CEM Blade Owner's manual

BLADE

Microwave Digestion System

Manual

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Contents

Safety

Safety Notations 1

Instrument Safety Notations 1

Introduction

Product Overview 2

Intended Use 2

User Qualications 2

Compounds Unsuitable for Closed Vessel Microwave

Digestion 3

Important Safeguards

Safeguards 4

Instrument Overview

Front and Side View 6

Back and Side View 7

Fume Cabinet 8

AutoCal 8

Software Overview

Software Icons 9

Home Screen 10

Methods Screen 10

Run Queue Screen 10

Data Search Screen 11

System Menu Screen 11

System Installation

Unboxing 15

Hardware Setup 17

Software Setup 19

Perform a Digestion

Operating Parameters 21

Vessel Assembly 21

Load and perform a Method 22

Vessel Removal 23

Vessel Cleaning

Percent (%) to PPM Level – DI Water Rinse 24

Low PPM Level – 10 % Acid Soak 24

PPB Level – Microwave Clean Run 24

Sub PPB Level– Multiple Microwave Clean Runs 24

General Notes 24

Data Results

View Data for Specic Method 25

View All Data 25

Methods

Create Method 26

Edit Method 27

Copy Method 27

Delete Method 28

Export Method 28

Import Method 28

Users

Enable Users/User Groups 30

Create User 30

Edit/Delete User 30

User Groups 31

User Logs 31

System Settings

Customize System Settings 32

Image Capture 32

Validations

Exhaust 33

Temperature 33

Autosampler 33

Calibrations

Temperature 34

Pressure 34

Autosampler 34

Camera Calibration 34

Software Update

How to Update Software 36

Maintenance Overview

As Needed Maintenance 37

Annual Maintenance 37

Routine Maintenance

Add Caps 38

Clean Trap 38

Clean Surfaces of the Instrument 39

System Repacking

Prepare to Ship 40

Troubleshooting

Problems and Possible Solutions 42

Recovery From Vessel Failure 43

Appendix A: Hydrofluoric acid (HF) Applications

Perform a Digestion - HF Applications 50

Recovery From Vessel Failure -HF Applications 53

System Specifications

Location Requirements 61

Electrical Requirements 61

Environmental Requirements 61

Warranty

Limited Warranty Information 62

Technical Assistance

Applications Support 64

Technical Support 64

Contact Information

CEM Corporation Headquarters 65

CEM International Subsidiaries 65

CEM Distributors 66

1Safety

Safety

Safety Notations

This manual uses safety alert words at points in the documentation where the user should be aware of potential

hazards. The safety alert words indicate differing levels of observation or action as described below:

NOTE

A NOTE is intended to provide emphasis on procedures that may be misinterpreted or

overlooked, or to clarify confusing situations.

CAUTION

A CAUTION is intended to provide essential information and to emphasize procedures that, if

not correctly followed, may result in improper instrument operation and/or instrument damage.

WARNING

A WARNING is intended to emphasize dangerous or hazardous conditions that may result in

personal injury to the user and/or damage or destruction of the instrument.

Instrument Safety Notations

Refer to the instruction manual in order to protect risk of harm to the operator and to protect the

apparatus against damage.

Indicates manufacturer declares conformity to applicable Essential Health and Safety Requirements

of applicable European Directives – refer to Declaration of Conformity included in this manual.

2Introduction

Introduction

Product Overview

The BLADE is a fully automated microwave digestion system that is capable of sequentially preparing up to 24

individual organic or inorganic samples. The sample is prepared in a CEM vessel, capped, and then placed into one

(1) of the two (2) twelve position transferable racks. The rack is then placed within the fully enclosed fume cabinet

of the BLADE instrument and the integrated high-resolution display is used to load a pre-programmed CEM or user-

dened method to the sample queue. Once the fume cabinet door is closed and play is pressed, the autosampler

loads the rst sample into the microwave reactor, the automated pressure device (APD) closes and the digestion

begins. The sample can be visually monitored for stirring using the integrated camera while it heats to the user

dened temperature or pressure. Fumes are safely pulled away from the user and directed to the exhaust outlet.

Upon completion, the vessel will be cooled using an integrated cooling blower and then returned to the original

position within the rack. The digested sample is now ready for analysis, just a few minutes from the time the

sample was prepared until it cooled.

The BLADE requires software version 1.05 or higher.

This manual contains proprietary information which shall not be reproduced or transferred to other documents or

disclosed to others without prior written permission from CEM Corporation.

Information regarding the use of TFM liners for HF applications is located in Appendix A. All content provided

in Appendix A is for hydroouric acid using the TFM liners only and supersedes the information that is found in

“Perform a Digestion” and “Recovery From Vessel Failure “ in the “Troubleshooting” sections of this manual.

Read and fully understand all documentation before operating the instrument.

Intended Use

WARNING

If the instrument is used in a manner not specied by CEM Corporation in this manual, then

the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.

• The BLADE has been designed and tested for laboratory use in digestion.

• Only use the device for applications that fall within the range of the intended use; otherwise, the protective and

safety equipment of the device could fail.

User Qualifications

WARNING

It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure all operators are sufciently trained in the correct and

safe use of the instrument.

3Introduction

Operators must have knowledge of chemistry and its rules. The user must:

• Have basic analytical chemistry knowledge.

• Have knowledge about the properties of the used acids and their health risks.

• Is trained for the special tasks and activities in the laboratory and knows the relevant standards and regulations.

• Understand and carry out all the work described in the operating instruction on the instrument and recognize and

avoid possible dangers independently.

• Not be impaired by the consumption of drugs, alcohol or medication.

• Participate in the installation of the instrument and be trained by CEM Corporation or its authorized dealer.

Compounds Unsuitable for Closed Vessel Microwave Digestion

Acid decomposition of certain chemical compounds or types of samples constitutes unreasonable, hazardous

misuse of CEM microwave digestion systems.

WARNING

EXPLOSION HAZARD. Acid decomposition of certain chemical compounds or types of samples

constitutes unreasonable, hazardous misuse of CEM microwave digestion systems.

WARNING

CEM will not be responsible for damage to equipment and facilities or personal injuries

resulting from microwave digestion of samples that are deemed unsuitable for closed vessel

microwave digestion.

The classes of compounds listed below are unsuitable for closed vessel microwave digestion because they are

highly reactive with oxidizing acids and/or may become nitrated and potentially explosive. Absence of a particular

chemical compound from this list does not imply microwave acid decomposition of such a sample is safe under all

conditions.

• Explosives (TNT, Nitrocellulose, etc.)

• Propellants (Hydrazine, Ammonium Perchlorate, etc.)

• Pyrophoric chemicals

• Hypergolic mixtures (Nitric Acid and Phenol, Nitric Acid and Triethylamine, Nitric Acid and Acetone, etc.)

• Animal Fats (Esters of glycerol capable of nitration and the formation of nitroglycerin or other nitrated organic

compounds)

• Aviation Fuels (JP-1, etc.)

• Acetylides

• Glycols (Ethylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, etc.)

• Perchlorates (Ammonium, Potassium, etc.)

• Ethers (Cellosolve - Ethylene Glycol Phenyl Ether, etc.)

• Lacquers

• Alkanes (Butane, Hexane, etc.)

• Ketones (Acetone, Methyl Ethyl Ketone, etc.)

• Alcohols (Methanol, etc.)

4Important Safeguards

Important Safeguards

General guidelines for safe operation of the instrument are presented below and all specic safety messages are

located throughout the manual.

Safeguards

WARNING

Electrical shock hazard/Instrument damage. DO NOT connect unit to a line voltage other than

specied.

WARNING

Electrical shock hazard/Instrument damage. Requires dedicated, grounded outlet.

WARNING

DO NOT position the instrument such that it is difcult to access the power connector. The

power connector of the instrument must be readily accessible for mains disconnection if

needed.

WARNING

Replace fuses with fuses of the size and rating specied by the text adjacent to the fuse

holder or in the System Specications section of this manual.

WARNING

High voltages and microwave irradiation. Service can only be performed by an authorized CEM

service technician.

WARNING

Electrical shock hazard. DO NOT remove instrument covers. Only CEM authorized personnel

are allowed to remove instrument covers. Always disconnect the power cables before removing

the instrument cover.

WARNING

If any damage to the instrument is noted, DO NOT attempt instrument operation.

WARNING

DO NOT operate the instrument in the presence of ammable gases or fumes.

5Important Safeguards

WARNING

Proper precautions must be taken to avoid contact with acid or acid vapors. Personal

protective equipment (PPE) should be worn as outlined in the user’s safety program for

hazardous materials and the manufacturer’s safety data sheet. Refer to these guidelines for

proper handling and disposal.

6Instrument Overview

Instrument Overview

Front and Side View

12

3

4

5

6

7

2

Item Description

1 Touch Screen Display Shows menus, method parameters, etc.

2 Speakers Audio for instrument

3 Door Handle Permits ease of opening instrument door to access fume cabinet

4 Cooling Fan Draws room air past the electronics

5 LED Indicator During a run, the LED shows the status of the currently loaded method.

6 Interlock cover Allows the user to access the attenuator and replace the plenum

7Cooling Vent Provides passive ventilation for electronics.

7Instrument Overview

Back and Side View

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

8

10

Item Description

1 Power Cord Receptacle Receives the female end of the power cord

2 Fuses Prevent electrical power overload

3 Power Switch Turns AC power on and off to the instrument

4 Exhaust Outlet Exhausts fumes from the fume cabinet and vented vessels

5 Air Intaker Air intake for vessel vent blower and vessel cooling blower

6 Cooling Fan Draws room air past the electronics

7 Trap Collects debris or excess liquid

8 USB Ports Allows for data transfer, software/rmware updates, and connection to the barcode scanner

9 HDMI Port Used as a presentation tool for demo purposes

10 Ethernet Port Service port

Not Pictured

Nameplate Lists model, serial number, operating voltage, frequency, and current draw

8Instrument Overview

Fume Cabinet

1

2

3

4

5

3

Item Description

1 Door Provides access to the fume cabinet

2 Attenuator Port Provides access to the microwave cavity while the interlocks prevent microwave

emission when the attenuator port is not properly installed.

3 Racks Holds vessels during sample preparation and is then inserted into the fume cabinet

before digestions begin.

4 APD Automated pressure device.

5 Exhaust Cover Removes fumes from the fume cabinet.

Not Pictured

Automation/Autosampler Provides fully automated reaction vessel handling.

LED’s Provides light to fume cabinet. LED’s are blue when door is closed and white when the

door is open.

Temperature Sensor Volume-independent sensor that accurately measures the temperature during the run.

AutoCal

The AutoCal is an optional temperature calibration device. A CEM representative will need to verify or calibrate the

temperature sensor if the AutoCal option is not available. See Routine Maintenance for a suggested maintenance

schedule.

9Software Overview

Software Overview

Software Icons

Icon Description Icon Description Icon Description Icon Description

Add Demo Method List Stop

Admin Down Logout System Menu

Alert Edit Loop Temperature

Back Export Pause Undo

Blower Forward Play Up

CEM Method Full screen Power User

Check Full screen Exit Pressure User Method

Close Gesture Question Users

Copy Home Queue Video

Cross-hair Import Save Videocam

Cursor Information Search Volume High

Data Keyboard Settings Volume Mute

Delete Label Sort Wrench

10 Software Overview

Home Screen

The Home screen is the rst screen that appears when the system is turned on. Four areas are accessible from

this screen: Methods, Run, Data, and System Menu.

Methods Screen

Methods are created or imported by a user with administrative privileges and can be recalled for future use. Data

associated with a method can also be recalled if the method has not been edited.

Run Queue Screen

Allows the user to queue Methods to be digested and shows the status of currently loaded methods: green when

ready to run, red when stopped, blue when complete.

11Software Overview

Data Search Screen

Provides the result log for each digestion performed and contains a complete list of time-stamped events.

System Menu Screen

The following is a basic review of each section of the System Menu to be used as a quick guide for locating

software items and instrument functions. The current use is displayed at the top of the System Menu list.

Home

Selecting “Home” from the System Menu list will display the Home screen.

12 Software Overview

Settings

Users can dene and adjust necessary settings prior to running samples.

• System: Instrument settings for the audio and visual selections for the individual user

• Localization: Regional adjustments, including language and the preferred date and time format

• Date/Time: Location for setting the correct date and time

• Run: Adjustments to settings specic to each sample run including: sample ID format and cap inventory status.

Tools

Calibration and Diagnostic tools are provided to ensure proper system functionality and update the software when

a new version is released.

• Diagnostics: A listing of real-time readings directly related to unit functionality and the option to manually

maneuver commonly used hardware

• Utilities: Allows for validation of the exhaust, temperature device and autosampler and calibration of the

temperature device and autosampler.

• System Update: Used for updating software when a new version is released

• Networking: Connect instrument to network

13Software Overview

Users

Location for creating and deleting different user accounts, as well as reviewing user logs if necessary

• Settings: Turning ON/OFF auto-login requirements for users

• Groups: Determines visible system functionality depending on the selected user group

• User Logs: Audit trail for tracking user movement within software

• Current User: List of users are located beneath logs. Green indicates the user who is currently logged in.

Video

The videos provides instructions on system use, diagnostic tests, and helpful tips on preparing samples.

Information

Displays system information including serial number, software version and contact information.

• System: Reference for serial number, software and rmware versions, and calibration dates

• Contact Us: Contact information for CEM Headquarters and Subsidiaries

• Legal Notice: Legal information concerning the use and distribution of the instrument and other CEM products

• Software Notice: System notication pertaining to the software currently loaded on the system

14 Software Overview

Logout

Protects the current user’s access or prevent unauthorized actions on the current login session

15System Installation

System Installation

Unboxing

1. View the Site Preparation Guide (P/N FM0082) or “System Specications” section of this manual and select a

location that meets requirements before installing the BLADE instrument.

2. Carefully inspect the shipping carton, the instrument, and accessories for any damage that may have occurred

during shipping. If the instrument or accessories have damage, contact the freight carrier to report the damage

and le a damage report. Contact your CEM Representative for assistance.

WARNING

If any damage to the instrument is noted, DO NOT attempt instrument operation.

DO NOT tamper with the instrument.

3. Pull plastic tab, swing handle open, and remove the plastic clip from the box. Repeat process on the remaining

handles.

4. Use handles to pull up and remove outer box.

5. Carefully cut the tape on both sides of the inner box.

16 System Installation

6. Remove the foam from the top of the system.

7. Lay the sides of the box at and remove the foam from the top of the system.

8. Open the plastic surround the instrument to allow access to the instrument. DO NOT leave the plastic under

the system.

9. Using two people, locate the cutouts in the foam on the sides of the instrument and lift onto the bench top

near exhaust service. DO NOT place the system in a fume hood.

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CEM Blade Owner's manual

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