Gerhardt EV16 Six-Position Flat-Surface High-Temperature Electric Heating Plate

Overview

The Gerhardt EV16 is a six-position flat-surface electric heating plate engineered for precision thermal treatment in analytical sample preparation workflows. Designed and manufactured in Germany by C. Gerhardt GmbH & Co. KG—a company with over 130 years of heritage in laboratory instrumentation—the EV16 employs infrared radiant heating elements to deliver rapid, stable, and spatially uniform thermal energy across each of its six independent 85 mm-diameter heating zones. Unlike convection- or coil-based systems, the infrared architecture minimizes thermal lag and ensures direct energy transfer to reaction vessels—critical for reproducible digestion, hydrolysis, and extraction protocols. Its maximum operational temperature of 450 °C supports high-temperature applications including closed-vessel COD digestion, Kjeldahl digestion, crude fiber determination (AOAC 978.10), and acid-mediated mineralization of organic matrices. The unit complies with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment and features robust stainless-steel housing rated for continuous duty in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories.

Key Features

• Six independently controlled heating positions, each with dedicated digital temperature setpoint and real-time monitoring
• Infrared radiant heating system enabling fast thermal response (<60 s to reach 400 °C from ambient) and minimal overshoot
• Temperature uniformity of ±1 °C across the full 85 mm heating zone—validated per ASTM E220 calibration methodology
• Flat, chemically resistant ceramic-coated aluminum surface optimized for stability of borosilicate glass, quartz, and PTFE digestion tubes
• Integrated over-temperature protection with dual-stage cut-off (electronic + mechanical) and fault logging capability
• Front-panel LED display with intuitive push-button interface; no external PC required for basic operation
• Compliant with EN 61326-1 (EMC) and RoHS II directive; CE-marked for use in EU-based GLP/GMP environments

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The EV16 accommodates standard digestion vessels up to 100 mL capacity—including EPA-compliant 50 mL and 100 mL borosilicate tubes used in Method 410.4 (COD), Method 3015A (microwave-assisted digestion support), and AOAC 985.27 (crude fiber). Its flat geometry ensures optimal contact with round-bottom flasks, Kjeldahl digestion bulbs, and Soxhlet thimbles during reflux or solvent extraction. The unit meets functional requirements outlined in USP Analytical Instrument Qualification for Category B instruments and supports IQ/OQ documentation packages. Temperature stability data are traceable to national standards via optional NIST-traceable calibration certificates (available upon request). All materials in contact with the heating surface conform to FDA 21 CFR 177.2400 for indirect food contact compliance where applicable.

Software & Data Management

While the EV16 operates as a standalone instrument, it supports optional RS-485 serial communication (Modbus RTU protocol) for integration into centralized lab automation systems. When connected to Gerhardt’s LabControl Suite v3.2 (sold separately), users gain access to audit-trail-enabled temperature logging, user-access-level management (admin/operator), and electronic record generation compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 requirements. Raw time-temperature datasets export in CSV format for statistical process control (SPC) analysis using JMP or Minitab. Calibration history, maintenance logs, and alarm events are retained locally for ≥12 months without external storage.

Applications

• COD digestion per ISO 6060 and EPA 410.4 using potassium dichromate/sulfuric acid mixtures
• Kjeldahl nitrogen determination (ISO 5983, AOAC 984.13) with sulfuric acid catalyst systems
• Crude fiber analysis (AOAC 978.10) involving sequential acid/alkali hydrolysis at 100–120 °C
• Soxhlet extraction pre-heating and reflux stabilization for fat content quantification (ISO 1444, AOAC 920.39)
• Pre-concentration of environmental water extracts prior to ICP-MS or GC-MS analysis
• Controlled thermal degradation studies in polymer and biomass characterization workflows

FAQ

Can the EV16 be used for open-vessel digestion with perchloric acid?
No. Perchloric acid digestion requires specialized fume hood–integrated systems with explosion-proof construction and scrubber compatibility. The EV16 is rated for use with sulfuric, nitric, and hydrochloric acids only.
Is temperature calibration performed at the surface or inside the vessel?
Calibration is referenced to the center of the heating surface per ASTM E220. For process-critical applications, users must validate vessel-bottom temperature using a calibrated thermocouple probe inserted into a representative vessel under load.
Does the EV16 support programmable ramp-hold profiles?
Not natively. Ramp-hold functionality requires connection to LabControl Suite v3.2 or third-party SCADA systems via Modbus RTU.
What is the recommended preventive maintenance interval?
Inspect heating surface integrity and clean with non-abrasive ethanol wipes every 200 operating hours; verify temperature accuracy annually or after any physical impact to the surface.
Can the unit operate continuously at 450 °C?
Yes—rated for indefinite operation at maximum temperature when installed in well-ventilated environments with ambient ≤30 °C and relative humidity <70% non-condensing.