Chapter 3: Getting Started
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10
Some of the major components of the freeze dry system that are susceptible
to degradation are as follows:
Acids
Buffers
Solvents
Component
Material
Ace
tic
Acid
20%
F
o
rmic
Acid
T
rif
luo
ro
a
ce
tic
Acid
(T
F
A)
Ca
lcium
Chlo
ride
So
diu
m
P
ho
sph
a
te
Ace
to
ne
Ace
to
nitt
irle
Ca
rbo
n
T
et
ro
chlo
ride
Cy
clo
hex
a
ne
Dio
x
a
ne
M
et
hy
l t
-B
uty
l
E
ther
(B
T
B
E
)
P
y
ridin
e
Valve Stem
Acetal
C
D
D
D
D
Door
Acrylic
D
D D D
Hoses, Gaskets & Valve
Bodies
Neoprene
C
D
D
C C D D
D
C
D
Flask Top, Drain Hose
Silicon Rubber
C
D
D
D D
D
C
D
Chamber & Fittings
Stainless Steel
C
C = Moderate degradation; limited use
D = Severe degradation; infrequent use recommended; immediate thorough
cleaning required.
Most common compounds used in freeze drying processes, if allowed to
enter the vacuum pump, will degrade the oil and cause damage to the
vacuum pump.
Sugars and proteins typically will have minimal negative effect on any of
the materials of construction.
When using compounds in the freeze dry system that are hostile to the
materials of construction, it is imperative the equipment is thoroughly
cleaned after use.
Rubber and plastic components that have been exposed to damaging
compounds should be removed and flushed with water.
The oil in the vacuum pump should be checked often. It must be changed
if it is cloudy, shows particles or is discolored. The useful life of vacuum
pump oil can be extended if the vacuum pump is operated for an extended
period of time after a freeze dry run. This allows contaminants to be
purged from the hot oil. This must be done with the inlet to the pump
blocked off to prevent air from free flowing through the pump. This is
accomplished by closing all sample valves on a clean, dry, freeze dry
system and turning on the vacuum pump. If the pump is operated at an
elevated vacuum level (> 10mBar), oil may be expelled from the pump
and damage could occur.
Optional secondary traps are available to help extend the life of the vacuum
pump. These traps are installed between the freeze dry system and the
vacuum pump. Contact Labconco for assistance in determining which trap is
right for your application.