FTS LYOSTAR 3, Operator'S Manual

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FTS Systems LyoStar™ 3 Appendix B: Troubleshooting
Rev 006, 01/14 67
© SP Scientific 2014
Additional Troubleshooting: Vacuum System
If a vacuum leak is suspected in your freeze-dryer, perform a preliminary vacuum leak
check of your system. The following steps will guide you through troubleshooting your
vacuum system.
Vacuum Pump Test
This test will help you determine whether the system has a possible vacuum leak or a
defective vacuum pump.
To check the vacuum pump:
Isolate the vacuum pump from the system by blocking off the main vacuum 1.
port with a rubber stopper. Be sure to block off the main line upstream of the
vacuum gauge sensor so that you can use the sensor to monitor vacuum
levels.
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On some models, you may be able to look inside the condenser
chamber and place the stopper into the main inlet port.
If the pump does not pull vacuum, call SP Scientific Service. 2.
If the pump appears to be working properly, but vacuum does not reach the 3.
system’s specified blank-off, you may have a faulty vacuum gauge. Retest the
system with another gauge and/or call SP Scientific Service.
If the vacuum pump test is successful and the gauge appears to be operating 4.
properly, proceed to the product chamber and condenser vacuum leak test.
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The vacuum probe sensor is typically located in the main vacuum line between the vacuum pump and the condenser chamber.