Vacuum Pump Ballast Setting; Operating The Freeze Dryer; Auto Start-Up; Manual Start-Up - Labconco FreeZone 70020 Series User Manual

Original instructions
11. Attach a pre-frozen sample to sample valve on drying chamber or manifold.
Note: If using a Clear Chamber, Tray Dryer or Heated Product Shelves, the
vacuum chamber must be fully vented (to atmospheric pressure) in order to
remove acrylic chamber or open door before loading sample into the drying
chamber.

Vacuum Pump Ballast Setting

Most vacuum pumps are equipped with a gas ballast mechanism. The freeze dry
process requires high vacuum. Therefore, it is recommended that the gas ballast be
closed during the operation of the Freeze Dryer. If the gas ballast is left open for
extended periods of operation, the oil can be pumped out the exhaust, causing the
pump to fail.

Operating the Freeze Dryer

Auto start-up

1. Go to Home screen
2. Press AUTO, then press START
 COLLECTOR will start immediately
 VACUUM will start when collector temperature reaches -40°C

Manual start-up

1. Go to Home screen
2. Press COLLECTOR, then press START
3. When COLLECTOR temperature reaches -40°C (or colder)
 Press VACUUM, then press START

Setting the Operating Vacuum Level

To change the Vacuum Set Point
1. Go to Home screen
2. Press VACUUM,
 enter new Vacuum Set Point value
 press APPLY (or START if vacuum pump is not already running)
The vacuum level may be set by the user to optimize the freeze dry process.
Normally, the sublimation rate will increase as the pressure increases in the Freeze
Dryer. A good starting place is to set the vacuum so its level is equivalent to about
10°C colder than the eutectic or collapse temperature of the sample. The reference
table below shows the relationship between ice temperature and vapor pressure.
Product Service 816-333-8811 or 1-800-522-7658
Chapter 5: Using Your Freeze Dryer
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