Hach DRB200 Digital Reactor Block Digestion System
| Brand | Hach |
|---|---|
| Origin | Imported |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Model | DRB200 |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The Hach DRB200 Digital Reactor Block Digestion System is a precision-engineered thermal digestion platform designed for standardized wet-chemical oxidation of aqueous environmental samples prior to spectrophotometric or instrumental analysis. It operates on the principle of controlled conductive heating within calibrated aluminum heating blocks, enabling reproducible thermal decomposition of organic and inorganic analytes—including chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), total phosphorus (TP), and total nitrogen (TN)—in accordance with established regulatory methods such as EPA 410.4, ISO 6060, ASTM D1252, and Standard Methods 5220 B & C. The system delivers consistent thermal profiles across all reaction vessels, minimizing inter-sample variability and supporting compliance with GLP and ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory quality requirements.
Key Features
- Dual independent heating blocks (optional configuration) allow simultaneous digestion of two sample batches under different temperature/time protocols—enhancing throughput without cross-contamination risk.
- Programmable temperature range from 37 °C to 165 °C with ±0.5 °C accuracy and ramp rate control, ensuring adherence to method-specific thermal profiles (e.g., 150 °C for 2-hour COD digestion per EPA 410.4).
- Adjustable digestion duration from 0 to 480 minutes in 1-minute increments, supporting both rapid screening and extended oxidation protocols.
- Three interchangeable well configurations: 13-mm diameter (for TNTplus™ vials with integrated barcode), 16-mm diameter (standard TNT™ pre-filled tubes), and 20-mm diameter (heavy-walled metal-compatible tubes for high-acid or high-temperature pretreatment).
- Integrated digital display with intuitive menu navigation, real-time status indicators, and audible end-of-cycle alerts; no external PC required for basic operation.
- Robust anodized aluminum block construction ensures uniform heat distribution, long-term thermal stability, and resistance to corrosion from acidic reagents (e.g., K₂Cr₂O₇/H₂SO₄ mixtures).
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The DRB200 accommodates standard Hach TNTplus and TNT vials, as well as third-party 13–20 mm OD borosilicate glass or quartz digestion tubes compliant with ASTM D5129 and ISO 8467. Its thermal performance has been validated for use in laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 and operating under U.S. EPA Contract Laboratory Program (CLP) guidelines. When paired with Hach’s certified reference materials and method-specific reagent kits, the system supports full traceability and audit readiness for regulatory submissions. All heating blocks meet IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment.
Software & Data Management
While the DRB200 operates autonomously via its onboard controller, it integrates seamlessly with Hach’s DR series spectrophotometers (e.g., DR3900, DR6000) through Hach’s AquaTrack™ software suite. This enables synchronized method loading, automated result association, and electronic record retention—including time-stamped digestion parameters (setpoint temperature, duration, block ID) linked directly to absorbance measurements. Audit trails comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed with appropriate system validation and user access controls.
Applications
- Routine wastewater and surface water monitoring for regulatory reporting (e.g., NPDES permits, EU Water Framework Directive parameters).
- Validation and verification of on-site COD analyzers using standardized digestion reference protocols.
- Method development and optimization for emerging contaminants requiring aggressive oxidative pretreatment (e.g., persistent pharmaceuticals, microplastic-associated organics).
- Quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) in environmental testing laboratories performing batch digestion prior to ICP-OES, IC, or TOC analysis.
- Educational and research applications requiring precise, repeatable thermal conditioning of aqueous matrices under defined kinetic conditions.
FAQ
Can the DRB200 be used for EPA Method 301.5 (COD by dichromate oxidation)?
Yes—the DRB200 meets the thermal specifications outlined in EPA Method 301.5, including 150 °C ± 2 °C for 2 hours using certified Hach TNTplus COD reagents.
Is calibration verification required before each use?
Per ISO/IEC 17025, periodic verification using NIST-traceable thermocouples or RTD probes is recommended at least daily or per batch; Hach provides optional calibration verification kits (Cat. No. 2958000).
Does the DRB200 support remote monitoring or network connectivity?
No native Ethernet or Wi-Fi interface is included; however, integration with lab information management systems (LIMS) is achievable via serial output or AquaTrack™ export functionality.
What maintenance is required to ensure long-term accuracy?
Annual cleaning of heating block wells with non-abrasive tools and inspection for residue buildup or pitting is advised; replacement heating blocks are available as field-serviceable components.
Are replacement heating blocks available for all three well sizes?
Yes—Hach offers individual replacement blocks for 13-mm, 16-mm, and 20-mm configurations (Part Nos. 2957900, 2957901, and 2957902 respectively).
