Buchi KjelMaster K-375 User manual

KjelMaster K-375 with KjelSampler K-376 / K-377
Operation Manual
11593514E en

Imprint
Product Identification:
Operation Manual (Original), KjelMaster K-375 with KjelSampler K-376 / K-377
11593514 en
Publication date: 12.2018
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.

Document History
Index Date Author Changes
A 25/MAY/2012 NAGG Initial version
B 16/JUL/2013 NAGG First revised version
C 17/NOV/2014 HILS/BRUS Second revised version
(update colorimetric titration)
D 28/APR/2016 HILS Removal of Declaration of Conformity
E 12/DEC/2018 HOES Third revised version
(update colorimetric titration)

Read this manual carefully before installing and running your system and note the safety precautions in chapter 2 in
particular. Store the manual in the immediate vicinity of the instrument, so that it can be consulted at any time.
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.
This manual is copyright. Information from it may not be reproduced, distributed, or used for competitive purposes,
nor made available to third parties. The manufacture of any component with the aid of this manual without prior
written agreement is also prohibited.
If you need another language version of this manual, you can download it at
www.buchi.com.

Table of contents
5
K-375 / K-376 / K-377 Operation Manual, Version E
Table of contents
1 About this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.1 Trademarks 9
1.2 Abbreviations 9
2 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.1 User qualification 10
2.2 Proper use 10
2.3 Improper use 10
2.4 Safety warnings and safety signs used in this manual 11
2.5 Product safety 12
2.5.1 General hazards 12
2.5.2 Instrument-related hazards 13
2.5.3 Other hazards 14
2.5.4 Personal protective equipment 14
2.5.5 Built-in safety elements and measures 15
2.6 General safety rules 16
3 Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.1 Scope of delivery 17
3.1.1 Basic devices 17
3.1.2 Standard accessories for K-375 19
3.1.3 Standard accessories for K-376 / K-377 21
3.1.4 Operation Manuals for K-375 22
3.1.5 Optional accessories K-375 23
3.1.6 Optional accessories K-376 / K-377 25
3.2 Technical data overview 26
3.2.1 Technical data KjelMaster K-375 and KjelSampler K-376 / K-377 26
3.2.2 Technical data titrator 27
3.3 Determination parameters 28
3.4 Information on type plate 29
3.4.1 Titrator module and dosing unit 29
3.4.2 Material on the K-375 29
3.4.3 Material on the K-376 / K-377 30
4 Description of function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
4.1 Device overview 31
4.1.1 Opening the service door 32
4.2 Functional principle of KjelMaster System K-375 / K-376 / K-377 33
4.3 Standby function 35
4.4 System preparation 35
4.4.1 Preheating 35
4.4.2 Priming 35
4.4.3 Cleaning 35
4.4.4 Aspiration 35
4.5 Distillation and titration 36
4.5.1 Distillation and Titration Options 36
4.5.2 Distillation Mode 36

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K-375 / K-376 / K-377 Operation Manual, Version E
4.5.3 Titration Type 36
4.5.4 Sensor Type 36
4.5.5 Titration Mode 37
4.5.6 Measuring Mode 37
4.5.7 Titration Algorithm 37
4.5.8 Determination Mode 37
4.6 Different methods 38
4.7 Blank values 38
4.7.1 Blanks 38
4.7.2 Control blanks 39
4.8 Reference substances 39
4.9 Indicator for colorimetric titration 40
4.10 Result Groups 40
4.11 Explanation of alkaline direct distillation 41
5 Putting into operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
5.1 Installation site 43
5.2 Electrical connections 44
5.2.1 Connections of the KjelMaster K-375 44
5.2.2 Connections of the K-376 / K-377 45
5.3 Transfer connection K-376 / K-377 to K-375 46
5.3.1 Connecting the K-376 to the K-375 46
5.3.2 Connecting the transfer hoses of the K-377 48
5.4 Reagent/water and waste connections 49
5.5 Buret unit for titrant 51
5.6 Positioning of the dosing tip 53
5.7 Storage tank connection 53
5.8 Level sensors 54
5.9 Installation of the titration sensor 56
5.9.1 Potentiometric sensor 56
5.9.2 Colorimetric sensor 56
5.10 Connections to peripheral devices 57
5.10.1 Connecting a printer 57
5.10.2 Connecting a network cable 57
5.10.3 Connecting a KjelSampler K-376 or K-377 57
5.10.4 Connecting a balance 57
5.10.5 Connecting a bar code reader 58
5.10.6 External dosing unit for back titration 58
5.11 Preparing the system 58
5.11.1 Preparing the software 58
5.11.2 Preparing the hardware 59
6 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
6.1 The operating principle 60
6.2 The home screen 60
6.2.1 The title bar 62
6.2.2 The bottom bar 62

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K-375 / K-376 / K-377 Operation Manual, Version E
6.2.3 System status icons 63
6.3 User concept 63
6.4 Editable and non-editable menu items 63
6.5 The status view 65
6.5.1 RESULT display 66
6.5.2 CHART display 67
6.6 Determination 67
6.6.1 System Preparation 69
Single Sample 77
6.6.3 Sample Lists 79
6.6.4 Sequences 84
6.7 Results 92
6.7.1 Result groups 92
6.7.2 Last Results 94
6.7.3 Blank Correction 95
6.8 Determination Parameters 99
6.8.1 Methods 99
6.8.2 Volumetric Solutions 108
6.8.3 Reference Substances 109
6.9 Device 110
6.9.1 Settings 110
6.9.2 Utilities 117
6.9.3 Diagnostics 118
6.9.4 Logout 119
7 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
7.1 Daily maintenance 120
7.1.1 Before sample determination (potentiometry) 120
7.1.2 Before sample determination (colorimetry) 121
7.1.3 After sample determination 122
7.1.4 pH electrode 122
7.1.5 Filling boric acid into receiving vessel after last sample of rack was determined
(potentiometry only) 123
7.1.6 Sample tube cleaning 124
7.2 Weekly maintenance 125
7.2.1 Cleaning the housing 125
7.2.2 Cleaning the titrator 125
7.2.3 Cleaning the glass parts of the dosing unit 125
7.2.4 Cleaning the dip tube of the KjelSampler 125
7.2.5 Device monitoring 126
7.2.6 Cleaning colorimetric sensor and mesh 127
7.3 Monthly maintenance 127
7.3.1 Calibrating the pump 127
7.3.2 Checking the distillate amount 129
7.3.3 Inspecting the buret 130
7.3.4 Inspecting the titrator 130

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K-375 / K-376 / K-377 Operation Manual, Version E
7.3.5 Inspecting the sample tubes 130
7.4 Half-yearly maintenance 132
7.4.1 K-375 Sealing between sample tube and splash protector 132
7.4.2 K-376 / K-377 dip tube and sealing cap 133
7.4.3 Replacing the splash protector 134
7.5 Yearly maintenance 136
7.5.1 Replacement of wear parts 136
7.5.2 Decalcification of the steam generator 137
7.5.3 Replacement of the sodium hydroxide pump 137
7.5.3 Replacement of the wave spring 138
7.6 Replace every two years 139
7.6.1 Replacement of the transfer connection 139
7.7 Maintenance work if required 141
7.7.1 Changing the buret tip 141
7.7.2 Cleaning the pH electrode 141
7.7.3 Replacing the buret 142
7.7.4 Cleaning the splash protector and the rubber seal 142
7.7.5 Glass parts 142
7.7.6 Troubleshooting the dosing unit 143
7.7.7 Adjusting the sample tube holder 143
7.8 Customer service 144
8 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
8.1 Problems that may occur 145
8.2 Error messages on the display of the K-375 149
8.3 Eliminating errors of the KjelSampler K-376 / K-377 153
8.4 Eliminating errors of the titrator 154
9 Taking out of operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
9.1 Emptying the steam generator 155
9.2 Emptying the buret of the titrator 156
9.3 Storage/shipping 156
9.4 Disposal 156
10 Spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
10.1 Spare parts K-375 157
10.2 Spare parts K-376 / K-377 160
10.3 Hosing connection scheme Kjeldahl Sampler System K-375 / K-376 160
11 Declarations and requirements 161
11.1 FCC requirements (for USA and Canada) 161

1 About this manual
9
K-375 / K-376 / K-377 Operation Manual, Version E
1 About this manual
This manual describes the KjelMaster System K-375 / K-376 / K-377 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.
NOTE
The symbols pertaining to safety (DANGER, CAUTION and WARNING) are explained in chapter 2.
1.1 Trademarks
DURAN®is a registered trademark of the SCHOTT AG.
Nylflex®is a registered trademark of the Pedex & Co. GmbH.
1.2 Abbreviations
CSM: Chopped Strand Mat
ETFE: Polytetrafluorethylene
FEP: Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene
KCI: Potassium chloride
PCTFE: Polychlorotrifluoroethylene
PMMA: Polymethyl methacrylate
POM: Polyoxymethylene
PP: Polypropylene
PTFE: Ethylenetetrafluoroethylene
PUR: Polyurethane
UV: Ultraviolet
EPDM: Ethylene propylene diene monomer
PVDF: polyvinylidene difluoride
PA: Polyamides

1 About this manual
10
K-375 / K-376 / K-377 Operation Manual, Version E
2 Safety
This chapter points out the safety concept of the device and contains general rules of behavior and
warnings from hazards concerning the use of the product.
The safety of users and personnel can only be ensured if these 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 the tasks described herein.
2.1 User qualification
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 instrument.
Personnel without this training or persons who are currently being trained require careful instruction.
The present Operation Manual serves as the basis for this.
2.2 Proper use
The device has been designed and built for laboratories. It serves for nitrogen determination
according to Kjeldahl. The KjelMaster K-375 as stand-alone device may also be used for distillations
of steam-volatile substances.
2.3 Improper use
Applications not mentioned above are improper. Also applications which do not comply with the tech-
nical data are considered improper.
!Danger
During any improper use, the effectiveness of the protection systems of the devices
can be affected.
∙ Avoid any improper use of the devices!
The operator bears the sole risk for any damages caused by such improper use.
The following uses are expressly forbidden:
∙ Use of the device in rooms which require ex-protected devices.
∙ Use on samples which can explode or inflame (e.g.: explosives, etc.) due to shock, friction, heat
or spark formation.