Labconco Rapid Distillation Apparatus User Manual

Rapid Distillation Apparatus

MODEL 65000

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Product designs are subject to change without notice

© 1988, 2013 Labconco Corporation

6504000 REV. N / ECO H435

Printed in U.S.A.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

General Description 1
Performance 1
Component Identification 2

Installation

Installation Factors 4
Assembly 4
Start-Up and Initial Check-Out 5

Normal Operation 7

Samples Digested Utilizing Micro-Digestor
Start-Up and Operation 7
Shutdown 7

Samples Digested Utilizing Rapid Digestor
Start-Up and Operation 9
Principle 9
Apparatus 9
Reagents 9
Determination 10

Calculations 11

Routine Maintenance Schedule

Console 12
Glass Still 12
Stopcock 13

Replacement Parts 14

Wiring Diagram 16

References 17

Warranty 18

Shipping Claims 19

Contacting Labconco 20

INTRODUCTION

General Description

The Labconco Rapid Distillation Apparatus is designed expressly for rapid, semi-automatic
steam distillation from sulfuric acid digest prepared from nitrogen-bearing materials such as feeds,
grains, soils, plant tissue, water effluent, organic waste food products, etc. Sample digestions are
accomplished utilizing either Labconco’s Micro Distillation Apparatus or Rapid Digestor units.
The distillation apparatus can be used for micro or macro levels of nitrogen determination.

Figure 1

Performance

Your Labconco Rapid Distillation Apparatus has been designed to accept digested samples
up to 4 ml (max.) equivalent of concentrated acid, and is capable of giving reproducible results in
ranges as low as 10 micrograms (gamma) #1% nitrogen. Ideal nitrogen of 0.15 mgs makes this
apparatus an excellent companion for the Labconco Micro and Rapid Digestors

The distillation apparatus many also be utilized for other steam distillations that DO NOT
exceed the volume limitations of the units mixing chamber (approx. 50 to 55 ml).

1

INTRODUCTION

Component Identification

(1) Console. A one piece assembly molded out of linear polyethylene to provide both chemical

resistance and light weight capabilities for the distillation apparatus.

(2) Still. One piece still fabricated from borosilicate glass and featuring chemically inert PTFE

stopcocks. Because the still does not incorporate rubber or plastic tubing connections, the
possibilities of leakage have been greatly reduced.

(3) Variable Heat Control. The electric immersion heater provides fast, efficient heat. Steam

generation starts very rapidly from a cold start. Electrical input to the heater is controlled
by a built-in variable heat control switch, which allows complete control of the steam.

(4) *Flow Control Valve. The unit is supplied with a fine metering valve that is installed

between a water source and the water inlet tube connector to the steam reservoir. Adjust
valve to keep water level in the steam reservoir approximately 2/3 full during distillation.

(5) Aspirator. The unit has a built-in glass aspirator to purge spent samples after

determination. The water used for cooling of this condenser is also used for aspirating. A
twist of the stopcock draws the sample and rinse water down the drain.

*Not shown

2

Component Identification

INTRODUCTION

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3

2

1

Figure 2

3

INSTALLATION

Your Rapid Distillation Apparatus has been shipped to you in one carton. In unpacking,
remove the packing material carefully, checking all material for two separately packed parts. The
carton will contain a heater element assembly and clmaps wrapped in protective paper, and the
one-piece glass still packed between foam pads inside of a cardboard carton.

Inspect this material thoroughly prior to installation and report any damage that may have
occurred in transit.

Figure 3

Installation Factors

Assembly

(1) Remove the condenser clamp screws and clamp from the console.

(2) Lay the console unit on its back and position the glass still assembly on the console, lining

up the glass trap and condenser sections, as shown in Figure 2.

(3) Replace both the large and small clamps, insert and tighten down the clamp screws until

the glassware is firmly attached to the console.

NOTE: Check clearance on the condenser tip with the movable flask support shelf.
Adjust the entire glassware unit, by slightly loosening the clamp screws, so that enough
room is provided to insert the receiver flask. Retighten clamp screws to secure this
position.

(4) Place still in a location having a convenient 115 volt, AC outlet, and accessibility to

distilled water, tap water and drain facilities.

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