Chapter 7: Troubleshooting
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53
Original instructions
The following test determines if a vacuum leak is in the collector chamber.
1.
Insert a rubber stopper (#2) in the vacuum port in the left side of the
collector chamber.
2.
Start the Freeze Dryer and observe the vacuum indication. If the vacuum is
good, the problem is in the collector chamber. If it is bad, the problem is in
the plumbing connections from the collector chamber to the vacuum pump.
3.
If the leak is in the plumbing connections, check all rubber parts, fittings
and clamps.
4.
If the leak is in the chamber, check the drain hose, hose connections and
the quick connect drain coupling. The figure below shows other potential
leak areas where bulkhead fittings are used to seal the holes where the
collector coil penetrates the bottom of the collector chamber.
5.
If a leak is observed around the bulkhead fittings, access the bottom of the
chamber and remove the insulation. Tighten the appropriate fitting by
placing a wrench on the fitting inside the chamber and use a second wrench
to turn the nut on the bottom of the chamber. Be careful not to damage the
evaporator coils or the brazed joints to the refrigeration system. Once the
fitting is tightened, perform the test again. If a leak is still present at the
bulkhead fittings, loosen the bulkhead fittings and apply vacuum grease to
the O-rings, then reassemble and test.
COLLECTOR COIL
STOPPER
COLLECTOR CHAMBER
AREAS FOR
POTENTIAL LEAKS
