Macherey-Nagel thermoblock NANOCOLOR VARIO HC, 12 positions, active cooling, 919330

The process does not end after digestion; there is still more to do before measurement: before a sample can be analysed photometrically, it must first cool back down to room temperature; with a passively cooling thermoblock, this can take a considerable amount of time, depending on the number of samples. The Macherey-Nagel NANOCOLOR VARIO HC thermoblock shortens precisely this step: an active cooling function cools the samples down specifically after digestion, rather than waiting for passive cooling. This is particularly noticeable in laboratories with high sample throughput and tight timeframes, for example when results must be available on the same day and the number of samples is simply too high for passive cooling. This time saving is particularly noticeable in the daily workflow of laboratories with fixed deadlines for test reports.

Active cooling for shorter overall cycle times

Instead of waiting passively for the samples to return to room temperature after digestion, the VARIO HC actively cools them down. This noticeably shortens the total cycle time comprising digestion and cooling, thereby increasing the potential sample throughput per working day, particularly during batch analyses involving many consecutive samples. The power supply is designed accordingly: 150 W for the heating function and 550 W for active cooling, so that the cooling phase also proceeds swiftly and does not become a new time-consuming step in the process.

Precise temperature range, user-friendly operation

The temperature range extends from 40 to 160 °C in 1 °C increments, with a stability of ±1 °C according to DIN, EN, ISO and EPA methods. Six preset standard temperatures and six freely definable programme slots cover routine parameters such as COD, TOC, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and metals. Operation is via a backlit colour touchscreen display with an icon-based menu in nine languages, including German, English and French.

Space-saving for everyday laboratory use

With external dimensions of 287 x 290 x 146 mm and a weight of 4,050 g (gross, including packaging), the VARIO HC requires no additional floor space compared with the VARIO 4, despite its integrated cooling function. The additional connected load for active cooling does not result in a larger footprint, meaning the VARIO HC can be swapped for the VARIO 4 without any space constraints.

Network-ready and documentation-capable

RS232, USB-A and USB-B interfaces enable connection to PC systems and data exchange; free software updates can be installed via the internet/PC or a USB stick. This facilitates integration with existing laboratory software and the sharing of test reports as part of quality assurance. In combination with the optional NANOCOLOR T-Set (919917) or the USB version (919921), automatic calibration including a test certificate according to DWA-A 704 is possible.

Safe in everyday laboratory use

The VARIO HC meets CE requirements and is designed for an ambient temperature range of 10 to 40 °C and a maximum humidity of 80 % (non-condensing).

Position within the NANOCOLOR VARIO family

The VARIO HC shares the 12 positions and the temperature range of 40 to 160 °C with the VARIO C2, but adds an active cooling function. Those who do not require active cooling will find the VARIO C2 sufficient and will save on the higher connected load for the cooling function. For mobile use, the VARIO Mini with 6 positions is available; for larger digestion vessels, the VARIO C2 M with 22 mm bores; and for parallel methods requiring even higher capacity, the VARIO 4 with two independent blocks and 24 positions.

Typical areas of application

The VARIO HC is suitable for laboratories where it is not just the digestion itself that counts, but the entire time taken to obtain the measurement result, for example when a contract laboratory needs to analyse a large series of samples on the same day and report the results back to the client without having to wait for the slow passive cooling of the cuvettes:

• Batch measurements with high sample throughput and tight time windows until results are transmitted
• Sewage treatment works and wastewater treatment plants with a cyclical sample flow, for example at fixed sampling times
• Contract laboratories that need to deliver results on the same day
• Environmental laboratories processing several sample series in parallel with tightly scheduled time windows each day
• COD, TOC, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and metal digestion followed by rapid photometric analysis

Technical details

Scope of delivery

• 1x NANOCOLOR VARIO HC thermoblock
• 1x mains cable
• 1x folding protective cover
• 1x Operating instructions
• 1x data cable
• 1x software DVD
• 1x certificate

Individual requirements & procurement service

Do you need suitable NANOCOLOR cuvette tests, a T-Set for automatic calibration or accessories for other thermoblock models? Our procurement service will be happy to help you choose suitable products.