Labconco FreeZone Stoppering Tray Dryers User Manual

FreeZone



Stoppering Tray Dryers

Models
79480 Series

User’s Manual

Labconco Corporation
8811 Prospect Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64132-2696
800-821-5525, 816-333-8811
FAX [phone]
E-MAIL [e-mail]
HOME PAGE www.labconco.com

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

To receive important product updates,

complete your product registration card

online at register.labconco.com

Copyright © 2004, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 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 FreeZone® Stoppering Tray Dryers 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 #7353900, Rev. F

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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1

Freeze Dry Process 1
Freeze Dry Rates 2
Freeze Dry Capacity 3
Samples Containing Volatile Substances 4
About This Manual 4
Typographical Conventions 5

CHAPTER 2: PREREQUISITES 6

Electrical Requirements 6
Location Requirements 7
Vacuum Pump Requirements 7

CHAPTER 3: GETTING STARTED 8

Unpacking Your Stoppering Tray Dryer 8
Stoppering Tray Dryer Components 9

Setting Up Your Stoppering Tray Dryer 9
Installing the Tray Dryer on the Freeze Dry System 10
Venting the Vacuum Pump 11
Electrical Connection 11

Chemical Resistance of Freeze Dryer Components 11

Solvent Safety Precautions 13

CHAPTER 4: USING YOUR STOPPERING TRAY DRYER 14

Stoppering Tray Dryer Controls 15

Operation Checklist 16

Operating the Stoppering Tray Dryer 17
Set-Up 17

Manual Control Operation 18

Automatic Control Operation 19

Automatic Start-Up of Freeze Dryer Vacuum 20

Programming 21

Starting the Freeze Dry Cycle 21

Changing the Program Parameters in the Middle of a Run 23

Stopping the Freeze Dry Cycle 23

Monitoring the System Operation 23

Shelf Spacing Adjustment 24

Shelf Loading 24

Sample Freezing 25
Freeze Drying 25
Stoppering 25
Vacuum Break/Backfilling 26
Alarms 26
System Temperature Variations 26
Vacuum 26
System Temperature Set Point 27
Power Failure 27
Temperature Probe 27

CHAPTER 5: MAINTAINING YOUR STOPPERING TRAY

DRYER 28

CHAPTER 6: USING THE RS232 RECEPTACLE 30

Computer Connection for Computer Interface 30

CHAPTER 7: TROUBLESHOOTING 35

Vacuum Pump 35
Gaskets, Tubing, Connections, Sample Valves 36
System Components & Collection Chamber Isolation 37
Stoppering Tray Dryer 40
Refrigeration Module Operation 40
Access to Mechanical Components 40
Shelf and Stoppering System Removal 41
Filling the Fluid System 42
Heat Transfer Fluid Precautions 43
Heat Transfer Fluid First Aid Procedures 44

CHAPTER 8: MODIFYING YOUR STOPPERING TRAY
DRYER DISPLAY 45

Modifying the Display 45

APPENDIX A: STOPPERING TRAY DRYER COMPONENTS 47

APPENDIX B: STOPPERING TRAY DRYER DIMENSIONS 50

APPENDIX C: STOPPERING TRAY DRYER

SPECIFICATIONS 52

Electrical Specifications 52
Environmental Conditions 52

APPENDIX D: STOPPERING TRAY DRYER ACCESSORIES 53

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Congratulations on your purchase of a Labconco FreeZone® Stoppering Tray
Dryer, which is designed for laboratory lyophilization procedures. The refrigerant
used in the refrigeration system is CFC-free so it will not endanger the
environment. The unit is easy to install and maintain. Proper care and
maintenance of this product will result in many years of dependable service.

Freeze Dry Process

Freeze drying is an important process in sample preparation and for the
preservation and storage of biologicals, pharmaceuticals and foods. Of the
various methods of dehydration, freeze drying (lyophilization) is especially suited
for substances that are heat sensitive. Other than food processing (e.g., coffee,
whole dinners), freeze drying has been extensively used in the development of
pharmaceuticals (e.g., antibiotics) and preservation of biologicals (e.g., proteins,
plasma, viruses and cell lines). The nondestructive nature of this process has been
demonstrated by the retention of viability in freeze dried viruses and
microorganisms.

Freeze drying is a process whereby water or other solvent is removed from frozen
material by converting the frozen water directly into vapor without the
intermediate formation of liquid water. The basis for this sublimation process
involves the absorption of heat by the frozen sample in order to vaporize the ice;
the use of a vacuum pump to enhance the removal of water vapor from the surface
of the sample; the transfer of water vapor to a collector; and the removal of heat
by the collector in order to condense the water vapor. In essence, the freeze dry
process is a balance between the heat absorbed by the sample to vaporize the ice
and the heat removed from the collector to convert the water vapor into ice.

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Chapter 1: Introduction

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SAFE TEMPERATURE AND DRYING TIMES

FOR SELECTED MATERIALS

Material
10mm Thick

Safe
Temperature
°C

Collector
Temperature
°C

Hours
(Approx.)
Milk

-5

-40

10

Urea

-7

-40

10

Blood Plasma

-10 to -25

-40

16

Serum

-25

-40

18

Vaccinia

-30 to -40

-50

22

Influenza Vaccine

-30

-50

24

Human Tissue

-30 to -40

-50

48

Vegetable Tissue

-50

-80

60

Table 1

Freeze Dry Rates

The efficiency of the freeze drying process is dependent upon the surface area and
the thickness of the sample, the collector temperature and vacuum obtained, the
eutectic point and solute concentration of the sample. It is important to remember
these factors when trying to obtain efficient utilization of your freeze dry system.
A listing of selected materials and their approximate drying times are shown in
Table 1 for your reference.

*Total sample quantities are contingent on various freeze dryer capacities.

Up to the point of overloading the system, the greater the surface area of the
sample, the faster the rate of freeze drying. By contrast, for a given surface area,
the thicker the sample the slower the rate of freeze drying. This is based on the
fact that the heat of sublimation is usually absorbed on one side of the frozen
sample and must travel through the frozen layer to vaporize water at the other
surface. In addition, as the sample is freeze dried, the water vapor must travel
through the layer of dried material. The thicker the sample, the greater the chance
that the dried layer may collapse which would cause an additional decrease in the
rate of freeze drying.

The surface area and thickness of the sample can usually be ignored when each
sample contains only a few milliliters. However, for larger volumes, the samples
should be shell frozen to maximize the surface area and minimize the thickness of
the sample. The volume of the freeze dry flask should be two to three times the
volume of the sample.

In order for lyophilization to occur, ice must be removed from the frozen sample
via sublimation. This is accomplished by the collector and the vacuum pump.
The collector, which should be at least 15 to 20°C colder than the eutectic
temperature (melting temperature) of the sample, traps vapor as ice. Since the
vapor pressure at the collector is lower than that of the sample, the flow of water

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Chapter 1: Introduction

3

vapor is from the sample to the collector. Since this vapor diffusion process
occurs very slowly under normal atmospheric conditions, a good vacuum is
essential to maintain an efficient rate. In many applications, the maintenance of a
vacuum of 0.133 mBar or less is recommended.

The rate of freeze drying is directly proportional to the vapor pressure and the
vapor pressure is dependent upon both eutectic temperature and solute
concentration of the sample. For example, a solution of sodium chloride and
water would freeze dry at a slower rate than pure water. The eutectic temperature
of a sodium chloride solution is about –21°C and at this temperature the vapor
pressure is about 1/16 that of water at 0°C. Although the eutectic temperature is
not dependent upon the concentration of sodium chloride, the vapor pressure of
the water would decrease as the concentration of sodium chloride increased. This
is due to the fact that as the solute concentration increases, less of the surface area
of the frozen sample is occupied by water. In general, most solutions or
biological samples will have a eutectic temperature of –10° to –25°C. However,
if the sample contains a simple sugar such as glucose or if the sample is animal or
plant tissue, the eutectic temperature may be as low as –30° to –50°C.

Freeze Dry Capacity

The volume of a sample that can be freeze dried at one time is related to factors
discussed previously and the size and design of the freeze dry system. With any
given instrument, the capacity is based on the surface area of the sample, the
eutectic temperature and concentration of the sample and the rate and amount of
heat transferred to the frozen sample. Of these factors, the eutectic temperature is
the most important factor in determining the amount of sample that can be freeze
dried at one time, particularly when flasks are used. This is because as the
eutectic temperature decreases, the vapor pressure decreases but the rate of heat
absorption by the sample does not change. This tends to promote melting of the
sample, which leads to a marked increase in vapor pressure and ultimately
overloads the collector and vacuum pump. Samples that have eutectic
temperatures of –20°C or lower should be placed on the freeze dry system one
flask at a time so that the vacuum in the system may recover before adding
another sample to the system. If the vacuum does not recover, the capacity of the
freeze dry system has been exceeded and the sample should be removed.

If there is a problem with a particular type of sample melting when placed on the
freeze dry system, dilution of the sample with more water or providing some
insulation around the flask to decrease the rate of heat absorption by the sample
may help. If the eutectic temperature of the sample is –40 to –60°C, the freeze
dry system selected for use must be equipped with cascade type refrigeration so
that the collector temperature can be cooled to below –75°C, or a dry ice/solvent
trap may be used between the collector and the vacuum pump.

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Chapter 1: Introduction

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Samples Containing Volatile Substances

In certain cases the solvent in a sample to be freeze dried may contain volatile
components such as acetonitrile, methanol, acetic acid, formic acid or pyridine.
In addition to these substances having an effect on the eutectic temperature, they
may increase the vapor pressure at the surface of the sample. Also, compared to
water, they will require the absorption of less heat for sublimation to occur.
Hence, samples that contain volatile substances will have a greater tendency to
melt, particularly when placed in flasks or exposed to room temperature. If a
sample containing a volatile substance tends to melt when placed on a freeze dry
system, dilution of the sample with more water will help keep the sample frozen.
For example, a 0.2M solution of acetic acid is much easier to freeze dry than a

0.5M solution.

About This Manual

This manual is designed to help you learn how to install, use, and maintain your
Stoppering Tray Dryer. Instructions for performing routine maintenance and
making minor modifications to your Stoppering Tray Dryer are also included.

Chapter 1: Introduction provides a brief overview of the freeze dry process,
explains the organization of the manual, and defines the typographical
conventions used in the manual.

Chapter 2: Prerequisites explains what you need to do to prepare your site before
you install your Stoppering Tray Dryer. Electrical requirements are discussed.

Chapter 3: Getting Started contains the information you need to properly unpack,
inspect and install your Stoppering Tray Dryer.

Chapter 4: Using Your Stoppering Tray Dryer discusses the basic operation of
your Stoppering Tray Dryer. Information on how to load samples and run the
Stoppering Tray Dryer is included.

Chapter 5: Maintaining Your Stoppering Tray Dryer explains how to perform
routine maintenance on your Stoppering Tray Dryer.

Chapter 6: Using the RS-232 Receptacle describes how to connect a computer
for monitoring the operation.

Chapter 7: Troubleshooting contains information about problems you may
encounter while using your Stoppering Tray Dryer, including the probable causes
of the problems, and suggested corrective actions.

Chapter 8: Modifying Your Stoppering Tray Dryer Display describes how to
calibrate the vacuum display and restore factory settings.

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Chapter 1: Introduction

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Appendix A: Stoppering Tray Dryer Components contains labeled diagrams of the
components of the Stoppering Tray Dryer.

Appendix B: Stoppering Tray Dryer Dimensions contains comprehensive
diagrams showing the dimensions for the Stoppering Tray Dryer.

Appendix C: Stoppering Tray Dryer Specifications contains product
specifications.

Appendix D: Stoppering Tray Dryer Accessories lists the part numbers and
descriptions of all of the accessories available for your Stoppering Tray Dryer.

Typographical Conventions

Recognizing the following typographical conventions will help you understand
and use this manual:

 Book, chapter, and section titles are shown in italic type (e.g., Chapter 3:

Getting Started).

 Steps required to perform a task are presented in a numbered format.
 Comments located in the margins provide suggestions, reminders, and

references.

 Critical information is presented in boldface type in paragraphs that are

preceded by the exclamation icon. Failure to comply with the information
following an exclamation icon may result in injury to the user or permanent
damage to your Freeze Dryer.

 Important information is presented in capitalized type in paragraphs that are

preceded by the pointer icon. It is imperative that the information contained
in these paragraphs be thoroughly read and understood by the user.

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Before you install your Stoppering Tray Dryer, you need to prepare your site for
installation. The Stoppering Tray Dryer will mount on top of a FreeZone 6, 12 or
18 liter Freeze Dry System. This could be either a benchtop or console model.
Carefully examine the location where you intend to install your Stoppering Tray
Dryer. You must be certain that the area is level and of solid construction. An
electrical source must be located near the installation site.

Carefully read this chapter to learn:

 the electrical supply requirements.

 the vacuum pump requirements.

Refer to Appendix C: Stoppering Tray Dryer Specifications for complete
Stoppering Tray Dryer electrical and environmental conditions, specifications and
requirements.

Refer to the User’s Manual for the FreeZone Freeze Dry System for complete

electrical and environmental conditions, specifications and requirements.

Electrical Requirements

The Stoppering Tray Dryer requires a dedicated electrical outlet. This outlet
requires a 20 Amp circuit breaker or fuse for models rated at 115V (60 Hz). An
outlet equipped with a 15 Amp circuit breaker or fuse is required for models rated
at 230V (50/60 Hz). The power cord on 115V models is equipped with a 20 Amp
NEMA 5-20P plug. Various power cord configurations are provided with 230V
models. If this does not match with the available receptacle, remove this plug and
replace it with an approved plug of the suitable style.

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Chapter 2: Prerequisites

7

Location Requirements

The Freeze Dryer should be located in an area that provides an unobstructed flow
of air around the cabinet. This air cools the refrigeration system. The
refrigeration system draws air in through the front and exhausts it through the
rear. A minimum of 3" must be allowed between the rear and both sides of the
Freeze Dryer and adjacent wall surfaces. Restriction of airflow during operation
could adversely affect performance.

Refer to Appendix B: Stoppering Tray Dryer Dimensions for dimensional
drawings of the Stoppering Tray Dryer.

Vacuum Pump Requirements

A vacuum pump must be provided by the user. A vacuum pump with a
displacement of 144 liters per minute and 0.002 mBar ultimate pressure is
adequate for most samples. The inlet fitting on the vacuum pump must be
suitable for 3/4" ID vacuum hose, which is provided with the FreeZone Freeze
Dry System. It is recommended that the vacuum pump is equipped with an
exhaust filter to minimize oil mist exhausting from the vacuum pump. The
operating vacuum level may be set on the Freeze Dry System. The higher the
pressure is set, the more likely it is that oil mist will be exhausted.

Vacuum pumps used with 115V models should be equipped with an 115V, 15
Amp NEMA 5-15P plug. Vacuum pumps used with 230V models should be
equipped with a reverse IEC plug. This plug is included with 230V models. This
will allow the vacuum pump to be plugged into the receptacle on the back panel

of the Freeze Dry System. Refer to the User’s Manual for the FreeZone Freeze

Dry System for vacuum pumps available from Labconco.

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



Now that the site for your Stoppering Tray Dryer is properly prepared, you are
ready to unpack, inspect, install and test your Stoppering Tray Dryer. Read this
chapter to learn how to:

 unpack and move your Stoppering Tray Dryer.
 set up your Stoppering Tray Dryer.
 connect the electrical supply source to your Stoppering Tray Dryer.
 safely use solvents with your Stoppering Tray Dryer.

The Stoppering Tray Dryer weighs over 400 lbs. (181 Kg). The
carton allows for lifting with a mechanical lift truck or hand
truck. If you must lift the Stoppering Tray Dryer manually,
use at least four (4) persons and follow safe lifting guidelines.

Unpacking Your Stoppering Tray Dryer

Carefully unpack your Stoppering Tray Dryer and inspect it for damage that may
have occurred in transit. If your Stoppering Tray Dryer is damaged, notify the
delivery carrier immediately and retain the entire shipment intact for inspection
by the carrier.

DO NOT RETURN GOODS WITHOUT THE PRIOR
AUTHORIZATION OF LABCONCO.

UNAUTHORIZED RETURNS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

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Power Cords

Catalog #

Description

Volts

Hz

1336400

1336500

1342100

1332601

1332701

7948020

Stoppering Tray Dryer

115

60 X 7948030

Stoppering Tray Dryer

230

50 X 7948040

Stoppering Tray Dryer

230

60 X 7948060

Stoppering Tray Dryer

230

50 X 7948070

Stoppering Tray Dryer

230

50

X

Part #

Qty.

Component Description

7353900

1

User’s Manual

1880712

4

Screw ¼-20 x .75

1905621

4

Nut ¼-20

1911416

8

Washer ¼

7353403

1

Cable RS 232





IF YOUR STOPPERING TRAY DRYER WAS DAMAGED IN
TRANSIT, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM DIRECTLY WITH THE
FREIGHT CARRIER. LABCONCO CORPORATION AND ITS
DEALERS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR SHIPPING DAMAGE.

DO NOT DISCARD THE CARTON OR PACKING MATERIAL
FOR YOUR STOPPERING TRAY DRYER UNTIL YOU HAVE
CHECKED ALL OF THE COMPONENTS AND INSTALLED
AND TESTED THE STOPPERING TRAY DRYER.

Stoppering Tray Dryer Components

Locate the model of Stoppering Tray Dryer you received in the following table.
Verify that the components listed are present and undamaged.

Plus the following:

If you did not receive one or more of the components listed for your Stoppering
Tray Dryer, or if any of the components are damaged, contact Labconco
Corporation immediately for further instructions.

Setting Up Your Stoppering Tray Dryer

After you verify receipt of the proper components, move your Stoppering Tray
Dryer to the location where you want to install it. Then, follow the steps listed
below.

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

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Installing the Tray Dryer on the Freeze Dry System

The following tools are required to install the Stoppering Tray Dryer onto a
FreeZone Freeze Dry System base unit: Flat blade screwdriver or 5/16" socket
and a 7/16" wrench or socket.

Remove the four plastic hole plugs from the top of the Freeze Dry System on
which the Stoppering Tray Dryer is to be mounted. If the Freeze Dry System has
a flat gasket around the 3.0 inch vacuum port, remove it. Loosen both clamps on
the lower connection hose and slide the hose upward so the bottom edge of the
hose is above the lower edge of the stainless steel tube. Snug both clamps on the
hose to hold them in place.

Lift the Stoppering Tray Dryer into place on your Freeze Dry System while
centering the vacuum coupling over the vacuum connection port. Align the four
mounting holes in the Stoppering Tray Dryer support stand with the four holes in
the top of the Freeze Dry System.

NOTE: Do not lift the Stoppering Tray Dryer by the door or disturb

it.

Install the four bolts, nuts, and washers provided. Loosen the clamps and slide
the lower hose down over the vacuum connection port. Orient the clamps to gain
access and tighten the clamps to provide a leak-free connection.

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The Stoppering Tray Dryer is now installed and must be tested to make certain the
system is free of leaks. To test, turn on the Freeze Dry System refrigeration and
allow the temperature to reach –40° or lower. Close the door of the Tray Dryer
and make sure the Stoppering Control is in the “LOWER” position and the Vac

Release control is in the “CLOSED” position. Start the vacuum pump and

monitor the vacuum gauge. The vacuum on the Freeze Dry System should reach

0.133 mBar within 30 minutes and should achieve an ultimate vacuum of 0.040
mBar or lower within 18 hours. If 0.040 mBar cannot be achieved, consult the
troubleshooting section of this manual and of the manual supplied with the Freeze
Dry System.

Venting the Vacuum Pump

If any materials will be placed in the Stoppering Tray Dryer
that can liberate hazardous gases when heated, the vacuum
pump exhaust must be vented to a fume hood or other

ventilation device.

Electrical Connection

Plug the power cord into the receptacle on the back of the Stoppering Tray Dryer
and plug the other end into a suitable power receptacle.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PLUG THE STOPPERING TRAY
DRYER INTO THE FREEZONE FREEZE DRY SYSTEM.

CAUTION: When the appropriate power cord is plugged into
the power receptacle on the rear panel of the tray dryer, the
clamp on the tray dryer receptacle should be tightened to
prevent the cord from accidentally being switched with the
freeze dryer cord located underneath the tray dryer. (The
freeze dryer may require different mains A.C. voltage and
switching these power cords may cause damage).

Chemical Resistance of Freeze Dryer
Components

The FreeZone Freeze Dry System and Stoppering Tray Dryer are 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:

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

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Acids

Buffers Solvents

Component

Material

Acetic Acid 20%

Formic Acid

Trifluoroacetic Acid (TFA) Calcium Chloride

Sodium Phosphate Acetone

Acetonittirle

Carbon Tetrochloride

Cyclohexane

Dioxane

Methyl t-Butyl Ether (BTBE)

Pyridine

Valve Stem

Acetal

C D D D D

Collector*
Lid & Door

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 for the Freeze Dry Systems.
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.

 The oil in the vacuum pump should be checked often. It must be changed if it

is cloudy, shows particles or is discolored. The useful life of vacuum pump
oil can be extended if the vacuum pump is operated for an extended period of
time after a freeze dry run. This allows contaminants to be purged from the
hot oil. This must be done with the inlet to the pump blocked off to prevent
air from free flowing through the pump. This is accomplished by closing all
sample valves on a clean, dry freeze dry system and turning on the vacuum
pump. If the pump is operated at an elevated vacuum level (> 10mBar), oil
may be expelled from the pump and damage could occur.

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

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!

Another way to extend the life of the vacuum pump is to install an optional
secondary trap in the line between the Freeze Dry System and the vacuum pump.
Contact Labconco for ordering information.

With prudent maintenance the FreeZone Freeze Dry System will provide years of
service. Warranty on the affected parts will be voided if maintenance has been
obviously neglected. If you have questions about using specific compounds in the
Freeze Dry System, contact Labconco Technical Service at 1-800-821-5525 or
816-333-8811 or e-mail: [e-mail].

Solvent Safety Precautions

Solvents used in the Stoppering Tray Dryer may be flammable
or hazardous to your health. Use extreme caution and keep
sources of ignition away from the solvents. When using
flammable or hazardous solvents, the vacuum pump must be
vented to a fume hood.

Hazardous materials such as strong acids or bases, radioactive
substances and volatile organics must be handled carefully and
promptly cleaned up if spilled. If a sample is spilled in the
collector chamber it must immediately be cleaned up.

WARNING: The disposal of substances used in connection
with this equipment may be governed by various Federal, State
or local regulations. All users of this equipment are urged 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.

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After your Stoppering Tray Dryer has been installed as detailed in Chapter 3:
Getting Started, you are ready to begin using your Stoppering Tray Dryer. Read

this chapter to learn how to:

 operate the controls.
 understand the display.
 connect samples.

Do not use the Stoppering Tray Dryer in a manner not
specified by the manufacturer (refer to Appendix C: Stoppering
Tray Dryer Specifications). The electrical protection properties
of the Stoppering Tray Dryer may be impaired if the
Stoppering Tray Dryer is used inappropriately.

Product Service 1-800-522-7658