Rev 006, 01/14
55
© SP Scientific 2014
Chapter
10
General Maintenance
Proper routine maintenance is the key to an efficiently operating lyophilizer with
minimal downtime, and will likely extend the life of your equipment, sub-systems and
components.
Maintenance should be performed a minimum of four times a year. Because system
use and application varies from one facility to another, system maintenance may need
to be performed more frequently.
Vacuum System
Vacuum Pump
Clean oil is necessary for optimal vacuum and overall efficiency of the vacuum
system. Checking and changing the oil on a regular basis will greatly extend the life of
the vacuum pump. Check the vacuum pump oil after each freeze-dry cycle by draining
a small amount (~100 mL) from the pump drain line. Use a clear container to capture
the sample. Oil should be changed as needed.
When visually checking the oil, use the following guidelines:
Pale yellow or clear vacuum pump oil indicates good condition.
•
Dark vacuum pump oil indicates acid contamination.
•
Cloudy gray vacuum pump oil indicates water contamination.
•
Changing Vacuum Pump Oil
Change the oil immediately after shutting down the pump while the oil is still hot.
Protect your hands from the hot oil. Make sure vacuum is released from the
1.
system.
Remove the top fill plug and open the drain valve located at the bottom of the
2.
pump. Drain the contaminated oil into a suitable container.
When the oil has completely drained, close the valve and add new oil to the
3.
pump while visually checking the sight glass to ensure proper level (near the
MAX line). Reinstall the fill plug.
If pump oil is particularly contaminated, operate the vacuum pump for 10 to 15
4.
minutes to flush any residual oil from the system’s interior components.
Repeat steps 2 and 3 to complete the process.
PROPERTY CAUTION! IF YOUR PRODUCT CONTAINS CORROSIVE MATERIALS
OR ORGANIC SOLVENTS, OIL MUST BE CHECKED AND CHANGED MORE
FREQUENTLY. IN ADDITION, A FILTER TRAP MAY BE INSTALLED TO PROTECT
THE VACUUM PUMP AND PUMP OIL.
Summary of Contents for LYOSTAR 3
Page 2: ......
Page 6: ...iv Rev 006 01 14 SP Scientific 2014...
Page 10: ...Contents FTS Systems LyoStar 3 viii Rev 006 01 14 SP Scientific 2014...
Page 18: ...Getting Started FTS Systems LyoStar 3 8 Rev 006 01 14 SP Scientific 2014...
Page 30: ...Operating your Lyophilizer FTS Systems LyoStar 3 20 Rev 006 01 14 SP Scientific 2014...
Page 36: ...Liquid Nitrogen Trap FTS Systems LyoStar 3 26 Rev 006 01 14 SP Scientific 2014...
Page 48: ...Sample Extractor Assemblies FTS Systems LyoStar 3 38 Rev 006 01 14 SP Scientific 2014...
Page 52: ...Stoppering FTS Systems LyoStar 3 42 Rev 006 01 14 SP Scientific 2014...
Page 56: ...Shelf Latching FTS Systems LyoStar 3 46 Rev 006 01 14 SP Scientific 2014...
Page 74: ...Appendix A Sample Recipe FTS Systems LyoStar 3 64 Rev 006 01 14 SP Scientific 2014...
Page 80: ...Appendix C Stainless Steel Cleaners FTS Systems LyoStar 3 70 Rev 006 01 14 SP Scientific 2014...
Page 81: ......
