Gerhardt Vapodest 10s User manual

Instruction Manual
Vapodest 10s
VAP 10
05. Nov. 2008_GB
Please read this manual carefully before you start operating the system!
Please observe the safety instructions of this manual, marked with in
order to avoid any dangers resulting from improper handling!

2
Vapodest 10s
Contents
1 Safety........................................................................ 3
1.1. Application as directed.......................................................................... 3
1.2. Safety instructions ................................................................................ 3
1.3. Work bench / Authorized user .............................................................. 3
2 Technical description.............................................. 4
2.1. Warranty conditions .............................................................................. 4
2.2. Technical data....................................................................................... 4
3 Description of the system ...................................... 5
3.1. Check for transport damage ................................................................. 5
3.2. Parts list................................................................................................ 5
3.3. Front view ............................................................................................. 6
3.4. Rear view.............................................................................................. 7
4 Assembly and setting into operation .................... 8
4.1. General................................................................................................. 8
4.2. Tubing connections............................................................................... 8
4.3. Mains connection.................................................................................. 9
4.4. Setting into operation............................................................................ 9
5 Operation ............................................................... 10
5.1. Keyboard ............................................................................................ 10
5.2. Setting of timer ................................................................................... 10
5.3. Priming the tubes................................................................................ 11
5.4. Test run............................................................................................... 11
5.5. Distilling a sample............................................................................... 12
6 Errors...................................................................... 13
6.1. Distillation does not start or is interrupted .......................................... 13
6.2. Results too high.................................................................................. 13
6.3. Results too low or no results .............................................................. 14
7 Maintenance........................................................... 15
7.1. Spare parts and accessories .............................................................. 15
7.2. Service and cleaning ......................................................................... 15
7.2.1. Cleaning the glass parts .................................................................. 16
7.2.2. Cleaning the steam generator ......................................................... 16
7.3. Trouble shooting / Contact the Service department ........................... 16
7.4. Disposal.............................................................................................. 17

3
Vapodest 10s
1 Safety
1.1 Application as directed
With the Vapodest 10 you have purchased an automatic distillation system for the
steam distillation of Kjeldahl digestions and associated distillations.
Make sure to use the Vapodest 10 according to our instructions, especially:
- all instructions of this manual
- the regulations in place in the country the instrument is used
All other usage is not recommended!
C. Gerhardt GmbH & Co. KG is not liable for any damages caused due to non
recommended usage
 - anymodicationsarenotallowedforsafetyreasons
- repairs of electric, electronic or mechanical components may only be done by
authorized personnel!
1.2 Safety instructions
The Vapodest 10 corresponds to the technical standard used at this date and
observes the safety rules and regulations in place.
It is understood that the user has to observe
- the accident prevention regulations in place
- the general accident prevention regulations
 - EU-regulationsorothercountryspecicinstructions
Make sure that no liquid gets into contact with cable connections or the interior
electrical parts of the unit!
- Danger of electric shock!
In case of an emergency disconnect from mains immediately!
Always pull the mains plug before opening!
- Danger of electric shock!
1.3 Working bench/Authorized users
Thedistillationunitshouldbelocatedonaxedlaboratorybench,closetothecold
water connection and a drain.
Thedistillationunitmustnotberunindamporhazardouslocation.Themaximum
humidityallowedis80%,themaximumroomtemperaturemustnotexceed40°C!
The distillation unit may only be operated by trained staff.
The user has to:
- read, comprehend, and observe the operation manual
- wear suitable clothes for laboratory work
- deny access to any unauthorized personnel

4
Vapodest 10s
2.1. Warranty conditions
The distillation unit Vapodest 10 is manufactured following the high quality gui-
delines of EN ISO 9001:2000. On the basis of the C. Gerhardt conditions of war-
ranty our products are guaranteed for 1 year, as long as the apparatus is used in
accordance with the instructions mentioned in this manual.
Pleasenotethatthesemi-consumablepartsareexcludedfromwarranty.
2.2. Technical data
Order No.: 7610
Nominal voltage: 230 VAC - 50/60Hz
Nominal Wattage: 1600 W
Cooling water: about 3 litre per distillation minute
Cooling water pressure: > 0,5 bar
Pump capacity:
-Diaphragm pump H2O 11 - ca. 30 ml/min with water
-Diaphragm pump Reagent 0 - ca. 170 ml/min with NaOH
Store tank: any size, recommended: KAN 20
 Dimensions: 440x690x340mm(WxHxD)
Weight: 25 kg
Amount of distillate: see table
Steam capacity Steam capacity
Level 10 (100 %) Level 1 (70 %)
Dest.-time = 2 min ca. 25 ml ca. 15 ml
Dest.-time = 4 min ca. 60 ml ca. 40 ml
Dest.-time = 6 min ca. 110 ml ca. 60 ml
Dest.-time = 10 min ca. 190 ml ca. 110 ml
2.3. Operating conditions
Vapodest distillation systems can be run under normal laboratory conditions.
Fortheconnectiontothetap(coldwater)axedconnectionwith1/2inchthread
is needed.
2 Technical description

5
Vapodest 10s
3 Description of the system
3.1. Check for transport damage
Check for transport damage
Before assembling the Vapodest 10 please check if the content of the box is
complete and intact!
Incaseofanydamage,pleasenotifyyourcarrier(post,rail,road)aswellasyour
supplier!
Theexactcontentsofthedeliverycanbecheckedbythefollowinglist.
3.2. Parts list
1xDistillationsystemVapodest10,complete
1xWaterinlettubing10/17mmwithconnectionsof1/2inchand3/4inch,2m
Order-No.: 22802
3xPVC-tubing8/12,2m,orderno.:22604
1x PVC-tubing4/7,orderno.:22601
mounted with tubing reduction PP and PVC-tubing 8/12, 60 mm long
1xPVC-pipe10x1,400mm,orderno.:25451
1xPVC-pipe6x1,400mm,orderno.:25450
1xMainscable,orderno.:1311
1x Diodedummyplug,orderno.:12700
1xKjeldatherm-digestiontube,250,orderno.:6100
1xInstructionmanual
1xTestreport

6
Vapodest 10s
3.3. Front view
3 Description of the system
Fig. 3.3: Front view Vapodest 10
Structural components and parts
1 Quick clamping device with wedge
2 Digestion tube, Order No.: 6100
3 PTFE-Inlet tubing, steam, Art.-Nr.: 11815
4 Holder for steam inlet tubing
5 Viton-cone, Order No.: 6470
6 Clamping for glassware
7 Screw cap GL18 with silicone seal,
Order No.: 16602
8 PTFE-Inlet tubing, NaOH, Order No.: 11819
9 PP-distributor with PP-threaded joint
10 Distribution head, glass, Order No.: 7472
11 Screw cap GL32 with silicone seal,
Order No.: 16604
12 Distillation condenser, Order No.: 7673
13 Screw cap GL14 with plastic screw connection,
Order No.: 16601
14 Keyboard,
Description see chapter 5.1. "Keyboard"
15 Mains switch, green, illuminated, Order No.: 11750
16 Distillate outlet tubing, silicone 8/12 mm
Order No.: 22704
17 Ventilation valve, Order No.: 6474
18 Platform
19 Drip tray, Order No.: 50015
** Plexiglasprotectiondoor(notillustrated)
Order No.: 19017
17
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
16
18
19
14
15

7
Vapodest 10s
3 Description of the system
3.4. Rear view
Structural components and parts
1 Inlet for NaOH
Connection PVC-tubing 8/12, Order-No.: 22604
2 Level detector:
Connector for diode plug, 3-pin or level detector
for set of storage tanks KAN 20
3 Appliance plug with mains cable
Connection for mains cable, Order-No.: 1311
 4 Excesscurrentswitch,10A,Order-No.:15378
  Cutsoffincaseofexcessivecurrentconsumption
5 Switch to rinse the steam generator
Also see Chapter 7.2.2. ‘Cleaning of steam gene-
rator’
Fig. 3.4: Rear view Vapodest 10
 6 Excesspressure-steamoutlet
7 Type plate
8 Cooling water inlet with sieve:
Connection thread 3/4 Zoll for water inlet tubing
10/17, Order-No.: 22802
9 Cooling water outlet
Connection for PVC-tubing 8/12, Order-No.: 22604
10 Water inlet for H2O steam generator
Connection for PVC-tubing 8/12, Order-No.: 22604
11 Water outlet steam generator
Connection PVC-tubing 8/12, Order-No.: 22604
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

8
Vapodest 10s
4 Assembly and setting into operation
Fig. 4.1.
Tubing connections
4.1. General
Please observe the local water and waste regulations and those of your public
water supply company!!
Please note that the length of the inlet and outlet tubing is restricted to 2 metres.
Theapplianceshouldbelocatedonaxedlaboratorybench,closetothecold
water connection and a drain.
Thereshouldbesufcientspaceforthesetoftanksbelowtheworkbench.
Connect the water inlet tubing to a dedicated cold water tap.
The water pressure must be at least 0,5 bar in order to operate the integrated
pressure controller.
The Vapodest 10 comes completely preassembled. Please unpack the instrument
with care!
1. Place instrument on work bench.
2. Unpack accessories.
3. Placesetoftanksfordistilledwaterandsodiumhydroxidebelowthebench.
Make sure that the set of tanks are not placed any higher than the distillation unit!
4.2. Tubing connections
When connecting the tubings please observe the inscription on the connection
pipes at the back of the equipment
 - ConnectinlettubingforNaOH(PVC-tubing4/7)tocorrespondingpipeatthe
rear of the equipment and link it to the NaOH tank.
 - Connect cooling water inlet tubing (pressure proof tissue tubing 10/17) to
cooling water inlet and laboratory water supply.
 - Connectcoolingwateroutlettubing(PVC-tubing8/12)tocorrespondingpipe
at the rear of the equipment and place in the drain.
- Slide inlet tubing for H2Osteamgenerator(PVCtube8/12)ontheconnection
at the rear of the instrument and link it to the distilled water tank.
 - Connectwateroutlettubingforsteamgenerator(PVC-tubing8/12)tocorre-
sponding pipe at the rear of the equipment and link it to the drain or to the
distilled water tank for recycling.

9
Vapodest 10s
4 Assembly and setting into operation
Use of the set of tanks KAN 20 (optional):
 - Connectthediodeplugsoftheleveldetectorstothedistributionboxandcon-
necttothesocketleveldetector(seeg.3.4,pos.4).
 - Blankofftheremainingdiodesocketsofthedistributionboxwiththedummy
diode plugs enclosed.
Usage of other set of tanks without level sensor control
 - Putthediodedummyplugontheconnectionoflevelsensorcontrol(seeill.
3.4.,pos.4).
4.3. Mains connection
Please check the nominal voltage on the type plate before connecting to the mains.
Should the nominal voltage deviate more than +/- 10%, then you have to contact
your service engineer.
- Make sure that the mains switch at the front of the instrument is in position "0"
 - Connectthemainscabletotherearapplianceplugrst
- Connect the mains cable to the shockproof socket
4.4 Setting into operation
Attention when working with acids and alkali! Make sure you observe the safety
instructions concerning work with hazardous materials!
Alwaysclosetheplexiglassdoorsofthedistillationunitbeforeoperating!
1. Fill the set of tanks with chemicals:
- H2O distilled or demineralized
- NaOH 32 %
2. Turn on the water tap.
3. BeforeyousettheVapodestintooperationmakesurethattheexcesscurrent
switch at the rear is in position 1.
4. Turn on the Vapodest 10 using the mains swich of the instrument.
5. The Vapodest 10 is ready to use

10
Vapodest 10s
5 Operation
Safety instructions
Attention when handling acids and alkalies! Please observe your national safety
regulations!
Use gloves when removing the glass digestion tube as this will be very hot, and
there is danger of burning!
Take care when handling glass parts and follow the national safety regulations
concerning the handling of glass parts!
5.1. Keyboard
3
2
1
4
5
6
7
8
1Steam power, range 1 - 10
  1=ca.70%,10=100%)
  You nd the table for the amount of distillate in
chap. 2.2. 'Technical data'
2Addition "Reagent", range 1 - 10 *
  Example:Position1correspondsto0mlNAOH
32%, Position 5 corresponds to about 80 ml NaOH
32%atanambienttemperatureof20°C.
3Distillation time, See chap. 5.2. 'Setting of timer'
See chap. 5.2. 'Setting of timer'
4Display of status steam power,
 Green=Instrumentisreadyforoperation(about2
minutesafterturningiton)
5Display of status operating mode
Red = distillation is running
6Switch "Addition reagent" = Manual addition of
Reagent
7Switch "Run", start the distillation
8Mains switch
* The delivery volume depends on the following factors: length of the
tubing, ambient temperature, placement of tank, chemicals used.
Whentheoperationoftheinstrumentisstarted,theexactamounts
needed have to be checked.
5.2. Setting of timer
1 Settingofdistillationtime(anychangeswillbeacceptedimmediately)
2 Selection of the scale graduation: 12 respectively 30.
Any changes may only take place when the instrument is turned off!
3Selection of the time unit: 0,1 s - 1 s - 10 s - 1 min - 10 min - 1 h - 10
h
Any changes may only take place when the instrument is turned off!
4LED 1:
radiates = voltage on, blinking = time is running, no light = no voltage
5LED2: radiates = relay is on
21
3
45

11
Vapodest 10s
5 Operation
5.3. Priming the tubes
Please make sure that the tubes are fully primed. This must be performed before
fortheinitialstart,afterlongerworkinginter-missions(holidaysetc.)andeachtime
after the inlet and outlet tubes have been removed.
1. Switch the distillation system on.
2. Check the chemical tanks.
3. Turn on the tap
4. Insert the steam inlet tubing into the digestion tube
5. Lower the quick clamping device and insert the digestion tube
6. EnsurethereisatighttbetweenthetubeandtheVitoncone.
7. Close the protection door and wait for readiness.
8. Keepthekey„Reagent“presseduntilthesodiumhydroxidesolutionrunsinto
the digestion tube.
9. Lower the quick clamping device and remove the digestion tube.
The tube is now primed.
5.4.Test run
Each day before starting to distill samples you should do a distillation wit-
hout sample.
Don’tbedisturbedbynoisesderivingfromtheapprox.106°Chotsteambeing
fed into the digestion tube.
The test run can be interrupted any time by pressing the mains switch.
1. Switch the distillation system on
2. Check the chemical tanks, turn on the tap
3. Fill a digestion tube with about 50 ml distilled H2O and insert the steam inlet
tube.
4. Lower the quick clamping device and place the digestion tube into position.
5. EnsurethereisatighttbetweenthetubeandtheVitoncone.
6. InsertthedistillateoutlettubeintoanemptyErlenmeyerask,andplacethe
askintoposition.
7. Close the protection door
8. Setthedistillationtime(ca.4.5minutes).Theamountsofdistillatearelisted
in chap. 2.2. under 'Technical data'
9. Setdosageto'reagent'.(makesuretousealkalionly)

12
Vapodest 10s
5 Operation
10.Afterthesystemisready(greenLED)pressthekey"Run"tostartthedistilla-
tion.
11.Removethedigestiontubeafterthedistillationisnished.
Use gloves when removing the glass digestion tube as this will be very hot, and
there is danger of burning!
12.RemovetheErlenmeyerask.
The distillation system Vapodest 10 is now ready for the distillation of samples.
5.5. Distilling a sample
The distillation can be interrupted any time by pressing the mains switch.
1. Switch the distillation system on
2. Prepare the receiver solution:
  FillanErlenmeyeraskwithabout50mlboricacidandplaceintoposition.
3. Manually dilute the sulphuric acid digestion with the 5-fold amount of distilled
H2O.
4. Insert the steam inlet tube into the digestion tube.
5. Lower the quick clamping device and place the digestion tube into position.
6. EnsurethereisatighttbetweenthetubeandtheVitoncone.
7. Close the protection door
8. Set the distillation time.
9. Setdosage'reagent'(alsoseechapt.5.1.pos.2)
10.Afterthesystemisready(greenLED)pressthekey"Run"tostartthedistilla-
tion.
11.Removethedigestiontubeafterthedistillationisnished.
Use gloves when removing the glass digestion tube as this will be very hot, and
there is danger of burning!
12.RemovetheErlenmeyerask.
Ifyouhavenishedalldistillations,switchtheunitoff.

13
Vapodest 10s
6 Errors
6.1. Distillation does not start or is interrupted
Cause of failure and correction
Check cooling water inlet
- Turn on the tap
- Cooling water pressure too low < 0,5 bar.
- Check water supply to the steam generator.
 - Steamgeneratorislledwithwater,waittillwater
is evaporated.
- Overheat protection has activated, turn off the unit
and wait for about 70 min. Should the problem
occur again, call customer service!
- Close the protection door
- Insert the sample tube
 - Checkthetanksandllwithchemicals
- Put the diode dummy plug on the connection for
levelsensorcontrol(onlynecessary,ifthesetof
tanksKAN20isnotused).
Switchontheexcesscurrentswitchagain.Ifthispro-
blem reoccurs, call service!
Check water supply to the steam generator.
Cause of failure and correction
Check the chemicals one after the other, get a blank
value, a replacement of the chemicals might be re-
commended.
Increase the amount of water.
Exchangetheglasscondenser.
Clean the tubes without detergent or rinsing agent.
Extentthedistillationtimeorcheckwhethersufcient
alkali was added.
Error description
Vapodest is not ready for operation (green display
is out)
- No cooling water
- Steam generator is not ready
- protection door opened
- No sample tube
- Chemical tank NaOH or H2O is empty
- Diode dummy plug is missing
The excess current switch cuts off in case of ex-
cessive current consumption.
Even though instrument is ready for operation
there is no steam input.
Error description
The chemicals used are contaminated with nitrogen
compounds.
Strong reaction in the digestion tube, caustic soda
drops got into the receiver.
Part of the glass condenser is broken, drops of the
caustic soda got into the receiver.
Tubes are contaminated with nitrogen
Carry over of ammonia from the previous sample
6.2. Results too high

14
Vapodest 10s
6.3. Results too low or no results
Cause of failure and correction
No quantitative carry over of the ammonia content, the
amount of the distillate should be 100ml.
- Contaminated or detective viton cone; clean or
replace.
- Check seals at the distribution head and if neces-
sary, replace it.
- Non return valve at the condenser is bonded, clean
or replace it.
- Digestion tube is damaged at the wide neck ope-
ning.
- Glass of the distribution head is leaking, replace
it!
Check the amount delivered by the NaOH pump; about
4 ml should be delivered per second.
Increase of the amount of boric acid.
Increase of the amount of acid.
This problem only occurs with catalysts containing
mercury, sodium thiosulphate solution destroys these
complexes.
Error description
Distillation has not been complete or distillation time
has been too short.
Ammonia escapes at leaks.
Amount of caustic soda which is added is too low, no
release of ammonia.
Not enough boric acid in the receiver, escaping ammo-
nia is not entirely absorbed.
Tube is not immersed entirely into the boric acid recei-
ver.
Formationofammoniacomplexeswhicharenotde-
stroyed by the caustic soda.
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In case of replacements of parts make sure that only original C. Gerhardt products
are used!
7.1. Spare parts and accessories
Distillation condenser 7673
Plastic screw connection for distillation condenser 16609
Ventilation valve 6474
Distribution head, glass 7472
Viton cone 6470
PTFE- inlet tubing, steam 11815
Teonsievefor11815 30698
PTFE -inlet tubing, NaOH 11819
PP-distributor 50024
PP-tube joint 17542
Screw cap GL14 16601
Screw cap GL18 16602
Screw cap GL32 16604
Silicone seal GL18 16606
Silicone seal GL32 16607
Plexiglassprotectiondoor 19017
Door handle black 18251
Door hinges, black, 1 pair 18250
Rubber foot GF21, self-adhesive 17945
Drip tray, PP 50015
Water inlet tubing 10/17, 2 m 22802
PVC-tubing 4/7, 2 m 22601
PVC-tubing 8/12, 2 m 22604
PVC-pipe6x1,400mm 25450
PVC-pipe10x1,400mm 25451
Set of tanks KAN 20, 2 pieces 7629
Further accessories and information about the Vapodest program can be found
in the product catalogue or at your local dealer!
7.2. Service and cleaning
Regularly check the tubings and tubing connections.
To minimize malfunctions of the Vapodest 10, we recommend having it checked
by authorized service personnel annually.
Condensate that might escape is collected in the drip tray. Please clean the drip
tray regularly.
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7.2.1. Cleaning the glass parts
Glasspartsshouldbecleanedbeforelongperiodsofnon-usage(i.e.holidays).
This way obstructions caused by crystalline deposits are avoided.
The following settings should be used:
Addition NaOH: 0
Distillation time: 4 min
Steam power: 100 %
ItisrecommendedthattheNaOHlineisusheddailysothatnoNaOHisleftin
the chemical lines overnight.
Place a digestion tube with 70 ml H2OandanErlenmeyeraskintoposition,and
start the distillation.
7.2.2. Cleaning the steam generator
In case of contamination, the steam generator has to be cleaned.
- Turn off the instrument
 - Thewatertankmustbelledwithaminimumof5litresdistilledwater.
 - Setswitchforrinsingon'S'(seeill.3.4,pos.7).
- Turn on instrument to start rinsing process.
- If tank and steam generator are empty, set switch to 'D'.
The water pump delivers about 120ml/min. in the rinsing mode. However, due to
its capacity, the steam generator can evaporate 35-36ml/min. only. The remaining
water is blown out with the steam and thus, brings the desired cleaning result.
7.3. Trouble shooting / Contact the Service
Make sure to handle error messages as described in chapter "6. Errors".
In case of breakdown or failure of your Vapodest 10, please contact your local
dealer or:
C. Gerhardt GmbH & Co. KG
Cäsariusstr. 97
53639 Königswinter
E-Mail: [email protected]
www.gerhardt.de
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7.4. Disposal
The disposal of the packaging and the parts used has to be done according to
the rules and regulations which are valid in the country of installation. Should the
product itself be disposed of, make sure to observe the local rules and regulations..
7.4.1. Information for the Disposal of Electric and Electronic Instruments
within the European Union
The disposal of electrically operated instruments is settled within the European Uni-
on by national regulations, which are based on the EU-directive 2002/96EC about
electricandelectronicused-instruments(WEEE).Thus,allinstrumentsdelivered
after August 13th 2005 must not disposed into the communal domestic waste.
Since the regulations about disposal of waste might vary from one country to the
other within the European Community, we kindly ask you to contact your supplier
or dealer.
InGermany,thisobligationforidenticationwillbevalidasofMarch,23rd2006.
As of this date, C. Gerhardt will take back all instruments delivered after August,
13th, 2005 without charges and will dispose of them according to the regulations,
or Gerhardt will come to an agreement with the last user of the unit. For all instru-
ments delivered prior to August 13th, 2005 the last user will be held responsible
for the proper disposal. The only crucial factor accepted, for the chronological
placement, it the serial number at the back of the instrument.
7.4.2. Ban on Materials according to ROHS Regulation 2002/95/EG
Ban on materials from the ROHS regulation 2002/95/EG is not valid for the electro-
and electronic instruments of category 8 and 9 and thus not for those instruments
described in this instruction manual. However, we want to draw your attention to
the fact that we feel obliged to observe the regulations for the RoHs for all our
products. Please be kind enough to contact us if you have any further questions.
7.4.3. Transfer
We kindly ask you to always make sure to add this instruction manual to the product
in case of transferring it to another party.
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