58 • Maintenance Operating Manual Freeze Dryer ALPHA 1-2 LDplus
7.7. Cleaning
7.7.1. Cleaning of the Freeze Dryer
Use soap water or other water-soluble, mild agents for cleaning of
the freeze dryer. Avoid corrosive and aggressive substances. Do
not use alkaline solutions or solvents or agents with abrasive
particles. Remove product residues from the ice condenser
chamber using a cloth. It is recommended that the lid to the freeze
dryer or drying chamber is left open when the freeze dryer is not in
use so that moisture can evaporate.
If there is the risk of toxic, radioactive or
pathogenic contamination, special safety
measures must be considered and adhered to.
7.7.2. Cleaning of Accessories
When looking after accessories special safety measures must be
considered as these are measures to ensure operational safety
and reliability.
Chemical reactions as well as stress corrosion cracking
(combination of changing pressure and chemical reaction) can
affect or destroy the structure of the metals and plastic parts.
Hardly detectable cracks on the surface expand and weaken the
material without visible signs. When visible damage of the surface,
a crack, a mark or any other change, as well as corrosion is
detected, the part in question (shelf, vessel, drying chamber etc.)
must be replaced immediately for safety reasons.
Fans, lid seal, vessels, racks, drying chamber and shelves must
be cleaned regularly in order to avoid damage.
Cleaning of accessories should be carried out away from the
freeze dryer once a week or preferably after every use.
If there is the risk of toxic, radioactive or
pathogenic contamination, special safety
measures must be considered and adhered to.
Aluminium accessories are particularly subject to corrosion. A
neutral agent with a pH-value between 6 and 8 should be used for
such parts. Alkaline agents (pH > 8) must be avoided. Thus life
time is increased and corrosion is reduced considerably.
Careful maintenance through the user increases life time and
avoids premature failure of accessories. Damage caused by
insufficient care does not constitute a warranty claim.
7.7.3. Maintenance of the Aeration Valve and the Drain Valve
Special attention must be paid to the aeration valve and the drain
valve. If residues from previous drying processes deposit on them,
there is the risk of faulty operation of the freeze dryer. Therefore,
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