Operator`s manual

VirTis BenchTop 2K, 4K and 6K Installation and Setup

Revision 004, 12/09 7

Vacuum Baffle Plate

The BenchTop 2K and 4K models include a two-position vacuum baffle plate.

• Baffle Plate on Chamber Bottom (Position 1).

By raising the baffle plate handle, the plate can

be dropped to the bottom of the chamber. This

allows you to pre-freeze items on the baffle plate.

In some cases, it may be more convenient to

remove the baffle plate completely and freeze

items directly on the bottom of the chamber.

Note: Freeze-drying cannot be performed with the baffle on the chamber bottom

(position 1) since the vacuum port will be blocked and the product will remain too

cold for water vapor transfer.

• Baffle Plate in Raised Position (Position 2).

Lower the baffle plate handle to raise the baffle

plate when freeze-drying products directly on the

baffle. This allows ice to build up on the

condenser below and provides more room for the

materials to be dried.