Environmental Express HotBlock Pro User Manual
HotBlock™ Pro™ Digestion System
Operation & Instruction Manual
Call 800.343.5319 or 843.881.6560 • www.environmentalexpress.com
Copyright Environmental Express, Inc, August 2012
HotBlock™ Pro™: Operation and Instruction Manual Contents
Dear Valued Customer,
Thank you for purchasing a
HotBlock™ Pro™ Digestion System from
Environmental Express.
We pride ourselves on
providing innovative
products designed
to improve accuracy,
efciency, and safety
in your laboratory. Please take some
time to read your product manual
before using your HotBlock™ Pro™.
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 Ofcer
Environmental Express, Inc.
Contents
General Information
Warranty and Repair Policy 1
Declaration of Conformity 2
About Your HotBlock™ Pro™
Part Numbers / Model Information / Specications 4
Getting Started
Installation / Safety / Maintenance 5-6
Operation Using the HotBlock™ Pro™ Controller 8-12
HotBlock™ Pro™ Parts and Supplies
HotBlock™ Pro™ Accessories 13
Sample Filtration Supplies 14
AirLite HEPA-Filtered Enclosure 15
GhostWipes for Surface Sampling 16
Adaptation of EPA Methods for Use with Your HotBlock
TM
EPA Approval Letter 17
Method 200.2 18
Method 200.7 19
Method 200.8 20-21
Methods 245.1, 7470, and 7471 for Mercury Digestions 22
Method 365.2 for Phosphorus 23
Method 3050B 24
NIOSH Method 7303 25
Sample Preparation for Lead Analysis Using the Ghost Wipe 26
800.745.8218 / 843.576.1147 / www.environmentalexpress.com Environmental Express
HotBlock™ Pro™: Operation and Instruction Manual Warranty
Limited Warranty
The HotBlock™ Pro™ blocks and controller are 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, Inc. is unable to repair the HotBlock™ Pro™, the
customer may, at his or her option, receive a replacement unit or a full refund. Operating the HotBlock™ Pro™ at temperatures
higher than 180°C will void the warranty.
Environmental Express makes no other warranty, expressed or implied for this product with respect to merchantability,
tness 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™ Pro™ 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™ Pro™ 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™ Pro™ fails after the warranty period has lapsed, the repair procedure is as follows:
First, notify an Environmental Express customer 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.
If on-site repair is not possible, the customer may return the non-working unit to Environmental Express using
A manually operated HotBlockTM loaner 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™ Pro™ Serial #
Please record the serial # of your HotBlock™ Pro™ here for easy reference. Your serial # is located on the back of your HotBlock™ Pro™.
800.745.8218 / 843.576.1147 / www.environmentalexpress.com Environmental Express • 1
HotBlock™ Pro™: Operation and Instruction Manual Declaration of Conformity
The manufacturer ,Environmental Express, 2345A Charleston Regional Parkway,
Charleston, SC 29492 declares that the following products, AutoBlock™, HotBlock™
and HotBlock™ Pro™ Model Numbers SC810, SC812, SC196, SC154, SC150,
SC151, SC100, SC180, SC181 and SC182, conform to the requirements of the
directives73/23/EEC & 89/336/EEC.
Standards to which conformity is declared:
Safety: EN 61010-1
Safety requirements for electrical equipment for
measurement, control and laboratory use,
Part 1: General requirements.
EN 61010-2-10
Safety requirements for electrical equipment for
measurement, control and laboratory use,
Part 2: Particular requirements for laboratory
4000040
EMC: EN 50082-1: 1997
Electromagnetic Compatibility – Generic immunity
standard, Part 1: Residential, commercial and light
industry. C22.2.61010.2.01
Environmental Express, Inc. declares that all HotBlocks
conform with the essential requirements of the
applicable EC directives.
equipment for the heating of materials (with
Amendments).
Signed: ________________________________________
Al Jurgela, Chief Executive Ofcer
800.745.8218 / 843.576.1147 / www.environmentalexpress.com Environmental Express • 2
HotBlock™: Operation and Instruction Manual General Information
HotBlock™ Pro™ SC181
HotBlockProTM Controller SC180
External Thermocouple SC183
Above, the 54-well HotBlock™ Pro™ for 50mL samples is shown with the external controller.
The optional external thermocouple (shown left, in a specially designed holder) can be used
to monitor and record sample temperatures.
The separate controller is designed to work with one or two blocks. See individual block
specications. For digestion vessels and accessories, see pages 13-16.
Specications for SC181:
Block Footprint: 21.5”w x 15”d x 6.5”h
Block Weight: 58 lb.
Sample Capacity/Sample Size: SC181 - 54 sample, 50mL
Electrical: 110V, 9A per block
Block Temperature Range: Ambient to 180°C
Block Temperature Resolution: 0.1°C
Block Temperature Uniformity: ± 0.2°C (measured across block)
Controller Dimensions: 12”w x 10.5”d x 8”h
Controller Weight: 13 lb.
Internal Thermocouple: Type K
External Thermocouple: Records sample temperature
Part Number SC183
3 • Environmental Express www.environmentalexpress.com / 800.745.8218 / 843.576.1147
HotBlock™ Pro™: Operation and Instruction Manual Part Numbers / Model Information / Specications
HotBlock™ Pro™ SC182
HotBlock™ Pro™ Controller SC180
Above, the 35-well HotBlock™ Pro™ for 100mL samples is shown with the external
controller. The separate controller is designed to work with one or two blocks. See
individual block specications. For digestion vessels and accessories, see pages 13-16.
Specications for SC182:
Block Footprint: 21.5”w x 15”d x 6.5”h
Block Weight: 54 lb.
Sample Capacity/Sample Size: SC182 - 35 sample, 50mL
Electrical: 110V*, 9A per block
Block Temperature Range: Ambient to 180°C
Block Temperature Resolution: 0.1°C
Block Temperature Uniformity: ± 0.2°C (measured across block)
Controller Dimensions: 12”w x 10.5”d x 8”h
Controller Weight: 13 lb.
Internal Thermocouple: Type K
External Thermocouple: Records sample temperature
Part Number SC183
800.745.8218 / 843.576.1147 / www.environmentalexpress.com Environmental Express • 4
HotBlock™ Pro™: Operation and Instruction Manual Installation, Safety & Maintenance
Environmental Express HotBlockTM Pro Series
Environmental Express HotBlock™ Pro™ Series provides an efcient 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 corrosionfree environment using an external touch screen controller. 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 ammable gases.
Denitions/Markings
Each HotBlockTM Pro displays certain markings and symbols. All personnel working with the HotBlock™ Pro™s should
have an understanding of the following symbols and denitions:
• V = voltage
• ~ = alternating current
• Hz = frequency
• A = amperes
This symbol means Caution
Hot Surface. The surface of the
HotBlock
safely touch with bare hands.
TM
may be too hot to
This symbol means Read
and become familiar with
instructions before operation of
instrument.
Installation of your HotBlockTM Pro:
1. Plug the controller into an appropriate outlet. The HotBlockTM Pro must be plugged into a 20AMP receptacle.
2. The cord running from Block 1 plugs into the corresponding receptacle on the back of the controller. If using two
blocks, attach the cord from Block 2 to the controller in the appropriate receptacle.
If external thermocouple probes (optional) are NOT being used insert the two plugs included into the RTD1 and
RTD2 receptacles on the back of the controller.
If external thermocouple probes ARE to be used insert your probe plugs into these receptacles. RTD1 receptacle
corresponds to Block 1.
3. The HotBlockTM or blocks should be located in a vented enclosure while the controller must remain outside the
enclosure for ease of operation and to keep the controller removed from the corrosive digestion environment. (See
installation requirements, page 6).
Failure to locate your HotBlock
TM
controller outside the fume hood will void your product warranty.
Installation Requirements
Locate the HotBlockTM Pro 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: 5-45°C
• Ambient relative humidity: 0-100%RH
• Altitude: sea level to 2500 meters
HotBlockTM Pros are rated as Pollution Degree 2 and Installation Category 2.
The HotBlockTM Pro Controller MUST be located outside the fume hood. Failure to do so will void your product warranty.
5 • Environmental Express www.environmentalexpress.com / 800.745.8218 / 843.576.1147
HotBlock™ Pro™: Operation and Instruction Manual Installation, Safety & Maintenance
Electrical Requirements
Required Voltage: 120 volts, ~60Hz,
Current: 9A per block
(all HotBlockTM Pros are also available in 240V with CE mark)
The HotBlockTM Pro controller is supplied with a 20A male electrical plug. This safety feature requires that the unit is
connected to a 20A receptacle.
Power should not vary greater than±10%. Connecting to the power supply must be done with the supplied heat-resistant
power cord or equivalent.
For safety reasons, a separate power receptacle should be provided for HotBlockTM Pro system. Do not use extension cords
or outlet adaptors. Make certain that power outlets are earth-grounded at the grounding pin.
Potential Hazards:
The HotBlockTM Pro should only be operated by properly trained personnel using standard laboratory safety practices.
Use extreme caution when operating the HotBlockTM Pro digestion blocks. Plastic and graphite surfaces of the blocks may
be too hot to safely touch with bare hands.
The HotBlockTM Pro components contain 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 HotBlockTM Pro system. Do not use
extension cords or outlet adaptors. Make certain each power outlet is earth-grounded at the grounding pin.
See individual block specications for power requirements, pages 3-4.
Application of the wrong supply voltage can create a re hazard and a potentially serious shock hazard, and could
seriously damage the HotBlockTM Pro system. See specications for individual components.
Users should be aware of potential dangers from heating certain types of compounds. Such dangers may include the
release of toxic or ammable gases or explosion.
Maintenance:
Any service inquiries should be directed to Environmental Express Inc. 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
conrm the proposed method will not damage your HotBlockTM Pro.
Avoid excessive spills, as liquid allowed to overow into the HotBlockTM Pro casing can seriously damage electronic
components.
800.745.8218 / 843.576.1147 / www.environmentalexpress.com Environmental Express • 6
HotBlock™ Pro™: Operation and Instruction Manual Installation, General Information
HotBlockTM Temperature Settings:
The pre-set factory “set point” temperature of your HotBlockTM 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
specic 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 reux cap
If watch glasses are being used, the control point temperature should be
lowered approximately 10°C to avoid boiling.
Note The maximum sample temperature tolerance for our polypropylene digestion
vessels (SC475) is 130°C.
Remember that the temperature display (current block temperature) is not the
temperature of the sample. Sample temperature will usually be 5-15° less than
the display temperature.
Adjusting the Temperature of Your HotBlockTM:
1. Plug the HotBlockTM into an approved receptacle. Turn the HotBlockTM 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 HotBlockTM 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 fteen degrees higher
than the set point temperature. If this should occur, the HotBlock
HotBlockTM 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.
TM
will stop heating, preventing the loss of samples. The
7 • Environmental Express www.environmentalexpress.com / 800.745.8218 / 843.576.1147
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