate measurement of moisture regain and moisture content in textile fibres and yarns. It enables inline or laboratory moisture control across raw material, spinning and quality-control stages, supporting commercial agreements and process monitoring.

How it works
The instrument uses low-power resonance (microwave) technology. A calibration algorithm correlates microwave readings with oven-drying regain values (the reference method), providing absolute moisture values suitable for commercial use. Preset calibrations for common textile materials are available and selectable from the start menu.

Sensors
The complete AQUA-LAB (Code 2450) includes two sensors:

• one sensor for fibres (loose fibres, tops, slivers, etc.)
• one sensor for yarn packages (cones, roving cops, etc.)

The system can also be supplied with a single sensor: fibre-only (Code 2450A) or yarn-cone only (Code 2450B).

Main features

• Fast real-time measurement for high-throughput control.
• High repeatability and reproducibility of results.
• Direct correlation with oven-drying (reference method).
• Applicable to all common textile fibres and yarns (cotton, linen, wool, cashmere, viscose, silk, acrylic, synthetic fibres and blends).
• No sample weighing or preparation required.
• Non-destructive testing with no material waste.
• Simple operation; can be used by non-specialist personnel.
• Results independent of sample mass, dimensions or density and robust versus environmental changes.
• Very low power consumption and safe low-power microwave emissions.
• Cost-saving through accurate control of water content in raw materials.
• Easy maintenance; no consumables or wear parts.
• Ethernet connectivity for central data collection and QC systems.

Recognition
The ITMF International Committee on Cotton Testing Methods (ICCTM) granted recognition to AQUA-LAB at the 32nd International Bremen Cotton Conference.

Versions

• AQUA-LAB (Code 2450) — full version with both fibre and yarn-package sensors.
• AQUA-LAB (Code 2450A) — fibre sensor version for raw material and tops control.
• AQUA-LAB (Code 2450B) — yarn-cone sensor version for cones and roving packages.

Technical specifications

• Measurement principle: low-power resonance (microwave) technology.
• Calibration algorithm correlates microwave readings with oven-drying regain values (oven is reference method).
• Preset calibrations available for different textile materials.
• Sensors: dual-sensor full version (2450) or single-sensor options (2450A fibre, 2450B yarn cone).
• No sample weighing or preliminary preparation required.
• Non-destructive method; no material waste.
• Results independent of sample mass, dimensions and density; robust versus temperature/humidity variations.
• Very low power consumption; low-power microwave emissions safe for users.
• Ethernet connectivity for central data collection.
• No consumables; low maintenance; long-term reproducibility and repeatability.
• Suitable materials: cotton, linen, wool, cashmere, viscose, silk, acrylic, synthetic fibres and blends.