Chapter 3: Getting Started
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Trifluoroacetic Acid (TFA)
Methyl t
-Butyl Ether (BTBE)
Hoses,
Gaskets &
Valve
Bodies
C – Moderate degradation; Limited use
D – Severe degradation; infrequent use recommended; immediate thorough
cleaning required.
Most common compounds used in freeze drying processes, if allowed to enter
the vacuum pump, will degrade the oil and cause damage to the vacuum pump.
Sugars and proteins typically will have minimal negative effect on any of the
materials of construction.
When using compounds in the Freeze Dryer that are hostile to the materials of
construction, it is imperative the equipment is thoroughly cleaned after use.
Rubber and plastic components that have been exposed to damaging
compounds should be removed and flushed with water.
The oil in the vacuum pump should be checked often. It must be changed if it
is cloudy, shows particles or is discolored. The useful life of vacuum pump oil
can be extended if the vacuum pump is operated for an extended period of time
after a freeze dry run. This allows contaminants to be purged from the hot oil.
This must be done with the inlet to the pump blocked off to prevent air from
free flowing through the pump. If the pump is operated at an elevated vacuum
level (> 10mbar), oil may be expelled from the pump and damage could occur.
Another way to extend the life of the vacuum pump is to install an optional
secondary trap in the line between the Freeze Dryer and the vacuum pump.
Contact Labconco for ordering information.