SP Scientific VIRTIS ADVANTAGE PRO, Operator'S Manual, Page: 30 / 78

Additional Options VirTis AdVantage Pro
20 Rev 002, 01/14
© SP Scientific 2014
Filter Trap
SP Scientific filter traps protect your vacuum pump from damaging and corrosive
vapors that are released during freeze-drying. If purchased, the filter trap is typically
located between your freeze dryer and the vacuum pump.
Disposable Sodasorb®, activated charcoal, and molecular sieve trap drop-in wire
mesh cartridges are available and must be purchased separately.
To install the filter trap:
Connect the vacuum pump to the port marked OUT. 1.
Connect the rest of the system to the port marked IN. 2.
Degassing Filter Trap Cartridges
WARNING! BE SURE TO PROPERLY HANDLE AND DISPOSE OF USED CARTRIDGES.
Filter trap cartridges are highly absorbent and may require degassing prior to freeze-
drying. If you do not degas filter trap cartridges, vacuum pull-down may take
significantly longer. Degassing is also necessary each time you change your filter trap
cartridge. Most filters require an overnight degassing to achieve proper vacuum.
To degas the filter trap cartridge:
Unscrew the clear polypropylene housing from the white plastic top. 1.
To begin degassing, enable the vacuum pump, open the gas ballast valve 2.
slightly and close all ports.
Note : For more information, refer to the Gas Ballast Valve on the Vacuum Pump
section of Chapter 6: General Maintenance.
Degassing is complete when vacuum reaches 50 mT or less. Prior to turning 3.
off the pump, close the gas ballast.
Note : Degassing may take between 12 and 24 hours.
Filter trap cartridges are disposable. Their lifespan depends on frequency of use and
the volume of contaminants they absorb. The Sodasorb® cartridges contain an
Absorbent Exhaustion Indicator, which turns purple to signify the need for
replacement. Full exhaustion is indicated by a deep purple color.
The activated charcoal cartridges contain no absorption limit indicator. Vacuum pump
oil must be routinely checked for cla
rity to assess the charcoal’s absorbing capacity.
Depending on the usage and concentration, changing the charcoal cartridge every
three (3) to six (6) months may suffice.