Full Text Searchable PDF 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!
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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
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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 modifications 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 specific 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 fixed 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
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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 H
2
O 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 fixed connection with 1/2 inch thread
is needed.
2 Technical description
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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
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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 GL 18 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 GL 32 with silicone seal,
Order No.: 16604
12 Distillation condenser, Order No.: 7673
13 Screw cap GL 14 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
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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 H
2
O 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
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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 fixed laboratory bench, close to the cold
water connection and a drain.
There should be sufficient 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 H
2
O 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.
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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 fig. 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 first
- 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
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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
1
Steam power, range 1 - 10
1 = ca. 70 %, 10 = 100 %)
You find the table for the amount of distillate in
chap. 2.2. 'Technical data'
2
Addition "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.
3
Distillation time, See chap. 5.2. 'Setting of timer'
See chap. 5.2. 'Setting of timer'
4
Display of status steam power,
Green= Instrument is ready for operation (about 2
minutes after turning it on)
5
Display of status operating mode
Red = distillation is running
6
Switch "Addition reagent" = Manual addition of
Reagent
7
Switch "Run", start the distillation
8
Mains 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!
3
Selection 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!
4
LED 1:
radiates = voltage on, blinking = time is running, no light = no voltage
5
LED2: radiates = relay is on
2
1
3
4
5
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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 fit 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 H
2
O 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 fit between the tube and the Viton cone.
6. Insert the distillate outlet tube into an empty Erlenmeyer flask, and place the
flask 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)
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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 finished.
Use gloves when removing the glass digestion tube as this will be very hot, and
there is danger of burning!
12. Remove the Erlenmeyer flask.
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 flask with about 50 ml boric acid and place into position.
3. Manually dilute the sulphuric acid digestion with the 5-fold amount of distilled
H
2
O.
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 fit 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 finished.
Use gloves when removing the glass digestion tube as this will be very hot, and
there is danger of burning!
12. Remove the Erlenmeyer flask.
If you have finished all distillations, switch the unit off.
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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 filled 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 fill 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 sufficient
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 H
2
O 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
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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.
6 Errors
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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
Teflon sieve for 11815
30698
PTFE -inlet tubing, NaOH
11819
PP-distributor
50024
PP-tube joint
17542
Screw cap GL 14
16601
Screw cap GL 18
16602
Screw cap GL 32
16604
Silicone seal GL 18
16606
Silicone seal GL 32
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.
7 Maintenance
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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 flushed daily so that no NaOH is left in
the chemical lines overnight.
Place a digestion tube with 70 ml H
2
O and an Erlenmeyer flask 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 filled 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: service@gerhardt.de
www.gerhardt.de
7 Maintenance
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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 identification 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.
7 Maintenance
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