GRANT QBA, QBD, QBH Block Heater Instruction Manual
- July 3, 2024
- GRANT
Table of Contents
Block heater
QBA, QBD, QBH
Operating Manual
Safety
1.1. Symbols used in these instructions:
Caution! Read these operating instructions fully before use and pay
particular attention to sections containing this symbol.
Caution! Surfaces can become hot during use.
1.2. Always observe the following safety precautions
Caution! Do not check the temperature by touch. Use a thermometer.
Caution! Do not touch surfaces which become hot during high temperature
operation.
Caution! Use only as specified by the operating instructions, or the
intrinsic protection may be impaired.
Caution! To reduce the risk of eye injury during high temperature
operation, use safety goggles or spectacles.
- After transport or storage in humid conditions, dry out the unit before connecting it to the supply voltage. During drying out the intrinsic protection may be impaired.
- Connect only to a power supply with a voltage corresponding to that on the serial number label at the rear of the unit.
- Ensure that the mains switch and power plug are easily accessible during use.
- Connect only to a power supply which provides a safety earth (ground) terminal.
- Before moving, allow to cool and disconnect at the power supply socket.
- If liquid is spilt inside the unit, disconnect it from the power supply and have it checked by a competent person.
- It is the user’s responsibility to carry out appropriate decontamination if hazardous material is spilt on or inside the equipment.
- Clean the unit only with a damp cloth. Do not use chemical cleaning agents.
- Before using any cleaning or decontamination method except those recommended in this manual, users should check with Grant Instruments that the proposed method will not damage the equipment.
- The unit must be placed on a level, non-flammable surface away from flammable materials and ensuring that all ventilation slots in the base are clear from obstructions.
- Disconnect the mains before removing the outer cover. Note there are no user serviceable parts inside in the unit.
- Use appropriate vessels / tubes for temperature required.
- The unit is for indoor use only. Check that the environmental conditions of the laboratory are within the limits given in Section 5.
- Do not use in fume cupboards containing corrosive atmospheres.
Operation of QBA
2.1. Unpack the unit carefully and retain packaging for future shipment or
storage.
2.2. The pack includes: Block heater, Mains cable, Operating instructions,
Extractor tool.
2.3. Plug the mains cable into the socket at the rear of the unit and position
to allow easy access to the power switch and connector.
2.4. Fit the desired block(s) into the heater well. Ensure that the heater bed
and the bottom of the blocks are clean in order to ensure good thermal contact
between heater and blocks resulting in optimal temperature control
performance.
2.5. Turn the unit on by pressing the mains switch on the front of the unit.
The power light will illuminate.
2.6. Turn the control knob to the desired temperature.
2.7. The block heater will now begin to heat the blocks. The heater light will
illuminate continuously during the heating phase but will begin to flash when
the set temperature is approached.
2.8. Allow the block(s) to stabilise at the set temperature before use.
2.9. If a more accurate temperature setting is required, use a calibrated
thermometer. Place in the thermometer hole in the block and adjust the set
temperature accordingly. N.B. Allow time for block to stabilise between each
adjustment.
2.10. To turn the unit off press the mains switch on the front. Allow the unit
to cool before completing any maintenance.
2.11. Extractor tool. The extractor tool enables the user to remove blocks
safely and easily. The tool can be stored on the rear of the unit in the
mounting bracket provided. The tool should be screwed tightly into the
threaded hole/holes in the block and then the block lifted out.
Note. One tool is provided with the unit for use with single blocks. A second tool is provided with the double size blocks which require the use of two tools.
Operation of QBD, QBH
3.1. Unpack the unit carefully and retain packaging for future shipment or
storage.
3.2. The pack includes: Block heater, Mains cable, Operating instructions,
Extractor tool.
3.3. Plug the mains cable into the socket at the rear of the unit and position
to allow easy access to the power switch and connector.
3.4. Fit the desired block(s) into the heater well. Ensure that the heater bed
and the bottom of the blocks are clean in order to ensure good thermal contact
between heater and blocks resulting in optimal temperature control
performance.
3.5. Turn the unit on by pressing the mains switch on the front of the unit.
The display will illuminate showing the current temperature of the block.
3.6. Press the ‘S’ button and adjust the set temperature using the knob. Press
‘S’ to select the temperature or press ‘F’ to exit without changing the value.
3.7. The block heater will now begin to heat the blocks. The heater light will
illuminate continuously during the heating phase but will begin to flash when
the set temperature is approached.
3.8. Allow the block(s) to stabilise at the set temperature before use.
3.9. To turn unit off, press the mains switch on the front. The set
temperature will be stored in memory. Allow unit to cool before completing any
maintenance.
3.10. Extractor tool. The extractor tool enables the user to remove blocks
safely and easily. The tool can be stored on the rear of the unit in the
mounting bracket provided. The tool should be screwed tightly into the
threaded hole/holes in the block and then the block lifted out.
Note. One tool is provided with the unit for use with single blocks. A second tool is provided with the double size blocks which require the use of two tools.
3.11. Heating Error Detection (QBD\QBH). If the processor detects an error in heating the fault light will illuminate, the buzzer will beep and the display will flash . To reset this fault; switch the unit off and on. If the fault reoccurs contact your local service agent or Grant Instruments: contact details can be found towards the rear of this manual.
4.2. Timer.
The timer is used to count down a time period in the range of 1 to 999
minutes. A buzzer signifies time up, but the heater control is not affected.
4.2.1. Press F to enter main menu.
4.2.2. Rotate control knob until display shows .
4.2.3. Press S to select timer control.
4.2.4. Display will show or . Rotate knob to desired state and press S to
select state.
4.2.5. If is selected the display will flash and show number of minutes.
Rotate the control knob until the desired value is displayed and press S to
select. If is selected the display will return to the actual temperature.
4.2.6. If the timer is set the display will alternate between actual
temperature and time left on the timer.
4.2.7. Once the timer has counted down to zero the buzzer will sound and the
display will alternate between and actual temperature.
Note. The heater control is not affected by the timer, normal operation
continues.
4.2.8. To cancel the buzzer press either F or S key. The buzzer will cancel
automatically after 5 minutes.
4.2.9. If the main power to the unit fails the timer will revert to .
Note. The timer value will be retained in memory after the main power has
been turned off
4.3. Alarm.
The alarm is a deviation alarm, settable from 0.5 to 10 ºC. If the actual
temperature deviates from the set point by more than the value selected the
alarm will sound and the fault lamp illuminates. It is only activated once the
actual value has been within ± 0.2 ºC of the set value for 2 minutes. It does
not affect the normal operation of the unit.
4.3.1. Press F to enter main menu.
4.3.2. Rotate control knob until display shows .
4.3.3. Press S to select timer control.
4.3.4. Display will show or . Rotate knob to desired state and press S to
select state.
4.3.5. If is selected the display will flash and show the current set value.
Rotate control knob until desired value is shown. (The alarm limit is ± 0.5 °C
to ±10.0 °C). If is selected the display will return to the actual
temperature.
4.3.6. Press S to set alarm state once the desired value has been selected.
4.3.7. The display will return to actual temperature. No indication is given
that the alarm is set.
4.3.8. If the temperature is outside the limit set for more than 10 seconds,
the buzzer will sound and the display will alternate between actual
temperature and .
4.3.9. To reset the alarm press either F or S key. If the alarm conditions
still exist the alarm will re-activate after 10 seconds.
4.3.10. To disable the alarm feature select at point 4.3.4 above.
Note. The alarm value and set state condition are retained in memory.
4.4. Offset.
The offset feature allows the user to change the temperature from +3ºC to –7
ºC in order to allow single point calibration.
4.4.1. Press F to enter main menu.
4.4.2. Rotate control knob until display shows .
4.4.3. Press S to select offset control.
4.4.4. The display will flash and show current value. Rotate the control knob
until de-sired value is shown.
4.4.5. Press S to confirm the offset value.
4.4.6. To cancel the offset, set the value to .
4.5. Probe Selection.
By using the optional external probe, it is possible to control the
temperature of a sample, a dummy sample or the block directly. Ensure the
probe is maintained in contact with either a sample or the block during the
course of the experiment. Failure to maintain this contact could result in the
probe monitoring an air temperature or, another non-specific temperature. This
could result in the temperature exceeding the set point and an error condition
occurring (see “Errors” below). Grant has provided this function to protect
accidental operation when the external probe has been ‘selected’ but is not
used.
When selected the external probe may be calibrated by the procedure described
in 7.7.
4.5.1. To select the external probe, complete the following procedure:
– Press F to enter main menu.
– Rotate control knob until display shows .
– Press S to select probe selection.
– The display will show which probe type is currently selected. for internal
and for external.
– Rotate the control knob until the desired probe is shown.
– Press S to select the desired probe.
4.5.2. Errors:
- : The external probe should be plugged in before it is selected. If the probe is not connected to the unit or disconnected the message will be displayed.
- : If a difference of 40°C or more is detected between the internal and external probe then will be displayed.
- This condition might occur if the external probe is not in direct contact with a sample, a dummy sample or the block.
- This error can also occur if the external probe is placed in a cool sample which is then placed in a pre-warmed block.
To remove an error 3, ensure the external probe is indeed in direct contact
with the chosen target and there is not a difference of more than 40°C between
the block (measured by the internal probe) and the external probe.
As the sample heats-up, the heater will switch on again as the difference
becomes less than 40°C. Therefore the user can wait and err3 will clear.
Note. Should experimental conditions require a difference of 40°C or more
between the block and the external probe, please contact Grant to discuss
other options.
4.6. Delay Start and Stop.
The delay start and stop provides a means of turning the heater control on or
off after a specified period of time.
4.6.1. Press F to enter main menu.
4.6.2. Rotate control knob until display shows .
4.6.3. Press S to select delay control.
4.6.4. Display will show or , rotate knob to desired state. Press S to select
state.
4.6.5. If is selected the display will show either (delayed start) or (delayed
stop). Using the control knob select which type of delay is required.
4.6.6. Press S to select.
4.6.7. The display will flash and show the number of minutes delayed. Rotate
the control knob until the desired value is displayed and press S to select.
Note. During delayed start the display will alternate between and the
actual temperature.
Note. During delayed stop the unit will continue to respond as normal.
Once the delayed period has expired the temperature control will be turned off
and the display will alternate between and the actual temperature. To return
to normal operation press either the S or F keys.
4.7. Calibration.
The calibration procedure allows the user to calibrate the unit over a wide
temperature range.
Note that the probe used will be the probe selected as described in 4.5.
A calibrated thermometer will be required to measure the temperature of the
block. The adjusted readings entered must be within ± 5ºC of the original
reading.
4.7.1. Set the temperature of the unit to 35°C in the normal manner and allow
the unit to stabilise.
4.7.2. Press F to enter main menu.
4.7.3. Rotate control knob until display shows . Press S to select.
4.7.4. The display will show for one second then . Rotate to a value of and
press S to select.
4.7.5. Rotate the control knob until the display shows . Press S to select.
4.7.6. The display will show the current temperature value. Using the control
knob change the value to match that of the calibrated thermometer.
4.7.7. Press S to select the new value. The display will revert to the non-
adjusted actual temperature.
4.7.8. Set the temperature of the unit to 75°C and allow the unit to
stabilise.
4.7.9. Press F to enter main menu.
4.7.10. Rotate control knob until display shows . Press S to select.
4.7.11. The display will show for one second then . Rotate to a value of and
press S to select.
4.7.12. Rotate the control knob until the display shows . Press S to select.
4.7.13. The display will show the current temperature value. Using the control
knob change the value to match that of the calibrated thermometer.
Note. If the reading is over 3 degrees out the unit will continue to flash the display. In this case turn the unit off and allow to cool. Then remove the blocks and clean the heater bed and bottom of the blocks and start the procedure again.
4.7.14. Press S to select the new value. The display will revert to the non-
adjusted actual temperature.
4.7.15. Press F to enter main menu.
4.7.16. Rotate control knob until display shows . Press S to select .
4.7.17. The display will show for one second then . Rotate to a value of and
press S to select.
4.7.18. Rotate the control knob until the display shows . Press S to select.
4.7.19. The display will now display the actual adjusted temperature using the
calibration values entered.
4.7.20. To return to factory settings complete the following:
– Press F to enter main menu.
– Rotate control knob until display shows CAL. Press S to select.
– The display will show PASS for one second then 0001. Rotate to a value of
0004 and press S to select.
– Rotate the control knob until the display shows . Press S to select.
4.8. Programming (QBH with external probe only).
The QBH is capable of running a simple program consisting of three temperature
and time segments and an end phase. All the temperature/time segments must be
set even if only 2 steps are required. An external probe must be fitted to
edit or run a program.
4.8.1. Press F to enter main menu.
4.8.2. Rotate control knob until display shows . Press S to select.
4.8.3. Rotate the control knob to show Press S to select state. (On or Off
will return the display to actual temperature. On runs the program, Off
returns to normal operation).
4.8.4. If Edit is selected the display will show (section 1) then (set point).
4.8.5. Press S to select.
4.8.6. The display will flash and show the current set value. Rotate the
control knob until the desired value is displayed and press S to select.
4.8.7. The display will show (time). Press S to select.
4.8.8. The display will flash and show the time in minutes. Rotate the control
knob until the desired value is displayed and press S to select.
4.8.9. The display will show (section 2).
4.8.10. Repeat steps 4.8.6 to 10 above for sections 2 and 3 ( ).
4.8.11. The display will show (section 4), press S to select.
4.8.12. The display will show (buzzer) press S to select.
4.8.13. By rotating the control knob the display will show On or OFF. Press S
to select state of buzzer when the program finishes (it will sound for 1
minute).
4.8.14. The display will show (heater control). Press S to select.
4.8.15. By rotating the control knob the display will show On or OFF. Press S
to select state of heater control when the program finishes. If Off is
selected the heater is switched off after the last step and there is no
temperature control. If On is selected the unit will return to normal
operation.
4.8.16. The unit is now programmed; to run the program:
4.8.17. Press F to enter main menu.
4.8.18. Rotate control knob until display shows . Press S to select.
4.8.19. By rotating the control knob the display will show Select On and press
S. (If external probe is not selected will be displayed).
4.8.20. To cancel the program complete 4.8.18 to 21 but select Off.
Note. When running a program the display will alternate as follows: When
heating up the display will alternate between and the actual temperature. When
temperature has been achieved the display will alternate between time left,
step number and actual
temperature.
The time count down for each step is only started once the actual temperature
is within 1 ºC of the set temperature.
5.1. All products covered in this manual are designed to comply with
IEC61010-1 and can be flash tested.
Some are fitted with radio frequency interference suppressers. Therefore it is
recommended that only a D.C. test be performed. No other routine service is
required.
5.2. Cleaning. The case can be cleaned with a damp cloth after disconnection.
Do not use solvents. Before using any decontamination or cleaning method
except that recommended, check with our Service Department that the proposed
method will not damage
the equipment.
5.3. Replacement of fuses. Disconnect from the power supply socket. Remove the
IEC power plug from the rear of the unit. Pull out the fuse drawer, replace
the fuse with the correct type, and replace the fuse holder. Below is the
table of fuse ratings, depending on the model and the mains.
| QBA1| QBA2| QBD1| QBD2| QBD4| QBH2
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
230 V~| 2| 2| 2| 2| 3.15| 2
120 V~| 2| 3.15| 2| 3.15| 5| 3.15
5.4. Routine safety tests. If routine tests are to be made, we recommend a test of the integrity of the protective earth conductor and an insulation test at 500 V~. Routine flash tests are not recommended for any electrical equipment, because repeated high voltage tests degrade insulation materials.
Guarantee and service
6.1. Guarantee. When used in laboratory conditions and according to this
Operating Manual, this product is guaranteed for THREE YEARS against faulty
materials or workmanship.
6.1.1. Extended warranty for years four and five can be purchased by
contacting our sales department at
labsales@grantinstruments.com
6.2. Service.
6.2.1. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the unit. For service return
for repair to our Service Department in the UK or in other countries to our
distributor.
Note. Please do not return the blocks.
6.2.2. Service e-mail:
labservice@grantinstruments.com
6.2.3. At Grant we are continuously trying to improve the performance we offer
our customers. If you have any feedback on Grant’s products or services we
would like to hear from you. Please send all feed back to our contact address
or to feedback@grantinstruments.com.
6.2.4. Contact address:
Grant Instruments (Cambridge) Ltd
Evolution House, Unit 2, Durham Way
Royston Gateway
Royston
SG8 5GX
UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1763 260811
Fax: +44 (0) 1763 262410
Accessories
7.1. Only use genuine Grant products with your block heater. The following accessories are available from Grant Instruments, or our local distributor.
7.2. Single blocks
– QB-0 ……………………………… Plain
– QB-10 …………………… 10mm holes
– QB-12 …………………… 12mm holes
– QB-13 …………………… 13mm holes
– QB-16 …………………… 16mm holes
– QB-17H ………………… 17mm holes
– QB-18 …………………… 18mm holes
– QB-24 …………………… 24mm holes
– QB-50 …………………… 50mm holes
– QB-H ……………… 0.2ml micro tube
– QB-E0 ……………. 0.5ml micro tube
– QB-E1 ……………. 1.5ml micro tube
– QB-E2 ……………. 2.0ml micro tube
– QB-E5 ……………. 5.0ml micro tube
7.3. Double size blocks (QBA2, QBD2, QBD4, QBH2)
– QDP-H ……………………………… 0.2ml
– QDP-FL ………………….. 96-well plate
7.4. Polycarbonate safety covers
– QBL1 ………… Cover for QBA1,QBD1
– QBL2 Cover for QBA2, QBD2,QBH2
– QBL4 …………………. Cover for QBD4
7.5. External probe
– QBEP ………..External Pt1000 sensor
Specification
8.1. Supply specifications
Model | Voltage and frequency | Power |
---|---|---|
QBA1 | 230 V~ ±10%,50–60 Hz | 200 VA |
QBA2 | 350 VA | |
QBD1 | 200 VA | |
QBD2 | 350 VA | |
QBD4 | 700 VA | |
QBH2 | 350 VA | |
Model | Voltage and frequency | Power |
--- | --- | --- |
QBA1L | 120 V~ ±10%,50–60 Hz | 150 VA |
QBA2L | 300 VA | |
QBD1L | 150 VA | |
QBD2L | 300 VA | |
QBD4L | 550 VA | |
QBH2L | 300 VA |
8.2. General specifications
Model variations | QBA, QBAL | QBD, QBDL | QBH, QBHL |
---|---|---|---|
Minimum setting temperature, °C | 0 | 15 | 15 |
Maximum temperature, °C | 100 | 130 | 200 |
Stability @37°C within block, °C | ±1.0 | ±0.1 | ±0.1 |
Uniformity @37°C within block, °C | ±1.0 | ±0.1 | ±0.1 |
Number of blocks | 1 & 2 | 1, 2 & 4 | 2 |
Setting resolution, °C | 2 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
Display resolution, °C | 2 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
Heatup time from 25 to 100 °C. minutes | 25 | 20 | 20 |
External probe socket | no | yes | yes |
Width x height, mm | 200 x 100 | 200 x 100 | 200 x 100 |
Block variations | 1 block | 2 blocks | 4 blocks |
--- | --- | --- | --- |
Length, mm | 230 | 280 | 380 |
Heater power, W (230/120 V-) | 150//00 | 300/200 | 600/400 |
Note. All block heaters are fitted with a thermal fuse which operates at a temperature of 230°C.
8.3. Workroom requirements
Operating Temperature | 5 to 40°C |
---|---|
Maximum relative humidity | 80 % r.h. in room temperatures up to 31°C |
decreasing linearly to 50 % r.h. at 40°C
Altitude| Up to 6,500 feet (2,000 m) above sea level
Compliance
UK Declaration of Conformity
All the products covered by this Manual comply with the requirements of UK
statutory requirements verified using the following standards.
Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016| BS EN 61010 Part 1
BS EN 61010 Part 2-010
---|---
Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016| BS EN 61326-1
The Restriction of the Use of Certain Substances in Electrical and Electronic
equipment Regulations 2012| BS EN 50581
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
All the products covered by this Manual are marked with the crossed-out
wheelie bin symbol indicating they must not be disposed of with unsorted
waste. Safe recycling of WEEE helps conserve natural resources and protect
human health.
Grant Instruments complies fully with the UK Waste Electrical & Electronic
Equipment (WEEE) regulations 2013. We are a member of the B2B compliance
scheme (Scheme Approval Number WEE/MP3338PT/SCH), which handle our WEEE
obligations on our behalf. Grant Instruments have been issued with a unique
registration number by the Environmental Agency, this reference number is
WEE/GA0048TZ.
For information regarding WEEE collections in the UK please contact our B2B
Compliance Scheme directly on 01691 676 124 or
www.b2bcompliance.org.uk
In the EU, Grant Instruments complies with WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU.
Contact your local equipment supplier for WEEE collections.
REACH Regulations
This product does not contain any Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) at
greater than 0.1% that have to be identified in accordance with Regulation
(EC) No 1907/2006 and therefore does not have an entry in the SCIP database.
Grant Instruments (Cambridge) Ltd
Evolution House, Unit 2, Durham Way
Royston Gateway
Royston
SG8 5GX
UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1763 260811
Email: salesdesk@grantinstruments.com
www.grantinstruments.com
Representative in the European Union
Grant Instruments Europe B.V
Strawinskylaan 411
WTC, Tower A, 4th Floor
1077 XX Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Email: grant@eu.grantinstruments.com
Block heaters QBA, QBD, QBH – 32331 v1 – June of 2024
References
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