Digester
Laboratory digester for Kjeldahl nitrogen analysis and chemical sample pre-treatment.
Available in 10, 15, or 20-position configurations. 5.6-inch color touchscreen; 40-segment programmable heating; RT+5 to 450 °C; PID intelligent temperature control.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
Ask Louise about Digester fit, setup, configuration, or quote prep.
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Display Size
- 5.6 inch
- Language Support
- Chinese and English
- Program Segments
- 0-40 segments
- Heating Modes
- Single point heating and curve heating
- Temperature Control
- Intelligent PID self-tuning
- Control System
- Solid state relay
This laboratory digester performs wet digestion of plant, seed, feed, soil, ore,
and related samples prior to chemical analysis — designed as a companion instrument
to Kjeldahl nitrogen analyzers. The 6061 aluminum alloy aviation-grade heating block
reaches 450 °C and supports 40 programmable heating segments per run. A 5.6-inch
color touchscreen with bilingual interface provides intuitive control, and solid-state
relay electronics with over-temperature, over-pressure, and over-current protection
ensure safe unattended operation.
Applications
Agriculture, forestry, environmental protection, geology, petroleum, and chemical
industries requiring sample pre-treatment before elemental or nitrogen analysis.
How It Works
Features & Benefits
Research identifier
This ID comes from the Ontology for Biomedical Investigations (OBI). Use it in data records and methods sections.
- Device type
- Heating block
OBI:0400108
| Parameter | BKD-10RL | BKD-15RL | BKD-20RL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature Range | RT+5 to 450 °C | ||
| Temperature Accuracy | ±1 °C | ||
| Heating Segments | 0–40 programmable | ||
| Heating Block | 6061 Aluminum alloy, aviation-grade coating | ||
| Heating Rate | ≈8–15 °C/min | ||
| Display | 5.6-inch color touchscreen, bilingual | ||
| Capacity | 10 tubes | 15 tubes | 20 tubes |
| Tube Specs | 300 mL glass | ||
| Power Consumption | 1.4 kW | 2.1 kW | 2.8 kW |
| Power Supply | AC 220 V, 50 Hz | ||
| Net Weight | 18 kg | 21 kg | 26 kg |
| Gross Weight | 24 kg | 28 kg | 34 kg |
| Package Dimensions (W×D×H) | 870 × 460 × 600 m | ||
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ±1°C with intelligent PID self-tuning | Basic models often provide ±3-5°C accuracy without PID control | Higher accuracy ensures reproducible digestion conditions critical for quantitative analytical methods |
| Programming Flexibility | 0-40 segment programmable profiles with curve and single-point modes | Entry-level digesters typically offer 5-10 program segments | Extensive programming capability allows optimization for diverse sample matrices and complex protocols |
| User Interface | 5.6-inch color touchscreen with bilingual support | Many models use basic LED displays with button controls | Intuitive touchscreen interface reduces programming errors and improves workflow efficiency |
| Safety Systems | Over-temperature, over-pressure, over-current protection with power outage prevention | Basic units may have limited safety features | Comprehensive protection systems ensure safe operation and protect valuable samples from equipment failures |
| Heating Block Material | 6061 aluminum alloy with aviation-grade coating | Standard aluminum blocks without specialized coatings | Aviation-grade coating provides superior chemical resistance and durability for extended service life |
This digester combines precise temperature control, extensive programming flexibility, and comprehensive safety features in a user-friendly touchscreen interface. The aviation-grade heating block coating and intelligent PID control system provide reliable performance for demanding analytical applications requiring consistent, reproducible sample preparation.
| Model | SKU | Listed price | Status | Shipping box |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIO-BKD-10RL | BIO-BKD-10RL | $2,850.00 | Available | 65.0 × 36.0 × 27.0 cm |
| BIO-BKD-15RL | BIO-BKD-15RL | $2,850.00 | Available | 65.0 × 36.0 × 27.0 cm |
| BIO-BKD-20RL | BIO-BKD-20RL | $2,850.00 | Available | 65.0 × 36.0 × 27.0 cm |
Practical Tips
Verify temperature accuracy using a certified reference thermometer at least quarterly, checking multiple points across your typical operating range.
Why: Regular calibration verification ensures the ±1°C accuracy specification is maintained for analytical compliance.
Clean the heating block surface with appropriate solvents after each use to prevent acid residue buildup that could affect heat transfer.
Why: Maintaining clean heating surfaces ensures uniform temperature distribution across all tube positions.
Develop standard temperature programs for common sample matrices and save them in the controller memory for consistent results.
Why: Standardized programs reduce operator variability and improve reproducibility of analytical results.
Always operate the digester in a properly functioning fume hood and use appropriate PPE including heat-resistant gloves.
Why: High-temperature acid digestion generates hazardous vapors requiring proper ventilation and protection.
If temperature uniformity issues arise, check for proper tube seating and ensure the heating block is level and clean.
Why: Poor thermal contact between tubes and block can cause temperature variations affecting digestion completeness.
Document heating programs and digestion conditions in laboratory notebooks for method validation and troubleshooting.
Why: Complete documentation enables method optimization and provides traceability for analytical quality control.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Digester main unit
- Glass digestion tubes (300ml capacity, quantity varies by model)
- Power cord
- User manual with programming instructions
- Temperature calibration certificate (typical)
- Safety operation guide (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a comprehensive 1-year manufacturer warranty covering parts and labor, with technical support for programming, calibration, and troubleshooting assistance.
Compliance
Datasheet
Specifications, models, materials, and operating envelopes
What acid systems are compatible with the aluminum heating block coating?
The aviation-grade aluminum alloy coating is designed for compatibility with common digestion acids including nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and mixed acid systems. Consult the product datasheet for specific acid concentration and temperature limitations.
How do I optimize heating programs for different sample matrices?
Use the programmable 0-40 segment capability to create gradual heating profiles. Start with lower temperatures for organic-rich samples to prevent violent reactions, then ramp to higher temperatures for complete mineralization. The curve heating mode allows precise control of heating rates.
What is the temperature uniformity across all tube positions?
The 6061 aluminum alloy heating block design provides uniform heat distribution, though specific temperature uniformity specifications should be verified in the product datasheet for your analytical requirements.
Can the system be used for microwave-alternative digestion protocols?
Yes, the digester serves as an alternative to microwave digestion for laboratories preferring conventional heating methods. The programmable temperature control allows adaptation of many established digestion protocols originally developed for microwave systems.
How do I validate temperature accuracy for analytical compliance?
Use certified reference thermometers to verify the ±1°C accuracy specification at multiple temperature points across your operating range. The PID self-tuning function should be calibrated periodically to maintain precision.
What safety precautions are required for high-temperature operation?
The system includes over-temperature protection and should be operated in a fume hood for acid vapor management. The heating block reaches 450°C and requires appropriate heat-resistant gloves and safety protocols for sample handling.
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