Chapter 3: Getting Started
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15
Original instructions
Chemical Resistance of Freeze Dryer
Components
The FreeZone Freeze Dry System is designed to be chemically resistant to most
compounds that are commonly used in freeze drying processes. However, by
necessity, the freeze dryer is comprised of a number of different materials, some of
which may be attacked and degraded by certain chemicals. The degree of
degradation is dependent on the concentration and exposure duration. Some of the
major components of the FreeZone Freeze Dry System that are susceptible to
degradation are as follows:
Acids
Buffers
Solvents
Component
Material
Ace
tic
Acid
2
0
%
F
o
rmic
Acid
T
rif
luo
ro
a
ce
tic
Acid
(T
F
A)
Ca
lcium
Chlo
ri
de
So
diu
m P
ho
sph
a
te
Ace
to
ne
Ace
to
nitt
irle
Ca
rbo
n T
et
ro
chlo
ride
Cy
clo
hex
a
ne
Dio
x
a
ne
M
et
hy
l t
-B
uty
l Ether
(
B
T
B
E
)
P
y
ridin
e
Valve Stem
Acetal
C
D
D
D
D
Collector
Lid
Acrylic
D
D
D
D
Hoses,
Gaskets &
Valve
Bodies
Neoprene
C
D
D
C
C
D
D
D
C
D
Flask Top
Silicon
Rubber
C
D
D
D
D
D
C
D
Chamber &
Fittings
Stainless
Steel
C
C – Moderate degradation; Limited use
D – Severe degradation; infrequent use recommended; immediate thorough
cleaning required.
Most common compounds used in freeze drying processes, if allowed to enter
the vacuum pump, will degrade the oil and cause damage to the vacuum pump.
Sugars and proteins typically will have minimal negative effect on any of the
materials of construction.
When using compounds in the Freeze Dryer that are hostile to the materials of
construction, it is imperative the equipment is thoroughly cleaned after use.
Rubber and plastic components that have been exposed to damaging
compounds should be removed and flushed with water.
