COD Digester
Precision 4-vial thermo-reactor for COD sample digestion, featuring 20-180°C temperature range with ±3°C accuracy and programmable heating periods up to 120 minutes.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- Configured during quote
- SKU family
- CS-LH-COD007
- Shipping box
- 6.69 × 4.33 × 0.63 cm
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- COD & BOD Testing
- Build notes
- Confirm accessories, station layout, and support needs before purchase
The COD Digester is a precision thermo-reactor designed for chemical oxygen demand analysis in environmental and industrial water testing laboratories. This 4-vial capacity instrument provides controlled thermal digestion at temperatures ranging from 20-180°C with programmable heating periods up to 120 minutes, enabling standardized sample preparation for COD determination protocols.
Constructed with durable materials and featuring ±3°C temperature accuracy at 25°C, the digester accommodates standard 16mm diameter vials for simultaneous processing of multiple samples. The compact benchtop design (110×170×135 mm) integrates into existing analytical workflows while the 10-15 minute warm-up time ensures efficient laboratory throughput for routine water quality monitoring applications.
How It Works
Chemical oxygen demand analysis requires thermal digestion of organic matter in the presence of strong oxidizing agents, typically potassium dichromate in sulfuric acid solution. The COD digester provides precise temperature control to drive the oxidation reaction to completion, converting organic carbon compounds to carbon dioxide and water under standardized conditions.
The instrument's heating block maintains uniform temperature distribution across all four vial positions, ensuring reproducible digestion kinetics. Temperature accuracy of ±3°C at 25°C enables compliance with standard methods requiring specific digestion temperatures, typically 150°C for EPA Method 410.4 or ISO 6060 protocols. The programmable timer controls digestion duration, allowing optimization for different sample matrices and organic content levels.
Following digestion, the oxidized samples undergo colorimetric analysis to quantify residual dichromate, with the consumed oxidant stoichiometrically related to the sample's chemical oxygen demand. The controlled thermal environment eliminates temperature-related variability that could affect oxidation efficiency and analytical precision.
Features & Benefits
Research record
Use these values in methods sections and data records.
- Device type
- Heating block
OBI:0400108
This ID comes from the Ontology for Biomedical Investigations (OBI).
Download the source data for this record as a JSON-LD file
Methods section wording
heating block (ConductScience, Skokie, IL, USA; cat. no. CS-LH-COD007)
Research Domain
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Monitoring
- Food Science
- Industrial Hygiene
- Materials Science
- Pharmaceutical QC
Product name
- cod digester
Warm-up Time
- 10-15 minutes, depending on selected temperature
Heating period
- 0-120mins
Environment temperature
- 0–40°C
Environment relative humidity
- <=85%
Automation Level
- semi-automated
Brand
- ConductScience
Temperature Range
- 20–180°C
Accuracy
- ±3°C (@ 25°C)
Capacity
- 4 vials (the diameter of vial should be not more than 16mm.)
Power/Voltage
- DC 12V/10A
Dimensions
- 110*170*135 mm
Shipping weight
- 0.13 lb
Shipping box
- L: 6.69 cm
- W: 4.33 cm
- H: 0.63 cm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vial Capacity | 4 simultaneous vials | Entry-level models often process 1-2 vials per batch | Higher sample throughput reduces total analysis time for routine monitoring programs. |
| Temperature Range | 20-180°C programmable range | Fixed temperature systems commonly limited to standard 150°C | Flexibility to optimize digestion conditions for different sample matrices and analytical protocols. |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±3°C at 25°C | Basic digesters may have ±5-10°C variation | Improved precision ensures reproducible oxidation kinetics critical for quantitative COD determination. |
| Heating Period Control | 0-120 minute programmable timer | Manual timing systems require operator attention | Automated timing prevents over-digestion and ensures protocol consistency across multiple analysts. |
| Warm-up Time | 10-15 minutes to operating temperature | Longer warm-up periods common in larger heating systems | Faster startup improves laboratory workflow efficiency and reduces total analysis time. |
| Power Requirements | DC 12V/10A low voltage operation | Higher voltage systems may require specialized electrical connections | Enhanced safety and simplified installation in standard laboratory environments. |
The COD Digester combines precise temperature control with programmable operation parameters, enabling standardized digestion protocols for reliable COD analysis. The 4-vial capacity and compact design optimize laboratory throughput while maintaining the thermal precision required for quantitative environmental analysis.
Practical Tips
Verify temperature accuracy monthly using a NIST-traceable thermometer in mineral oil, documenting any drift from the ±3°C specification.
Why: Temperature accuracy directly affects oxidation efficiency and analytical precision in COD determination.
Clean heating block wells after each use with appropriate solvents to prevent chemical buildup that could affect heat transfer.
Why: Residue accumulation can create hot spots and temperature non-uniformity across vial positions.
Load vials symmetrically when processing fewer than 4 samples to maintain thermal balance across the heating block.
Why: Uneven loading can create temperature gradients that affect digestion reproducibility.
If temperature overshoots occur, check for proper ventilation around the unit and verify ambient conditions are within 0-40°C range.
Why: Inadequate heat dissipation can cause thermal control instability and affect digestion precision.
Process method blanks and certified reference materials with each batch to verify digestion efficiency and analytical performance.
Why: Quality control samples detect systematic errors in digestion conditions or reagent performance.
Allow complete cooling before removing vials, as thermal shock can cause glassware failure with concentrated acid solutions.
Why: Hot vials containing corrosive reagents present both thermal burn and chemical exposure hazards.
Pre-warm vials to room temperature before loading to minimize thermal stress on glassware during heating.
Why: Gradual temperature transitions reduce risk of vial cracking and sample loss during digestion.
Document digestion parameters and results for each analytical batch to maintain traceability for regulatory reporting.
Why: Complete documentation enables method validation and supports data quality objectives in environmental monitoring.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- COD Digester main unit
- DC 12V/10A power supply adapter
- User manual and operation instructions
- Temperature calibration certificate (typical)
- Vial positioning guides (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard 1-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support for method optimization and troubleshooting assistance.
Compliance
References
Background reading relevant to this product:
What vial types are compatible with this digester?
The digester accommodates vials with maximum outer diameter of 16mm, including standard borosilicate glass COD vials and commercial test tubes designed for high-temperature digestion protocols.
How do I verify temperature accuracy for regulatory compliance?
Use a NIST-traceable reference thermometer in a test vial containing mineral oil. Compare readings at your working temperature (typically 150°C) and document any deviation from the ±3°C specification.
Can I modify digestion parameters for different sample matrices?
Yes, both temperature (20-180°C) and time (0-120 minutes) are programmable. Complex wastewaters may require longer digestion times, while clean waters may digest completely in shorter periods.
What maintenance is required for consistent performance?
Regular cleaning of the heating block with appropriate solvents, periodic temperature calibration verification, and inspection of vial positioning areas for chemical residue or corrosion.
How does this compare to traditional reflux digestion methods?
This closed-system approach eliminates solvent loss and reduces reagent consumption compared to open reflux, while providing better temperature control and improved safety through contained digestion.
What is the typical digestion protocol for wastewater samples?
Standard protocol involves 150°C digestion for 120 minutes with potassium dichromate reagent, though specific conditions should be validated for your sample matrix and analytical method.
Can I process samples with high chloride content?
High chloride samples require mercury sulfate addition to prevent interference. Ensure your digestion vials and protocol accommodate this masking reagent when analyzing saline or industrial wastewaters.
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