12
Location Requirements
The freeze dryer should be in an area that provides an unobstructed flow of air around
the cabinet. This air cools the refrigeration system. The refrigeration system draws air
through the rear panel and exhausts it through the sides. A minimum of 3” must be
allowed between the back and both sides of the freeze dryer and adjacent wall
surfaces. Restriction of airflow during operation could adversely affect performance.
Refer to
Appendix B: Freeze Dryer Dimensions
for dimensional drawings of the freeze
dryer. The space for benchtop models must be large enough to accommodate the
vacuum pump, which will be used with the freeze dryer.
Vacuum Pump Requirements
A vacuum pump must be provided by the user. A vacuum pump with a displacement of
163 liters per minute and 0.007mbar ultimate pressure is adequate for most samples.
The inlet fitting on the vacuum pump must be suitable for ¾” ID vacuum hose, which is
provided. If using an oil pump, it is recommended that the vacuum pump is equipped
with an exhaust filter to minimize oil mist exhausting from the vacuum pump. The
operating level may be set on the freeze dryer. The higher the vacuum setpoint, the
more likely it is that oil mist will be exhausted.
Vacuum pumps used with 115V models should be equipped with a 115V, 15 Amp
NEMA 5-15P plug. Vacuum pumps used with 230V models should be equipped with a
reverse IEC plug (included with 230V pumps purchased from Labconco). This will allow
the vacuum pump to be plugged into the receptacle on the back panel of the freeze
dryer.
