Operating the Mini Chamber (optional feature)
The Mini Chamber is designed for freeze drying small samples, either in bulk or in
small containers such as vials or 96 well plates. It may be used in conjunction with
other drying accessories that are mounted on top of the Freeze Dryer or
independently. If a manifold or chamber is mounted to the Freeze Dryer and is not
in use, close all of its valves. If no drying accessory is installed on the Freeze
Dryer, place the supplied stopper in the center of the 3.0 accessory port that is on
the top of the Freeze Dryer to seal the vacuum system. Follow the steps below to
operate the Mini Chamber.
1. Start the Freeze Dryer. Position the Vacuum Chamber valve on the top of the
Freeze Dryer to the VENT position. Press the “AUTO” or “COLLECTOR”
button, then press the “Start” button.
IF THE COLLECTOR CHAMBER WILL BE USED TO PRE-FREEZE THE
SAMPLE, DO NOT USE “AUTO” TO START THE REFRIGERATION AND
VACUUM PUMP, SINCE VACUUM SHOULD NOT BE APPLIED TO THE
COLLECTOR CHAMBER WHILE PRE-FREEZING SAMPLES.
2. Freeze the sample. Before the freeze dry process can occur, the product to be
freeze dried must be in a frozen state. This can be done in a separate freezer or
in the Freeze Dryer collector chamber.
3. Load the samples. The Freeze Dryer collector temperature must be –40°C or
colder before starting the freeze dry process. Replace the chamber lid.
4. Start primary drying. Turn the vacuum control valve on the top of the Freeze
Dryer to VACUUM. Start the vacuum pump (if it is not already running).
5. Set the Mini Chamber temperature. Press the “MINI CHAMBER” button, then
enter a “Temp Set Point” value, and press the “Start” button. The set
temperature should be lower than the eutectic temperature of the sample.
THE MINI CHAMBER IS NOT REFRIGERATED. IF THE OPERATING
TEMPERATURE IS SET BELOW AMBIENT, THE ONLY SOURCE
COOLING THE CHAMBER IS THE FROZEN SAMPLE AND THE
COOLING EFFECT FROM THE FREEZE DRYING (SUBLIMATION)
PROCESS.
6. Start secondary drying. After all the free moisture is removed in the primary
drying phase, the temperature of the chamber may be increased. Press the
“MINI CHAMBER” button, enter a new “Temp Set Point” value, and press the
“Apply” button.
7. Shut Down. After completion of the freeze dry procedure:
a. Press the “MINI CHAMBER” button, then press the “Stop” button to
turn off the chamber heater.
b. Release vacuum in the chamber by turning the valve on the top of the
Freeze Dryer to VENT.
c. Remove the sample.
d. Turn off the vacuum pump
e. Release vacuum from the Freeze Dryer by either opening the Vacuum
Chamber valve (when the chamber lid is off) or by opening a valve on a
chamber or manifold mounted on top of the Freeze Dryer.