First Automated IR Digester with Precise Temperature Control

When performing Kjeldahl digestions, you first need to decide whether to use an IR or a block digester. Each comes with its own advantages: block digesters offer ease of operation due to automatic process control, while the main advantage of IR digesters is speed. The new automatic SpeedDigester K-439 is the first infrared digestion system available on the market with precise temperature control which allows for an easy and automated digestion process and uniform, standardised sample processing. The SpeedDigester K-439 reduces analysis costs since the integrated automation replaces expensive manual tasks. An increased sample throughput is achieved thanks to the considerably higher heat transfer capability of infrared heaters as compared to contact heating sources. In addition, the heat-up and cool-down periods are considerably shortened. As a result, the total time needed for digestion is significantly reduced.

The complete digestion process occurs through precise temperature/time control. Due to the integrated automation, an external control unit is no longer necessary, which provides additional space savings. Thanks to the temperature control, it is now possible for the first time to verify the temperature of an IR digester with an external reference sensor. This allows for IQ/OQ execution. The user-friendly operating concept allows for simple programming of up to 50 different time / temperature profiles which can be stored under individual method names. The 20 most commonly used methods are predefined in the SpeedDigester K-439 to simplify method development. The current digestion is graphically depicted, including a display of the set and actual temperatures. The three most recent digestion processes can be reviewed via the system’s memory function. To achieve an even higher sample throughput, additional time savings can be realised by programming a delayed start time (over night).

Reproducible results are achieved based on excellent and efficient thermal homogeneity for every sample tube due to the innovative isolation plate. The newly designed heating chamber which guarantees that the sample tubes are heated efficiently allows for optimal digestions without foaming.

Safety is of the utmost importance so the suction system is tightly sealed. All acid fumes created during digestion are completely exhausted through the attached Scrubber B-414 which starts and stops automatically.

The SpeedDigester accepts 300 ml as well as 500 ml sample tubes. The 300 ml sample tubes are suitable for Kjeldahl digestions for most samples, whereas the larger sample tubes are especially exciting in the field of environmental analysis since they allow for the use of larger sample volumes.

The stand-alone rack makes handling very ergonomic and saves bench space while the samples cool to room temperature (after digestion).

The fast digestion, automated processing with accurate temperature control, and excellent reproducibility, combined with the highest safety measures, make the SpeedDigester K-439 the most convenient infrared digester in the industry.

The Büchi IR SpeedDigester and block digestion units are part of the company’s Kjeldahl instrument line and are best used with the Büchi Scrubber B-414 and Büchi distillation units.