Hach DRB100 Portable COD Digestion System

Overview

The Hach DRB100 Portable COD Digestion System is a compact, field-deployable thermal digestion unit engineered for precise, reproducible sample preparation in chemical oxygen demand (COD), total phosphorus, total nitrogen, and ammonia-nitrogen analysis. It operates on the principle of sealed micro-reflux digestion—a controlled, closed-vessel oxidation process that minimizes reagent loss, prevents volatile analyte escape, and ensures high recovery rates under standardized thermal conditions. Unlike open reflux systems, the DRB100 maintains consistent pressure and temperature profiles across all four reaction positions, enabling reliable inter-sample comparability essential for environmental compliance monitoring. Its lightweight aluminum alloy chassis and integrated ceramic heating block deliver rapid thermal response and exceptional stability—critical for maintaining ±0.1 °C accuracy across ambient-to-180 °C operating range. Designed for both laboratory benchtop use and mobile deployment, the DRB100 supports regulatory workflows aligned with HJ 828–2017 (Chinese EPA standard for COD determination), ASTM D1252–04 (Standard Test Methods for Chemical Oxygen Demand), and ISO 6060 (Water quality — Determination of chemical oxygen demand). The system’s modular power architecture allows seamless integration with optional 12 V lithium battery packs (e.g., 12.6 V/3 A or 12 V/15 Ah variants), making it suitable for unpowered field sites, emergency response vehicles, and mobile environmental labs.

Key Features

• Sealed micro-reflux digestion technology ensuring complete oxidation while minimizing acid fume release and sample evaporation
• Simultaneous digestion of four 16 mm OD digestion vials with independent thermal uniformity across all positions
• Intelligent PID-based temperature control algorithm delivering ±0.1 °C setpoint accuracy and ±1 °C long-term stability over 120-minute cycles
• Adjustable digestion time (0–120 minutes) with audible end-of-cycle alert and auto-hold function
• Transparent, heat-resistant polycarbonate safety shield providing full visual access and operator protection during operation
• Compact footprint (110 × 170 × 125 mm) and low mass (918 g) optimized for transport in Hach-certified portable lab kits (e.g., DREL1900 and CEL900 series)
• DC 12 V input compatibility supporting off-grid operation via external batteries or vehicle power systems

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DRB100 is validated for use with Hach’s pre-packaged COD vials (e.g., LCK series), as well as custom 16 mm borosilicate glass digestion tubes conforming to DIN 12777 and ASTM E2022 specifications. Its temperature calibration traceability aligns with ISO/IEC 17025-accredited reference standards. The system satisfies method validation requirements for EPA-approved wastewater and surface water testing protocols when paired with Hach DR1900 or DR900 spectrophotometers. All firmware and hardware configurations comply with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) directives per IEC 61326-1 and electrical safety standards per IEC 61010-1. For GLP/GMP environments, the DRB100 supports audit-ready documentation through synchronized timestamped logs generated by companion instruments (e.g., DR1900 with built-in data export and CSV reporting).

Software & Data Management

While the DRB100 operates as a standalone thermal controller without embedded software, it functions as an integral component within Hach’s connected analytical ecosystem. When used with DR1900 or DR900 spectrophotometers, digestion parameters (start time, set temperature, duration) are automatically logged alongside photometric results in instrument memory. Data export is supported via USB or Bluetooth to Hach’s LabStation software (v4.2+), enabling batch-level traceability, QC flagging, and electronic record retention compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed with appropriate user authentication and audit trail configuration. Optional Hach Connect cloud integration enables remote fleet monitoring and preventive maintenance scheduling for multi-unit deployments in municipal utility or third-party testing laboratories.

Applications

• Routine and emergency COD analysis in municipal wastewater treatment plants, industrial effluent monitoring stations, and decentralized sanitation systems
• Field-based environmental incident response—including spill assessment, floodwater screening, and post-disaster water quality triage
• Public health surveillance programs requiring rapid ammonia-N or total phosphorus quantification in drinking water sources and distribution networks
• Educational laboratories conducting standardized APHA/AWWA/WEF Method 5220D training and student-led water quality investigations
• Contract environmental testing laboratories performing accredited analyses under CNAS (China National Accreditation Service) or ILAC-MRA signatory scopes

FAQ

Is the DRB100 compatible with international digestion standards such as ISO 6060 or ASTM D1252?
Yes—the DRB100’s temperature control performance, vessel geometry, and sealed reflux methodology meet the thermal and procedural requirements specified in ISO 6060 and ASTM D1252–04 for COD determination.
Can the DRB100 be operated continuously for extended periods in outdoor environments?
It is rated for intermittent duty up to 120 minutes per cycle; continuous operation beyond two consecutive cycles requires ≥15-minute cooling intervals to maintain thermal stability and prevent sensor drift.
Does the DRB100 support GLP-compliant data integrity practices?
When integrated with Hach DR1900 or HQ series meters featuring timestamped result logging and password-protected user accounts, the full workflow satisfies core ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) for regulated testing.
What battery options are certified for field use with the DRB100?
Hach-certified accessories include the 12.6 V/3 A lithium-ion charger (P/N 70.03.0001) and 12 V/15 Ah battery pack (P/N 22.03.0001), both tested for >200 charge cycles and operational reliability between –10 °C and +50 °C.
Is routine calibration required, and how is it performed?
Annual verification using NIST-traceable digital thermometers (e.g., Fluke 1523 with 0.02 °C uncertainty) is recommended; calibration involves comparing displayed temperature against reference probe readings at three points: 50 °C, 100 °C, and 150 °C.