Instruction manual

Page 7 Leica EM CPD030 Operating Manual 09/09
3. Description and specification
Introduction
Biological specimens intended for investigation in a scanning electron
microscope must be dried before being introduced into the microscope (if the
microscope does not have a cold stage) to allow the specimen to be imaged.
If specimens such as cell suspensions are dried, tangential forces caused by
molecular linkage affect the miniscule structures and cause deformation of
the specimen.
Critical point drying with the EM CPD030 is one method to prevent the
damaging effects of the above mentioned forces by bringing the liquid into
the gas phase without freezing. The deforming forces can be avoided by
executing this process above the “critical point” of the liquid where the phase
boundary between gas and liquid phase no longer exists.
This first section of the manual contains specifications for the EM CPD030
critical point dryer. However familiar you may be with this type of
instrumentation, we suggest that you first inspect the instrument for any
signs of damage incurred during shipping (see Chapter 4).
3.1 Technical specification
Dimensions:
Specimen chamber:
Usable volume Ø 40 mm x 36 mm
Fluid filling approx. 70 ml
Weight approx. 33 kg