KD Scientific Centrifan PE - Manual (Page 31)

Centrifan TM PE Personal Evaporator 4-1
Chapter 4 Maintenance and Troubleshooting
4.1 Maintenance
This section describes a series of activities that should be performed on a routine basis to
optimize the performance and ensure long term, safe operation of the Centrifan
TM PE
Personal Evaporator. The suggested frequency for each activity indicated below is
based on the “typical operation” of the system and is dependent on a variety of factors
such as the nature of the solvent and of the sample. Over time, it is likely that the user
will determine an appropriate schedule that meets the specific application of system.
4.1.1 Cleaning the System
The exterior surfaces of the system should be cleaned with a cloth using water with a
mild detergent on a periodic basis and whenever mobile phase or sample is accidentally
spilled on the system. If a mild detergent is not able to remove the foreign material, an
organic solvent such as methanol or isopropyl alcohol can be used. Do not get solvent
on the temperature controller or it may be damaged.
The interior components that are exposed to solvent vapor are composed of stainless
steel and other materials that can be cleaned with a mild detergent. If the solvent is not
compatible with water, isopropanol or a similar solvent should be employed.
4.1.2 Removing the Stainless Liner for Cleaning
To remove the liner for cleaning:
a) Make sure the power switch is turned off and unplug the line cord.
b) Remove the splitter from the vial openings on the top of the rotor.
c) Unscrew the thumbscrew from the center of the rotor and carefully lift the rotor out of
the center of the fan using care not to apply excessive force.
d) Reach down inside the fan and turn the black nut on the driveshaft counterclockwise
to loosen the fan. If the driveshaft turns with the nut and slips in the fan hub, press
lightly on the top rim of the fan in the front left corner while unscrewing the nut. The
uneven force on the fan will keep the driveshaft from turning. Remove the nut and
then lift the fan assembly straight upwards off of the driveshaft.
e) At the rear of the unit, pull off from each fitting the connected tubing so that the
fittings are free to be unscrewed.
f) Unscrew the two right angle fittings on the back of the unit which actually pass
through the space between the outer wall of the Centrifan TM PE and thread into the
stainless liner to form a sealed volume for the recirculating gas.
g) Lift the liner from the outer enclosure and wash or sterilize, as desired.
h) When the liner has been cleaned, replace the liner by repeating the above procedure
in the reverse order.