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33
Original instructions
C
HAPTER
5
U
SING
Y
OUR
F
REEZE
D
RYER
Operation Checklist
The following checklist should be followed prior to each use of your Freeze Dryer:
1.
Wipe out the interior of the chamber with a soft cloth or paper towel to remove
any moisture or debris.
2.
Check the collector tray drain hose to ensure that the hose is free of moisture
and that the drain plug is securely installed.
3.
Using a soft, lint-free cloth or paper towel, wipe the door gasket to remove any
dirt and contaminants that could cause a vacuum leak. Vacuum grease is not
required on the door gasket.
4.
Check that each sample valve is closed or in the “vent” position. See Figure 4.
Vacuum Pump Ballast Setting
Most vacuum pumps are equipped with a gas ballast mechanism. The freeze dry
process requires high vacuum. Therefore, it is recommended that the gas ballast be
closed during the operation of the Freeze Dryer.
Note:
If the gas ballast is left open for extended periods of operation, the oil can
be pumped out the exhaust, causing the pump to fail.
Sample Freezing
Before the freeze dry process can occur, the products to be dried must be in a
frozen state. This can be accomplished in a freezer separate from the freeze dryer
or on the shelf inside the Freeze Dryer. If the shelf inside the Freeze Dryer will be
used to pre-freeze samples, make sure that the vacuum is turned off until the
samples are fully frozen.
