1 General information ............................................................................................................. 9
1.1 Importance of the operating manual .................................................................................. 9
1.2 Intended use ..................................................................................................................... 9
1.3 Warranty and liability....................................................................................................... 11
1.4 Copyright ........................................................................................................................ 12
1.5 Explanation of symbols ................................................................................................... 12
1.6 Standards and regulations .............................................................................................. 12
1.7 Scope of supply .............................................................................................................. 12
2 Layout and mode of operation .......................................................................................... 13
2.1 Layout of the freeze-dryer ............................................................................................... 13
2.1.1 Functional and operating elements ............................................................................ 13
2.1.2 Name plate ................................................................................................................ 15
2.2 Mode of operation ........................................................................................................... 16
2.2.1 General information on freeze-drying ......................................................................... 16
2.2.2 Freeze-drying process ............................................................................................... 18
2.2.2.1 Preparation ........................................................................................................ 18
2.2.2.2 Freezing ............................................................................................................. 19
2.2.2.3 Main drying ........................................................................................................ 19
2.2.2.4 Final drying ........................................................................................................ 20
2.2.2.5 End of drying and aeration ................................................................................. 20
2.2.2.6 Defrosting .......................................................................................................... 20
3 Safety .................................................................................................................................. 21
3.1 Marking of the unit .......................................................................................................... 21
3.2 Explanation of the symbols and notes ............................................................................. 22
3.3 Responsibility of the operator .......................................................................................... 23
3.4 Operating personnel ....................................................................................................... 24
3.5 Informal safety notes....................................................................................................... 24
3.6 Safety notes concerning the transport, set-up and connection and initial start-up of the
freeze-dryer ............................................................................................................................... 25
3.6.1 General hazards ........................................................................................................ 25
3.6.2 Hazards caused by improper transport ...................................................................... 25
3.6.3 Hazards caused by improper set-up .......................................................................... 25
3.6.4 Hazards caused by improper connection ................................................................... 26
3.7 Safety notes concerning the operation ............................................................................ 26
3.7.1 Hazards caused by electricity .................................................................................... 26
3.7.2 Hazards caused by the refrigeration system (natural, flammable refrigerants) ........... 27
3.7.3 Hazards caused by the refrigeration system (non-flammable refrigerants) ................. 27
3.7.4 Hazards caused by harmful products ......................................................................... 28
3.7.5 Hazards caused by solvents in the products .............................................................. 28
3.7.6 Hazards caused by acids in the products ................................................................... 28
3.7.7 Hazards caused by contaminated condensate (defrosting water) .............................. 29
3.7.8 Hazards caused by hot surfaces ................................................................................ 29
3.7.9 Hazards caused by cold surfaces .............................................................................. 29