Chapter 5: Using Your Freeze Dryer
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39
Original instructions
freezing temperature is typically at least 10° to 20°C below the eutectic or collapse
temperature of the sample.
Adding Sample
The following procedure should be followed when using chambers or manifolds
with sample valves in the freeze dry process:
1.
Connect a pre-frozen sample to a sample valve on the drying chamber or manifold
using an adapter. Turn the plastic valve knob to the “VACUUM” position to open
the valve, which connects the attached sample to system vacuum. The bevel on the
knob should be positioned toward the sample port to apply vacuum to the sample.
2.
Before adding another sample, allow system vacuum to return to 0.133 mbar or
lower. Any combination of valves and sample sizes may be utilized at one
time provided that the system vacuum and collector temperature remain
sufficiently low to prevent melting of the frozen sample.
3.
When all the frost has disappeared from the outer surface of the sample
container and no cold spots can be detected by handling the container, the
sample is nearly dry. To be certain of low final moisture content, dry the
sample for several hours past this point.
4.
To remove a container after drying is complete, turn the plastic knob on the
valve to the “VENT” position, which closes the valve and vents the container.
Should backfilling with an inert gas be required, connect the gas supply line to
the vent port on the valve before turning the plastic knob on the valve to vent
position. The sample container may now be removed. In the vent position the
bevel on the valve knob should point away from the sample port.
Vent/Backfill Port
Bevel in “vent” position
Bevel in “vacuum”
position
Adapter
