Chapter 3: Getting Started
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Drain the cold trap immediately after the collected ice is melted to prevent
corrosive liquids from residing in the trap. Flush out the trap with water after
draining.
DO NOT chip ice off the cold trap walls as damage may occur.
DO NOT start a rotary vane pump when the cold trap contains any liquid.
The liquid will be drawn into the pump and will contaminate the vacuum
pump oil.
If the compounds used attack acrylic, consider using the optional glass
chamber lid. Contact Labconco for ordering information.
If the stainless steel cold trap chamber is attacked by the compounds in use
consider using the optional Glass Trap insert. Contact Labconco for ordering
information.
When using a rotary vane vacuum pump the oil in the 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 of time after the CentriVap run is
over. 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, oil
will be expelled from the pump and damage will occur.
Monitor the secondary trap’s condition often and replace it when it is
saturated. A new acid trap is off-white and changes color to purple when
used up. A new moisture trap is blue and changes color to pink when it is
used up. The solvent trap molecular sieve does not change color when
saturated so extra care must be taken to determine when a replacement
cartridge should be installed.
Solvent Safety Precautions
CAUTION: The CentriVap is not classified as “explosion proof.” It has been
designed with safety as a primary
consideration
and should be used in a
prudent manner using “good laboratory practices.” It has been designed for
use with compounds as described in the United States National Electrical
Code Class I, Group D. The heater may be programmed to run as hot as
100°C, however, the heater element may normally run at 110°C. A thermal
fuse limits the heater to a maximum temperature of 141°C. It is important
that the solvents used are compatible with these temperatures. Do not
evaporate solvents that have an autoignition temperature below 180°C. Do
not evaporate solvents that are classified as Group A, B, or C by the National
Electrical Code. Evaporate only non-flammable or Group D solvents with
autoignition temperatures 180°C or above. Use of other compounds could
cause an explosion.
