+1.800.343.5319 or +1.843.881.6560 envexp.com
Environmental Express
• 11
SimpleDist® Micro Heating Block:
Operation & Instruction Manual
Distillation Methods
Ammonia Nitrogen Distillation with the
SimpleDist® Micro Heating Block
5.5
Place the distillation unit in the tube press. Hold the collection tube by the break joint
to give support during the sealing procedure. Firmly press the two pieces together with
one motion. The collection tube should be flush with the ring around the edge of the
sample tube. If the pieces are at a visible angle the assembly will not fit all the way in
the block.
5.6
Repeat Steps 5.4 and 5.5 for all prepared sample and collection tubes.
5.7
Place each assembled and pressed distillation unit in the preheated block. Ensure
that the unit is completely inserted in the block by having the ring on the “Distill” side
of the tube flush against the surface of the block.
(
Note:
Heat resistant gloves may be
necessary during this stage.)
5.8
After 30 minutes of distillation time, remove the first distillation unit from the block.
(Note:
Heat and chemical resistant gloves are needed for Steps 5.8 and 5.9
)
5.9
Immediately after removing the unit from the block, hold it over a chemical disposal
container and pull the sample tube off of the collection tube. This is best done by
twisting the two pieces in opposite directions while simultaneously pulling them apart.
Rocking the sample tube from side to side may not separate the pieces in time.
The
sample tube must be removed within 4 seconds of the unit being removed from
the block.
Otherwise the distillate could suck back into the sample tube and cause the
sample to be lost.
5.10
Drop the sample tube and any remaining liquid into the disposal container. Place
the collection tube with the ‘Measure’ end (the capped end) down in a test tube rack.
Repeat Steps 5.8 through 5.10 for all distilled tubes.
5.11
Allow the tubes to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. You will notice fine condensate begin to
appear on the inside walls of the collection tube.
5.12
After the tubes have cooled to ambient temperature, use the trapping solution inside
the tube to rinse the tube walls and collect all the condensate. This can be best
accomplished by holding the tube horizontally and then tilting the ‘Distill’ end a few
degrees downward. Slowly roll the tube while tilting it back to level and then the
‘Measure’ end down. You may need to gently tap the tube to knock down any drops
that cling to the edges.
5.13
With the ‘Measure’ end down snap the tube at the break joint. The ‘Distill’ end may
now be discarded.
5.14
Use reagent water to dilute the distillate up to the 6 mL line on the ‘Measure’ end.
Gently swirl the solution to mix.
5.15
Due to limited sample volume the analysis is best suited to discrete or flow injection
analysis. Plug the end with a stopper or cover with Parafilm® if the analysis will not be
performed immediately.
5.16
After use, clean exterior surfaces of heating block with a damp sponge. For acid spills,
sponge with a diluted solution of sodium bicarbonate followed by distilled water. For
caustic spills use a dilute solution of acetic acid followed by distilled water.
