Operation Manual SpeedDigester K�425/K�436 11593346 en
Table of contents Table of contents 1 2 3 4 5 6 3 About this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2.1 User qualification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2.2 Proper use . . . . . . . .
Table of contents 7 8 9 10 11 4 6.3.2 Starting a digestion process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 6.4 Performing a peroxide digestion process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 6.4.1 Preparational steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 6.4.2 Starting a digestion process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 1 About this manual About this manual This manual describes the SpeedDigester K-425 / K-436 and provides all information required for its safe operation and to maintain it in good working order. It is addressed to laboratory personnel and operators in particular. Read this manual carefully before installing and running your system and note the safety precautions in chapter 2 in particular. Store the manual in the immediate vicinity of the instrument, so that it can be consulted at any time.
2 2 Safety Safety This chapter introduces the safety concept of the instrument and contains general rules of behavior and warnings from direct and indirect hazards concerning the use of the product. For the users safety, all safety instructions and safety messages in the individual chapters shall be strictly observed and followed. Therefore, the manual must always be available to all persons performing any tasks described herein. 2.
2 2.4 Safety Safety warnings and safety signs used in this manual DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION and NOTICE are standardized signal words for identifying levels of hazard seriousness of risks related to personal injury and property damage. All signal words, which are related to personal injury are accompanied by the general safety sign.
2 Symbol Safety Meaning Explosive material Fire hazard Harmful to life-forms Hot item, hot surface Device damage Inhalation of substances Chemical burns by corrosives Fragile components Wear laboratory coat Wear protective goggles Wear protective gloves Heavy weight, lifting requires more than one person 8 K-425 / K-436 Operation Manual, Version A
2 Safety Additional user information Paragraphs starting with Note transport helpful information for working with the device / software or its supplementaries. Notes are not related to any kind of hazard or damage (see following example). Note Useful tips for the easy operation of the instrument / software. 2.5 Product safety The SpeedDigester K-425 / K-436 has been designed and built in accordance with current state-ofthe-art technology. Safety warnings in this manual (as described in section 2.
2 ! Safety WARNING Risk of death or serious chemical burns by hot acid or peroxide fumes. • • • • • Do not operate the system with faulty parts Check instrument setup for proper sealing before use Do not inhale process fumes Operate the instrument inside an active fume hood Do not move the instrument or parts of it during digestion ! CAUTION Risk of minor or moderate cuts by sharp edges.
2 2.5.3 Safety Personal protective equipment Always wear personal protective equipment such as protective eye goggles, protective clothing and gloves. The personal protective equipment must meet all requirements of the supplementary data sheets for the chemicals used. ! WARNING Serious chemical burns by corrosives. • • • • • • 2.5.4 Observe supplementary data sheets of all used chemicals. Handle corrosives in well ventilated environments only. Always wear protective goggles.
2 2.6 Safety General safety rules Responsibility of the operator The head of the laboratory is responsible for training his/her personnel. The operator shall inform the manufacturer without delay of any safety-related incidents which might occur during operation of the instrument or its accessories. Legal regulations, such as local, state and federal laws applying to the instrument or its accessories must be strictly followed.
3 3 Technical data Technical data This chapter introduces the reader to the SpeedDigester K-425 / K-436 and its specifications. It contains the scope of delivery, technical data, requirements and performance data. 3.1 Scope of application and delivery All system configurations come with a limited set of accessories as a starter kit. Within a system family, additionally available accessories (see section 3.1.
3 Technical data SpeedDigester K- 436 Configuration order number Sample positions 110 – 120 V 220 – 240 V 10 n.a. 1154362500 • n.a. 1154362100 n.a. 1154362200 n.a. 1154362300 n.a. 1154362400 12 Sample tube sizes Suction modules 250 ml 300 ml 500 ml Standard • • • • • • • •* • Condensate trap • H2O2 Module for 3rd party tubes • • • •* * Third party sample tubes require special accessories such as the BUCHI “Module for 3rd party tubes” and the matching rack / insulation plate.
3 3.1.3 Accessories for 500 ml sample tubes (for large sample volumes / at low nitrogen level) Standard items 3.1.
3 3.2 Technical data 3.2.1 SpeedDigester K-425 / 110 – 120 V version Technical data Technical data Power consumption max. 1280 W Temperature control range level 1 to 10 (70 – 580°C typically) Connection voltage 110 – 120 VAC Input fuse T 10A L 250 V Frequency 50 / 60 Hz IP degree of protection (two digits) IP 20 Explanation of protection level: 2 Protection provided by the enclosure against access to hazardous parts (e.g.
3 3.2.2 Technical data SpeedDigester K-425 / 220 – 240 V version Technical data Power consumption max. 1280 W Temperature control range level 1 to 10 (70 – 580°C typically) Connection voltage 220 – 240 VAC Input fuse T 10A L 250 V Frequency 50 / 60 Hz IP degree of protection (two digits) IP 20 Explanation of protection level: 2 Protection provided by the enclosure against access to hazardous parts (e.g.
3 3.2.3 Technical data SpeedDigester K-436 / 220 – 240 V version Technical data Power consumption max. 2550 W Temperature control range level 1 to 10 (70 – 580°C typically) Connection voltage 220 – 240 VAC Input fuse T 10A L 250 V Frequency 50 / 60 Hz IP degree of protection (two digits) IP 20 Explanation of protection level: 2 Protection provided by the enclosure against access to hazardous parts (e.g.
3 3.3 Technical data Materials used Materials used Component Material designation Stainless steel Housing Material code Hazards substances Heating chamber Heating element Rack Front panel under thermostat(s) SiO2, SiC Silicic acid Heating chamber Ceramic fiber felt Heating chamber Calcium silicate Insulation plate Phlogopite mica Preheat cover Plastic Front hood PBT Suction hoses EPDM Drip tray PP Rack PPS Sealings suction tube FKM/PFE Hose coupling PP Borosilicate glass 3.
4 4 Description of function Description of function This chapter explains the basic working principle of the SpeedDigester K-425 / K-436. It also shows how the instrument is structured and provides a general functional description of its assemblies. 4.1 Functional principle The SpeedDigester K-425 / K-436 is a special heating device to digest samples. It can generate max. temperatures of 580 °C typically. This allows e.g.
5 5 Putting into operation Putting into operation This chapter describes how the instrument has to be installed. It also gives instructions for the initial startup. Note Inspect the instrument for damage during unpacking. If necessary, prepare a status report immediately to inform the postal company, railway company or transportation company. Keep the original packaging for future transportation. 5.1 Installation site Put the instrument into a fume hood onto a clean, stable and horizontal surface.
5 ! Putting into operation WARNING Risk of death or burns by electric current. • • Check for proper grounding before use Exchange defective cabling instantly ! CAUTION Risk of minor or moderate injury by heavy weight of the instrument. • • • • 5.
5 5.3 Putting into operation Electrical connections After the installation procedure has been completed successfully, the power plug of the SpeedDigester must be connected to the mains for the digestion process. Notice Risk of instrument damage by wrong mains supply. • • External mains supply must meet the voltage given on the type plate Check for proper grounding The used mains circuit has to: • provide the voltage that is given on the type plate of the instrument.
6 6 Operation Operation This chapter gives examples of typical instrument applications and instructions on how to operate the instrument properly and safely. See also section 2.5 “Product safety” for general warnings. 6.1 Operating controls and housing The SpeedDigester K-425 / K-436 are equipped with thermostats. The table below lists the correlated temperature (typical average values) to every heating level position of each thermostat.
6 • • • • 6.1.2 Operation The mains switch is illuminated green when the system is in on-status Thermostat ➥ Turn the thermostat knob clockwise to increase the digestion temperature (heating level 1 – 10) ➥ Turn the thermostat knob anticlockwise to decrease the digestion temperature or even deactivate the heating chamber ('OFF' position) The cooling chamber is not equipped with a heating element.
6 6.1.
6 6.1.4 Operation SpeedDigester K-436 — rear side Bracket with magnetic (elbow) suction plugs T-piece with suction hoses Type plate Power socket Fuse holders 6.2 Preparing of SpeedDigester, suction module(s) and sample tubes Section 6.2.1 and 6.2.2 describes the standard procedure for preparing a rack with sample tubes of 300 ml or 250 ml. When 500 ml tubes are being used, additionally refer to section 6.2.4. Note A rack may achieve a weight of up to 7.
6 ! Operation WARNING Death or serious poisoning by contact or incorporation of harmful substances at use.
6 6.2.2 Operation Peroxide digestion —preparing sample tubes During the preparation process, handling with peroxides and other dangerous substances is inevitable. Peroxides are strong oxidants and can form explosives! All steps must be performed under safe laboratory conditions. ! WARNING Death or serious injuries by toxic and explosive peroxides.
6 1 Operation Front side Rear side 2 • • Insert the prepared sample tubes into the rack(s) — start with the first (front) position. When the digestion session does not require a full set of samples, then fit unused positions with a glass cap to seal the suction circuit! Note • Make sure the adapter piece is tightened well without damaging the glassware. • Keep suction hose(s) as short as possible under the given circumstances. • Unused positions should be arranged at the rear end of the rack.
6 Operation 5 6 Example with two glass caps installed! K* C I L *C To Scrubber or water jet pump • Check for proper and tight seating of each rubber sealing 5. ➥ If necessary unlock the handles again and readjust the suction module! • Plug the suction hose with plug onto the suction module 6. ➥ The plug catches with a noticable *click* sound. • • If applicable, follow the previous steps to install a suction module on a second rack.
6 6.2.4 Operation Installing 500 ml sample tubes Unlike 300 ml (and 250 ml) sample tubes, 500 ml tubes can not simply be inserted into the appropriate rack. The information in this section serves to set up this type of sample tube properly and safely in the rack. Installation steps: For installation and handling all parts must be < 40 °C! 2 3 rear side 1 K LIC C * * frontside • • • • Plug the rack into the carrier 1.
6 Operation Glass cap (for unused positions) 5 4 • • • When the digestion session does not require a full set of samples equip unused positions with a glass cap to tighten the suction circuit 5! Follow the installation steps in section 6.2.3 to install the suction module. If applicable, follow the previous steps to install sample tubes in a second rack. ➡ The sample tubes are now securely installed in the rack(s) and can now safely be processed in the SpeedDigester.
6 6.2.5 Operation Starting up the SpeedDigester System preconditions The system must be correctly installed and fully functional. All parts must be in proper condition (e.g. clean and free of damage). See also section 2.5 “Product safety” for general warnings! Start-up procedure • • • • • • Select and install insulation plate(s) according to the type of sample tubes. Install insulation caps at unused positions of the insulation plate(s) for 300 / 500 ml racks.
6 6.4 Operation Performing a peroxide digestion process This section is divided into two consecutive sub-sections (6.4.1 and 6.4.2) and follow-up actions in section 6.5. Do not skip or mix up these steps to ensure safe handling and best performance. Note Application notes are available for various samples at Buchi. These notes work as digestion recipes and give detailed instructions how to process specific sample materials.
6 ! Operation DANGER Risk of death or serious injuries by toxic and explosive peroxides.
6 6.5 Operation Finishing a digestion process ! WARNING Risk of dangerous or moderate burns when handling hot parts and sample tubes. • • • Do not touch any hot parts Let the system cool down Cover unused positions with insulation cap(s) at the insulation plate(s) fter the digestion process has been completed, the sample tubes must cool down! See following A illustration of cooling positions.
6 Operation Cooling positions of SpeedDigester K-425 and K-436 The side position shown in the drawing below is only applicable for 300 ml and 250 ml sample tubes and racks. Due to the larger diameter of 500 ml sample tubes the glassware does not fit between rack and housing.
6 ! Do NOT use the side positions with 500 ml rack / glasses! Operation ! 500 ml racks must be placed beside the SpeedDigester K-436 to avoid a crash between the sample tubes and the housing. Nonobservance will lead to hazardous situations especially when the sample tubes are filled and hot! ! WARNING Death or serious injuries at glass breakage by hot acid and catalyst or peroxide.
6 6.6 Operation Optional 'Stand with drip tray' The optional accessory drip tray serves to collect condensated acid which might drip off the suction module(s) after a digestion process and as a space saving way to securely store a suction module. Stand with drip tray (illustration with suction unit) Screw and holder-knob Installing a drip tray 1. Screw the two holder-knobs into the designated threads at the side of your SpeedDigester. 2. Hook-in the frame of the drip tray.
7 7 Maintenance and repairs Maintenance and repairs This chapter gives instructions on maintenance work to be performed in order to keep the instrument in a good and safe working condition. All maintenance and repair work requiring the opening or removal of the instrument housing must be carried out by trained service personnel and only with the tools provided for this purpose.
7 Maintenance and repairs NOTICE Risk of housing and instrument damage by liquids and detergents. • • • 7.1 Do not spill liquids over the instrument or parts of it Wipe off any liquids instantly Use ethanol or soapy water as detergent only Customer service Only authorized service personnel are allowed to perform repair work on the instrument. Authorization requires a comprehensive technical training and knowledge of possible dangers which might arise when working at the instrument.
7 7.2.1 Maintenance and repairs Breakage of glassware inside a housing chamber Under rare conditions charged sample tubes or other glassware might break inside a housing chamber. In such a case strictly follow the cleaning instructions below! Cleaning under safe conditions • Switch off the SpeedDigester and unplug the power cord. ➡ Let the system cool down completely! • • • • • • Carefully remove the installed rack(s). Wear safety gloves to dispose of the defective glassware of the rack.
7 7.3 Maintenance and repairs Glass component conditions Clean the glass components after each working process to prolong their lifetime. The glass assemblies can be taken out and cleaned manually with water and a commercial cleaning agent (e.g. mild soap solution) or in an ultrasonic bath. Visibly check for damages at all the glass components subsequently. Note • It is recommended to clean all glass components in use.
7 7.5 Maintenance and repairs Rack system To prolong the lifetime of the racks, rinse them with water thoroughly to remove possible acid residues. Subsequently, clean the racks with non-abrasive cleaning agents (e.g. soapy water). 7.5.1 300 ml sample tube support spring The 300 ml tube rack is equipped with six sample tube support assemblies. Each assembly includes a circular spring and a black plastic retaining ring with notches.
7 7.5.2 Maintenance and repairs 500 ml sample tube support spring The 500 ml tube rack is equipped with a tube holder containing five sample tube support springs. Each flat spring must be freely rotatable by a small amount. If swivelling is not possible, exchange the rake! Note • Rinse the tube holder with water after use to avoid corrosion. • Store it dry and clean after use. 7.6 Protection cover at the front The protection cover at the front is equipped with double-faced adhesive tape.
8 8 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting This chapter helps to resume operation after a problem has occurred with the instrument which does not require special technical training. It lists possible occurrences, their probable cause and suggests how to remedy the problem. The troubleshooting table below lists possible malfunctions and errors of the instrument. The operator is enabled to correct some of those problems or errors by him/herself.
8 8.2 Troubleshooting Device fuses To change a defective fuse proceed as follows • • • • Switch off the SpeedDigester and unplug the power cord. To access the glass fuses on the rear side use a flat screwdriver blade. ➥ Turn it approx. 5 turns anticlockwise to free the insert. ➥ Take out the insert together with the fuse. Replace the defective fuse (see technical data for fuse type!) Reconnect the SpeedDigester to the mains. ! WARNING Death or serious burns by electric current.
9 9 Shutdown, storage, transport and disposal Shutdown, storage, transport and disposal This chapter instructs how to shut down and to pack the instrument for storage or transport. Specifications for storage and shipping conditions can also be found listed here. ! WARNING Death or serious poisoning by contact or incorporation of harmful substances.
9 9.2 Shutdown, storage, transport and disposal Disposal For instrument disposal in an environmentally friendly manner, a list of materials is given in chapter 3.3. This helps to ensure that the components can be separated and recycled correctly by a specialist for disposal. For disposal of liquids and consumables such as catalyst or acid, see data sheets of these chemicals! You have to follow valid regional and local laws concerning disposal.
9 Shutdown, storage, transport and disposal Health and Safety Clearance Declaration concerning safety, potential hazards and safe disposal of waste. For the safety and health of our staff, laws and regulations regarding the handling of dangerous goods, occupational health and safety regulations, safety at work laws and regulations regarding safe disposal of waste (e.g.
10 10 Spare parts Spare parts This chapter lists spare parts, accessories and options including their ordering information. Only order spare parts and consumables from Buchi to maintain the warranty status and to assure best performance and reliability of the system and affected components. Any modifications to the spare parts used are only allowed with the prior written permission of the manufacturer.
10 Spare parts Spare parts (cont.) Description Order no. EPDM hose, 1.5 m, 8 mm 11056005 Plug for rack pedestal 11055359 Magnetic bracket 11056231 Optional parts 53 Description Order no.
10 Spare parts Consumables 54 Description Order no. Kjeldahl tablets (Hg / Se-free), 250 pcs.
11 11 Declarations and requirements 11.1 FCC requirements (for USA and Canada) Declarations and requirements English: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to both Part 15 of the FCC Rules and the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
11 11.
BÜCHI Labortechnik AG CH-9230 Flawil 1 / Switzerland T +41 71 394 63 63 F +41 71 394 65 65 www.buchi.
