HotBlock™ Digestion System
Operation & Instruction Manual
Call 800.343.5319 or 843.881.6560 • www.environmentalexpress.com
Copyright Environmental Express, Inc, August 2012
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual |
Contents |
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Dear Valued Customer,
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™.
As always, our Technical Sales and Technical Support Teams are available to assist with any questions you have regarding our products.
Best Regards,
Al Jurgela
Chief Executive Officer
Environmental Express, Inc.
Contents |
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General Information |
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Warranty and Repair Policy |
1 |
Declaration of Conformity |
2 |
About Your HotBlock™ |
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50mL HotBlock™ Specifications |
3 |
15mL HotBlock™ Specifications |
4 |
100mL HotBlock™ Specifications |
4 |
Getting Started |
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HotBlock™ Information and Markings |
5 |
Unpacking and Installation |
6 |
HotBlock™ Temperature Information |
7 |
Potential Hazards and Maintenence |
8 |
Care and Maintenance of Your HotBlock™ |
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Circuitry Diagram |
9 |
HotBlock™ Replacement Parts |
10 |
Troubleshooting Your Block |
11-13 |
Adaptation of EPA Methods for Use with Your HotBlock™ |
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EPA Approval Letter |
14 |
Method 200.2, Revision 2.8 |
15-16 |
Method 200.7 |
17-18 |
Method 200.8 |
19-20 |
Methods 245.1, 7470, and 7471 for Mercury Digestions |
21-22 |
Method 365.2 for Phosphorus |
23-24 |
Method 3050B |
25-26 |
NIOSH Method 7303 |
27 |
Sample Preparation for Lead Analysis Using the GhostWipe |
28-29 |
Method 3060 for use with the HotBlock™ and StirBase Systems |
30-31 |
HotBlock™ Parts and Supplies |
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50mL HotBlock™ Accessories and Consumables |
32-33 |
100mL HotBlock™ Accessories and Consumables |
34 |
15mL HotBlock™ Accessories and Consumables |
35 |
AirLite HEPA-Filtered Enclosure |
36 |
Sample Filtration Supplies |
36-37 |
GhostWipes for Surface Sampling |
38 |
800.745.8218 / 843.576.1147 / www.environmentalexpress.com |
Environmental Express |
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual |
Warranty and Repair Policy |
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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. If Environmental Express is unable to repair the HotBlock, the customer may, at his or her option, receive a replacement unit or a full refund. Operating the HotBlockTM at temperatures higher than 150°C will void the warranty.
Environmental Express makes no other warranty, expressed or implied for this product with respect to merchantability, fitness for a particular use or any other matter. Environmental Express is not liable for any consequential or compensatory damages arising from use of, or in conjunction with this product. The maximum liability shall be the invoice price of this product.
Repair Policies
Under Warranty Repair:
If the HotBlock™ should fail to operate within the warranty period (one year from date of shipment) Environmental Express will repair it and ship it back to the customer at our expense. The remainder of the warranty period will be honored from the original ship date. Environmental Express will bear the cost of ground transportation both
to and from the customer’s location, and bear the cost of any parts, labor and cleanup required. However, if it is determined that the damage to the HotBlock™ was caused by negligence or improper use, this warranty will not apply. The warranty is also void if the system is used beyond its intended purpose or in the event of any unauthorized repair. In such cases, reasonable and customary repair charges will apply. Repair charges will be quoted prior to work being done.
Out of Warranty Repair:
If the HotBlock™ fails after the warranty period has lapsed, the repair procedure is as follows:
First, notify an Environmental Express Technical Service Representative of product’s failure and place an order for repair. Whenever possible, our customer service technician will walk you through possible troubleshooting scenarios which may enable you to repair your block on site. (See the troubleshooting section of this manual, pages 11-13).
If on site repair is not possible, the customer may return the non-working unit to Environmental Express using appropriate shipping containers and insurance. Repair charges will be assessed and estimated prior to work being done. Repair charges will include all freight costs as well as reasonable and customary charges for parts and labor.
Loaner HotBlocks™ MAY be available during the repair period. There are only a limited number of these units. A reasonable charge for “cleanup” will be charged if a loaner is issued. The customer will be responsible for all shipping charges associated with a loaner unit.
Call 800.343.5319 or 843.881.6560 • www.environmentalexpress.com
2345 A Charleston Regional Pkwy • Charleston, SC 29492
Product Information:
Item # |
Date of Purchase |
HotBlock™ Serial #
Please record the serial # of your HotBlock™ here for easy reference. Your serial # is located on the back of your HotBlock™.
800.745.8218 / 843.576.1147 / www.environmentalexpress.com |
Environmental Express • 1 |
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual |
Declaration of Conformity |
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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:
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Standard for Safety Electrical Equipment for |
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Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use; Part 1 |
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General Requirements, UL 61010-1, CAN/CSA-C22.2 |
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No. 61010-1, 2nd Edition, Issued 12 July, 2004 with |
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revisions through and including 28 October, 2008; |
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Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory |
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Use Part 2-010: Particular Requirements for |
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Laboratory Equipment for the Heating of Materials, |
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IEY 61010-2-010, 2nd Edition, Issued 1 June, 2003, |
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Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for |
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4000040 |
Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use - Part |
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2-010:Particular Requirements for Laboratory |
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Equipment for the Heating of Materials, CSA |
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C22.2.61010.2.01 |
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Environmental Express, Inc. declares that all HotBlocks |
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conform with the essential requirements of the |
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applicable EC directives. |
Signed: _
Al Jurgela, Chief Executive Officer
800.745.8218 / 843.576.1147 / www.environmentalexpress.com |
Environmental Express • 2 |
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual |
50mL HotBlock™ Specifications |
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HotBlocks™ for 50mL Samples
36-Well 50mL HotBlock™
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SC100: |
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Nominal Sample Size: |
50mL |
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Temperature Range: |
to 150ºC |
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Thermocouple: |
Type K |
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Footprint: |
15" x 15" |
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Crated Size: |
23" x 23" x 17" |
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Weight: |
43 lb. |
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Shipping Weight: |
58 lb. |
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Electrical: |
120VAC*, 9A |
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Sample Capacity: |
36 |
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Racks Included: |
SC200 (2) |
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54-Well 50mL HotBlock™ |
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SC154: |
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Nominal Sample Size: |
50mL |
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Temperature Range: |
to 150ºC |
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Thermocouple: |
Type K |
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Footprint: |
15" x 21.5" |
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Crated Size: |
26" x 23" x 17" |
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Weight: |
59 lb. |
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Shipping Weight: |
78 lb. |
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Electrical: |
120VAC*, 14A |
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Sample Capacity: |
54 |
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Racks Included: |
SC200 (3) |
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12-Well 50mL HotBlock™ |
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C6002: |
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Nominal Sample Size: |
50mL |
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Temperature Range: |
to 150ºC |
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Thermocouple: |
Type K |
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Footprint: |
8.55" x 18.5" |
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Crated Size: |
22" x 19" x 13" |
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Weight: |
30 lb. |
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Shipping Weight: |
35 lb. |
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Electrical: |
120VAC, 13A |
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Sample Capacity: |
12 |
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Racks Included: |
C6050 (1) |
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* All HotBlocks™ are also available in 240V.
800.745.8218 / 843.576.1147 / www.environmentalexpress.com |
Environmental Express • 3 |
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual 15mL and 100mL HotBlock™ Specifications
HotBlocks™ for 15mL Samples
96-Well 15mL HotBlock™
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SC196: |
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Nominal Sample Size: |
15mL |
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Temperature Range: |
to 150ºC |
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Thermocouple: |
Type K |
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Footprint: |
15" x 21.5" |
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Crated Size: |
26" x 23" x 17" |
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Weight: |
59 lb. |
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Shipping Weight: |
80 lb. |
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Electrical: |
120VAC*, 13A |
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Sample Capacity: |
96 |
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Rack Set Included: |
SC296 |
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HotBlocks™ for 100mL Samples |
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25-Well 100mL HotBlock™ |
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SC150: |
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Nominal Sample Size: |
100mL |
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Temperature Range: |
to 150ºC |
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Thermocouple: |
Type K |
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Footprint: |
15" x 15" |
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Crated Size: |
23" x 23" x 17" |
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Weight: |
42 lb. |
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Shipping Weight: |
54 lb. |
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Electrical: |
120VAC*, 9A |
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Sample Capacity: |
25 |
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Rack Set Included: |
SC225 |
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35-Well 100mL HotBlock™ |
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SC151: |
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Nominal Sample Size: |
100mL |
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Temperature Range: |
to 150ºC |
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Thermocouple: |
Type K |
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Footprint: |
15" x 21.5" |
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Crated Size: |
26" x 23" x 17" |
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Weight: |
59 lb. |
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Shipping Weight: |
65 lb. |
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Electrical: |
120VAC*, 13A |
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* All HotBlocks™ are also available in 240V. |
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Sample Capacity: |
35 |
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Rack Set Included: |
SC235 |
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800.745.8218 / 843.576.1147 / www.environmentalexpress.com |
Environmental Express • 4 |
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual |
HotBlock™ Information and Markings |
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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. Users should be aware of potential dangers from heating certain types of compounds. Such hazards may include explosion or the release of toxic or flammable gases.
Definitions/Markings
Each HotBlock™ displays certain markings and symbols. All personnel working with the HotBlocks™ should have an understanding of the following symbols and definitions:
• V = voltage
• ~ = alternating current
•Hz = frequency
•A = amperes
This symbol means Caution Hot Surface. The surface of the HotBlock™ may be too hot to safely touch with bare hands.
This symbol means Read and become familiar with
instructions before operation of instrument.
800.745.8218 / 843.576.1147 / www.environmentalexpress.com |
Environmental Express • 5 |
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual |
Unpacking and Installation |
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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. The corrosion-resistant PVC screws and rubber feet are designed to secure the bottom plate.
Important: Do not over tighten the PVC screws!
Installation Requirements
Locate the HotBlock™ under a fume hood with a minimum face velocity of 100fpm, and allow a minimum of 2" of space on all sides. The following environmental conditions should be observed:
•Ambient temperature range: 5-30°C
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Ambient relative humidity: |
0-90%RH |
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Altitude: |
sea level to 2500 meters |
HotBlocks™ are rated as Pollution Degree 2 and Installation Category 2.
Electrical Requirements
Required Voltage: |
120 volts, ~60Hz, 15A |
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(all HotBlocks™ are also available in 240V with CE mark) |
Power should not vary greater than±10%. Use the supplied heat-resistant power cord or equivalent to connect to the power supply.
For safety reasons, a separate power receptacle should be provided for each unit in the system. Do not use extension cords or outlet adaptors. Make certain that power outlets are earth-grounded at the grounding pin.
See individual specifications for each HotBlock™ model, pages 3-4.
800.745.8218 / 843.576.1147 / www.environmentalexpress.com |
Environmental Express • 6 |
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual |
HotBlock™ Temperature Information |
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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. The temperature of liquid contents of the digestion cup will vary according to:
•The material being digested
•The number of samples being digested
•The air movement of the digestion area
•The addition of a watch glass or reflux cap
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If watch glasses are being used, the control point temperature should be |
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lowered approximately 10°C to avoid boiling. |
Note: |
The maximum sample temperature tolerance for our polypropylene digestion |
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vessels (SC475) is 130°C. |
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Remember that the temperature display (current block temperature) is not the |
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temperature of the sample. Sample temperature will usually be 5-15° less than |
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the display temperature. |
Adjusting the Temperature of Your HotBlock™:
1.Plug the HotBlock™ into an approved receptacle. Turn the HotBlock™ on by pressing the button on the back of the unit. Wait until the display shows the current block temperature (in red) and the set point temperature (in green).
2.Press and hold or tap the or key. The display will show the set point temperature on the right in blue. The adjustment is from ambient to 150°C in increments of 0.1°C. There is no need to press the green (advance) or ∞ button.
Safe-Sample™ Temperature Protection:
Your HotBlock™ is protected from runaway temperatures by a fail-safe alarm system. In the unlikely event that the heating system fails to respond to the controller, the Safe-Sample™ system will automatically shut the system off and sound an audible alarm.
This alarm sequence occurs if the actual temperature of the block reaches a temperature that is fifteen degrees higher than the set point temperature. If this should occur, the HotBlock™ will stop heating, preventing the loss of samples. The HotBlock™ must be turned off, then turned back on to reset the alarm.
If the alarm sounds, see the troubleshooting section of this manual, page 11-13.
800.745.8218 / 843.576.1147 / www.environmentalexpress.com |
Environmental Express • 7 |
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual |
Potential Hazards and Maintenance |
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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. Contact with these circuits, devices and components can cause serious injury or painful electric shock.
Proper grounding is essential to avoid a potentially serious electric shock hazard. Ensure that there is an internal ground connection between the metal base of the system and the 3-pin, earth-grounded receptacle.
For safety reasons a separate power outlet receptacle should be provided for each unit in the system. Do not use extension cords or outlet adaptors. Make certain each power outlet is earth-grounded at the grounding pin.
See individual block specifications for power requirements, pages 3-4.
Application of the wrong supply voltage can create a fire hazard and a potentially serious shock hazard, and could seriously damage the HotBlock™ system. See specifications for individual HotBlocks™.
Users should be aware of potential dangers from heating certain types of compounds. Such dangers may include explosion or the release of toxic or flammable gases.
Always lift the HotBlock™ from the bottom of the unit.
Maintenance:
Any service inquiries should be directed to Environmental Express Technical Service Department.
After each use, clean exterior surfaces with a damp sponge to remove acid residue.
For acid spills, sponge with a diluted solution of sodium bicarbonate followed by distilled water. Acid that is spilled directly into the digestion wells should be neutralized and removed.
Before using any cleaning or decontamination methods except those recommended, check with Environmental Express to confirm the proposed method will not damage your HotBlock™.
Avoid excessive spills, as liquid allowed to overflow into the HotBlock™ casing can severely damage electronic components.
800.745.8218 / 843.576.1147 / www.environmentalexpress.com |
Environmental Express • 8 |
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual |
Circuitry Diagram |
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800.745.8218 / 843.576.1147 / www.environmentalexpress.com |
Environmental Express • 9 |
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual HotBlock™ Replacement Parts
HotBlock™ Replacement Parts
Description |
Catalog # |
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Power module (plug receptacle) w/ push button switch |
SC941 |
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Power Cordheavy duty |
SC958 |
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Environmental Express Controller |
SC945-W |
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12" X 12", 120V, silicone rubber, etched-foil heater mat |
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for models SC100 & SC150 |
SC951 |
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12" X 12", 240V, silicone rubber, etched-foil heater mat |
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for models SC100-240 & SC150-240 |
SC951-240* |
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110/220V, 25A solid state relay |
SC952 |
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Type K Thermocouple |
SC953 |
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Terminal board |
SC955 |
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Ceramic fiber insulation for models SC100 & SC150 |
SC959 |
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14" X 14" Powder-coated aluminum bottom |
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for models SC100 & SC150 |
SC963 |
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12" X 18", 120V, silicone rubber, heater mat |
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for models SC154 and SC196 & SC151 |
SC966 |
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12" X 18", 240V, silicone rubber, heater mat |
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for models SC154-240 SC196-240 & SC151-240 |
SC966-240* |
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15" X 5" 120V silicone rubber heater mat |
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for model C6002 (12-Place Block) |
C6300 |
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15" X 5" 120V silicone rubber heater mat |
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for model C6002-240 (12-Place Block) |
C6300-240* |
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Fail-Safe Relay |
SC968 |
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Alarm Buzzer |
SC969 |
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Ceramic fiber insulation |
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for models SC154, SC196 and SC151 |
SC970 |
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14" X 19", powder-coated aluminum bottom |
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for models SC154, SC196 and 151 |
SC971 |
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PVC screw for rubber foot |
SC964 |
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Rubber foot |
SC976 |
*for HotBlocks™ shipped outside the United States and Canada
800.745.8218 / 843.576.1147 / www.environmentalexpress.com |
Environmental Express • 10 |