Labconco FreeZone Plus 4.5 Liter and FreeZone -105 C Cascade Freeze Dry Systems 73870 Series - Manual (Page 16)

Chapter 3: Getting Started
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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
Ace
tic
Acid
2
0
%
F
o
rmic
Acid
T
rif
luo
ro
a
ce
tic
Acid
(T
F
A)
Ca
lcium
Chlo
ri
de
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 Ether
(
B
T
B
E
)
P
y
ridin
e
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
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 dryer 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.