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sample. The pre-
freezing temperature is typically at least 10⁰ or 20⁰C below the eutectic
or collapse temperature of the sample.
Operating the Freeze Dryer
Auto Start-Up
1. Go to Home screen
2. Press AUTO, then press START
COLLECTOR will start immediately
VACUUM will start when collector temperature reaches -
40⁰C
Manual Start-Up
1. Go to Home screen
2. Press COLLECTOR, then press START
3. When collector temperature reaches -
40⁰C (or colder):
Press VACUUM, then press START
Operating the Tray Dryer
1.
Adjust the shelf spacing:
Prior to loading the shelves with the frozen product to
be freeze dried, adjust the shelf spacing to accommodate the size and quantity of
the samples. The tray dryer comes equipped with three heated shelves, but two
additional accessory shelves may be added. At least one shelf must be used,
with use for up to 5 shelves total. Shelves may be connected at any of the five
available positions. Be certain to push the shelf to the back of the chamber until
the electrical connector is fully engaged to ensure a positive electrical connection
to the heaters.
2.
Temperature Sensors:
Each shelf is equipped with a “Shelf” sensor that is used
to accurately control the temperature of the shelf. A “Sample” sensor can also be
plugged into the two-pin connector at the front of the shelf and is used to monitor
the sample temperature during the freeze-drying process. The sensors will be
displayed as Shelf 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and Sample 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 on the display screen.
3.
Freeze the sample:
Before the freeze-drying process can occur, the product
must be in a frozen state. This must be done in a freezer separate from the tray
dryer.
4.
Start the freeze dryer:
Turn ON the freeze dryer COLLECTOR.
5.
Turn ON the tray dryer:
Toggle the power switch located on the left side of the
unit. The POWER/STANDBY LED on the front of the unit will turn ON.
6.
Vacuum Release Valve:
Position the valve to CLOSE.
7.
Load Samples:
Position samples on the shelves inside the tray dryer. Close the
door and rotate the handle 180⁰ to latch the door.
Samples should only be
loaded after the freeze dryer collector temperature reaches -
40⁰C or below.
If the collector is not cold when the samples are loaded, and the freeze dry
process has started, then water vapor will bypass the collector and go into the
