Cat # SC860, SC861 and SC862 The Environmental Express AutoBlock™ Operations Manual Congratulations! By purchasing the AutoBlock, you have made the decision to fully automate metals digestions in your laboratory! It is extremely important that you read and understand this entire operating and training manual. We have attempted to make the AutoBlock as user-friendly as possible, but please take the time learn the manual.
Table of Contents 1. Introduction 1.1 What’s included 1.2 Uncrating 1.3 Warranty 1.4 Repair 2. Installation 2.1 Preparing the AutoBlock 2.2 Reagent line installation 2.3 Install the AutoBlock 2.4 Air Intake Option 3. Supplies 3.1 Digestion supplies 3.2 Maintenance supplies 4. The PDA 4.1 The basics of your PDA 4.2 Loading the AutoBlock.vb Software program 4.3 Overview of AutoBlock.vb 4.4 Initialization 4.5 Software updates 4.6 Connecting the PDA to a PC 4.7 Using the AutoBlock with a PC 5.
Section 1: Introduction The AutoBlock has been designed specifically for your laboratory by providing safe, clean and efficient digestions. It is capable of digesting water, wastewater, soils, and other materials typically digested using hotplate chemistry. 1.1 1.
Several strong backs are required to lift the AutoBlock. It is heavy. (Approx. 200 lbs.) Lift only from the bottom. 5. Lift the AutoBlock only from the bottom. Carefully place the unit on a sturdy counter with the following minimum requirements: A. Counter must be able to withstand a minimum 300-lb. load. B. Space requirements: 35-inch width, 32-inch depth and 36-inch height. These are minimum requirements. Additional bench space (if available) will make installation, service and use easier.
1.3.4 Charges Not Covered by Warranty Failure to retain the Original Shipping Crate and all other packaging materials for at least 90 days could result in additional charges should repairs prove necessary. Failure to adhere to AutoBlock maintenance instructions and requirements can void all warranties and result in damage to the AutoBlock, loss of samples, and create repair issues not covered by the Warranty. See Section 8 for maintenance instructions. 1.3.
C) Properly pack* the AutoBlock in approved materials only* D) Place a Purchase Order with Environmental Express for repair * These elements are critical to a successful repair experience 1.4.4 Return Packing & Shipping It is the responsibility of the laboratory to retain in good condition the original crate and other packing material for a period no less than 90 days following receipt of the AutoBlock.
Section 2: Installation 2.1 Preparing the AutoBlock Follow the instructions in Section 1.2, Uncrate the AutoBlock. Residual water may be found in the internal plumbing of your AutoBlock. This includes the pump, reagent injection lines and drain lines. This water is nonhazardous, and was used for system checks during quality control inspections. 2.1.1 Install Drain Line & Carboy A) The drain line is located in the lower back portion of the AutoBlock. Route the drain line downwards.
2.2 Reagent Line Installation The following steps will connect your 2.5 liter reagent bottles to the AutoBlock. These bottles are your standard 2.5L acid bottles. For the DI port use a cleaned acid bottle filled with DI. 2.2.1 Components for Reagent Uptake (A) Inlet Ports Inlet Ports are located (and labeled) on the right panel of the AutoBlock. These Teflon fittings attach reagent uptake lines to the AutoBlock. (B) Teflon Nuts for Inlet Ports The Teflon Nuts are located in the Spare Parts Bag.
down onto the Teflon ferrule. This clamps the Teflon ferrule onto the reagent line and, if done properly, insures a pressure tight connection. 2.2.3 Reagents The Reagent Inlet Ports of your AutoBlock have been initially set up in the following manner: Port #1: DI Water DI Water must always be attached to Port #1.
they are attached properly. Software may be lost if the batteries become fully discharged. 2.3.6 All electrical connections have now been made. Using zip ties provided, position all wires out of harm’s way. Be sure none of the electrical components hang near the drain line, or lie upon the counter top where acid spills may occur. 2.3.7 Install 4” diameter acid-resistant duct to the exhaust fan assembly outlet. Secure with an acid-resistant clamp.
Section 3: Supplies 3.1 Digestion supplies Following are the supplies needed for day-to-day operation of the AutoBlock. See Section 11 for more catalog numbers and pricing. 3.1.1 Digestion cups For most environmental samples (sample temp of <120° Celsius) AutoBlock must use the #SC475 (500pk) single-use plastic cup. This is a screw cap cup that is accurately graduated and lot certified for background metals. 3.1.
3.2.3 Reagent Injection Kit Tubing Assembly from Splitter to Sample Cups, 6 lines. # SC875, 1 kit. Should be replaced at least annually. 3.2.4 Reagent Uptake Line 25 feet of reagent uptake line, enough for five bottle-to-inlet lines. #SC874, 25’. Should be replaced annually. 3.2.5 General Repairs See section 1.4.
Section 4: The PDA Your PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) is a top-of-the-line pocket PC. It is Windows CE based with specially designed software built exclusively for your Environmental Express AutoBlock. 4.1 The Basics of your PDA The Jornada 540 is similar to most pocket PC’s. To activate a function, simply touch the corresponding portion of the screen with the stylus. (The stylus is the pencil-like plastic piece located in the cover of the PDA.
time. To close this function, repress the same small keypad icon at the bottom of the screen. The keypad function will drop from sight until selected again. 4.2 Loading the AutoBlock.vb program Make sure the PDA is securely fitted into the PDA cradle on the left side of the AutoBlock. Turn the AutoBlock ON by manipulating the Power switch located on the rear panel. 4.2.1 Start To start the PDA simply press -- using the stylus -- the black power button on the bottom beneath the word Jornada.
cancel the prompt or click "NO". (If your Active Sync CD has been lost, go to http://www.microsoft.com/downloads to install the latest version. (C) Open Windows Explorer on your PC. (Press “Start”, “Programs”, “Windows Explorers”. Or “Start, Programs, Accessories, Windows Explorer for MS 2000 and higher). (D) Insert the AutoBlock CD into the drive.
B) Status Status is seen in the upper right hand corner of each mode screen. It is designed to inform the analyst of functions currently being performed.
powered. For proper maintenance, initialize daily. Initialization only takes a few moments and the benefits are worthwhile. To initialize your AutoBlock press the initialize button. The status box at the upper right hand corner will display homing. When the initialization process is complete, idle will appear in that box. You are now ready to begin your digestion procedure. 4.5 Software updates Software modifications and updates may be released at future dates.
(G) Open Windows Explorer. On the computer Press “Start”, “Programs”, and “Windows Explorer”. (H) Locate the saved email AutoBlock.vb, and drag it to AutoBlock in Microsoft Active Sync window. Organizing individual windows to make them small will help make this easy. Having Explorer on one side and Active Sync on the other will make the drag and drop simpler. Note: Some email systems will not accept programs ending in vb.
Section 5: Manual Mode The manual mode is just what the name implies. In this mode digestion functions (heating, cooling, raising/lowering elevators, injecting reagents, etc…) are performed individually by the analyst. The manual mode is used in method development, troubleshooting and on-going inspections, and other situations where hands-on control of operations is required. Manual Mode Screen 5.1 Motion Controls You must Initialize the AutoBlock before using the motion controls.
5.2.1 Purging and Prepping In the Manual mode, injecting reagents does not include purging the previous reagent. Further, it does not include prepping with the new reagent, both of which are important steps. Following are the steps for purging and prepping. A) Purging Purging is the process of flushing the lines of the previous reagent with DI water.
Note: Acceptable volume range is 0.1ml to 50.0ml. Volumes can be entered in 0.1ml increments. Example: 2 (or 2.0) in the Enter ml box = 2mls per cup D) Press Inject. You have now injected the prepped reagent at the selected volume into the selected column of sample cups. E) By moving the reagent injection arm to another column and pressing Inject, you can duplicate steps A through D. F) If a secondary reagent is to be added to the sample cups, Purge and Prep procedures (see 5.2.
the laboratory and when new methods are developed. It is also performed as part of routine maintenance. Sample Temperature 1. To perform temperature calibration, allow the AutoBlock to heat until Graphite temperature stabilizes within one degree of Set Point temperature. 2. Measure Sample temperature with a NIST traceable thermometer by taking Sample temperature measurements from 8 variously located samples, then average. The resulting number is your actual Sample temperature.
5.5 Alarm In the manual mode the alarm function can turn off the alarms. In addition, you can test to insure the alarm function is working properly by turning it “ON”. An example of an alarm that would need to be turned off is when the AutoBlock software is running, but the PDA is not connected. Note: Do not turn alarms off when the PDA is attached to the AutoBlock. This would indicate that an error has occurred.
Section 6: Service Mode The Service mode is broken into Four individual sections. To enter the Service mode tap “Select Mode” at the bottom of the screen. Choose one of the tabs at the top of the screen to enter the appropriate section. These tabs include Reagents, Maintenance, Temperature Calibration, and Special Options. Service Mode 6.1 Reagent Setup Click the reagent tab at the top to enter the Reagent Setup Menu. Reagent 1 is not selectable. It must always be DI Water.
AutoBlock Reagent Viscosity Rating 1. DI Water- #1 (cannot be changed) 1 2. HCL- Hydrochloric Acid 2 3. HNO3- Nitric Acid 3 4. H2O2- Hydrogen Peroxide 30% 3 5. H2SO4-Sulfuric Acid 5 6. KMnO4- Potassium Permanganate 2 7. NaCl/NH2OH 2 Adding and Deleting reagents If your digestion method(s) require reagents not found on this list, use the keypad function and type them into the “Add” box, then press “Add”. Choose an appropriate viscosity rating for the newly added reagent.
Failure to adhere to AutoBlock maintenance instructions and/or requirements can void all warranties and result in damage to the AutoBlock, loss of samples and/or losses not covered by the Warranty. See warranty, section 1.3. Maintenance Indicators Two weeks prior to the date part(s) require replacement, the PDA will issue a notice of such. This will give the analyst ample time to schedule the required maintenance, and receive delivery of replacement parts if necessary.
dried. Check this filter after the first 90 days of operation, then schedule routine cleaning as necessary. (E) Reagent pump calibration The default setting for the volume calibration reminder is once every 30 days; although you may decide to shorten or lengthen this period. To change the frequency of the calibration reminder, press the stylus in the days box, then enter the new number of days between calibrations. (Dual systems have two pumps and both should be calibrated.) 1. GO TO THE MANUAL MODE 2.
Calibration Menu 6.3 Calibration of Sample Temperatures Variable A and Variable B Introduction and Overview Variable A and Variable B are selectable, preset sample digestion temperatures. These two sample digestion temperatures are used in all factory-installed digestion methods, and if desired, can be selected for use in all custom/lab-designed methods. Most environmental methods require a sample digestion temperature of 95°C ± 2°.
(2) Calibrating Variable A and Variable B A. With the PDA on the cradle communicating with the AutoBlock, go to the maintenance mode. B. Make sure the Variable A and Variable B boxes have the correct temperature. 95.0° C is the default temperature. C. Select the Variable you want to check by pressing either “Calibrate A” or “Calibrate B”. D. After the screen automatically changes, Press “Heat to A” or “Heat to B” as appropriate. E.
Options Menu 6.4 Options This section allows the analyst to change the AutoBlock from a single pump system, to a dual pump system. Click the appropriate box. “Vent problem Aborts Operations” the AutoBlock is equipped with a pressure sensor that detects an increase in pressure when either the door is opened or the exhaust system fails. When this box is clicked, digestion methods are aborted when the pressure sensor detects one of these parameters.
Section 7: Method Mode The Method Mode is the first mode screen to appear when the AutoBlock software is activated. It is the control center for selecting, writing and performing digestion methods. There are two ways to run a digestion method. One is a preprogrammed EPA Method, see section 7.2. The other is by creating a “Custom Method”, see section 7.6. Method Mode Numerous features apply to all methods whether preinstalled by Environmental Express or custom designed by the laboratory. See section 7.5.
AutoBlock, place your samples into the racks, loading the columns left to right. Do not skip any spaces in the columns. Fill each column completely with SIX samples before moving to the next. D) The final column containing samples does not have to be filled with samples; however, it must be filled with cups, even if the cups are empty. E) Fill all remaining open positions with empty cups, and place all THREE racks into the AutoBlock.
7.1.1 Close the acrylic door 7.2 Selecting a Digestion Method To select a method, switch to the method mode and press Load. Press the down arrow button on the right hand side of the box that appears. A drop-down menu displays all available methods. Select the appropriate method with the stylus, then press Apply. The name of the selected method will appear in the box at the top, and software text will be displayed in the large middle box.
Reagent Verification 7.2.2 Enter the number of Columns to be digested Enter # of Columns to be Digested If you are completing these steps, the NEXT CLICK WILL BEGIN A REAL DIGESTION. Be Sure that: 1- ALL THREE RACKS ARE COMPLETELY FILLED WITH CUPS 2- ELEVATORS AND RACKS ARE IN THE DOWN POSITION 3- THE DOOR IS CLOSED 7.2.3 Press Apply. Sample digestion has begun. 7.2.4 During the Digestion The PDA screen will gray-out. The only functional button becomes the ABORT button.
7.3 Repeating the same digestion method If the next batch of samples are to undergo the same method as the preceding batch: (A) check your reagent levels (B) load racks with samples and cups as required (C) close the acrylic door (D) press Reset (E) Continue with steps beginning at 7.1.3 7.4 Running a New Method If a new method is to be employed, press Load and select the required method. See section 7.1. 7.
Automatically raise samples for injection of reagents and sample cooling. For heating the samples the elevators automatically lower. 6- Safety All standard safety features apply. See section 9 for details. 7- Progress indicators Minutes-elapsed and minutes-remaining are displayed and updated throughout the procedure. In addition, the exact step the AutoBlock is performing is highlighted in blue in the Method Procedure box. Once the digestion method is completed, the Status box will display Method Done.
A custom method is built one step at a time by entering commands. Commands include the following: A) Inject This command adds reagents. The inject range is 0.1-15mls in 0.1ml increments. To inject a reagent: (1) Choose the appropriate reagent in the reagent drop down box. (2) Enter the volume required via the keypad. (3) Press Inject. (4) To inject secondary reagents, repeat this process at the proper time in the custom method.
1. The Method Mode press “New” 2. Press Down Arrow button in the reagent box. A drop-down list of reagents appears. 3. Choose “HCL”. 4. Enter “5” in the ml box next to “Inject”. 5. Press “Inject”. 6. Enter 106 into °C box next to “Heat to”. 7. Press “heat to”. 8. Enter “120” in the minutes box next to “Wait for”. 9. Press “Wait for”. 10. Enter “30” in the minutes box next to “Cool for”. 11. Press “Cool for”. 12. Press minus (-) button on the right of the screen. 13. Press “Save”. 14.
Command Heat Inject Wait Operand 10-130 0-15 0-1092 Units (do not add to PDA) ºC ml minutes Wait is used for the amount of time to heat or cool the samples. See help menu in the PDA for additional commands although listed above are the simple commands that should be used. 7.8.2 Saving and Naming the new method Press save to save the method. If you want to keep the method the same name click on that method and press apply. If you want to rename the method, pull up the keypad and type in the new name.
Section 8: AutoBlock Safety Features Your AutoBlock is designed with numerous safety features. Although these safety features are well designed, there can be situations not addressed by safety features and/or AutoBlock safety features may fail. Therefore always use caution when operating the AutoBlock, and never operate the AutoBlock without properly trained personnel nearby. Following is a partial list of AutoBlock safety features.
(6) Electronics Cooling/Purge Fan The electronics purge fan on the rear panel reduces the possibility of acid vapors damaging electronic components and reduces the possibility of those same components from overheating. (7) Safety Coating on graphite block The graphite heating block is Teflon coated to protect it from acid spills.
Section 10: Contact info Feel free to contact us as the need arises. We realize the importance of technical support, and are willing to deliver the service you need to make your Environmental Express® AutoBlock™ operate as efficiently as possible. Phone Fax 800-343-5319 843-881-6560 843-881-3964 Email Info@envexp.
