Environmental Express AutoBlock Plus User Manual

Environmental Express, Inc.

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AutoBlock Plus Operation Manual and Instructions

CONTENTS

i. Introduction/General Information 2

ii. AutoBlock Warranty Information 3

1.0 Installing the AutoBlock 6

2.0 Hooking up inert gas to the AutoBlock 9

3.0 Service Screen 10

4.0 Creating a Method 15

5.0 Operator Test 18

6.0 Manual Operation 20

7.0 Data Viewer 21

8.0 Troubleshooting/Maintenance 23

9.0 Powering Off the AutoBlock 25

10.0 Warnings and Notifications 27

AutoBlock Plus Operation Manual and Instructions

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i. INTRODUCTION/GENERAL INFORMATION

The AutoBlock has been designed specifically for your laboratory to provide safe, clean, and efficient sample
digestions. It is capable of digesting water, wastewater, soils, and other materials typically digested using hotplate
chemistry.

UNIT DIMENSIONS

The dimensions of the AutoBlock are 36"W x 24"L x 38.5"H and the unit weighs 250 lbs. A minimum of 2" of extra
space should be allowed for around the sides of the unit. Additional space will be needed for reagents and the
waste carboy.

UNPACKING

Your AutoBlock has been packaged in a custom-made shipping crate.

It is highly recommended that you retain all packaging material for the warranty period in the unlikely event that
the AutoBlock must be returned for repairs. See Warranty for complete details.

Spend adequate time reading this instruction manual before unpacking your AutoBlock. While unpacking keep in
mind there are many fragile components. A quality control sheet from the factory has been included. Use this list to
inventory components as they are unpacked.

NOTE: Residual water may be found in the internal plumbing of your AutoBlock. This includes the pump, reagent,
and drain lines. This water is non-hazardous and was used for system checks and calibration during quality control
inspection.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• 1 AutoBlock unit

• 1 Laptop loaded with AutoBlock Software

• 1 jump drive with AutoBlock Software and AutoBlock Operation Manual and Instructions

• 1 power cord

• 1 USB cable

• 3 sample racks

• 6' of ½" ID drain tubing

• 1 10L waste carboy

• ½" barb fitting for the waste carboy

• 10 flangeless nuts

• 12 flangeless ferrules

• 50' of 1/16" ID PTFE reagent tubing

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ii. AutoBlock Warranty Agreement

The Warranty

The Environmental Express AutoBlock is warranted to heat, hold temperature, automatically add reagents, lift
racks, cool samples, and perform a fill-to-volume step using an external computer (not included in this warranty)
with software for a period of ONE YEAR.

This warranty covers parts, shipping, and labor for a period of 365 days from the original ship date. This warranty
applies only in the case of damage or failure caused by reasonable and normal laboratory use.

How the Warranty Works

Upon receipt of the AutoBlock it is the laboratory’s responsibility to inventory all parts and immediately notify
Environmental Express of any suspected defects or missing parts. If during the first 365 days following the original
ship date the unit malfunctions, a telephone call to troubleshoot the issue must be initiated by the laboratory. If it
is deemed by the technical staff of Environmental Express that the problem cannot be fixed by the lab, and that the
failure occurred during normal and accepted laboratory operations, then a written Return Authorization Form will
be issued by Environmental Express. The AutoBlock will be returned to Environmental Express or a related repair /
manufacturing facility in its original shipping container.

Environmental Express will make every effort to troubleshoot and fix any problems with the customer while the
instrument is at the laboratory. This may mean working with laboratory personnel to perform minor fixes, an
Environmental Express representative going to the laboratory to troubleshoot and repair the instrument, or having
a 3rd party come to the laboratory’s location for repairs.

Charges Not Covered by the Warranty

Failure to retain the original shipping crate and all other packaging materials could result in additional charges
should it become necessary for the unit to ship back to Environmental Express.

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 maintenance
section instructions for more information.

Failure to continually pressurize the AutoBlock cabinet with clean incoming air will void all warranties and result in
damage to the AutoBlock.

Warranty Disclaimer

Environmental Express makes no other warranty, expressed or implied. Environmental Express shall not be liable
for consequential, incidental, specific or any other indirect damages resulting in economic loss or property damages
sustained by any customer from use of this product.

Environmental Express does not warrant the AutoBlock against damage resulting from chemical reactions that may
occur between reagents or between samples and reagents or between various liquids and components of the
AutoBlock. It is the responsibility of the laboratory to verify the compatibility of the reagents, heat and time!!

AutoBlock Plus Operation Manual and Instructions

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indexes, the compatibility of each sample matrix, and other varying digestion method conditions prior to operation.

Repair Approval

If your system requires attention beyond basic maintenance, please follow the guidelines below. Failure to do so
could result in loss of warranty protection and increased charges.

Any attempt by laboratory personnel to repair the AutoBlock without first obtaining written consent from
Environmental Express may void all or part of the Warranty, expressed or implied. Call 800-745-8218 (or 1-843-881­6560 outside the US) to obtain approval before beginning any repair work.

In-Lab Troubleshooting & Repairs

The AutoBlock has been engineered so that mechanically minded laboratory personnel can perform most
troubleshooting, repairs, and tests. Technical assistance in such circumstances is always provided over the phone or
e-mail by Environmental Express, whether the AutoBlock is in or out of the warranty period. There is no charge for
this assistance.

On-Site Repair

In the unlikely event that an Environmental Express representative or approved 3rd party representative must come
on-site for repairs it is the laboratory’s responsibility to schedule the repair with Environmental Express on a
mutually agreed upon date. The laboratory must also put the AutoBlock through decontamination procedures to
remove traces or sample or reagents in the lines and waste areas of the unit. A decontamination form will be
provided to the laboratory by Environmental Express and must be filled out and returned by the customer prior to
arrival at the laboratory’s location.

Repair by Manufacturer

In the unlikely event that the unit must be returned to the manufacturer it is the laboratory’s responsibility to:

1. Obtain a Return Authorization Form

2. Decontaminate the AutoBlock to remove traces of sample and/or reagent prior to packaging and shipping.
A decontamination form will be provided to the laboratory by Environmental Express and must be filled
out and returned by the customer before any repair work can be done on the unit.

3. Properly pack the AutoBlock in approved packaging only.

4. Place a Purchase Order with Environmental Express for repair (for any out-of-warranty repairs).

Return Packaging & Shipping

It is the responsibility of the laboratory to retain in good condition the original crate and other packaging material
for a period no less than 365 days following the receipt of the AutoBlock. If the original shipping container is not
available, a new shipping container must be purchased from Environmental Express prior to shipment. Shipping
charges and insurance from your laboratory to Environmental Express and return shipping charges via standard
trucking line will be the responsibility of the lab except for approved Warranty claims.

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Inspection Upon Receipt and Repair

Environmental Express representatives will inspect, repair, and return the unit in a timely manner bearing all costs
covered by the warranty. However, if it is determined by Environmental Express that the damage to the AutoBlock
was caused by negligence or improper use or improper packaging / shipment, no warranty shall apply. In such case
reasonable and customary repair charges will apply including freight and insurance cost to and from the laboratory.

Additional Information & Help

If you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact Environmental Express at 800-745-8218 (or 1-843­881-6560 outside the US). Standard hours of operation are 8:30am – 5:30pm EST, Monday through Friday, except
holidays. You can also e-mail questions to [e-mail] at any point. Please include your name, company
name, telephone, and instrument serial number (if applicable). A technical representative will respond as quickly as
possible.

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AutoBlock Plus Operation Manual and Instructions

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1.0 INSTALLING THE AUTOBLOCK

1.1 Ventilation (if unit is purchased with the fume hood)

1.1.1 The AutoBlock exhaust is located on the top right portion of the unit. Install a 4" diameter
acid-resistant duct and clamp to the exhaust outlet. Vent using state & federal guidelines.

1.1.2 When connecting ductwork, verify zero to negative pressure to prevent backflow. The length
of the duct should not exceed 25'. Vent the duct to the outside of the laboratory building or plumb
into the existing ductwork.

1.1.3 If the fume hood is not purchased with the unit the AutoBlock must be placed in a fume
hood for proper ventilation.

1. 2 Reagent Lines

1.2.1 Cut appropriate lengths of 1/16" PTFE reagent tubing, not to exceed 5' lengths. The ends
need to be a square-cut face.

1.2.2 Slide the flangeless nut over the tubing with the nut threads facing the tubing end.

1.2.3 Slide the flangeless ferrule over the tubing with the tapered portion of the ferrule facing
towards the nut. The large diameter of the ferrule should be pushed to the end of the tubing.

1.2.4 AutoBlock reagent ports are located on both sides of the unit. Ports 1-5 are located on the
left side while ports 6-10 are located on the right.

1.2.5 Insert the tubing with the flangeless ferrule into the receiving port until it bottoms. While
holding the tubing tighten the flangeless nut finger tight. The tubing should not be able to move in
the port.

1.2.6 Repeat for all desired ports.

NOTE: PORTS #1 AND #6 MUST ALWAYS REMAIN DI WATER!!

1.3 Drain Line & Carboy

1.3.1 Remove the ½" barb fitting from the bag of supplied parts.

1.3.2 Remove the nut from the fitting.

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1.3.3 Remove the cap from the carboy.

1.3.4 Place the fitting into the cap. The threaded portion of the barb fitting should be on the
inside of the cap.

1.3.5 Place the washer and then the nut onto the barb fitting and tighten.

1.3.6 Place the cap back on the carboy.

1.3.7 The barb fitting for the drain line is located on the right side towards the back of the unit.
Place the supplied ½" tubing onto the barb fitting and the other end on the barb fitting on the
carboy.

NOTE: Ensure the tubing goes in a DOWNWARD direction the entire length to avoid
back-ups.

1.3.8 In the fluidics compartment there is a safety drain in the case of a catastrophic failure
to one of the pumps or 5-way valve assemblies. This drain is located under the unit and will
evacuate any pooled reagent from the interior cabinet of the AutoBlock. A tray or tubing
and container should be placed at the outlet point to contain any potential liquid coming
from this drain port.

AutoBlock Plus Operation Manual and Instructions

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1.4 Installing the Software

1.4.1 To install the software, insert the jump drive provided into the USB port of your computer.

1.4.2 Connect the AutoBlock to the computer using the USB cable provided.

1.4.3 Turn on the AutoBlock using the rocker switch located on the left side of the instrument.

1.4.4 Double-click on the “AutoBlock Installer” program.

1.4.5 Follow the prompts and click “Next” to continue through the install process.

1.4.6 Once the software installation is complete, click “Next” to finish. The computer may or may
not ask you to reboot at this point. The software will then install the proper USB serial adapter to
your computer if required.

NOTE: You may need to have administrative rights to your computer for the USB serial adapter to
properly install.

1.4.7 Once finished find the “System” folder from the jump drive.!!

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1.4.8 Next open windows explorer and navigate to folder location:

C://AutoBlock Software/System and find the System folder as shown below:

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1.4.9 Highlight all files from the system folder on the jump drive and copy them by right-clicking
on the files.

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1.4.10 Paste in the System folder from the C://AutoBlock Software directory and over-write
all files.

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1.4.11 Once the software installation is complete, an AutoBlock icon will appear on your desktop.

If the icon does not appear you can find the program by clicking on the Start button and
proceeding to “Programs” in the menu.

1.4.12 Double-click on the AutoBlock icon to open the software.!!!

NOTE: The AutoBlock must be powered on for the software to open up.

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