THORLABS PACU, User Manual

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Pure Air Circulator Unit Chapter 4: Setup
Page 4 TTN004825-D02
Chapter 4 Setup
The PACU pure air circulator unit is self-contained. 1/4” supply and return hoses are not included.
4.1. Unpacking PACU
1. Remove the unit, including the AC power cord, from its shipping container.
a. If the unit is to be used in a 19” rack mount chassis, use four 10-32 rack screws.
b. If the unit is to be used on a tabletop, and the rack ears and handles may be removed from the
unit.
2. The unit is configured to operate at 110 – 230 VAC, 50 – 60 Hz. Simply connect a power cord
appropriate for your geographic region. The unit includes a U.S. power cord. If you need a different plug,
please contact
techsupport@thorlabs.com .
4.2. Installing the Supply and Return Lines and Operation
SHOCK WARNING
Check the supply voltage of the system before plugging in the unit. Make sure the included power
cord is connected to a properly grounded outlet (90 – 240 VAC; 50 – 60 Hz).

The unit is designed for 1/4" tubing. We recommend type 3/16" ID x 1/4" OD x 3/32" wall, 266 PSI
Chemfluor® 367 Tubing. Chemfluor® 367, a unique fluoropolymer, maintains fluid integrity and in many
ways outperforms tubing made from standard, and even high-purity, PFA resin.
The surface is up to six times smoother than tubing made of standard and high-purity resin. This results in
less cross-contamination, greater productivity yields, and easier-to-clean systems.
This tubing can be used in virtually any application where maintaining high purity is critical, such as the
semiconductor, pharmaceutical, laboratory, environmental, or food processing industries. The operating
temperature ranges from -320 °F to 450 °F.

The unit operates most efficiently when providing clean air to a sealed enclosure with an air intake and an
air exhaust. This maintains the integrity of the desiccant for longevity. The desiccant is moisture-indicating
and is situated in a transparent filter container for inspection.

Once the supply lines have been installed, the unit may be turned on. A control knob regulates the
diaphragm pump speed. By increasing the speed, the amount of air flow will be increased. A flow meter
gauge measures air flow rates from 0 to 5 L/min. Clean air is supplied almost immediately after power on.

For optimal particle and moisture removal, the PACU should operate at a flow rate of 3 L/min.

A digital clock on the front panel keeps track of how long the unit has been powered up.