Buchi KjelDigester K-446 User manual

KjelDigester K-446 / K-449
Operation Manual
11593546B en

Imprint
Product Identification:
Operation Manual, KjelDigester K-446 / K-449
11593546B en
Publication date: 05.2016
BÜCHI Labortechnik AG
Meierseggstrasse 40
Postfach
CH-9230 Flawil 1
E-Mail: [e-mail]
BUCHI reserves the right to make changes to the manual as deemed necessary in the light of experience; espe-
cially in respect to structure, illustrations and technical detail.
This manual is copyright. Information from it may not be reproduced, distributed, or used for competitive purpos-
es, nor made available to third parties. The manufacture of any component with the aid of this manual without
prior written agreement is also prohibited.

3Operation Manual KjelDigester K-446 / K-449
Table of contents
1 General 7
1.1 About this manual ...................................................................................... 7
1.1.1 Structure of the manual.................................................................... 7
1.1.2 Additional user information............................................................... 8
1.1.3 Available languages.......................................................................... 8
1.1.4 Reference documents...................................................................... 8
1.1.5 Abbreviations................................................................................... 8
1.2 About the KjelDigester K-446/K-449 .......................................................... 9
1.2.1 General information.......................................................................... 9
1.2.2 Type plate ........................................................................................ 9
1.3 Scope of delivery...................................................................................... 10
2 Safety 11
2.1 User qualifications .................................................................................... 11
2.2 Proper use ............................................................................................... 11
2.3 Safety warnings ....................................................................................... 11
2.3.1 Warning explanation....................................................................... 11
2.3.2 Symbols......................................................................................... 12
2.4 General safety rules.................................................................................. 13
2.4.1 Responsibility of the operator......................................................... 13
2.4.2 Duty of maintenance and care........................................................ 13
2.4.3 Spare parts to be used .................................................................. 13
2.4.4 Modifications ................................................................................. 13
2.5 Product safety.......................................................................................... 14
2.5.1 General hazards............................................................................. 14
2.5.2 Specific hazard .............................................................................. 15
2.5.3 Personal protective equipment....................................................... 16
2.5.4 Built-in safety elements and measures ........................................... 16
3 Technical data 17
3.1 Device dimensions ................................................................................... 17
3.1.1 K-446 ............................................................................................ 17
3.1.2 K-449 ............................................................................................ 17
3.2 General technical data.............................................................................. 17
3.2.1 Electrical system ............................................................................ 18
3.2.2 Environmental conditions ............................................................... 18
4 Description of function 19
4.1 Purpose and design................................................................................. 19
4.2 KjelDigester overview ............................................................................... 19
4.2.1 Front and side view........................................................................ 19
4.2.2 Rear view....................................................................................... 20
4.2.3 Top-side view................................................................................. 20

4KjelDigester K-446 / K-449 Operation Manual
4.3 Function................................................................................................... 21
4.3.1 Digestion process .......................................................................... 21
4.4 Control panel ........................................................................................... 22
4.4.1 Control panel display...................................................................... 22
4.4.2 Control panel buttons..................................................................... 22
4.4.3 Scrubber control (K-449 only) ........................................................ 23
4.5 Rack, cooling and heating position........................................................... 24
4.6 Functionality comparison K-446/K-449 .................................................... 24
5 Installation 25
5.1 Unpacking................................................................................................ 25
5.2 Preparation for assembly.......................................................................... 25
5.3 Transport lock, removal ............................................................................ 26
5.4 Device assembly ...................................................................................... 26
5.4.1 Drip tray, installation ....................................................................... 26
5.4.2 Suction module, installation............................................................ 27
5.4.3 Scrubber/water jet pump, connection ............................................ 27
5.4.4 Device fixation (earthquake)............................................................ 29
5.4.5 Electrical connection...................................................................... 29
5.5 Settings.................................................................................................... 29
5.5.1 Accessing the settings menu ......................................................... 29
5.5.2 Adjust the contrast......................................................................... 30
5.5.3 Adjust the maximum temperature .................................................. 30
5.5.4 Adjust the temperature offset ......................................................... 31
5.5.5 Set the clock (K-449 only).............................................................. 31
5.5.6 Adjust the Scrubber control (K-449 only)........................................ 31
5.6 User protection shield, installation ............................................................ 32
5.7 Condensate bottle, installation ................................................................. 33
5.8 Air supply hose, installation ...................................................................... 34
6 Operation 35
6.1 General application information ................................................................ 35
6.2 Start a digestion....................................................................................... 36
6.3 Set parameters for manual digestion ........................................................ 36
6.3.1 K-446 ............................................................................................ 36
6.3.2 K-449 ............................................................................................ 37
6.4 Editing parameters during a digestion ...................................................... 37
6.5 Abort a digestion...................................................................................... 38
6.6 Switch off the KjelDigester........................................................................ 38
6.7 KjelDigester K-446 ................................................................................... 39
6.7.1 Digestion process .......................................................................... 39
6.8 KjelDigester K-449 ................................................................................... 40
6.8.1 Digestion process, manual mode................................................... 40

5Operation Manual KjelDigester K-446 / K-449
6.8.2 Digestion process, automatic mode............................................... 41
6.8.3 Digestion process, delayed start .................................................... 42
6.8.4 Set parameters for an automatic digestion..................................... 43
6.8.5 Edit a method ................................................................................ 44
6.8.6 Select a method............................................................................. 44
6.8.7 Set up a delayed start time ............................................................ 44
6.8.8 Moving the lift up or down.............................................................. 45
7 Maintenance 47
7.1 Maintenance plan..................................................................................... 47
7.1.1 Maintenance as required/after use ................................................. 47
7.1.2 Daily maintenance.......................................................................... 47
7.1.3 Maintenance every week................................................................ 47
7.1.4 Maintenance every year or after every 1000 digestion cycles.......... 48
7.1.5 Maintenance every 3 years............................................................. 48
7.2 Cleaning................................................................................................... 48
7.2.1 KjelDigester, cleaning ..................................................................... 48
7.2.2 Scrubber hose, cleaning ................................................................ 49
7.2.3 Suction module sealing and spring, cleaning.................................. 49
7.2.4 Sample tube, cleaning ................................................................... 49
7.3 Suction module sealing and spring ,replacement...................................... 50
7.4 Fuse power supply, replacement .............................................................. 51
7.5 Rechargeable battery (K-449 only), replacement ...................................... 52
7.6 Suction module, removal.......................................................................... 54
8 Troubleshooting 55
8.1 Customer service ..................................................................................... 55
8.2 Error messages on the display ................................................................. 55
8.3 Faults....................................................................................................... 56
8.3.1 Broken sample tube during digestion............................................. 56
8.3.2 Power supply failure [ERR1] during a digestion.............................. 57
8.3.3 Sample tubes jam in the heating block (K-449 only) ....................... 57
8.4 Checks .................................................................................................... 57
8.4.1 Suction module sealing and spring, check ..................................... 57
8.4.2 Glass parts, check ......................................................................... 58
8.4.3 Rechargeable battery (K-449 only), check...................................... 58
9 Taking out of operation 61
9.1 Transport.................................................................................................. 61
9.2 Taking out of operation............................................................................. 61
9.3 Materials used.......................................................................................... 62

6KjelDigester K-446 / K-449 Operation Manual
10 Spare parts 63
10.1 General information.................................................................................. 63
10.2 Spare parts KjelDigester K-446/K-449 ..................................................... 64
10.3 Optional accessories................................................................................ 67
10.3.1Kjeldahl Tablets .............................................................................. 68
11 Appendix 69
11.1 FCC requirements (for USA and Canada) ................................................. 69
Index ..................................................................................70

1 – 7Operation Manual KjelDigester K-446 / K-449
1 General
1 General
This manual describes the KjelDigester K-446 and K-449 and provides all information required
for its safe operation and to maintain it in good working order.
It is addressed to laboratory personnel in particular.
1.1 About this manual
Read this manual carefully before installing and running the device. Note the safety precautions
in chapter 2 in particular. Store the manual in the immediate vicinity of the device, so that it can
be consulted at any time.
1.1.1 Structure of the manual
The operation manual consists of 11 chapters which cover all information relevant to the opera-
tor of the device.
Chapter Meaning
1 General Gives a general overview about the manual and device. It also
gives a brief information on how to use this manual and other
general information.
2 Safety Describes the safety concept of the device and contains gen-
eral rules of behavior and warnings from hazards concerning
the use of the product.
3 Technical data Introduces the reader to the device specifications. It contains
technical data, requirements and performance data.
4 Description of function Explains the basic principle of the device, shows how it is
structured and gives a functional description of the assem-
blies.
5 Installation Describes how the device is installed and gives instructions on
initial startup.
6 Operation Gives examples of typical device applications and instructions
on how to operate the device properly and safely.
7 Maintenance Gives instructions on all maintenance work to be performed in
order to keep the device in good working condition.
8 Troubleshooting Helps to resume operation after a minor problem has oc-
curred. It lists possible occurrences, their probable cause and
suggests how to remedy the problem. Explains checks for
troubleshooting and maintenance.
9 Taking out of operation Instructs how to store and dispose the device. It also instructs
users for the reuse after a storage period.
10 Spare parts Lists spare parts, accessories, and options including their
ordering information.
11 Appendix Additional documents regarding requirements.

1 – 8
1 General
KjelDigester K-446 / K-449 Operation Manual
1.1.2 Additional user information
Page number
The page number in the footer contains the current chapter (e.g. 1–12) and the page number
(e.g. 1 – 12).
Cross-references
Cross-References consist at least the chapter and the page number (1 – 12).
NOTE
Paragraphs starting with NOTE transport helpful information for working with the device/software.
NOTE’s are not related to any kind of hazard or damage.
1.1.3 Available languages
This operation manual is available in the following languages:
Language Order number
English 11593546
German 11593547
French 11593548
Italian 11593549
Spanish 11593550
Chinese 11593551
Japanese 11593552
1.1.4 Reference documents
Scrubber K-415
Language Order number
English 1159350 5
German 1159350 6
French 11593507
Italian 1159350 8
Spanish 1159350 9
Chinese 11593510
Japanese 11593511
1.1.5 Abbreviations
EPDM Ethylene propylene diene monomer
FCC Federal Communications Commission
TKN Total Kjeldahl nitrogen
METH Method

1 – 9Operation Manual KjelDigester K-446 / K-449
1 General
MSDS Material safety data sheets
No Number
Pcs Pieces
PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene
Qty Quantity
1.2 About the KjelDigester K-446/K-449
1.2.1 General information
No technical modifications may be made to the device without the prior written agreement of
BUCHI. Unauthorized modifications may affect the system safety or result in accidents.
1.2.2 Type plate
Type plate is located on the right side of the KjelDigester.
Fig. 1.1 Key of type plate (example)
aDevice name eMaximum power rating
bSerial number fYear of manufacture
cInput voltage range gCountry of manufacture
dFrequency of input voltage

1 – 10
1 General
KjelDigester K-446 / K-449 Operation Manual
1.3 Scope of delivery
Description Qty Order number
KjelDigester
∙ K-446 with standard suction module
∙ K-446 suction module with condensate trap
∙ K-449 with standard suction module
∙ K-449 suction module with condensate trap
1
–
–
–
–
–
1154461000
1154462000
1154491000
1154492000
Drip tray holder 1 110598 0 4
Drip tray 1 11059 031
Sample tube, 300 mL (4 pcs.) 5037377
Rack 1 11059831
Hose 1.5m, 8mm 1 11056005
Hose connector S19 1 11057159
Clamp S19 1 11057149
Power supply cable
∙ Type CH
∙ Type Schuko
∙ Type GB
∙ Type USA
∙ Type AUS
1
–
–
–
–
–
–
010010
010016
017835
033763
017836

2 – 11Operation Manual KjelDigester K-446 / K-449
2 Safety
2 Safety
The safety of the user and personnel can only be ensured if the safety instructions and the safety
related warnings in the individual chapters are strictly observed and followed. Therefore, the
manual must always be available to all persons performing tasks described herein.
2.1 User qualifications
Before using the KjelDigester the operation manual must be read and understood.
The device may only be used by laboratory personnel and other persons who on account of
training or professional experience have an overview of the dangers which can develop when
operating the device.
2.2 Proper use
The KjelDigester has been designed and built for laboratories. It serves for the heating of con-
centrated H2SO4for the oxidation of organic sample components.
2.3 Safety warnings
2.3.1 Warning explanation
DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION and NOTICE are standardized signal words for identifying levels
of hazard seriousness of risks related to personal injury and property damage. All signal words,
which are related to personal injury are accompanied by the general safety sign.
For the safety it is important to read and fully understand the table with the different signal words
and their definitions.
Sign Signal word Definition Risk level
DANGER Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury. ★★★★
WARNING Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in serious injury or death. ★★★☆
CAUTION Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. ★★☆☆
NOTICE Indicates possible material damage, but no prac-
tices related to personal injury. ☆☆☆☆
Supplementary safety information symbols may be placed in a rectangular panel on the left to
the signal word and the supplementary text.

2 – 12
2 Safety
KjelDigester K-446 / K-449 Operation Manual
Fig. 2.1 Example of warning
aSafety symbol dResult of danger if not avoided
bSource of danger eWarning title
cInstruction to avoid danger
2.3.2 Symbols
The reference list incorporates safety symbols and their meaning. The symbols can occur in this
operation manual or on the device.
Warning safety symbols
Symbol Meaning Symbol Meaning
General warning Corrosive hazard
Electrical hazard Flammable
Biohazard Explosive environment
Broken glass Inhalation harmful
Device damage Hot surface
Hand bruising Magnet

2 – 13Operation Manual KjelDigester K-446 / K-449
2 Safety
Mandatory safety symbols
Symbol Meaning Symbol Meaning
Wear protective goggles Wear protective clothes
Wear protective gloves Heavy load, lift with assistance
2.4 General safety rules
2.4.1 Responsibility of the operator
The head of the laboratory is responsible for training his personnel.
The operator shall inform the manufacturer without delay of any safety-related incidents which
might occur during operation of the device or its accessories.
Issues can be reported to the e-mail address: [e-mail].
Legal regulations, such as local, state and federal laws applying to the device or its accessories
must be strictly followed.
2.4.2 Duty of maintenance and care
The operator is responsible for the proper condition of the device. This includes maintenance,
service and repair jobs that are performed on schedule by authorized personnel only.
2.4.3 Spare parts to be used
Use only genuine BUCHIconsumables and spare parts for maintenance to assure good system
performance, reliability and safety. Any modifications of spare parts or assemblies are only al-
lowed with the prior written permission of BUCHI.
2.4.4 Modifications
Modifications to the device are only permitted after prior consultation and with the written ap-
proval of BUCHI. Modifications and upgrades shall only be carried out by an authorized BUCHI
technical engineer. BUCHI will decline any claim resulting from unauthorized modifications.

2 – 14
2 Safety
KjelDigester K-446 / K-449 Operation Manual
2.5 Product safety
The device is designed and built in accordance with current state-of-the-art technology. Never-
theless, risks to users, property, and the environment can arise when the device is used care-
lessly or improperly.
BUCHI has identified the following residual dangers emanating from the device:
∙ The device is operated by insufficiently trained personnel.
∙ The device is not operated according to its proper use.
∙ Appropriate warnings in this manual serve to make the user alert to these residual dangers.
2.5.1 General hazards
The following safety messages show hazards of general kind which may occur when handling
the device. The user shall observe all listed counter measures in order to achieve and maintain
the lowest possible level of hazard.
Additional warning messages can be found whenever actions and situations described in this
manual are related to situational hazards.
DANGER
Risk of explosion with incorrect use of the device!
Death or serious injuries can result.
1. Do not store or operate the device in explosive environments.
2. Do not store chemicals in the vicinity of the device.
3. Operate the device in a fume hood with sufficient ventilation to directly with-
draw fumes.
4. Use the user protection shield when working with H2O2or larger amounts of
water (>10mL).
5. Follow the safety notes in the application notes.
WARNING
Risk of burns from flammable fumes!
Serious injuries or death can result.
1. Remove all sources of flammable fumes.
2. Do not store flammable chemicals in the vicinity of the device.

2 – 15Operation Manual KjelDigester K-446 / K-449
2 Safety
WARNING
Risk of chemical burns from hot acid or peroxide fumes!
Serious injuries or death can result.
1. Do not operate the system with faulty parts.
2. Check device setup for proper sealing before use.
3. Do not inhale process fumes.
4. Operate the device inside an active fume hood.
5. Use a Scrubber or water jet pump to neutralize exhaust fumes.
6. Do not move the device or parts of it during digestion.
7. Always wear the personnel protective equipment.
CAUTION
Risk of hot machine parts and glassware!
Minor or moderate burns can result.
1. Do not touch hot parts or surfaces.
2. Let the system and inserted glassware cool down safely.
3. Do not move the device or parts of it when hot.
NOTICE
Risk of spilled liquids or mechanical shocks.
Liquids leaking into the housing or mechanical shocks can damage the device.
1. Do not spill liquids over the device or its components
2. Do not move the device when it is loaded with sample liquid
3. Do not drop the device or its components
4. Keep external vibrations away from the device
5. Safely attach the device to the bench in earthquake prone regions
6. For H2O2or TKN applications, do not operate the device without the user
protection shield installed.
2.5.2 Specific hazard
H2O2or TKN digestion
Using H2O2or TKN for the digestion makes it mandatory to perform the following steps to keep
the work place as safe as possible.

2 – 16
2 Safety
KjelDigester K-446 / K-449 Operation Manual
WARNING
Risk of explosion and chemical burns!
Serious injuries or death can result.
1. Wear the personal protective equipment.
2. Make sure all components are in proper working condition.
3. Operate the device inside an active fume hood.
4. Follow the safety instructions in the application notes.
1. Use the user protection shield at any time during sample preparation and during
digestion (both H2O2and TKN).
∙ User protection shield, installation, (5–32).
2. Use a suitable dosing device with tube to safely dose H2O2.
3. Preparation and digestion needs to be done within an active fume hood.
2.5.3 Personal protective equipment
Always wear personal protective equipment such as protective eye goggles, protective clothing
and gloves. The personal protective equipment must meet all requirements of all MSDS for the
chemicals used.
2.5.4 Built-in safety elements and measures
Glassware
All original BUCHI glass parts are made of high temperature, chemical resistant borosilicate glass
and optimal match the heating block.
Heating block
The heating block is equipped with a safety overtemperature switch. In case of a temperature
above 500°C the heating block will be switched off and the KjelDigester starts a continuous
beeping sound.
Fume removal
Acid fumes generated during digestion accumulate in the suction module.
The fumes must be safely withdrawn from the suction module via a EPDM hose to a Scrubber
(e.g. Scrubber K-415) or via water jet pump into a sink with sufficient suction flow.
Lift (K-449)
The KjelDigester K-449 is equipped with a rechargeable battery. In case of a power failure the
lift moves up automatically.
Before the lift starts moving down automatically a beeping sound informs the operator.

3 – 17Operation Manual KjelDigester K-446 / K-449
3 Technical data
3 Technical data
3.1 Device dimensions
3.1.1 K-446
3.1.2 K-449
3.2 General technical data
Description K-446 K-449
Weight, total 30kg 37.3kg
Weight, w/o accessory 18.5kg 25.8kg
Approval UL/CSA, CE UL/CSA,CE
Pollution degree 2 2
Overvoltage category II II
Clearance to wall 5cm 5cm

3 – 18
3 Technical data
KjelDigester K-446 / K-449 Operation Manual
Description K-446 K-449
Display 2 rowLCD display 2 rowLCD display
Resolution temperature display 1°C 1°C
Temperature range 30 – 450 °C 30 – 450 °C
Average temperature stability ±1°C ±1°C
Absolute temperature accuracy ±7°C at 420°C ±7°C at 420°C
3.2.1 Electrical system
Description K-446 K-449
Input voltage 220–240V ±10 % 220–240V ±10%
Frequency 50– 60 Hz 50– 60 Hz
Power consumption max. 2300W 2300W
Output current, Scrubber 0.7A 0.7A
Fuse 2× T10A/L250V 2× T10A/L250V
3.2.2 Environmental conditions
Description K-446 K-449
Temperature 5– 40°C 5– 40°C
Altitude above sea level max. 2000m 2000m
Humidity Maximum relative humidity 80% for temperatures
up to 31°C, decreasing linearly to 50% relative
humidity at 40°C
Use For indoor use only

4 – 19Operation Manual KjelDigester K-446 / K-449
4 Description of function
4 Description of function
4.1 Purpose and design
The KjelDigester is suitable for digestion processes with concentrated boiling H2SO4and a cata-
lyst. The digestion parameters are listed in the BUCHI Application Notes.
4.2 KjelDigester overview
4.2.1 Front and side view
Fig. 4.1 KjelDigester front and side view
aFume collection tube gFuse 10A/250V
bSuction tube h Type plate
cDrip tray iRack
d Suction hose jLift (K-449 only)/bracket (K-446)
eControl panel, (4–22) kSuction module
fCooling fan, electronic

4 – 20
4 Description of function
KjelDigester K-446 / K-449 Operation Manual
4.2.2 Rear view
Fig. 4.2 KjelDigester rear view
aEye bolt cInterface Scrubber
bPower supply KjelDigester
4.2.3 Top-side view
Fig. 4.3 Heating block components
aMagnet eMain switch
bScrubber hose bracket fMeasuring point for external temp. sensor
cHeating block cover gRack support
dDrip tray holder