Chapter 5: Using Your Freeze Dryer
Product Service 816-333-8811 or 1-800-522-7658
43
Original instructions
f.
Turn off the Freeze Dryer, defrost and drain the collector chamber per
instructions in this manual.
Alerts
A number of events may occur during a lyophilization procedure that will cause an
alert to be displayed on the Freeze Dryer touch screen. An audible alarm (beeper)
will also be sounded that will automatically be muted after one minute.
The specific alert type can be identified by observing the message box on the
display. The alert message box and audible alarm can be dismissed by pressing the
“Back” button on the alert message box. The following conditions will initiate an
alert.
Power Fail
If a power failure occurs during a Freeze Dry process, the vacuum control valve
will allow air to bleed into the Freeze Dryer System. If the failure is of a short
duration and the collector does not warm up above -30°C, when power is restored
the Freeze Dryer will restart and resume operation of the refrigeration and vacuum
systems. If the power failure lasts for a longer duration and the collector warms
above safe limits, when the power is restored, the Freeze Dryer will not
automatically restart. This prevents melted sample from being drawn into the
collector and prevents liquid from being drawn into the vacuum pump.
When power is restored, the “Power Fail” alert message will be displayed on the
touch screen.
Line Voltage Range
If the voltage supplied to the Freeze Dryer varies beyond allowable limits, the
LINE VOLTAGE RANGE alert will be activated. The high and low alarm points
are preset at the factory to correspond to the normal allowable voltage variations
based on the nominal voltage specified for the freeze dryer. Some models may be
operated outside the normal voltage limits (see
Appendix C)
. If necessary, the high
and low LINE VOLTAGE OFFSETS may be adjusted from the Settings /
Maintenance screen.
Collector Temp
After the collector temperature has cooled to below -40°C, an alert will be
activated if the collector temperature rises above –40°C for more than 5 minutes.
Collector Moisture
If there is liquid in the collector chamber and either the COLLECTOR or
VACUUM start button is pressed, neither function will start and an alert will be
activated. This feature prevents the inadvertent start of the vacuum pump when
liquid is in the collector and thereby can extend the life of the vacuum pump.
A few drops of liquid may remain in the drain hose after draining. When the
vacuum pump is started these drops may be sucked into the collector chamber.
This is normal.
