SP Scientific Freezemobile Series, Operator'S Manual, Page: 42 / 54

General Maintenance VirTis Freezemobile 25L and 35L
32 Rev 005, 02/12
© SP Scientific 2012
Clearing the Vacuum Pump Maintenance Alarm
The Vacuum Pump Maintenance Alarm will sound after the number of vacuum pump
running hours has exceeded the Vacuum Pump Maintenance setpoint. Before the
alarm can be cleared, the condition must be corrected,
i.e
., the vacuum pump oil
changed. To clear the alarm once the oil has been changed:
1. Press Menu to access the Main Menu screen.
2. Scroll to the User Options line and press Menu to access the User Options
menu screen.
3. Scroll to the Vacuum Pump Maintenance line and press Menu to access the
Vacuum Pump Maintenance screen.
4. Scroll to the Current Hours entry.
5. Press and Hold the Menu button until the Current Hours reset to 0000
00mins.
6. Scroll to the menu back indicator. Press Menu twice to return to the Main
Menu Screen.
7. Scroll down to Alarm and press Menu to access the Alarm Screen.
8. Scroll to the Vacuum Pump Maintenance alarm and press Menu to clear it.
Scheduling Oil Changes
After clean oil is loaded into the vacuum pump and all necessary connections have
been made between the vacuum pump and the freeze dryer, perform a full capacity
test cycle.
Have a qualified technician check the oil after the test cycle. If the oil appears dirty,
you may need to change the oil after every use. If the oil appears clean, check the oil
again after two uses or cycles. If the oil remains clean after two cycles, check the oil
again after four cycles. Continue to monitor the vacuum pump oil after each cycle until
a change of condition is noted or a period of one month elapses. If the oil remains
clean after several cycles, changing the oil once per month may be sufficient.
Gas Ballast Valve on the Vacuum Pump
The gas ballast valve removes some contaminants from the pump oil. During freeze-
drying, vapors may bypass the condenser and end up in the vacuum pump. If this
occurs, the vapors will degrade the oil, causing excessive wear and higher vacuum
pressure.
When the ballast is open, it allows a controlled amount of air into the second stage
pump cylinder. This reduces the partial pressure, increases the pump’s operating
temperature and releases the vapors.
Note: Refer to the vacuum pump manual for the location of the gas ballast valve.
Vacuum Tubing and Gaskets
Inspect tubing and gaskets periodically for signs of wear. Check gaskets by removing
and inspecting interior surfaces for potential problems. A light coating of vacuum
grease on the exterior surfaces will protect gaskets and tubing. Reapply grease as
needed.