HotBlock™ Digestion System Operation & Instruction Manual Call 800.343.5319 or 843.881.6560 • www.environmentalexpress.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual Contents Dear Valued Customer, Contents Thank you for purchasing a HotBlock™ Digestion System from Environmental Express. We pride ourselves on providing innovative products designed to improve accuracy, efficiency, and safety in your laboratory. Please take some time to read your product manual before using your HotBlock™.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual Warranty and Repair Policy Limited Warranty The Environmental Express HotBlockTM is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship when used in accordance with applicable instructions, for a period of one year from the date of shipment. This warranty extends to parts, labor, and any approved transportation charges. This warranty applies only to damage or failure caused by normal laboratory use. The warranty is limited to product repair.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual Declaration of Conformity The manufacturer, Environmental Express, 2345A Charleston Regional Parkway, Charleston, SC 29492 declares that the following products, HotBlock™ Catalog Numbers, SC196, SC154, SC150, SC151, SC100, and C6002, are in conformity with: 4000040 Standard for Safety Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use; Part 1 General Requirements, UL 61010-1, CAN/CSA-C22.2 No.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual 50mL HotBlock™ Specifications HotBlocks™ for 50mL Samples 36-Well 50mL HotBlock™ SC100: Nominal Sample Size: 50mL Temperature Range: to 150ºC Thermocouple: Type K Footprint: 15" x 15" Crated Size: 23" x 23" x 17" Weight: 43 lb. Shipping Weight: 58 lb.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual 15mL and 100mL HotBlock™ Specifications HotBlocks™ for 15mL Samples 96-Well 15mL HotBlock™ SC196: Nominal Sample Size: 15mL Temperature Range: to 150ºC Thermocouple: Type K Footprint: 15" x 21.5" Crated Size: 26" x 23" x 17" Weight: 59 lb. Shipping Weight: Electrical: 80 lb.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual HotBlock™ Information and Markings Environmental Express HotBlock™ Environmental Express HotBlocks™ provide an efficient method of digesting and storing water, wastewater, soil and sludge samples for metals analysis. These innovative digestion systems allow samples to be digested in a corrosion-free environment. In addition, samples are handled in a small area with minimal radiant heat loss.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual Unpacking and Installation Unpacking Your HotBlock™: 1. Remove the HotBlock™ from the shipping container by lifting from the bottom of the block. The lid should not be used for lifting. 2. Your HotBlock™ is shipped with metal screws securing the bottom panel. The metal screws must be removed before operating your HotBlock™. Remove the metal screws and replace them with the PVC screws and rubber feet included with your shipment.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual HotBlock™ Temperature Information HotBlock™ Temperature Settings: The pre-set factory “set point” temperature of your HotBlock™ is 106°C. Factory tests have shown that this temperature is “sea level safe.” Liquids in uncovered polypropylene tubes should not boil at this setting. Please note that the set point of the block is not the same as the temperature of the liquids being digested. The block temperature should be optimized for the specific digestion.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual Potential Hazards and Maintenance Potential Hazards: The HotBlock™ should only be operated by properly trained personnel using standard laboratory safety practices. Use extreme caution when operating the HotBlock™. Plastic and graphite surfaces of the HotBlock™ may be too hot to safely touch with bare hands. The HotBlock™ contains electrical circuits and devices and compounds operating at dangerous voltages.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual Circuitry Diagram 800.745.8218 / 843.576.1147 / www.environmentalexpress.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual HotBlock™ Replacement Parts HotBlock™ Replacement Parts Description Catalog # Power module (plug receptacle) w/ push button switch SC941 Power Cord- heavy duty SC958 Environmental Express Controller SC945-W 12" X 12", 120V, silicone rubber, etched-foil heater mat for models SC100 & SC150 SC951 12" X 12", 240V, silicone rubber, etched-foil heater mat for models SC100-240 & SC150-240 SC951-240* 110/220V, 25A solid state relay SC952 Type K Thermoc
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual Troubleshooting Your Block HotBlock™ Troubleshooting Guide: Please consult the following troubleshooting guide if you experience problems with your HotBlock™. See wiring schematic (page 9) for component identification. If you are unable to resolve the problem or if replacement components are necessary, please contact technical service at 1-800-745-8218 as component replacement varies in degree of difficulty.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual The audible alarm has sounded immediately after powering on and the HotBlock™ will not heat. There are two possible causes for your HotBlock™ to sound the alarm immediately after the controller cycles through the self test. These are: 1. 2. The temperature has overshot the set point and the audible alarm has sounded. Troubleshooting Your Block Your set point has been set to a value (≥) 15° less than ambient or current set point temperature.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual The HotBlock™ will not heat beyond ambient temperature. Troubleshooting Your Block A HotBlock™ that will not heat beyond ambient temperature typically has a failed relay, heater mat or controller. Relay: To test the relay, the output voltage must be determined with a volt-meter. Caution: This procedure is a potential electrical hazard and should only be performed by qualified personnel. To measure the relay voltage, follow these steps: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual EPA Approval Letter 800.745.8218 / 843.576.1147 / www.environmentalexpress.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual EPA Method 200.2, Revision 2.8 Adaptation for EPA Method 200.2, Revision 2.8 for use with the Environmental Express HotBlock™ Digestion System Revised 05.05 1.0 Scope and Application 1.1 The following procedures have been written as an aid to EPA digestion procedure 200.2 for use with the Environmental Express HotBlock™. EPA Method 200.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual EPA Method 200.2, Revision 2.8 4.0 Procedure, Solids Sample Preparation 4.1 Sieve a dried sample using a 5-mesh polypropylene sieve and grind in a mortar and pestle. Weigh a representative sample of 0.5 ±0.01g into a digestion vessel. 4.2 Add 2mL of (1+1) HNO3 and 5mL of (1+4) HCl+DI. Cover with a ribbed watch glass (SC505) or reflux cap (SC506),and place in the HotBlock™ at 95°C.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual EPA Method 200.7, Revision 4.4 Adaptation for EPA Method 200.7, Revision 4.4 for use with the Environmental Express HotBlock™ Digestion System Revised 05.05 1.0 Scope and Application 1.1 The following procedures have been written as an aid to EPA digestion procedure 200.7 for use with the Environmental Express HotBlock™. EPA Method 200.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual EPA Method 200.7, Revision 4.4 3.5 If necessary, filter with SC0401 (or appropriate FilterMate) to remove insoluble material. Note: The filtration step should be performed slowly with little pressure placed on the plunger. If excessive back pressure occurs stop filtration and allow sediments to “settle out”. Applying pressure to the plunger may cause sample “blow through” allowing sediment to pass through the filter into the digestate. 4.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual EPA Method 200.8 Adaptation for EPA Method 200.8, for use with the Environmental Express HotBlock™ Digestion System Revised 05.05 1.0 Scope and Application 1.1 The following procedures have been written as an aid to EPA digestion procedure 200.8 for use with the Environmental Express HotBlock™. EPA Method 200.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual EPA Method 200.8 4.3 Reduce the volume of the sample aliquot to about 10mL at this temperature. This should take about 2.5 hours. 4.4 Place a ribbed watch glass (SC505) over the digestion vessel to reduce additional evaporation. Note: When using a watch glass, adjust the set point temperature of the HotBlock™ so that a 50mL, 5% acid solution is heated to 85°C BEFORE placing the watch glass over the sample.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual Adaptation of EPA Methods 245.1, 7470, 7471 Adaptation of EPA Methods for Mercury Digestions 245.1, 7470, 7471, for use with the Environmental Express HotBlock™ Digestion System Revised 05.05 1.0 Scope and Application 1.1 The following procedures have been written as an aid to EPA Digestion Methods 245.1, 7470 and 7471 for use with the Environmental Express HotBlock™. EPA Methods 245.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual Adaptation of EPA Methods 245.1, 7470, 7471 4.0 Procedure, Soil, Oil and Sediments, 7471A: 4.1 Weigh 0.25-0.30g of homogenized sample into a tube. For best results, weigh the sample directly in the vessel on a tared balance. 4.2 Add 5mL DI water and 5mL aqua regia. 4.3 Heat for 2 minutes at 95 ±3°C. 4.4 Allow samples to cool and add 25mL DI water. 4.5 Add 7.5mL of KMnO4 and let stand for 15 minutes.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual Adaptation of EPA Method 365.2 Adaptation of EPA Method 365.1, Determination of Phosphorous by Semi-Automated Colorimetry, for use with the Environmental Express HotBlock™ Digestion System Revised 05.05 1.0 Scope and Application 1.1 The following procedures have been written as an aid to EPA Method 3651 for use with the Environmental Express HotBlock™. EPA Method 365.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual Adaptation of EPA Method 3050B Adaptation of EPA Method 3050B for use with the Environmental Express HotBlock™™ Digestion System Revised 05.05 1.0 Scope and Application 1.1 The following procedures have been written as an aid to EPA Method 3050B for use with the Environmental Express HotBlock™. EPA Method 3050B is for the preparation of sediment, sludge, and soil samples for analysis.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual Adaptation of EPA Method 3050B 3.6 Add 1mL DI Water and 1.5mL of 30% H2O2 slowly. Allow an exothermic reaction to occur. Wait 5-10 minutes and place samples back in the HotBlock™ with the ribbed watch glasses in place. If effervescence starts to occur lift the samples out of the HotBlock™ and allow the reaction to continue. Do not let the samples foam out of the vessel.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual NIOSH Method 7303 * Note: When using the SC150 block with the SC490 digestion vials with a 100mL sample, double the volume of all reagents and acids added. 3.0 Procedure, Filter Preparation 3.1 Remove filter from cassette holder and fold into quarters taking care not to lose any sample. 3.2 Place in SC475 digestion vessel and add 1.25mL HCl. 3.3 Cover with plastic watch glass or reflux cap.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual Using the GhostWipe 2.2 Ghost Wipe — Catalog # SC4210 or SC4250 2.3 Polypropylene Digestion Vessels — Catalog # SC475 (SC490 for HotBlock™ SC150) 2.4 Ribbed Watch Glasses, Catalog # SC505 or Reflux Caps, Catalog # SC506 (for use with SC490 vials for HotBlock™ SC150, use Ribbed Watch Glasses, Catalog # SC610) 2.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual Adaptation of EPA Method 3060 Adaptation of EPA Method 3060 for use with the HotBlock™™ and StirBase Systems Revised 05.05 1.0 Scope and Application 1.1 The following procedures have been written as an aid to EPA Method 3060A for use with the Environmental Express HotBlock™ and StirBase.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual Adaptation of EPA Method 3060 3.7 Filter each sample using a 0.45µm FlipMate (SC0601). 3.8 Adjust the pH of the digestate accordingly to the method being used for analysis. If a precipitate forms, the sample should be filtered as in 3.7. 3.9 Adjust the sample volume to 100mL with reagent water. Mix well. The sample digestates are new ready to be analyzed.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual 50mL HotBlock™ Accessories and Consumables Accessories and Consumables for 50mL HotBlocks™ Polycarbonate Transfer Racks Each sample transfer rack for the HotBlock™ is designed to hold and handle eighteen SC475 50mL digestion vessels. Racks are made of polycarbonate for heat and acid resistance and fit over the HotBlock™ to facilitate handling of samples and improve temperature and evaporation uniformity.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual 50mL HotBlock™ Accessories and Consumables Disposable Polypropylene Digestion Vessels These carefully engineered digestion vessels provide premium performance in your HotBlock™™ or AutoBlock™. Molded of clarified homopolymer polypropylene, these vessels provide a higher working temperature and greater chemical resistance than commonly used co-polymer polypropylene. Each vessel is graduated to 50mL and has a total capacity of 68mL.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual 100mL HotBlock™ Accessories and Consumables Accessories and Consumables for 100mL HotBlocks™ Polycarbonate Transfer Racks This set of two polycarbonate racks was designed to fit the SC150 Hot Block (see photo page 4). A 15-place rack paired with a 10-place rack give you 25 sample capacity. Racks fit the SC150 HotBlock™ securely for safe, accurate digestions.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual 15mL HotBlock™ Accessories and Consumables Accessories and Consumables for 15mL HotBlocks™ Polycarbonate Transfer Rack These polycarbonate racks fit the SC196 HotBlock™. The racks hold our SC415 digestion vessels securely, assisting the analyst in performing safe, accurate digestions. Three 32-place racks give you 96-sample capacity.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual AirLite HEPA-Filtered Enclosure AirLite™ HEPA-Filtered Enclosure This bench-top enclosure for the HotBlock™ provides HEPA-filtered air Size: 25.5"h X 32"w X 24"d for cleaner, more uniform digestions. Door Opening Size: 32"w x 17"h The AirLite uses a quiet 117 CFM Materials: Acrylic walls and door, internal PVC coated fan that is easily Kydex® top and accessible by the technician.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual Sample Filtration Supplies FilterMate™ Filtration Systems Dirty or particulate-laden samples may require that the digested sample be filtered prior to analysis. This is especially true with sludge, wastewater and soil samples. FilterMate Systems provide a convenient and inexpensive method of filtration that requires no transfer steps.
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual 1. Take a sample with GhostWipe. GhostWipes for Surface Sampling GhostWipe™ For Surface Sampling, Including Lead and Beryllium Testing This revolutionary product eases sample preparation and analysis of surface lead or surface dust. The GhostWipe is a sturdy wiping material moistened with DI water that holds together even on the roughest wiping surfaces. In the lab, the GhostWipe readily and completely dissolves during the digestion process.
