Operator`s manual

VirTis BenchTop 2K, 4K and 6K Basic Operation

Revision 004, 12/09 23

Operation Instructions

1. Ensure that the condenser is clean and dry before proceeding. Check the

drain line for residual moisture, which can cause slow vacuum pump-down.

Ensure that the plastic quick-connect drain fitting is not inserted into the drain

fitting receptacle on the front of the unit.

2. Pre-freeze the product to a minimum of -40 °C.

3. If you are freeze-drying product on manifold shelves or directly in the chamber

and your unit’s heat option includes the ability to track product temperature

through a product probe, insert the probes. They should be placed close to

the bottom of the sample, but not touching it.

Note: Temperature probes can only be used with racks and feed-through adapter

plates.

4. Check that all connections and ports are secure. Ensure that Quickseal

valves are closed and that the drain plug is removed from the drain fitting.

5. Press the COND button to begin cooling the condenser. Wait for the

condenser to reach at least -40 °C (i.e., approximately 20 to 30 minutes).

Before proceeding, confirm that the condenser temperature status light is

green on the LED Wave display and the Synoptic screen displays the

condenser temperature at -40 °C or colder.

Alternatively, press the AUTO button and allow the system to proceed

through the freeze-drying process using the defined settings. If using the

AUTO function, skip to step 8.

6. Enable vacuum by pressing VAC. Allow the system to evacuate the system.

Before proceeding, confirm that the vacuum status light is green on the LED

Wave display and that the desired vacuum level is displayed on the Synoptic

screen.

Note: If your vacuum pump is not connected to the BenchTop unit, the Sentry 2.0

controller will not be able to enable it. Switch on the vacuum manually. See your

vacuum pump operator’s manual for more information.

7. Add product as appropriate:

a. If using a manifold, attach a flask to a Quickseal valve and turn the

valve to the open position to begin the freeze-drying process. Allow the

vacuum to recover to at least 200 millitorr or your vacuum control

setpoint before connecting additional flasks.

b. If using a vacuum concentrator, add samples and begin spinning.

Note: For more information, refer to Chapter 6: Cold Trap Condenser.

8. Ensure that critical system parameters (i.e., refrigeration and vacuum) stay

within the acceptable ranges. The LED Wave on the control panel provides a

quick reference. Periodically check the condenser for ice build-up and defrost

as needed.

9. Observe the product to determine when drying is complete. For manifold

drying, the process is complete when the outside of the flasks lose

condensation and the product appears dry.

For heated shelf and chamber drying, the process is complete when one or

more of the following are true: