Shellab Bactron OPERATION MANUAL
BACTRON ANAEROBIC
CHAMBERS
OPERATION MANUAL
MODELS: I, II & IV
Sheldon Manufacturing Inc. P.O. Box 627 Cornelius, Oregon 97113
EMAIL: tech@Shellab.com
1-800-322-4897 (503) 640-3000 FAX (503) 640-1366
INTERNET: http://www.Shellab.com/~Shellab
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Orientation Page 3
Component Drawings Page 4 - 6
1.0 Receiving and Inspection Page 6
2.0 Installation Page 6 - 7
3.0 Controls Overview Page 8 - 9
4.0 Hose and Electrical Connections Page 9 -10
5.0 Manometer Page 11
6.0 Catalyst Cartridge Page 11 - 12
7.0 Thermoelectric Condensate Controller Page 12
8.0 Incubator Temperature Controller/Incubator Safety Page 13
9.0 Incubator Calibration Page 13 - 14
10.0 Vacuum Gauge Adjustment Page 14
11.0 Pressure Adjustment Page 15
12.0 Testing The Chamber For Gas Leaks Page 15 - 16
13.0 Making The Chamber Anaerobic/Desired Environment Page 16 - 18
14.0 Chamber Operation Page 18 - 19
15.0 Entering The Chamber Page 19 - 20
16.0 Exiting The Chamber Page 20
17.0 Maintenance Page 21
18.0 Chamber QC Sheet Page 22
19.0 Accessories Page 23
20.0 Chamber System Drawings:
A) Keeping The Chamber Anaerobic Page 24
B) The System Controller and Controls:
View From Behind Panel Page 25
C) Solenoid Page 26
D) The System Controller Indicator Guide Page 27
21.0 Troubleshooting Section Page 28 - 36
22.0 Bactron Operation Tips Page 37 - 41
23.0 Wiring Diagrams Page 42 – 46
24.0 Parts List Page 47
25.0 Loop Sterilizer Page 48
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Rev 4/02
4861118M
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IMPORTANT: READ THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL IMMEDIATELY.
Your satisfaction and safety require a complete understanding of this unit, including its proper
function and operational characteristics. Be sure operators are given adequate training before
attempting to put the unit in service. NOTE: This equipment must be used only for its
intended application; any alterations or modifications will void your warranty.
Orientation
Figure 1a. Bactron II Chamber
Note: Bactron I Chamber is similar; it has three incubator compartments.
Figure 1. Bactron IV Chamber
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Component Drawings
Figure 2. Sleeve/Cuff Assembly
Consists of a neoprene sleeve, a plastic cuff ring, O-Ring, and a soft rubber cuff. The assembly
allows gloveless chamber operation.
Figure 3. Armport Doors
CAUTION: The Bactron chambers have an efficient method of sealing the chamber by utilizing the
Armport doors as shown in Figure 3. The tightening knob on the armport doors should be turned
just until the knob begins to “grab”. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN. Damage can occur if too much
force is placed on the Armport door assembly. See Section 13.5
Doors are used to seal the armports while the chamber is not in use. Doors can be stored using
the holders provided while the chamber is in use. Assembly consists of an armport door,
tightening knob and locking bar. Doors are secured by tuning the locking bars horizontally to pass
through the cutouts in chamber, then turning locking bars verticals and tightening knobs.
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Figure 4. Foot Pedals
Utilize to exchange the sleeve atmosphere (room) with the desired chamber environment (gas
mixture). See pages 16 and 17 for further details.
Figure 5. Catalyst Cartridge
Two catalyst containing Palladium catalyst pellets are supplied to remove trace amounts of
oxygen. See page 11 and 12 for additional data.
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Figure 6. Air Lock
Provides ability to take material into and out of the chamber. Air Lock can be operated either
automatically or manually. The Air lock shelf (Models II and IV) allows for materials to be
conveniently rolled from the Air Lock into the chamber.
1.0 RECEIVING AND INSPECTION
1.1 The carrier, when accepting shipment, also accepts responsibility for safe delivery
and is liable for loss or damage claims. On delivery, you must inspect for visible
exterior damage. Note and describe on the freight bill any damage found and enter
your claim on the form the carrier supplies.
1.2 Inspect for concealed loss or damage on the unit itself, both interior and exterior. If
any, the carrier will arrange for official inspection to substantiate your claim. Save
the shipping crate until you are sure the unit has been delivered in good condition.
1.3 If for any reason you must return the unit, contact your sales representative for
authorization and supply nameplate data.
2.0 INSTALLATION
2.1 Local city, county, or other ordinances may govern the use of this equipment. If you
have any questions about local requirements, please contact the appropriate local
agency.
2.2 Under normal circumstances these units are intended for use indoors, at room
temperatures between 5° and 40°C, at no greater than 80% relative Humidity (at
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25°C) and with a supply voltage that does not vary by more than 10%. These ovens
should not be operated at an altitude exceeding 2000 meters. Installation category is
CAT-II.
2.3 Pollution Degree 2. Customer service should be contacted for operating conditions
outside of these limits. Installation may be performed by the end user. It is
unnecessary for this unit to be installed by a technician.
2.4 Location: When selecting a site for the unit, consider conditions which may affect
performance, such as heat from steam radiators, ovens, autoclaves, etc. Avoid
direct sun, fast-moving air currents, heating/cooling ducts, and high traffic areas. To
ensure air circulation around the unit, allow a minimum of 2” between chamber rear
and sides and any walls, partitions, or obstructions to free airflow.
2.5 Power Source: The power source must match the voltage, cycle, phase and
amperage requirements listed on the data plate. Plug the cord into a grounded
outlet. VOLTAGE OF THE OUTLET SHOULD NOT VARY MORE THAN 10%
FROM THE DATA PLATE RATING. A separate circuit is recommended to
precluded loss of product due to overloading or circuit failure. Note that the electrical
supply to the unit must conform to all national and local electrical codes.
2.6 Gas Source: Install the gas regulator(s) on the tank(s) of gas. Chain the gas
tanks(s) to a secure position on the wall. Set the regulator(s) to 10 psi.
2.7 If you are using an anaerobic gas mixture (AMG), we recommend 5% (H2), 5%
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and 90% Nitrogen(N2).
2.8 If you are using a two gas anaerobic application, we recommend one tank of AMG
gas and the second tank of 100% Nitrogen (N2).
Figure 7. Warning Label
2.9 Cleaning: The Bactron unit was cleaned at the factory, however, a general cleaning
is recommended. Use BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE to clean your chamber. See
page 23 for a list of cleaning products.
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Figure 8. Control Panel
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3.0 CONTROLS OVERVIEW
3.1 Power: The lighted power “I/O” switch controls all power to the Bactron Chamber. It
must be in the “I” position before any systems are operational, including control
circuitry.
3.2 Digital Display: The actual incubator temperature will be digitally displayed to +
.1°C.
3.3 Main Temperature Control: This control consists of the Up/Down buttons and the
digital display.
3.4 Vacuum Gauge: Analog dial shows the vacuum level of the Air Lock in inches of
mercury.
3.5 Incubator Safety: The Safety is an independent thermostat that monitors incubator
temperature. It guards against any failure of the incubator controller which would
allow temperature to rise past set point. If temperature rises to the Safety set point,
the Safety will take over control of the heating element and an audible alarm will be
activated. The Safety controller allows for continued use of the chamber until service
can be arranged.
3.6 Air Lock Controls. Manual Cycle: The manual cycle switch controls the vacuum
and the gassing process of the Air Lock. Push VAC to evacuate the Air Lock then
GAS to fill the Air Lock with the desired gas mixture. This process should be done
three times.
3.7 Air Lock Controls. Auto Cycle: The automatic cycle switch will evacuate the Air
Lock and then fill the chamber with the desired gas mixture. The process will cycle
three times and upon completion the ANAEROBIC light will activate. The cycle can
be aborted by pressing the switch to the START/RESET and holding it down for five
seconds.
3.8 Incubator Heating: Light indicates that the heating element is activated and that the
incubator is heating.
3.9 Safety Activated: Light indicates that the Incubator Safety audible alarm is activated
and controlling the incubator temperature.
3.10 Chamber Gassing: Light indicates that the chamber is demanding gas. The light
activates when the operating the Air Lock and sleeves, in addition to maintaining
positive pressure in the working chamber.
3.11 Air Lock Doors Sealed: Light indicates that both the Air Lock doors are closed.
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3.12 Gas Activated: In the manual cycle the GAS light indicates that the Gas switch is
activated. In the automatic cycle, third cycle, light indicates that the GAS is activated
in the Air Lock.
3.13 Vacuum Activated: Light indicates that the VAC switch of the manual cycle Air
Lock is activated. Light is also on during automatic vacuum cycles.
3.14 Auto Cycle Aerobic: Light indicates that the Auto cycle has not been activated.
When the automatic cycle has been activated, the Auto Cycle Anaerobic lights will
alternate.
3.15 Auto Cycle Anaerobic: Light indicates that the Auto Cycle has been activated and
is complete. When the automatic cycle has been activated, the Auto Cycle
Anaerobic lights will alternate.
Indicates “Earth Ground”
4.0 HOSE AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
4.1 Hose ports for the gas and vacuum supplies and foot pedal controls are provided on
the top back left side of the control module section. The Bactron models have five access
ports. (Older models have four access ports.) Figure 9 shows a typical hose connection for
a five port model.
Figure 9. Hose Connections
4.2 Install the hose from the gas regulator of the working gas, for example AMG, (GAS
1) tank to the port marked “GAS 1” on the chamber module.
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4.3 Install the hose from the gas regulator of the purging gas, for example Nitrogen,
(GAS 2) tank to the port marked “GAS 2” on the chamber module.
NOTE: If using only one gas supply, install the “T” tube/fitting assembly (provided in
the accessory pack) between the “GAS 1 IN” port and the “GAS 2 IN” port on the
control module. Then attach the hose from GAS 1 tank regulator, as in 4.2, to the
unused brass “T” tube end. Failure to follow this procedure will render the purging
cycles of a single gas system inoperative.
4.4 Connect the 3/8” hose from the vacuum pump or a 3/8” hose from a suitable in-
house vacuum system, to the port marked VAC IN. In-house vacuum systems must
be capable of evacuating to a minimum of 25 inches of mercury.
4.5 Plug the vacuum pump power cord into the outlet receptacle at the top left of the
control module. This outlet is marked “5 AMPS” (installations using in-house
vacuum supplies will not follow this step).
NOTE: CONNECTING HOSES.
the hose into the appropriate connector until the hose stops. Pull back slightly to
ensure hose will stay in place. Reinsert if hose pulls out.
4.6 Connect the center “T” section from the foot pedal assembly to the tube fittings
located on the inner sides of the armport access openings on the front of the
chamber.
4.7 Connect the tube from the GAS side of the foot pedal assembly to port marked GAS
OUT on the control module section.
4.8 Connect the tube from the VAC side of foot pedal assembly to the port marked VAC
OUT on the control module section.
4.9 Plug power cord from Chamber into a 115 VAC, 60 Hz (220 volt units are also
available) electrical outlet. Turn the power switch on to verify power to the system.
4.10 When the main power switch is turned on, the vacuum pump should come on for a
few seconds and then go off. If the pump does not come on, or comes on and will
not go off, consult the Troubleshooting Guide for adjustment.
4.11 When the power switch to the Chamber is turned on, you should see Power ON,
CHAMBER GASSING, AIR LOCK DOORS SEALED and AUTO CYCLE AEROBIC
lights illuminate, along with a readout of the incubator temperature. If any of these
appear not to work, consult the Troubleshooting Guide.
Hose connections are intended to be simple. Insert
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5.0 MANOMETER
5.1 Located below the right end of the control panel and inside the chamber, the
Manometer provides a visual way to measure pressure in the chamber. It also
functions as a pressure release system to prevent damage to the chamber in
the event over-pressurization occurs. By measuring the difference between
the inner and outer water levels one can obtain the chamber pressure in
inches of water. If pressure becomes too great, excess gas will push out
through the inner tube and bubble through the water thus releasing pressure
from the chamber.
5.2 Purpose: The function of the manometer is two-fold:
a. Provides visual way to measure the pressure in the chamber. As the
pressure inside the chamber increases, the water level in the inner tubes
moves down a distance proportional to the pressure increase. By measuring
the difference of the inner and outer water levels, the user can obtain the
chamber pressure in inches of water. A water level indicator notifies user that
water is high or low.
b. It acts as a pressure release system to prevent damage to the chamber in
case of inadvertent over-pressurization. If the pressure becomes too great,
the excess gas simply bubbles through the water and out the back of the
chamber.
5.3 Filling Procedure: Use a pipette or plastic wash bottle to fill the manometer with
distilled water to a level of two or three inches. Lines on the manometer provide a
guide. Fill water to the top line. This may be done from the top of the manometer
inside the chamber.
6.0 CATALYST CARTRIDGE
6.1 The catalyst cartridge removes ant trace amounts of oxygen from the chamber. Two
catalyst cartridges containing Palladium catalyst pellets are provided. See drawing
pg. 4
6.2 One cartridge should always be in the chamber. The second spare cartridge is
provided so that reactivation of the catalyst can be done after each chamber usage.
6.3 The catalyst cartridge is installed on the left wall inside the chamber. To install slide
the cartridge into the metal tracks and secure the handle into the bracket.
6.4 Reactivate spare catalyst daily by heating for a minimum of 1 –1/2 to 2 hours at
160°C (320°F). You may keep the unused cartridge in the heating oven at 160° prior
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to its use. (NOTE: Catalyst cartridge should be reactivated for the first time before
installing into the unit.)
6.5 Quality control catalyst monthly by flowing anaerobic gas over the reactivated pellets.
If the pellets become warm to hot, they are working properly and are ready for use in
the chamber. If they do not heat up when the gas is applied, reheat to 180° to 200°C
and flow gas over catalyst again to remove any buildup of sulfides that might hinder
its effectiveness.
6.6 The entire catalyst cartridge can be placed in the heating oven for reactivating.
However, if necessary, the handle on the cartridge can be removed.
6.7 A catalyst cartridge can also be placed inside the Air Lock to remove any trace
amounts of oxygen.
7.0 THERMOELECTRIC CONDENSATE CONTROLER
7.1 The thermoelectric condensate controller collects excess humidity and eliminates
chamber condensation. Moisture is funneled into a tube for collection inside your
chamber.
7.2 The thermoelectric condensate controller is located on the left side of the chamber
interior behind the catalyst cartridge. A plastic tube drains excess moisture into the
working chamber, on the back left side.
7.3 Place a container, e.g., glass flask or beaker, under the tube for collection. Empty
the container DAILY.
7.4 Desiccants are not recommended in the chamber. Desiccants are drying agents that
can regrettably pull moisture from your samples.
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8.0 INCUBATOR TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER/INCUBATOR SAFETY
8.1 Setting Incubator Controller: The INCUBATOR TEMPERATURE controller
regulates the incubator temperature by use of Up/Down buttons. To enter set point
mode on the control, press either the Up or Down button one time. The digital
display will start to blink, going from bright to dim. While blinking, the Digital Display
is showing the set point. To change the set point, use the Up and Down buttons. If
the buttons are not pressed for five (5) seconds, the display will stop blinking and will
read the temperature of the unit. Note that the INCUBATOR SAFETY should be
turned to its maximum position, (clockwise) until the unit has stabilized at desired set
point temperature. Allow the incubator at least 24 hours to stabilize. Then recalibrate the digital display to your reference thermometer, follow the calibration
instructions given in Section 9. This incubator was calibrated at the factory at 37°C.
8.2 Setting Incubator Safety: Set the control to the desires incubator temperature.
Then set the INCUBATOR SAFETY to its maximum position. Allow 24 hours for
stabilization before proceeding.
If, after 24 hours the temperature is not at desired level, adjust the INCUBATOR
TEMPERATURE up or down until the precise desired temperature is achieved. (See
Section 9 for calibration procedures)
When stabilization at the desired temperature has been achieved, turn the
INCUBATOR SAFETY control knob counter-clockwise until the INCUBATOR
SAFETY ACTIVATED light comes on and audible alarm is activated. Next, carefully
turn the INCUBATOR SAFETY knob clockwise until the light is just off. The Safety is
now set; the INCUBATOR SAFETY ACTIVATED light should remain OFF during
normal operation.
NOTE: An accurate thermometer should be used inside the incubator
as a reference when setting and calibrating the incubator temperature.
8.3 It is a good idea to mark the INCUBATOR SAFETY label with the desired
setting or position as a backup in case the knob is moved accidentally. If the
SAFETY ACTIVATED light is on and audio alarm is activated at any time,
check the INCUBATOR TEMPERATURE controller setting to be sure that it is
not set above the INCUBATOR SAFETY setting.
9.0 INCUBATOR CALIBRATION
9.1 Compare the reading of the digital temperature display to an accurate reference
thermometer. If there is a difference, put the display into calibrate mode by pressing
both the Up and the Down buttons at the same time and holding them in for about
five (5) seconds or until the two outside decimal points start to flash on and off.
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When the decimal points are flashing, the display can be calibrated to match the
reference thermometer by pressing the Up or Down button until the display reads
correctly.
10.0 VACUUM ADJUSTMENT
10.1 The vacuum gauge for the Automatic Air Lock Cycle is factory calibrated. It is
recommended that customers note the setting of the vacuum gauge during Auto Air
Lock Cycle to ensure that the setting is correct. Evacuation and the vacuum pump
capabilities can effect the calibration.
10.2 The vacuum setting for the Auto Air Lock Cycle are factory set at the High Limit 18
and the Low at 4.
10.3 Vacuum calibration procedure:
High Limit
A) Activate the Auto Air Lock Cycle and note the high level reached by the
vacuum gauge. If the vacuum gauge is not at the desired High setting of
18, adjust the high vacuum switch located on the left outside if the control
housing box.
B) This switch is illustrated in the “CONTROLS: View From Behind Control
Panel” Page 25, #10.
C) Adjust the High setting by turning the large knob until the desired value of
18 is reached. (Black notch on knob toward 0 to decrease or toward 30 to
increase). See page 25.
D) Activate the Auto Air Lock Cycle and observe the vacuum gauge on the
high level reached.
E) Repeat steps C and D.
Vacuum calibration procedure:
Low Limit
A) Activate the Auto Air Lock Cycle and note the low level reached by the
vacuum gauge. If the vacuum is not at the desired Low setting of 4,
adjust the Low vacuum switch located in the same area as the high
vacuum switch noted above.
B) Repeat the procedure noted above under High vacuum to adjust the low
Vacuum setting except adjust for the lower value of 4.
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