BUCHI SpeedExtractor E-916 - Manual (Page 24)

4 Description of function
24 SpeedExtractor E-916/E-914 Operation Manual, Version D
a Main power switch
The instrument is protected by a 14 A (240 V) circuit breaker. The main fuse button at the rear of the
instrument must be pushed in.
b Solvent reservoir
The maximum possible number of solvent bottles depends on the type of mixer. With the 2-port mixer
up to 2 different solvents, with the 4-port mixer up to 4 different solvents can be connected allowing
any user-defined solvent ratios.
c Solvent pump and solvent mixer
A self-priming HPLC pump transfers the extraction solvent from different solvent reservoirs to the mixer
and from there into the extraction cell. With the control panel arbitrary solvent ratios can be chosen.
d Heating block
The heating block accommodates 6 or 4 extraction cells and guarantees an accurate and uniform
heat distribution across all extraction positions independent of the placement. The whole block is eas-
ily pulled out horizontally facilitating the accommodation of the extraction cells. Magnetic connections
on the heating block and on guide rail make sure that the heating block is correctly placed in a defined
middle position, ready for operation. The protection shield protects the operator from hot surfaces and
movable parts during operation.
e Extraction cells
The extraction cells are tailored to the dimensions of the holes in the heating block guarantying an
efficient and accurate heat transfer into the sample. The sample volume of the cells differs from
10 – 40 mL for the E-916 and from 40 – 120 mL for the E-914.
f Collection rack
Up to 6 collection vials are loaded into the collection unit. After extraction, the extracts containing the
analytes are collected in these bottles. Different collection units and adapters are available to accom-
modate small vials up to large volume round bottom flasks. See chapter 10.
g Control panel
The control panel containing a liquid crystal display (LCD) and membrane keypads allows to program
the full extraction process. Detailed schematic representations inform the operator about the current
stage of the process as well as possible errors.
h Nitrogen inlet
The nitrogen gas inlet connection is located on the right hand side next to the solvent connections. It
is used to get rid of residual solvent by flushing the lines and cells thoroughly with nitrogen and/or to
inerting the system. Inerting the receiving vials is for the stability of some analytes beneficial. Nitrogen
pressure of 6 – 10 bar is required for proper operation. To avoid any contamination by flushing with
nitrogen 5.0 quality (i.e. vol.-% > 99.999) is recommended for trace analysis and 4.5 (i.e. vol.-% >
99.995) for other applications.
i Waste outlets
An 18-port valve located between the heating block and the collection rack allows collecting the
extract leaving the extraction cells either in the collection bottle or a waste bottle. The latter is in par-
ticular beneficial when the solvent is changed or the lines are flushed upon contamination. The number
of waste outlets is determined by the instrument configuration! The E-916 features 6, the E-914 only 4
outlet ports.
j Exhaust
The collection vials are sealed by septum. A stainless steel needle pierces this septum allowing the
extract to flow from the extraction cell into the collection bottle. To compensate the pressure a second
needle connects the collection bottle with an exhaust joint situated on the rear of the instrument.