15
8. Startup
8.1 Initial Startup
To start up the freezer, complete the following steps:
1. Verify that the sensor probe(s) have been installed in the bottle(s) as described in
Section 7.6
.
2. Ensure the double pole circuit breaker switch located next to the power inlet is in “ON” position (i.e. “
I
” position).
3. Insert the key in the switch and turn to the
Power On
position. The display will show the actual
cabinet temperature and the compressor and evaporator should start within approximately 10 minutes.
4. Allow the unit to reach operating temperature before loading it with any product. To stabilize the temperature
profile, a 24-hour waiting period is recommended.
5. If you desire to enable the alarms, turn the three position key switch one turn further clockwise to the
Alarm On
position. To avoid nuisance alarms, wait until the unit has cooled down to the desired operating temperature
(-30°C
default).
6. If you have a remote alarm, hook it up at this point (refer to
Section 7.8
).
7. If desired, lock the cabinet door using the key. Place duplicate key copies in a safe place.
All controls should now be fully operational, the alarm active (if enabled), and all visual indicators active.
CAUTION:
Use gloves when handling samples to avoid potential frost bite.
8.2 Product Loading and Unloading Guidelines
When loading your freezer, take care to observe the following guidelines:
• Never load the plasma freezer beyond capacity. The number of 250 ml bags that are recommended for your unit can
be found in
Table 2
.
• Distribute the load as evenly as possible. Temperature uniformity depends on air circulation, which could be impeded
if drawers are overfilled, particularly at the top of the cabinet.
• For critical applications such as plasma storage, be sure that the alarm systems are working and active before you load any
product.
• Ensure clearance between the top of the cargo and the bottom of the shelf/drawer/basket. Lack of clearance may affect unit
performance or impede operation of drawer/basket. Keep cargo within the bounds of the shelf/drawer/basket.
• For initial product loading and after removing the drawers or baskets for cleaning, be sure to load the unit from the bottom
drawer or basket up to ensure the components are seated properly. (Applicable for drawers and baskets only).
• Only open one drawer or basket at a time.
• Avoid disrupting the thermal bottle(s) when repositioning interior components.
• The floor of the cabinet should not be loaded.
• Never load the unit above the load limit line. This is important to ensure that air can circulate properly and evenly
distribute the temperature throughout the interior.
Figure 9. Load Limit Line
