Labconco 5121845 User Manual

Labconco Corporation
8811 Prospect Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64132-2696
800-821-5525, 816-333-8811
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User’s Manual

AtmosPure™ Re-Gen Gas Purifier

Models

Voltage, Frequency

Electrical Receptacle Plug Type

5121810

100-115V, 50/60 Hz

North America

5121831

208-230V, 50/60 Hz

British (UK)

5121835

208-230V, 50/60 Hz

Schuko

5121840

208-230V, 50/60 Hz

China/Australia

5121845

208-230V, 60 Hz only

North America

Please read the User’s Manual before operating the equipment.

Copyright © 2010, 2012, 2014 Labconco Corporation. All rights reserved.

Warranty

Labconco provides a warranty on all parts and factory workmanship. The warranty includes areas of
defective material and workmanship, provided such defect results from normal and proper use of the
equipment. Glassware is not warranted from breakage when dropped or mishandled.

The warranty for AtmosPure™ Re-Gen Gas Purifiers will expire one year from date of installation or
two years from date of shipment from Labconco, whichever is sooner. Warranty is non-transferable
and only applies to the owner (organization) of record.

This limited warranty covers parts and labor, but not transportation and insurance charges. In the
event of a warranty claim, contact Labconco Corporation or the dealer who sold you the product. If
the cause is determined to be a manufacturing fault, the dealer or Labconco Corporation will repair or
replace all defective parts to restore the unit to operation. Under no circumstances shall Labconco
Corporation be liable for indirect, consequential, or special damages of any kind. This statement may
be altered by a specific published amendment. No individual has authorization to alter the provisions
of this warranty policy or its amendments. Lamps and filters are not covered by this warranty.
Damage due to corrosion or accidental breakage is not covered.

The information contained in this manual and the accompanying products are copyrighted and all rights
reserved by Labconco Corporation. Labconco Corporation reserves the right to make periodic design
changes without obligation to notify any person or entity of such change.

Returned or Damaged Goods

Do not return goods without the prior authorization from Labconco. Unauthorized returns will not be
accepted. If your shipment was damaged in transit, you must file a claim directly with the freight carrier.
Labconco Corporation and its dealers are not responsible for shipping damages.

The United States Interstate Commerce Commission rules require that claims be filed with the delivery
carrier within fifteen (15) days of delivery.

Limitation of Liability

The disposal and/or emission of substances used in connection with this equipment may be governed by
various federal, state, or local regulations. All users of this equipment are required to become familiar with

any regulations that apply in the user’s area concerning the dumping of waste materials in or upon water,

land, or air and to comply with such regulations. Labconco Corporation is held harmless with respect to
user’s compliance with such regulations.

Contacting Labconco Corporation

If you have questions that are not addressed in this manual, or if you need technical assistance, contact
Labconco’s Customer Service Department or Labconco’s Product Service Department at 1-800-821-5525
or 1-816-333-8811, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Central Standard Time.

Part #5432400, Rev. B

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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1
General Description 3
Circulation System 3
Purifier System 3
Regeneration Control 4

CHAPTER 2: PREREQUISITES 5
Support Requirements 6
Exhaust Requirements for the Regeneration Vent Valve 6
Electrical Requirements 6
Plumbing Requirements for Circulation, 4% Hydrogen/
Inert Gas Mixture, Vacuum, and Exhaust Vent 7
Space Requirements 7

CHAPTER 3: GETTING STARTED 8
Unpacking the Gas Purifier 8
Installing the Gas Purifier on a Supporting Structure &

Work Surface 9
Connecting the Electrical Supply Source to the Gas Purifier 9
Connect the Plumbing Lines for Circulation, 4% Hydrogen/
Inert Gas Mixture, Vacuum, and Exhaust Vent 10
Connecting the Circulation Plumbing 13
Connecting the Regeneration Plumbing 15
Initial Start-up of the Gas Purifier for Removal of Oxygen
and Moisture 18
Regenerating the Gas Purifier Catalysts 20

CHAPTER 4: FEATURES AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 25
Gas Purifier Performance Features 25
Safety Precautions 29

CHAPTER 5: USING YOUR GAS PURIFIER 31
Routine Daily Work Procedures 31

Hazardous Use with Chemicals 33
Prohibited Materials Use 33

CHAPTER 6: MAINTAINING YOUR GAS PURIFIER 34
Routine Maintenance Schedule 34
Initial Certification 34
Recertification 35
Solenoid Valve Replacement 35
Catalyst Replacement 35

CHAPTER 7: ACCESSORIZING YOUR GAS PURIFIER 37

CHAPTER 8: TROUBLESHOOTING 41

APPENDIX A: REPLACEMENT PARTS 42

APPENDIX B: DIMENSIONS 44

APPENDIX C: SPECIFICATIONS 45

APPENDIX D: ATMOSPURE RE-GEN GAS PURIFIER

OXYGEN & MOISTURE REMOVAL RATES 46

APPENDIX E: CONVERSIONS 54

APPENDIX F: REFERENCES 55

1

CChhaapptteerr 11::
IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn

Glove

Gas Port

Permeant Covers Precise(polyethylene) Protector(FRP) Protector(stainless)

Attainable

O

2

Installed 3.5 0.4 0.2

Purity

H2O

Installed 5 2 1

(ppm)

O

2

None 4.5 0.9 0.8

H20

None 5 3 2

Oxygen Permeation

O

2

None 0.60 0.30 0.16

at -4"w.g. per

ISO 10648-2

Test Method (ppm/min)

ISO 10648-2

O

2

None <1.67 <1.67 <1.67

Acceptance Level

for Class 1 Controlled

Atmosphere Glove Box

(ppm/min)

Normal

Permeation

O

2

None 0.33 0.16 0.14

with pressure from

H2O

None 0.21 0.17 0.10

(-1"w.g. to +1"w.g.)

(ppm/min)

The AtmosPure™ Re-Gen Gas Purifier reduces the levels of oxygen and
moisture inside the controlled atmosphere glove box. The Gas Purifier
enables the user to work in an inert gas environment with materials that are
sensitive to oxygen and moisture. The Gas Purifier comes fully regenerated
and ready to use after the main chamber oxygen and moisture levels are
reduced to 3000-5000ppm using evacuation and re-fills of an inert gas. The
Gas Purifier has been tested with all three controlled atmosphere glove box
liner materials manufactured by Labconco (stainless steel, fiberglass (FRP),
and polyethylene). All three Labconco controlled atmosphere glove boxes
meet or exceed ISO 10648-2 standards when used with the Gas Purifier. The
test results are as follows:

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Chapter 1: Introduction

2

AtmosPure Re-Gen
Gas Purifier shown
with Labconco
Protector Controlled
Atmosphere Glove
Box with Auto
Pressure Control
mounted on an
Adjustable Height
Base Stand

The Gas Purifier has the capacity to remove up to 5 liters of oxygen
(13,500ppm) and 660 grams of moisture (18 million ppm) at standard
temperature and pressure (STP). Depending on the application, glove box
liner material chosen, and frequency of use, regeneration may be necessary
only once every 1-3 months and take only 13 hours to complete the process.

The AtmosPure Re-Gen Gas Purifier offers many unique features to enhance
performance with use of controlled atmosphere glove boxes. To take full
advantage of all the features, you must read and understand this manual and
keep it handy for future reference during regeneration.

Figure 1-1

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Chapter 1: Introduction

3

General Description

The AtmosPure Re-Gen Gas Purifier consists of three distinct systems:

A. Circulation System
B. Purifier System
C. Regeneration Control

Circulation System

The circulation blower continually circulates the inert gas inside the glove
box through the Gas Purifier to remove oxygen and moisture. As the blower
circulates the glove box inert atmosphere through the purifier column, water
molecules are adsorbed by the molecular sieve. Molecular sieve is a
synthetic zeolite that adsorbs all molecules less than 10 angstroms in size.
Oxygen molecules are removed from the inert gas by reacting with the
copper catalyst and forming copper oxide.

Purifier System

A six inch diameter stainless steel column contains 5 lbs of molecular sieve
for H2O removal and 5 lbs of a reactant copper catalyst material for O
removal. The purifier is equipped with components necessary for
regeneration of the molecular sieve and copper scavenging media.

Attached to the column are:

 Two isolation valves (manually operated). These valves are kept

open during circulation of the glove box gas through the purifier and
MUST BE CLOSED during the regeneration procedure.

 Three solenoid valves for connecting 4% hydrogen/inert gas mixture,

exhaust vent, and vacuum. These are located at the back of unit.

 A flow meter for 10-25 CFH regulation of the 4% hydrogen/inert gas

mixture during regeneration.

 A 180 watt electric heating coil imbedded in the purifier media. The

heating coil is used in regeneration of the catalysts.

 Ceramic fiber, high temperature insulation.
 An exterior metal case to protect all the components.

2

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Chapter 1: Introduction

4

Regeneration Control

Regeneration is controlled by a microprocessor which automatically
sequences the solenoid valves during the regeneration cycle. The
regeneration cycle restores the molecular sieve and copper catalyst. It is
programmed for the following time functions:

 Initial 2 minute purge to allow adjustment of 4% hydrogen/inert gas

mixture flow rate to 10-25 CFH. (10 CFH Helium/4% Hydrogen, 20
CFH Nitrogen/4% Hydrogen, 25 CFH Argon/4% Hydrogen).

 Heat cycle – 3 hours.
 Purge cycle – 2 hour – 4% hydrogen/inert gas mixture flows through

purifier (heat also remains on).

 Vacuum cycle – 8 hours minimum (continues until manually shut-off

and red LED flashes).

The control panel contains push button switches for automatic cycling (H2
SET, HEAT, H2 PURGE, VACUUM). The lighted display shows which
stage the regeneration process is in.

NOTE: Refer to Chapter 3, Chapter 4 and Chapter 5 for more detailed
descriptions of performance features, control functions, operating
instructions, and safety features.

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5

CChhaapptteerr 22::
PPrreerreeqquuiissiitteess

Before you install the Gas Purifier to the controlled atmosphere glove box,
you need to prepare your site for installation. You must be certain that the
area is level and of solid construction. In addition, a dedicated source of
electrical power should be located near the installation site to power the glove
box and the Gas Purifier. Additionally, the glove box and accessory Gas
Purifier should be strategically placed in the lab to provide efficient workflow
and prevent operator interference from normal traffic flow.

Carefully read this chapter to learn the requirements for your installation site:

 The support and location requirements.
 The exhaust requirements for the regeneration vent valve.
 The electrical power requirements.
 The plumbing requirements for the circulation system of the Gas

Purifier, the regeneration 4% hydrogen/inert gas mixture, vacuum,
and exhaust vent.

 The space requirements.

Refer to Appendix B: Gas Purifier Dimensions.
Refer to Appendix C: Gas Purifier Specifications for complete electrical and

environmental conditions, specifications and requirements.

Product Service 1-800-522-7658

Chapter 2: Prerequisites

6

Support Requirements

In the preparation of installing the Gas Purifier at the glove box site, please
consider the following:

 A bench or stand that rests on the floor or fixed to the wall, but not both,

may be appropriate. 35" to 40" (889mm to 1,016mm) is typical for
standing height (Labconco stands offered in Chapter 7 vary from 33" to
40" or 838mm to 1,016mm). The stands Labconco offers include a
convenient place on the right side shelf to support the AtmosPure Re­Gen Gas Purifier. See Figure 1-1 in Chapter 1.

Exhaust Requirements for the Regeneration Vent
Valve

The vent valve exhausts 4% hydrogen/inert gas during the regeneration
process and must be vented safely to the outside or exhausted to a fume hood.
The regeneration vent valve is exhausted through the gas flow regulator. An
open compression fitting is attached to the gas flow regulator and can be used
to connect the exhaust hose from the Regeneration Plumbing Kit. Refer to
Chapter 7 to purchase the Regeneration Plumbing Kit and Chapter 3 for start
up.

Electrical Requirements

Electrical receptacles should be located nearby for connecting the Gas Purifier
and the controlled atmosphere glove box. The Gas Purifier is rated 100-115V,
10A or 230V, 5A. One exterior outlet for a vacuum pump connection is located
on the rear of the Gas Purifier and is rated for 100-115V, 8A or 230V, 4.5A. A
single shared vacuum pump can be used for glove boxes configured with auto
pressure control, please see Chapter 7: Accessories to order the AtmosPure
C.A. COM Cable (6-pin). Accessory oxygen or moisture monitors can be
programmed to provide automatic control of the Gas Purifier’s blower. Please
see Chapter 7: Accessories to order the AtmosPure Oxygen/Moisture Monitor
Cable (9-pin), Oxygen or Moisture Monitor, and Sealed Electrical 9-pin Pass­Through. Chapter 3 details all the connections for proper start-up. Figure 3-8
shows a typical connection diagram for electrical connections.

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Chapter 2: Prerequisites

7

Plumbing Requirements for Circulation, 4%
Hydrogen/Inert Gas Mixture, Vacuum, and
Exhaust Vent

The Gas Purifier has two 3/4" compression fittings for connecting the
inlet/outlet of the circulation system of the Gas Purifier to the glove box inert
gas and three solenoid valves with 3/8" compression fittings for connection to
the regeneration system (Regeneration Control). Refer to Chapter 3: Getting
Started and Chapter 7: Accessories to select the proper Circulation Tubing
Kit for attachment of the AtmosPure Re-Gen Gas Purifier. Labconco offers
neoprene lined tubing kits and stainless steel tubing kits. Labconco also
offers a 3/4" to 3/8" adapter elbow used to connect to 3/8" fittings found on
polyethylene and older style glove boxes. An AtmosPure Regeneration
Tubing Kit should be selected from Chapter 7: Accessories as it provides all
the plumbing to connect the 4% hydrogen/inert gas mixture, vacuum pump,
and exhaust vent. A rotary vane vacuum pump must also be selected from
Chapter 7: Accessories. Rotary vane vacuum pumps establish a very deep
vacuum below 10 microns that allows the copper catalyst and molecular sieve
to be properly regenerated. Chapter 3, the detailed Figures in Chapter 3, and
Figure 3-8 show typical connections for all plumbing.

Space Requirements

The dimensions are shown in Appendix B: Dimensions. Adequate space is
provided to support the Gas Purifier on Labconco Adjustable Base Stands as
listed in Chapter 7: Accessories. The lower shelf of the adjustable base stand
provides a convenient location to place the Gas Purifier on the right side
below the glove box transfer chamber and out of the way of the operator.
Refer to Figure 1-1 in Chapter 1: Introduction.

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8

CChhaapptteerr 33::
GGeettttiinngg SSttaarrtteedd

!

Once the site for your Gas Purifier is properly prepared, you are ready to
unpack, inspect, and install your system. Read this chapter to learn how to:

 Unpack and move the Gas Purifier.
 Set up the Gas Purifier with the proper supporting structure.
 Connect the electrical supply.
 Connect the plumbing lines for circulation, 4% hydrogen/inert gas

mixture, vacuum, and exhaust vent.

 Start-up the Gas Purifier for removal of oxygen and moisture.
 Regenerate the Gas Purifier catalysts after 1-3 months of use.

Each Gas Purifier model weighs 75 lbs each (34 kg). The

shipping container allows for lifting with a mechanical lift

truck or floor jack. If you must lift the Gas Purifier

manually, follow safe-lifting guidelines. Do not lift by the

upper sheet metal façade and front panel as damage can

occur.

Unpacking the Gas Purifier

We recommend that you do not remove the Gas Purifier from its shipping
container until it is ready to be placed into its final location.

Carefully remove the shrink-wrap on the Gas Purifier and inspect it for
damage that may have occurred in transit. If damaged, notify the delivery

carrier immediately and retain the entire shipment intact for inspection
by the carrier.

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

9







THE UNITED STATES INTERSTATE COMMERCE
COMMISSION RULES REQUIRE THAT CLAIMS BE
FILED WITH THE DELIVERY CARRIER WITHIN
FIFTEEN (15) DAYS OF DELIVERY.

DO NOT RETURN GOODS WITHOUT THE PRIOR
AUTHORIZATION OF LABCONCO. UNAUTHORIZED
RETURNS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

IF GAS PURIFIER WAS DAMAGED IN TRANSIT, YOU
MUST FILE A CLAIM DIRECTLY WITH THE FREIGHT
CARRIER. LABCONCO CORPORATION AND ITS
DEALERS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR SHIPPING
DAMAGES.

Do not discard the packing material until you have checked all of the
components and tested the Gas Purifier with the controlled atmosphere
glove box.

Installing the Gas Purifier on a Supporting
Structure and Work Surface

Exercise caution when lifting or moving the Gas Purifier. Do not lift the
Gas Purifier using the isolation valve handles.

When installing the Gas Purifier onto a surface, ensure that the structure can
safely support the weight of the Gas Purifier and any related equipment such
as the vacuum pump. The Labconco base stands from Chapter 7 offer a
lower shelf with optimized placement of the Gas Purifier on the right side
under the transfer chamber. Refer to Figure 1-1 in Chapter 1 and Figure 3-8
in Chapter 3. The lower shelf can also support the rotary vane vacuum pump
accessory as shown in Figure 3-8.

Connecting the Electrical Supply Source to the
Gas Purifier

Connect the power cord supplied to the IEC electrical supply plug located on
the back of the Gas Purifier. 100-115V models are rated at 10 amps total.
230V models are rated at 5 amps total. If a dedicated vacuum pump is used
for the Gas Purifier, one electrical outlet is located on the rear of the Gas
Purifier for vacuum pump use and is rated at 100-115V, 8A or 230V, 4.5A.

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

10

Connect the Plumbing Lines for Circulation, 4%
Hydrogen/Inert Gas Mixture, Vacuum, and
Exhaust Vent

All the plumbing lines to the Gas Purifier must be connected properly.
Carefully follow the instructions that follow and refer to Figure 3-1 and
Figure 3-8 that depict views of the rear of the Gas Purifier where all the
plumbing connections are made. Furthermore, refer to Figure 3-2 and Figure
3-8 that shows a typical plumbing connection of the rear of the glove box for
the circulation lines.

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

11

C.A. COM Port (6-pin) on back
of Gas Purifier for shared
vacuum pump operation with
glove boxes configured with
Auto Pressure Control feature.

Vacuum Pump Outlet for
glove boxes without auto
pressure control. Used for a
dedicated vacuum pump.

Auto Mode
Moisture/Oxygen
(9-pin) connector for
connection to oxygen
or moisture monitor.
Only used for auto
blower control.

3/8" compression
Exhaust Vent used
during regeneration.

3/8" compression
4% Hydrogen/Inert
Gas Mixture Inlet

3/8" compression
Flow Direction Out

Vent
Solenoid
Valve

Flow Control Valve
to set the 4%
Hydrogen/Inert Gas
Mixture between
10-25 CFH.

Vent Flow Direction

Vacuum Pump
Solenoid Valve

3/4" Inlet/Outlet
Compression
Fittings for Inert
Gas Circulation
from the Glove
Box.

Figure 3-1

Rear View of AtmosPure Re-Gen Gas Purifier

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

12

3/4" Inlet/Outlet Compression Fittings
for Connection to Gas Purifier. See
Chapter 7: Accessories to order
AtmosPure 3/4" to 3/8" Adapter Kits for
attachment to glove boxes with 3/8"
inlet/outlet. The adapter kits allow for
a tube size transition so 3/4" tubing
can be run to the Gas Purifier.

Figure 3-2

Typical Plumbing Connection for the Circulation Lines

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

13

!

(only used with flexible lines for support
during ferrule compression on the tube)

Connecting the Circulation Plumbing

The circulation plumbing continuously circulates the inert gas atmosphere
from the controlled atmosphere glove box and purifies it by removing oxygen
and moisture. The connections from the 3/4" inlet/outlet compression fittings
must be made to the glove box. Depending on the neoprene lined tubing kit
or stainless steel tubing kit selected, route one line from the inlet of the Gas
Purifier to the outlet of the glove box. Refer to Figures 3-1, 3-2, and 3-8.
Next, route the outlet of the Gas Purifier to the inlet of the glove box. A
continuous tubing loop for Gas Purifier circulation is now established. Be

sure to properly tighten all the 3/4" compression fittings at least 1-1/4
turns past finger tight as leaks will affect Gas Purifier performance. The

orientation of all the compression fittings must be properly set per Figure 3-3.
Should your glove box have 3/8" compression fittings (such as Labconco
polyethylene glove boxes), use the 3/4" to 3/8" adapter kits to route the
circulated air through the neoprene lined hose kit. Refer to Chapter 7 to order
all circulation kits and adapter kits.

Note: The Gas Purifier ships fully regenerated and ready
to use. Keep the isolation valves (manually operated)
closed until ready to use. The isolation valves (Figure 3-4)
must be closed until the glove box inert gas atmosphere is
below 5000 ppm. Opening the isolation valves before the
Gas Purifier and glove box are ready for operation will
cause a loss in oxygen and moisture removal capacity.

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Figure 3-3

Typical Orientation of Ferrules

Chapter 3: Getting Started

14

Isolation Valves (manually
operated)
 Closed initially and upon

regeneration only.

 Opened for normal mode

circulation when inert gas
atmosphere is below
5000 ppm.

Figure 3-4

Isolation Valves

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