Solid Processing

Graphite Digester

Price range: $1,440.00 through $2,480.00
Laboratory sample digestion system utilizing infrared graphite heating for uniform preparation of soil, food, plant, and environmental matrices prior to chemical analysis.
Model
Key Specifications
Temperature Control PID intelligent temperature control algorithm
Safety Overvoltage, overcurrent, overheating alarm and leakage protection
Automation Level semi-automated
Material Ceramic fiber, Graphite, PTFE
Display LCD
SKU: CS-958318
Categories:
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The Graphite Digester is a laboratory instrument designed for sample preparation prior to chemical analysis across food, agricultural, environmental, and industrial applications. Utilizing infrared radiation graphite conduction heating, the system provides rapid and uniform sample digestion of diverse matrices including soil, grain, feed, plants, seeds, ores, and water samples for subsequent heavy metal and trace element analysis.

The instrument features PID intelligent temperature control with programmable heating profiles, supporting up to 200 digestion programs with 25 segments each. Available in 10-position and 20-position configurations, the system incorporates safety features including anti-corrosion treatment for acidic sample matrices, exhaust management, and comprehensive alarm systems for laboratory operation.

How It Works

The Graphite Digester employs infrared radiation combined with graphite conduction heating to achieve rapid and uniform sample digestion. The infrared radiation heating tube transmits energy to the graphite block in the form of electromagnetic waves. When the graphite conducts and heats the digestion solution and sample in the digestion tube, the energy is absorbed by the sample molecules, greatly increasing molecular movement and collision, causing the sample to heat rapidly. Combined with the digestion solution, this accelerates sample breakdown for effective and complete digestion.

PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) temperature control continuously monitors and adjusts heating power to maintain precise temperature profiles. The system supports both curve and linear heating modes, allowing researchers to program complex temperature ramps optimized for specific sample matrices. Each digestion program can incorporate up to 25 temperature and time segments, enabling gradual heating protocols that prevent sample loss through violent reactions while ensuring complete matrix breakdown.

Ceramic fiber insulation combined with air duct insulation technology maintains thermal efficiency while protecting the instrument housing. PTFE sealing caps prevent acid vapor escape during digestion, while the integrated exhaust hood manages potentially hazardous fumes generated during sample processing.

Components

Graphite Digester component diagram
No. Component
1 Display screen (7-inch LCD touchscreen)
2 Digestion platform (graphite heating block)
3 Digestion tube frame
4 Air switch
5 Shell (with anti-corrosion treatment)
6 Digestion tubes
7 Discharge system (exhaust management)

Software Interface

The Graphite Digester features an intuitive 7-inch LCD touchscreen for complete control of digestion programs.

Main Interface

The home screen displays four function buttons: Heating, Scheme, Setting up, and Help.

Main interface with Heating, Scheme, Setting up, and Help buttons
Heating Function

Select a saved digestion scheme from the list. The right panel displays scheme parameters (temperature and time per period). Click Start test to begin.

Heating function showing scheme selection with temperature and time parameters
Real-Time Monitoring

During digestion, the interface displays a live temperature curve and current readings including real-time temperature and remaining time. Click Stop test to interrupt at any time.

Real-time temperature curve monitoring during digestion
Scheme Editing

Create and manage up to 200 custom digestion schemes, each with up to 25 temperature/time segments. Add new schemes, edit existing ones, or delete unused schemes.

Scheme editing interface with editable scheme list and parameters
System Setup

Configure instrument settings including temperature calibration, timing mode (count up or count down), timing start point (test start or preset temperature reached), and alarm switch.

System setup showing temperature calibration, timing mode, and alarm settings

Troubleshooting

Fault Possible Cause Solution
Instrument cannot be powered on Fuse is burned out Replace the fuse
Instrument cannot be powered on Internal fault Contact after-sales support
Abnormal temperature display Abnormal sensor detection Replace with a new sensor
Abnormal temperature display Poor wire connection Check the wire connections
Instrument does not heat Heating element is damaged Replace with a new heating element

Features & Benefits

Infrared radiation graphite conduction heating
Provides rapid heating with minimal temperature variation between positions, ensuring consistent sample digestion across all vessels
PID intelligent temperature control (±1°C accuracy)
Maintains precise temperature regulation for reproducible analytical results across different sample matrices
200 programmable digestion groups with 25 segments each
Enables storage of complex heating protocols optimized for specific sample types and analytical requirements
7-inch high resolution LCD touchscreen
Provides real-time temperature curve monitoring and intuitive program setup with Heating, Scheme, Setting up, and Help functions
Stereoscopic surround heating design
Ensures all parts of the sample are heated uniformly, preventing heat loss and improving digestion consistency
Special anti-corrosion treatment
Protects instrument components from acidic digestion reagents, extending operational lifetime in harsh chemical environments
Comprehensive safety alarm system
Monitors overvoltage, overcurrent, and overheating conditions with automatic shutdown protection and leakage protection
Graphite treated with antioxidant technology
Extends service life and reduces temperature difference between furnace holes for uniform heating
Real-time output cutoff capability
During a test, heating output can be cut off in real time for immediate operator safety
Curve and linear heating modes
Supports both heating profiles, allowing complex temperature ramps optimized for specific digestion protocols

Heating Method

  • Infrared radiation graphite conduction heating

Temperature Control

  • PID intelligent temperature control algorithm

Heating Modes

  • Curve heating and linear heating

Programmable Groups

  • 200 groups

Segments Per Group

  • Up to 25 segments

Display Size

  • 7-inch

Display Resolution

  • High resolution

Safety Features

  • Overvoltage, overcurrent, overheating alarm and leakage protection

Insulation Technology

  • Ceramic fiber insulation layer and air duct insulation

Included Accessories

  • Digestive tube cooling rack, drip tray, exhaust hood, PTFE sealing cap

Anti Corrosion Treatment

  • Special anti-corrosion treatment for acidic liquids

Sample Types

  • Soil, grain, feed, food, water, plants, seeds, ores, heavy metals

Automation Level

  • semi-automated

Material

  • Ceramic fiber
  • Graphite
  • PTFE

Display Type

  • LCD

Research Domain

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Food Science
  • Industrial Hygiene
  • Materials Science

Weight

  • 6.06 lbs

Dimensions

  • 48.0 × 39.0 × 17.7 cm

Product Highlights

Feature This Product Category Context
Heating Technology Infrared radiation graphite conduction heating Traditional block heating or microwave systems
Temperature Control PID intelligent temperature control algorithm Basic on/off or simple proportional control
Programming Capability 200 digestion programs with 25 segments each Limited program storage with fewer segments
Display Interface 7-inch high resolution LCD with real-time temperature curves Basic LED or small LCD displays
Safety Features Comprehensive alarm system with overvoltage, overcurrent, overheating protection Basic temperature limits or manual monitoring
Chemical Resistance Special anti-corrosion treatment for acidic liquids Standard materials with limited acid resistance

The Graphite Digester combines advanced infrared heating technology with intelligent temperature control and extensive programming capability. The system provides superior temperature uniformity and comprehensive safety features for demanding analytical sample preparation workflows.

Applications & Use Cases

Environmental Monitoring
Digestion of soil and sediment samples for heavy metal analysis in contaminated site assessment and remediation monitoring programs.
Food Science
Preparation of grain, feed, and food matrices for nutritional analysis and contaminant screening in quality control laboratories.
Agricultural Research
Processing plant tissue, seed, and soil samples for nutrient profiling and pesticide residue analysis in crop research studies.
Analytical Chemistry
Sample mineralization for subsequent atomic absorption spectroscopy, ICP-MS, or other trace element analytical techniques.
Industrial Hygiene
Preparation of environmental samples for workplace exposure assessment and industrial waste characterization studies.
Materials Science
Digestion of ore samples and industrial materials for elemental composition analysis and quality control testing.

Practical Tips

Calibration

Perform temperature calibration verification quarterly using certified reference thermocouples placed in multiple digestion positions.

Ensures temperature accuracy remains within analytical method specifications across all sample positions.

Maintenance

Clean graphite heating surfaces monthly with appropriate solvents to remove sample residue buildup.

Maintains optimal heat transfer efficiency and prevents contamination between analytical batches.

Best Practices

Develop matrix-matched heating programs with gradual temperature ramps to prevent violent sample reactions.

Minimizes sample loss and ensures complete digestion while maintaining vessel integrity.

Safety

Always operate with exhaust hood connected and verify PTFE cap sealing before initiating digestion programs.

Prevents exposure to acid vapors and maintains safe laboratory working conditions.

Data Quality

Include blank digestions and certified reference materials in each analytical batch for quality control.

Validates digestion completeness and identifies potential contamination or systematic errors.

Troubleshooting

Monitor real-time temperature curves during initial program validation to identify heating irregularities.

Enables early detection of heating element issues or program parameter problems before sample processing.

Best Practices

Allow complete cooling using the provided rack before handling digested samples to prevent thermal shock.

Prevents vessel breakage and ensures operator safety during post-digestion sample transfer.

Maintenance

Inspect PTFE sealing caps regularly for chemical degradation and replace when discoloration or cracking appears.

Maintains proper seal integrity and prevents acid vapor leakage during digestion procedures.

Setup & Operation Guide

  1. Unpack and Inspect
    Remove the digester from packaging and verify all components against the packing list, including display screen, discharge system, digestion tubes, tube frame, and waste collection tray.
  2. Position and Connect
    Place on a stable, level surface with adequate ventilation. Connect the exhaust hood to an appropriate fume management system. Ensure a reliable grounding wire, air switch, and leakage switch are installed.
  3. Power On
    Connect to 220 VAC ±10%, 50 Hz power supply. Turn on the instrument switch. The 7-inch touchscreen displays the main interface with Heating, Scheme, Setting up, and Help buttons.
  4. Create Digestion Scheme
    Tap Scheme on the main interface. Click Add, enter a scheme name, then set temperature (°C) and time (min) for each digestion period (up to 25 segments per scheme). Save the scheme.
  5. Configure System Settings
    Tap Setting up to calibrate measured temperature against a reference thermometer. Select timing mode (count up or count down) and set the timing start point.
  6. Start Digestion
    Load prepared samples into digestion tubes, secure PTFE caps, and place in the digestion platform. Tap Heating, select the appropriate scheme from the list, verify parameters, and tap Start test. Monitor the real-time temperature curve during operation.
  7. Post-Digestion
    After the test completes, the instrument automatically returns to the home screen. Turn off the power supply and wait for complete cooling. Clean any residual reagents from tube plugs and discharge pipes promptly.

What's in the Box

  • Host unit with 7-inch LCD touchscreen
  • Display screen (1 pc)
  • Discharge system (1 set)
  • Discharge tube (1.5 m)
  • Glass digestion tubes — 10 pcs (GDA-10) or 20 pcs (GDA-20)
  • Digestion tube frame (1 pc)
  • Waste discharge liquid collection tray (1 set)
  • User manual
  • Certificate card
  • Warranty card

Warranty & Support

ConductScience provides a standard 1-year manufacturer warranty from the date of sale covering defects in materials and workmanship. The following are not covered: damage from improper use, unauthorized disassembly without manufacturer permission, or improper transportation and storage. Contact our support team for technical assistance with operation, maintenance, and replacement parts.

Compliance & Standards

ISO 3696 Commonly used in laboratories requiring reagent water specifications for sample preparation and analytical procedures
EPA Method 3050B Supports acid digestion workflows for environmental soil and sediment sample preparation in analytical laboratories
AOAC Official Methods Used in food and agricultural testing laboratories following association guidelines for sample preparation protocols
Q

What sample volumes and vessel types are compatible with the digestion system?

A

Consult product datasheet for specific vessel dimensions and volume capacities. The system accommodates standard laboratory digestion tubes with PTFE sealing caps provided.

Q

What is the maximum operating temperature and heating rate capability?

A

Temperature specifications including maximum operating temperature and heating rates should be verified in the technical documentation for your specific analytical protocols.

Q

How do I validate temperature uniformity across all digestion positions?

A

Use certified reference thermocouples placed in each position during empty vessel test runs. Temperature variation should be documented and compared to your analytical method requirements.

Q

What acids and reagent concentrations are compatible with the anti-corrosion treatment?

A

The system features special anti-corrosion treatment for acidic liquids. Consult chemical compatibility charts in the user manual for specific acid types and concentrations.

Q

Can digestion programs be exported or imported between instruments?

A

Program transfer capabilities depend on the control system interface. Refer to the user manual for data management options and program backup procedures.

Q

What maintenance schedule is recommended for the graphite heating elements?

A

Regular visual inspection of heating elements is recommended. Replacement frequency depends on usage intensity and sample matrix corrosivity as outlined in the maintenance section.

Q

How does this compare to microwave digestion systems for similar applications?

A

Graphite digestion offers atmospheric pressure operation with visual sample monitoring, while microwave systems provide faster heating under pressure. Choice depends on analytical method requirements and sample throughput needs.

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Graphite Digester
Price range: $1,440.00 through $2,480.00