Labconco FreeZone and FreeZone Plus 6, 12 and 18 Liter Freeze Dry Systems 79600 Series - Manual (Page 26)

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Chapter 4: Using Your Freeze Dryer
Product Service: Domestic 1-800-522-7658, International 816-333- 8811
Operation Checklist
The following checklist should be followed prior to each use of
your Freeze Dryer:
1. Wipe the interior of the collector chamber with a soft cloth or
paper towel to remove any accumulated moisture.
2. Check the collector chamber drain hose to ensure that the hose
is free of moisture and that the drain plug is securely installed.
The Freeze Dryer will not start if moisture is detected.
3. Using a soft, lint-free cloth or paper towel, wipe the collector
chamber lid gasket to remove any dirt and contaminants that
could cause a vacuum leak. Vacuum grease is not required on
the lid gasket to obtain a proper vacuum seal.
4. Remove the accessory drying chamber or manifold from the
connection port and using a soft, lint-free cloth or paper towel,
wipe the port gasket and sealing surfaces of the drying
chamber/manifold to remove any dirt and contaminants that
could cause a vacuum leak. Reinstall the drying chamber or
manifold on the port. Vacuum grease is not required on the
port gasket to obtain a proper vacuum seal.
5. Inspect each sample valve on the accessory drying chamber or
manifold and check for any visible damage and for improper
installation that might cause a vacuum leak. Also check that
each sample valve is closed or in the “vent” position.
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 Dry System. 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.
Purge Valve
The optional purge valve is installed between the Freeze Dryer
collection chamber and the vacuum pump. When the green LED
above the PURGE switch is illuminated, the purge valve is closed
and the vacuum pump is isolated from the Freeze Dryer collection
chamber.