Buchi SpeedDigester K-439 User manual

11593351 en
SpeedDigester K-439
Operation Manual

Imprint
Product Identification:
Operation Manual (Original), SpeedDigester K-439
11593351B en
Publication date:
10.2019, Version B
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 experi-
ence; especially in respect to structure, illustrations and technical detail.
This manual is copyright. Information from it may not be reproduced, distributed, or used for competi-
tive 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.

Table of contents
3K-439 Operation Manual, Version B
Table of contents
1 About this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
2 Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
2.1 User qualification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.2 Proper use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.3 Improper use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.4 Safety warnings and safety signs used in this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.5 Product safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
2.5.1 General hazards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
2.5.2 Warning labels on housing and assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.5.3 Personal protective equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.5.4 Built-in safety elements and measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.6 General safety rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3 Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.1 Scope of application and delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.1.1 Available system configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.1.2 Accessories for 300ml sample tubes (for standard applications) . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.1.3 Accessories for 500ml sample tubes (for large sample volumes / at low nitrogen level) 14
3.1.4 Accessories for 3rd party production, 250ml sample tubes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.2 Technical data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.3 Materials used. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4 Description of function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.1 Functional principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
5 Putting into operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.1 Installation site. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.2 System fixation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.3 Electrical connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.3.1 SpeedDigester connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.3.2 Scrubber/water jet pump connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
6 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
6.1 Operating controls and housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
6.1.1 SpeedDigester K-439 — front side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
6.1.2 System rear side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
6.2 User interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6.3 Program structure overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
6.4 Software buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
6.5 Software icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
6.5.1 General icons (used in automatic and manual mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
6.5.2 Icons in automatic mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
6.5.3 Icons in manual mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
6.6 How to prepare the software for routine digestion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
6.6.1 Standard instrument settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
6.6.2 Digestion in Manual Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
6.6.3 Methods menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
6.6.4 Digestion in Automatic Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
6.6.5 History menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
6.7 Preparing of SpeedDigester, suction module(s) and sample tubes. . . . . . . . . . . 36

Table of contents
4K-439 Operation Manual, Version B
6.7.1 Kjeldahl digestion—preparing sample tubes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
6.7.2 Peroxide digestion—preparing sample tubes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
6.7.3 Installing a suction module and sample tubes (300ml). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
6.7.4 Installing 500ml sample tubes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
6.7.5 Starting up the SpeedDigester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
6.8 Performing a Kjeldahl digestion process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
6.8.1 Preparational steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
6.8.2 Starting a digestion process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
6.9 Performing a peroxide digestion process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
6.9.1 Preparational steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
6.9.2 Starting a digestion process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
6.10 Finishing a digestion process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
6.11 Optional 'Stand with drip tray' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
7 Maintenance and repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
7.1 Customer service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
7.2 General condition and cleaning instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
7.2.1 Breakage of glassware inside a housing chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
7.2.2 Liquid ingress into the instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
7.3 Glass component conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
7.3.1 Sample tubes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
7.4 Sealing system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
7.5 Rack system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
7.5.1 300ml sample tube support spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
7.5.2 500ml sample tube support spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
7.6 Display cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
8 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
8.1 Malfunctions and their remedy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
8.2 Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
8.2.1 Actors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
8.2.2 Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
8.2.3 Operating Hours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
8.2.4 Unit Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
8.2.5 Service Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
8.3 Device fuses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
9 Shutdown, storage, transport and disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
9.1 Storage and transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
9.2 Disposal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
10 Spare parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
10.1 Spare parts, optional accessories and consumables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
11 Declarations and requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
11.1 FCC requirements (for USA and Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

1 About this manual
5K-439 Operation Manual, Version B
1 About this manual
This manual describes the SpeedDigester K-439 and provides all information required for its safe
operation and to maintain it in good working order.
It is addressed to laboratory personnel and operators in particular.
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 instrument without the prior written agreement of
Buchi. Unauthorized modifications may affect the system safety or result in accidents. Technical data
are subject to change without notice.
NOTE
The symbols pertaining to safety (WARNINGS and ATTENTIONS) are explained in chapter 2.
This manual is copyright. Information from it may not be reproduced, distributed or used for competi-
tive 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.
The English manual is the original language version and serves as basis for all translations into other
languages. If you need another language version of this manual, you can download available versions
at www.buchi.com.

2 Safety
6K-439 Operation Manual, Version B
2 Safety
This chapter introduces the safety concept of the instrument and contains general rules of behavior
and warnings from direct and indirect hazards concerning the use of the product.
For the users safety, all safety instructions and safety messages in the individual chapters shall
be strictly observed and followed. Therefore, the manual must always be available to all persons
performing any tasks described herein.
2.1 User qualification
The instrument may only be used by laboratory personnel and other persons who on account of
training and professional experience know the potential dangers that can develop when operating the
instrument.
Untrained personnel, or persons who are currently being trained, require careful supervision by a
qualified person. Operation Manual serves as a basis for training.
2.2 Proper use
The SpeedDigester K-439 has been designed and built for laboratory use only. Its intended use is to
allow digestion of samples with concentrated acids or peroxides by heating up the probe.
A suction unit (e.g. Scrubber or water jet pump) has to be connected to the suction module to safely
withdraw fumes which will emerge during digestion. In any case, all exhausts and fumes leaving the
system or assemblies such as Scrubber or water jet pump have to be removed instantly inside a
fume hood. This is mandatory to remove all possibly hazardous substances (e.g. acid fumes) from the
working area. The ventilation system of the fume hood has to be equipped with safety measures such
as outlet filters to avoid contamination of the environment.
When the SpeedDigester K-439 is used in combination with other instruments (e.g. Scrubber and
fume hood) all related manuals are to be fully observed.
2.3 Improper use
Applications not mentioned in section 2.2 are considered to be improper. Applications which do not
comply with the technical data (see section 3 of this manual) are also considered to be improper.
The operator bears the sole risk for any damages or hazards caused by improper use!
The following uses are expressly forbidden:
• Digestion operations outside an active fume hood.
• Digestion of samples (e.g. food and feed) in nitrosulfuric acids which can produce explosive nitro
compounds.
• Digestion of sample material of unknown composition in nitrosulfuric acids.
• Use of samples which can explode or ignite due to shocks, friction, heat or sparks.
• Installation or use of the instrument in rooms, which require ex-protected instruments.
• Use of glassware which is not specified in section 2.5.4.

2 Safety
7K-439 Operation Manual, Version B
2.4 Safety warnings and safety signs used in this manual
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 your safety it is important to read and fully understand the table below 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, could result
in death or serious injury. ★★★☆
CAUTION Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result
in minor or moderate injury. ★★☆☆
no NOTICE Indicates possible property damage, but no
practices related to personal injury.
★☆☆☆
(property damage only)
Supplementary safety information symbols may be placed in a rectangular panel on the left to the
signal word and the supplementary text (see below example).
Space for
supplementary
safety
information
symbols.
!SIGNAL WORD
Supplementary text, describing the kind and level of hazard/ risk seriousness.
• List of measures to avoid the herein described, hazard or hazardous situation.
• ...
• ...
Table of supplementary safety information symbols
The reference list below incorporates all safety information symbols used in this manual and their
meaning.
Symbol Meaning
General warning
Electrical hazard
Heavy weight, avoid overexertion

2 Safety
8K-439 Operation Manual, Version B
Symbol Meaning
Explosive gases, explosive environment
Explosive material
Fire hazard
Harmful to life-forms
Hot item, hot surface
Device damage
Inhalation of substances
Chemical burns by corrosives
Fragile components
Wear laboratory coat
Wear protective goggles

2 Safety
9K-439 Operation Manual, Version B
Symbol Meaning
Wear protective gloves
Heavy weight, lifting requires more than one person
Additional user information
Paragraphs starting with Note transport helpful information for working with the device/software or its
supplementaries. Notes are not related to any kind of hazard or damage (see following example).
Note
Useful tips for the easy operation of the instrument / software.
2.5 Product safety
The SpeedDigester K-439 has been designed and built in accordance with current state-of-the-art
technology. Safety warnings in this manual (as described in section 2.4) serve to make the user alert
to and avoid hazardous situations emanating from residual dangers by giving appropriate counter
measures.
However, risks to users, property and the environment can arise when the instrument is damaged,
used carelessly or improperly.
2.5.1 General hazards
The following safety messages show hazards of general kind which may occur when handling the
instrument. 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
Death or serious injuries by use in explosive environments.
• Do not store or operate the instrument in explosive environments
• Do not store chemicals in the vicinity of the device
• Operate the device in a fume hood with sufcient ventilation to directly withdraw fumes

2 Safety
10 K-439 Operation Manual, Version B
!WARNING
Death or serious burns by ammable vapors.
• Remove all sources of ammable vapors
• Do not store ammable chemicals in the vicinity of the device
!WARNING
Risk of death or serious chemical burns by hot acid or peroxide fumes.
• Do not operate the system with faulty parts
• Check instrument setup for proper sealing before use
• Do not inhale process fumes
• Operate the instrument inside an active fume hood
• Do not move the instrument or parts of it during digestion
!CAUTION
Risk of minor or moderate cuts by sharp edges.
• Do not touch defective or broken glassware with bare hands
• Do not touch thin metal edges
!CAUTION
Risk of burns by hot machine parts and glassware.
• Do not touch hot parts or surfaces
• Let the system and inserted glassware cool down safely
• Do not move the instrument or parts of it when hot
NOTICE
Risk of instrument damage by liquids or mechanical shocks.
• Do not spill liquids over the instrument or its components
• Do not move the instrument when it is loaded with sample liquid
• Do not drop the instrument or its components
• Keep external vibrations away from the instrument
• Safely attach the instrument to the bench in earthquake prone regions
• Do not operate the instrument without the display cover installed

2 Safety
11 K-439 Operation Manual, Version B
2.5.2 Warning labels on housing and assemblies
The following warning sticker(s) can be found on the housing or assemblies of the SpeedDigester:
Symbol Meaning Location
Hot item, hot surface Sticker / label, located on top of the housing and
at the racks
Do NOT put rack into side cooling position Label on 500 ml racks
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 the supplementary data
sheets for the chemicals used.
!WARNING
Serious chemical burns by corrosives.
• Observe supplementary data sheets of all used chemicals.
• Handle corrosives in well ventilated environments only.
• Always wear protective goggles.
• Always wear protective gloves.
• Always wear protective clothes.
• Do not use damaged glassware.

2 Safety
12 K-439 Operation Manual, Version B
2.5.4 Built-in safety elements and measures
Buchi glassware design
• All original Buchi digestion glassparts are made of high temperature and chemical resistant borosili-
cate glass.
• Acid fumes generated during digestion accumulate in the suction module
• The fumes must be safely withdrawn from the suction module via one or more hoses to a Scrubber
(e.g. Scrubber B-414) or via water jet pump into a sink or sufficient suction flow.
3rd party glassware
The quality of the material is an essential part of the safety concept of the SpeedDigester K-439. For
the special rack (order no. 11055440), the following qualified vendors offer sample tubes of sufficient
quality grade to withstand the temperatures and the aggressive chemical digestion agents:
Qualified vendor Tested sample tube(s)
Gerhardt 250 ml / 6100
Velp ø42×300 mm / A00000144
Foss 250 ml / 10014278
Heater
Each heating chamber is equipped with a safety overtemperature switch. In case of an emergency the
switch cuts off the power of the corresponding chamber.
2.6 General safety rules
Responsibility of the operator
The head of the laboratory is responsible for training his/her personnel.
The operator shall inform the manufacturer without delay of any safety-related incidents which might
occur during operation of the instrument or its accessories. Legal regulations, such as local, state and
federal laws applying to the instrument or its accessories must be strictly followed.
Duty of maintenance and care
The operator is responsible for the proper condition of instrument. This includes maintenance, service
and repair jobs that are performed on schedule by authorized personnel only.
Spare parts to be used
Use only genuine consumables and spare parts for maintenance to assure good system performance,
reliability and safety. Any modifications of spare parts or assemblies are only allowed with the prior
written permission of the manufacturer.
Modifications
Modifications to the instrument are only permitted after prior consultation and with the written approval
of the manufacturer. Modifications and upgrades shall only be carried out by an authorized Buchi tech-
nical engineer. The manufacturer will decline any claim resulting from unauthorized modifications.

3 Technical data
13 K-439 Operation Manual, Version B
3 Technical data
This chapter introduces the reader to the SpeedDigester K-439 and its specifications. It contains the
scope of delivery, technical data, requirements and performance data.
3.1 Scope of application and delivery
All system configurations come with a limited set of accessories as a starter kit. Within a system family,
additionally available accessories (see section 3.1.2 and the following) can be used to easily recon-
figure your system to every configuration listed in section 3.1.1.
Parts that are required to change a system configuration:
• Rack
• Suction module
• Insulation plate (fireclay insert)
• Sample tubes
The scope of delivery depends on the ordered system configuration and can be checked according to
the individual delivery note and the listed order numbers.
Note
For additional information about the listed products, see www.buchi.com or contact your local dealer.
3.1.1 Available system configurations
Configuration
order number
Sample
positions Sample tube sizes Suction modules
220 – 240V 5 6 250 ml 300 ml 500 ml Standard Condensate
trap H2O2
Module for
3rd party
tubes
1154392500 • • •
1154392100 • • •
1154392200 • • •
1154392300 • • •
1154392400 • •*•*
* Third party sample tubes require special accessories such as the BUCHI “Module for 3rd party
tubes” and the matching rack/insulation plate. Tubes are not included in the set!

3 Technical data
14 K-439 Operation Manual, Version B
3.1.2 Accessories for 300 ml sample tubes (for standard applications)
Item Additional info Order number Recommended quantity to
order
Set of sample tubes 300 ml, 4 tubes 037377 3x
Suction module standard 6 place 11055849 2x
Suction module condensate trap 6 place 11055865 2x
Suction module H2O26 place, cpl. 11055853 2x
Connectors to suction module Adapter and plug 11055367 2x
EPDM hose set Hoses and t-piece 11056219 1x
Insulation plate (reclay) Insertion, for 300 ml tubes 11055142 2x
Rack 6 place, for 300 ml tubes 11055248 2x
Glass caps (set of 4) OPTIONAL 040049 —
Insulation cap OPTIONAL 11056024 —
Sealing FKM (set of 6) Spare part 038122 —
Sealing PTFE (1 pcs) OPTIONAL 022442 —
Rubber GUKOs for H2O2suc. mod. Spare part set of 6 044495 —
Filter funnel for H2O2suc. mod. Spare part set of 6 044494
Set circular spring and holder Spare part set of 6 11055984 —
Bed-plate for 300ml racks OPTIONAL 11055943 —
3.1.3 Accessories for 500 ml sample tubes (for large sample volumes / at low nitrogen level)
Standard items Additional info Order number Recommended quantity
to order
Sample tubes 500 ml, single tube 026128 10x
Set of sample tubes 500 ml, 4 tubes 043982 3x
Suction module condensate trap 5 place 11055851 2x
Connectors to suction module Adapter and plug 11055367 2x
EPDM hose set Hoses and t-piece 11056219 1x
Insulation plate (reclay) Insertion, for 500 ml tubes 11055143 2x
Rack 5 place, for 500 ml tubes 11055327 2x
Base for rack For 500ml tubes rack 11055612 1x
Glass caps (set of 4) OPTIONAL 040049 —
Insulation cap OPTIONAL 11056024 —
Sealing FKM (set of 6) Spare part 038122 —
Sealing PTFE (1 pcs) OPTIONAL 022442 —
Interlock spring for 500 ml rack Spare part 11055385 —

3 Technical data
15 K-439 Operation Manual, Version B
3.1.4 Accessories for 3rd party production, 250 ml sample tubes
Item Additional info Order number Recommended quantity
to order
3rd party sample tubes 250 ml n.a. 12x
Suction module for 3rd party tubes 6 place 11055850 2x
Connectors to suction module Adapter and plug 11055367 2x
EPDM hose set Hoses and t-piece 11056219 1x
Insulation plate (reclay) Insertion, for 250 ml tubes 11055877 2x
Rack 6 place, for 250 ml tubes 11055440 2x
Sealing FKM (set of 6) Spare part 038125 —
Set circular spring and holder 6× OPTIONAL 11055985 —
Note
Tested 3rd party sample tubes (listed in section 2.5.4) are not available at Buchi. Please contact your
local OEM vendor for these type of tubes.

3 Technical data
16 K-439 Operation Manual, Version B
3.2 Technical data
The table below lists all main design parameters of the SpeedDigester K-439.
Technical data
Power consumption max. 2000 W
Temperature control range 50 – 580°C
Temperature accuracy ± 5 K at 200 °C / ± 10 K at 550 °C
Connection voltage 220 – 240 VAC
Frequency 50 / 60 Hz
Input fuse T 10A L 250V
Scrubber output max. 0,7A
Display QVGA 240×320 pixels
IP degree of protection (two digits) IP 20
Explanation of protection level:
2 Protection provided by the enclosure against access
to hazardous parts (e.g., electrical conductors,
moving parts) and the ingress of solid foreign objects
with a diameter of > 12,5 mm.
0 No protection of the equipment inside the enclosure
against harmful ingress of water.
Insulation category II
Environmental conditions:
Pollution degree 2 (for indoor use only)
Temperature 5 – 40°C
Altitude (above sea level) up to 2000 m
Humidity (curve parameter) Maximum relative humidity 80% up to 31°C, then
decreasing linearly to 50% relative humidity at 40°C
Dimensions in mm (W ×D ×H) 310 × 620 × 540
Net weight 15,5 kg
Rack 2,5 kg (per rack)
Note
The SpeedDigester K-439 is suited to work with an input power range of 220 V to 240 V mains
voltage. Check your local voltage requirements prior to installation!

3 Technical data
17 K-439 Operation Manual, Version B
3.3 Materials used
Materials used
Component Material designation Material code
Stainless steel Housing
Heating chamber
Heating element
Rack
Hose clamp
Silicic acid Heating chamber SiO2, SiC
Ceramic ber felt Heating chamber
Calcium silicate Insulation plate
Phlogopite mica Preheat cover
Plastic Front hood PBT
Front panel under keypad PP
Display cover PVC
Suction hoses EPDM
Drip tray PP
Rack PPS
Sealings suction tube FKM/PFE
Hose coupling PP
Borosilicate glass 3.3 Protective glass display
Digestion tubes
Suction tube
Aluminium Front bottom
Heat sink front

4 Description of function
18 K-439 Operation Manual, Version B
4 Description of function
This chapter explains the basic working principle of the SpeedDigester K-439. It also shows how the
instrument is structured and provides a general functional description of its assemblies.
4.1 Functional principle
The SpeedDigester K-439 is a special heating device to digest samples. It can generate max. tempera-
tures of 580°C. This allows e.g. acid digestion of organic sample components in a concentrated
sulfuric acid/catalyst mixture, known as 'Kjeldahl digestion'. During the processing the sample
material can reach peak temperatures of up to 370°C at the bottom area of the sample tubes. The
maximum temperature of the sample highly depends on its composition i.e. the ratio of catalyst to
acid and can change during the digestion process.
Digestion process overview
3
2
1
4
Environmental
air inlet
dangerous vapors are drawn away
Condensation
zone
Infrared heating
Boiling / digesting
sample
Insulation plate
(reclay insertion)
Acid vapor
outlet to
suction unit
(e.g. Scrubber)
(≈5 cm) Safety
zone
Processing steps:
• The infrared heating 1 generates high temperatures in the sample.
• Inside the sample tubes the digestion process takes place 2 while the acid is constantly boiling.
• Hot acid fumes rise into the condensing zone 3. After reflux, the acid flows back down to the
sample material, establishing a constant cycle.
• Residual fumes which escapes the condensation zone is highly corrosive (!) and hazardous to life
forms. It must be withdrawn by a suction unit that deliveres sufficient flow (i.e. with a Scrubber
B-414 or a water jet pump) 4.
Note
The condensation should not take place inside the safety zone in order to prevent digestion of the
sealing rings. In case the condensation is too close to the suction module (e.g. due to very high
temperature settings) the digestion fumes may escape and the sample can dry out!

5 Putting into operation
19 K-439 Operation Manual, Version B
5 Putting into operation
This chapter describes how the instrument has to be installed. It also gives instructions for the initial
startup.
Note
Inspect the instrument for damage during unpacking. If necessary, prepare a status report immedi-
ately to inform your Buchi representative. In some countries it is necessary to additionally inform the
postal company, railway company or transportation company. Keep the original packaging for future
transportation.
5.1 Installation site
Put the instrument into a fume hood onto a clean, stable and horizontal surface. Consider the
maximum product dimensions and weight. Obtain the environmental conditions as described in
section 3.2, technical data.
Installation prerequisites and installation steps:
• The fume hood must be equipped with a heat- and acid-resistant lining.
• Do not place any objects on top or below the instrument.
• The instrument must be installed with a safety clearance of not less than 5 cm to any other
objects or walls to allow sufficient cooling.
• Do not place containers, chemicals or other items behind the instrument.
• When using a Scrubber B-414 it must be placed on the left side of the SpeedDigester.
Note
• To cut the power in case of an emergency by unplugging, the instruments or any other items
must not block the mains plug!
• Any cooling of the SpeedDigester can disturb the digestion process. When switched 'On', the
Scrubber B-414 cooling fan emits from the left side of the housing. Hence the Scrubber B-414
should not be installed on the right side of the SpeedDigester.
!DANGER
Death or serious injuries by use in explosive environments.
• Do not store or operate the instrument in explosive environments
• Do not store chemicals in the vicinity of the device
• Operate the device in a fume hood with sufcient ventilation to directly withdraw fumes

5 Putting into operation
20 K-439 Operation Manual, Version B
!WARNING
Risk of death or burns by electric current.
• Check for proper grounding before use
• Exchange defective cabling instantly
!CAUTION
Risk of minor or moderate injury by heavy weight of the instrument.
• Lift the instrument carefully and avoid over exertion
• Do not drop the instrument or its transport box
• Place the instrument on a stable, even and vibration-free surface
• Keep limbs out of crushing zone
5.2 System fixation
In earthquake prone regions the instrument must be fixed to the fume hood bench. The penetration
depth of the stainless steel fixation screw must not be more than 10 mm.
Notice
Risk of instrument damage by earthquakes
• Safely attach the instrument to the bench in earthquake prone regions
• Use acid resistant stainless steel screws
System xation point
(insert nut)
M4×10
2×