6 Maintenance
6.1 CoolSafe freeze-dryer
The air-cooled condenser must be cleaned minimum once a year. Use a vacuum cleaner and
remove any dust in the cooling ribs on the front.
Rubber valves, black O-rings and valves on the manifold and black O-rings on chambers should be
greased with an ultra-thin layer of vacuum grease and wiped off with a soft cloth every 3-4 months.
The rubber must appear shiny, smooth and without cracks. All silicone gaskets need only dust
removal (do not use any vacuum grease).
6.2 Vacuum pump
See the vacuum pump instruction manual for maintenance according to supplier’s recommendation.
Maintenance for a vacuum pump in general will be to:
Check the oil volume and colour conditions regularly. The oil should be changed every 400-
500 working hours, more often if aggressive vapours have been pumped. Keep a Log book
Drain the oil mist filter if the oil level is more than 10 mm.
Drain, clean and eventually change the filter insert if smoke comes from the oil mist filter.
6.3 Cleaning
If a sample is spilled in the concentrator chamber, it must be cleaned up immediately.
Cleaning of acrylic components use only mild detergents solutions NEVER solvents.
Wipe stainless steel surfaces with alcohol and then dry, do not use abrasives.
The condenser of the CoolSafe once drained, wipe dry and then lightly cleaned with alcohol,
ensure that the drain valve is open. Do not forget to close the valve once the condenser
has dried.
6.4 Checking for leaks on the CoolSafe freezer-dryer
Always start from the vacuum pump and work forwards towards the chamber.
1. Check vacuum hose connection to the pump. If the pump is fitted with a nozzle and if this is
held in place with a clamp, check that there is a centring ring with seal fitted between the
flange on the pump and the nozzle. Make sure the clamp is tight and that the hose is pushed
well onto the nozzle, and that the clip on the hose is tight.
2. Check the other end of the vacuum hose where it connects to the CoolSafe, make sure the
clip is tight.
3. The drain valve on the front of the Cool Safe also has to be checked for leaks. First unscrew
the drain valve (with black knob) all the way until its loose and then pull towards you. The
barrel of the valve then comes away from the body. On the end of the barrel there is a white
Teflon plug, make sure this is clean and without any scratches, also wipe the inside of the
valve body. Replace the valve barrel into the body of the valve, push in and then screw the
valve completely to the fully closed position. When vacuum is applied check that there is no
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