KEM CHD-502H High-Temperature Automated Sample Changer for Oscillating U-Tube Density Meters
| Brand | KEM (Kyoto Electronics Manufacturing) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Manufacturer | Yes |
| Import Status | Imported |
| Model | CHD-502H |
| Instrument Type | Oscillating U-tube Densimeter |
| Form Factor | Benchtop Laboratory System |
| Sample Phase | Liquid Only |
| Density Range | 0–3 g/cm³ |
| Density Resolution | 1 × 10⁻⁶ g/cm³ |
| Density Repeatability | ±1 × 10⁻⁶ g/cm³ |
| Temperature Control Range (Sample Chamber) | 20–80 °C |
| Density Meter Interface Temperature Range | 0–96 °C |
| Minimum Sample Volume | 1–2 mL |
| Viscosity Handling Capability | Up to 50,000 mPa·s (via integrated vacuum-pressure pump) |
| Sample Capacity | 30 positions (20 mL glass vials) |
| Power Supply | AC 100–120 / 200–240 V, 50/60 Hz, ~380 W |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 610 × 445 × 500 mm |
| Weight | 29 kg |
Overview
The KEM CHD-502H is a high-temperature, fully automated sample handling system engineered exclusively for integration with KEM’s oscillating U-tube digital density meters—including the DA-6XX series (e.g., DA-650, DA-645, DA-640). It operates on the fundamental physical principle of resonant frequency shift in a vibrating U-shaped tube filled with liquid sample: density is calculated from the precisely measured oscillation period, corrected for temperature via built-in Peltier-controlled thermal stabilization. Unlike manual or semi-automated alternatives, the CHD-502H eliminates operator intervention across the entire analytical workflow—sample aspiration, injection, measurement, waste expulsion, internal rinsing, and inert-gas-assisted drying—enabling unattended operation for extended sequences under thermally controlled conditions up to 80 °C. Its architecture is purpose-built for laboratories requiring high-throughput, traceable, and thermally stable density determinations of volatile, viscous, or temperature-sensitive liquids—such as petrochemical feedstocks, pharmaceutical solvents, battery electrolytes, and high-purity organic intermediates.
Key Features
- Seamless bidirectional communication with KEM DA-series density meters via RS-232 or Ethernet, enabling full instrument control and parameter synchronization from the host densimeter interface.
- 30-position sample carousel accommodating standard 20 mL borosilicate glass vials—compatible with KEM’s certified reference materials and routine QC standards.
- Integrated dual-mode fluid handling module: vacuum-assisted aspiration followed by positive-pressure ejection, ensuring complete transfer of high-viscosity samples up to 50,000 mPa·s without clogging or residual carryover.
- Automated multi-stage cleaning protocol: sequential solvent rinse (user-definable), air purge, and nitrogen-assisted drying—minimizing cross-contamination and supporting method validation requirements.
- Precise thermal management: independent Peltier-based heating/cooling of the sample transport path and injection manifold, maintaining setpoint stability within ±0.1 °C across the 20–80 °C operational range.
- Energy-efficient autonomous shutdown: system powers down automatically upon completion of all scheduled measurements, reducing standby power consumption and supporting lab-wide energy compliance protocols.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The CHD-502H supports a broad spectrum of liquid samples—including halogenated solvents, glycols, molten salts, ionic liquids, and polymer solutions—provided they are chemically compatible with borosilicate glass, PTFE, and EPDM wetted components. It meets mechanical and electrical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1 and carries CE marking for laboratory equipment. When operated with KEM DA-650/DA-645 instruments, the combined system satisfies metrological traceability requirements outlined in ISO 12185 (petroleum products), ASTM D4052 (density of liquids by digital density meter), and USP (density and specific gravity). The automated cleaning sequence and audit-ready event logging support GLP/GMP environments where 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic records are mandated.
Software & Data Management
Control and monitoring are executed through KEM’s proprietary Density Manager software (v4.0+), which provides method-driven automation templates, real-time status visualization (sample position, temperature, viscosity status, cleaning cycle progress), and raw data export in CSV and XML formats. All critical events—including sample injection time, rinse volume consumed, temperature deviation alerts, and error codes—are timestamped and stored locally with optional network backup. The software supports user-level access control (administrator/operator modes) and generates compliant PDF reports containing measurement metadata, calibration history, and system verification logs—facilitating internal audits and regulatory submissions.
Applications
- Quality control of hydrocarbon blends, biofuels, and lubricants across API, ASTM, and EN specification limits.
- Concentration monitoring of aqueous and non-aqueous electrolyte solutions in battery R&D and production.
- Thermal expansion coefficient determination via multi-point density measurements between 20 °C and 80 °C.
- Batch release testing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients dissolved in solvents such as DMF, NMP, or ethanol.
- Stability assessment of emulsions and suspensions through density drift analysis over time at controlled temperature.
- High-precision formulation verification in fine chemical synthesis, where ±1 µg/cm³ repeatability is essential for stoichiometric consistency.
FAQ
Is the CHD-502H compatible with non-KEM density meters?
No—the CHD-502H is designed exclusively for bidirectional integration with KEM DA-series oscillating U-tube densimeters and does not support third-party instruments due to proprietary command protocol and hardware handshake requirements.
Can the system handle corrosive samples such as concentrated acids or alkalis?
Only with validated wetted material compatibility; standard configuration uses EPDM seals and PTFE tubing, which are unsuitable for strong oxidizers or hot caustics. Optional fluorocarbon (FFKM) seals and Hastelloy components are available upon request for specialized applications.
How is temperature calibration verified across the 20–80 °C range?
Each unit ships with a NIST-traceable temperature verification certificate. Users may perform periodic checks using certified platinum resistance thermometers (PRTs) inserted into the sample probe port, following KEM’s documented verification procedure (SOP-DEN-CHD-02).
Does the system support remote monitoring or integration with LIMS?
Yes—via Ethernet interface and OPC UA-compatible data export modules, enabling direct ingestion into laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or enterprise quality management systems (QMS) without middleware.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for the vacuum-pressure pump and fluidic pathways?
KEM recommends quarterly inspection of pump diaphragms and annual replacement of inlet/outlet tubing and sealing O-rings. Full service documentation and spare parts kits are included with each system shipment.
