Chemical resistance of freeze dryer components – Labconco FreeZone 6 Liter Benchtop Freeze Dry Systems 77520 Series User Manual
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Chapter 3: Getting Started
Product Service: Domestic 1-800-522-7658, International 816-333-8811
Chemical Resistance of Freeze Dryer
Components
The FreeZone Freeze Dry System is designed to be chemically
resistant to most compounds that are commonly used in freeze
drying processes. However, by necessity, the freeze dryer is
comprised of a number of different materials, some of which may
be attacked and degraded by certain chemicals. The degree of
degradation is dependent on the concentration and exposure
duration. Some of the major components of the FreeZone Freeze
Dry System that are susceptible to degradation are as follows:
Acids
Buffers
Solvents
Component Material
Acetic Acid 20
%
Formic Acid
Trifluo
roa
cetic Acid
(TFA)
Ca
lcium Chloride
Sodium
Ph
os
phate
Acetone
Acetonittirle
C
arbon Tet
rochlo
ride
Cycl
ohe
xane
D
iox
ane
Methy
l t-Butyl
Ether (BTBE)
Pyridine
Valve
Stem Acetal
C
D
D
D
D
Collector*
Lid
Acrylic
D
D
D
D
Hoses,
Gaskets &
Valve
Bodies
Neoprene
C D D C C D D D C D
Flask Top
Silicon
Rubber
C D D D D D C D
Chamber &
Fittings
Stainless
Steel
C
*An accessory glass lid is available.
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.