Ying’an Meicheng Graphite Block Digestion System DR-15
| Brand | Ying'an Meicheng |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | DR-15 |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The Ying’an Meicheng Graphite Block Digestion System DR-15 is a benchtop, atmospheric-pressure sample digestion platform engineered for reproducible, high-throughput acid digestion of moderately labile matrices. It operates on conductive heating principles—utilizing a monolithic, high-purity graphite block as the thermal mass—to deliver uniform, controllable heat transfer directly to PTFE- or quartz-lined digestion vessels. Unlike open-vessel hot plates or ceramic heaters, the DR-15’s integrated graphite architecture minimizes radial and axial thermal gradients across the heating surface, enabling consistent reaction kinetics across all sample positions. This system is routinely deployed in analytical laboratories as a primary digestion tool for environmental soils, food digests, pharmaceutical excipients, and biological tissues prior to elemental analysis by AAS, AFS, ICP-OES, or ICP-MS. It also serves a critical secondary role in post-microwave workflows—specifically for controlled, low-temperature acid evaporation (i.e., “acid removal” or “acid fuming”) and final volume adjustment prior to instrumental analysis.
Key Features
- Uniform Graphite Heating Block: Precision-machined, high-density graphite with optimized thermal conductivity ensures inter-hole temperature uniformity ≤ ±2.0 °C at setpoint—critical for batch reproducibility and regulatory compliance in multi-sample runs.
- Chemically Resistant Surface: Entire graphite block coated with industrial-grade PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), providing long-term resistance to concentrated HNO₃, HCl, HF (at low concentrations), H₂SO₄, and aqua regia; surface remains non-stick and easily cleaned after repeated use.
- PID Temperature Control System: Microprocessor-driven digital controller with programmable ramp-hold profiles; temperature accuracy ±1.0 °C over 30–220 °C range; adjustable heating rate (0.1–5.0 °C/min) and dwell time (0–999 min).
- High-Capacity Sample Processing: 15-position configuration (standard); optional custom hole diameters (e.g., 16 mm, 28 mm, 40 mm) accommodate diverse vessel types including Teflon®-lined PFA, quartz, and borosilicate glass tubes.
- Robust Mechanical Design: All-metal housing with insulated base and ventilation slots; stable footprint; no moving parts; compliant with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC) and IEC 61010-1 (safety for laboratory equipment).
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The DR-15 supports digestion of aqueous, organic, and semi-solid samples compatible with open-vessel acid digestion protocols per EPA Method 3050B, ISO 11466, and ASTM D5762. It is validated for use with nitric, hydrochloric, sulfuric, and perchloric acids under ambient pressure conditions. While not intended for volatile or highly reactive matrices (e.g., explosives, alkali metals), it meets GLP documentation requirements when paired with audit-trail-capable software (see Software section). The system complies with national safety standards for electrical appliances in China (GB 4706.1) and carries CE marking for export to EU markets. For regulated environments (e.g., clinical labs, contract testing facilities), the DR-15 may be included in instrument qualification protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) as part of a full analytical workflow validation.
Software & Data Management
The DR-15 operates via an embedded keypad interface with real-time temperature display and status indicators. Optional RS-232 or USB-to-serial connectivity enables integration with LIMS or third-party data acquisition systems (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB). When used with Ying’an Meicheng’s optional PC-based control software (v3.2+), users gain full traceability: timestamped temperature logs, user ID tagging, method recall, and export to CSV/Excel. The software supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant configurations—including electronic signatures, audit trails, and role-based access control—when deployed on validated Windows OS platforms meeting GxP IT infrastructure requirements.
Applications
- Routine digestion of water, soil, sludge, and plant tissue for heavy metal quantification (Pb, Cd, As, Cr, Ni)
- Pre-concentration and acid removal following microwave-assisted digestion (MAD) of biological fluids and tissues
- Standardized sample preparation for regulatory submissions under US FDA, EU EFSA, or China NMPA guidelines
- Method development and validation studies requiring precise thermal profiling and inter-laboratory comparability
- Teaching laboratories conducting quantitative trace element analysis in undergraduate and graduate curricula
FAQ
Can the DR-15 be used with hydrofluoric acid (HF)?
Yes—only when using PFA or quartz digestion vessels rated for HF exposure; direct contact between HF and bare graphite must be avoided. The PTFE coating provides limited HF resistance at low concentrations (<2%) and temperatures <120 °C.
Is the DR-15 suitable for mercury analysis?
It is appropriate for closed-vessel mercury stabilization protocols (e.g., addition of KMnO₄/H₂SO₄ followed by gentle heating), but not recommended for open-vessel Hg volatilization without cold traps or fume hood integration.
What calibration documentation is provided?
Each unit ships with a factory temperature verification report (NIST-traceable reference thermometer), certificate of conformance, and user manual compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation practices.
How is maintenance performed?
No routine calibration is required. Cleaning consists of wiping the PTFE-coated surface with dilute ethanol or acetone; periodic inspection of power cord integrity and thermal fuse function is advised per manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.
