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K&A Instrument Specifications

The K&A Oligonucleotide Synthesizer is a precision instrument for automated synthesis of DNA and RNA oligonucleotides. It is engineered for high reliability, reproducibility, and safe operation in research and production labs. This article provides detailed specifications, facility requirements, and included accessories.

1. Physical Specifications

Instrument Dimensions

Model Width Depth Height Weight
K&A S-4-LC 9.8 in (25 cm) 9.8 in (25 cm) 11.8 in (30 cm) <20 lbs (9.1 kg)
K&A H-2 9.8 in (25 cm) 15.7 in (40 cm) 15.7 in (40 cm) <30 lbs (12.6 kg)
K&A H-8 9.8 in (25 cm) 15.7 in (40 cm) 15.7 in (40 cm) <30 lbs (12.6 kg)
K&A H-8-SE 9.8 in (25 cm) 23.6 in (60 cm) 15.7 in (40 cm) <40 lbs (18.1 kg)
K&A H-8-VLS 13.8 in (35 cm) 23.6 in (60 cm) 15.7 in (40 cm) <40 lbs (18.1 kg)
K&A H-16 13.8 in (35 cm) 23.6 in (60 cm) 17.7 in (45 cm) <60 lbs (27.2 kg)
K&A H-32 13.8 in (35 cm) 25.6 in (65 cm) 17.7 in (45 cm) <60 lbs (27.2 kg)

Peripheral Components

Peripheral Width Depth Height Weight
Computer 15.8 in (40.1 cm) 17.5 in (44.5 cm) 4.0 in (10.2 cm) 17 lbs (7.7 kg)
Monitor 21 in (53.3 cm) 9 in (22.9 cm) 14 in (35.5 cm) 7 lbs (3 kg)
Keyboard 18 in (45.2 cm) 7.5 in (19 cm) 1.5 in (3.8 cm) 1 lb (0.5 kg)
Air Compressor 10 in (25.4 cm) 10 in (25.4 cm) 8 in (20.5 cm) 25 lbs (11 kg)

2. Laboratory Requirements

  • Altitude: ≤ 2000 m (6500 ft)

  • Temperature (operating): 16–22 °C recommended; 10–30 °C allowable

  • Humidity: ≤ 90% RH (lower is better for synthesis quality)

  • Pollution Degree: Nonconductive pollutants only

  • Space: Bench space for full footprint + ventilation clearance

  • Clearance: Access to front and both sides for servicing

3. Gas Requirements

  • Gas Type: High-purity Argon (≥ 99.998%)

  • Supply: Pressurized house line or size 1-A argon cylinder (7.2 m³ capacity)

  • Pressure Regulator: Two-stage, CGA-580 fitting, Swagelok® outlet for 6 mm (¼ in) OD tubing

  • Primary Gauge: 0–3000 psi (0–25,000 kPa)

  • Secondary Gauge: 0–200 psi (0–2000 kPa), adjustable to 0–50 psi

  • Operating Setpoint: 40 psi

  • Recommendation: Keep 2 cylinders on site (1 full, 1 in use)

4. Ventilation Requirements

  • Option 1: Fume hood, 100 ft/min (30 m/min) face velocity average (80–125 ft/min range)

  • Option 2: Dedicated duct exhaust with draw of –2.0 in. H₂O (–5.1 cm H₂O)

  • Waste System: Common fluid & gaseous waste line to 10 L polyethylene carboy, vented to lab exhaust

5. Electrical Requirements

Location Voltage Frequency Amperage
North America 120 ± 10% 50/60 Hz ± 1% 10 A
Europe / Australia 240 ± 10% 50/60 Hz ± 1% 10 A
Japan 110 ± 10% 50/60 Hz ± 1% 10 A

  • Power Rating: 240 W

  • Line Requirement: Dedicated 1.5 kVA line & ground (UPS recommended)

  • Cords: Standard 3-prong plug (NA/JP), EC plug (EU/AU)

  • Grounding: Dedicated ground to prevent electrical noise

6. Chemistry Compatibility

  • Supports DNA/RNA phosphoramidite synthesis chemistries

  • Compatible with various amidite and solvent suppliers

  • Requires anhydrous acetonitrile

7. Waste Management

  • Waste Bottle Size: 10 L polyethylene safety carboy

  • Safety: Store in LDPE safety container with secure lid

  • Disposal: Follow local/national hazardous waste disposal guidelines

8. Shipping & Storage

  • Shipping & Storage Temp: 10–40 °C allowable

  • Packaging: Crated with computer, peripherals, reagent caps, tubing, columns, spares. Compressor typically shipped separately.

9. Accessories Included

  • Preloaded computer with software

  • Keyboard, monitor, mouse

  • Air compressor

  • Reagent/amidite caps

  • Polypropylene tubing

  • Spare parts kit

  • 10 L safety carboy (If requested at time of purchase)

10. Safety Equipment Recommendations

  • Lab coat

  • Safety glasses

  • Chemical-resistant gloves

  • Fire extinguisher (Halon recommended)

  • Eyewash station

  • First aid kit

  • Spill cleanup kit

💡 Tip: For installation requirements, see our: K&A Pre-installation Requirements and Pre-Installation Checklist