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Introduction
The CEM Focused Microwave Discover® SP-D Clinical System is designed to enhance the ability to perform acid
digestions under controlled conditions on a laboratory scale. It accommodates 4 mL and 10 mL vessels for reactions
performed at elevated temperatures and pressures.
The SP-D Clinical system also incorporates ActiVent Technology that permits the user to release unwanted gaseous
byproducts from the reaction to prevent over pressurization and vial failure from gaseous buildup. This ensures safe
handling of the vial during and at the end of the reaction. The ActiVent safely bleeds the solvent/vapor from the reaction
vessel and releases it through the vent tube connected to the back of the system and into a controlled environment.
Microwave energy is applied to the vessel contents (reactants, catalysts, salts, solvents and/or solid supports) to
accelerate the chemical reaction. The microwave absorption properties of some liquid and solid materials, due to their
polar and ionic characteristics, have the capability to significantly enhance chemical reactions relative to traditional energy
application (heating) techniques. The microwave interaction properties with the reactants, intermediates, catalysts, solid
supports and salts provide unique opportunities for the synthetic chemist.
The Discover SP-D Clinical System consists of:
•
A continuous microwave power delivery system with operator selectable power output from 0 - 300 watts (+/- 30
watts) programmable in 1-watt increments.
•
A self-adjusting, single mode microwave cavity that is manually accessed via multiple attenuator ports.
•
A 256 x 128 graphics display and on-board computer for programming and operational control of the system. The
memory will store and recall methods.
•
3 safety interlocks and an interlock monitoring system to prevent microwave emission when the attenuator port is
not properly installed.
•
One (1) serial port (1 RS 232).
•
Two (2) ethernet ports for computer interface and network connection (optional configuration).
•
One RJ-11 port for peripheral connection.
•
An accessory kit.
•
Two (2) USB ports..
•
Infrared Temperature Control System -
This temperature control system uses a non-contact, infrared sensor to
measure temperature. It is located below the microwave cavity floor and measures the temperature on the bottom of
the vessel. The sensor is vessel volume independent and is used in a feedback loop with the on-board computer to
control the temperature rise rate and control point of the vessel contents. Temperature is programmable from
0
o
C to 220
o
C.
• Stirring Option
- The stirring option consists of an electromagnetic plate located below the floor of the microwave
cavity. Stirring occurs when the magnetic field couples with a stir bar in the vessel. The method setup enables
the stirring feature and the stirring speed. Standard stir bars appropriate to the vessel size are used.
• Cooling Option -
The cooling option consists of necessary valves and ports to direct a cooling gas (either
nitrogen or clean air) onto the vessel in the system cavity. This option will decrease the temperature of a 2mL
solution in a 4 mL or 10 mL Pyrex reaction vessel from ~150ºC to ~50ºC in less than 120 seconds. Method setup
enables the cooling feature.
