Labconco CentriVap Complete Vacuum Concentrator 73150 Series - Manual (Page 16)

Chapter 4: Using Your CentriVap Complete
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Original instructions
Planning
Thoroughly understand procedures and the equipment operation prior to
beginning work. The unique performance of the CentriVap is dependent upon the
proper balance of heat, vacuum and centrifugal force. If the proper balance is not
established, it is possible to damage or lose a portion of the sample. Therefore, if
you are unfamiliar with the CentriVap or are attempting a new protocol, it may be
helpful to make a trial run that is void of the sample you are attempting to
concentrate.
Glassware Selection
Sample tubes should be filled no more than half full with substances having a
density no greater than 1400 kg/m
3 . Select the size of the sample tube so it is
compatible with the rotor and the desired sample size. Tubes should not be loose
in the rotor. Rotors are available with holes for various size tubes. Refer to
Chapter 6: Accessories for your CentriVap Complete for available rotor sizes.
Loading Glassware Into the CentriVap
Smooth operation of the CentriVap is dependent upon proper balance of the
machine. Therefore, if less than a full load of samples is run, it is important to
load samples into the CentriVap in a fairly symmetrical manner distributing the
weight of the samples evenly in the sample rotor.
Temperature Setting Guidelines
The evaporation rate achieved by the CentriVap is dependent upon a variety of
factors. These include the nature of the solvent, the temperature and the pressure
in the vacuum system.
As a general guideline, to speed the evaporation process, the CentriVap
temperature should be set as high as possible as long as the temperature will not
damage the sample or cause the sample to bump.
Time Setting Guidelines
The CentriVap Complete has two timers. The “RUN TIME” turns the entire
concentrator off after the user set period of time. This stops the rotation, turns off
the heater and vacuum pump and bleeds vacuum from the system. The heater
may be turned off prior to the concentrator turning off so heat-sensitive samples
may be protected from exposure to excessive heat after the solvent has
evaporated. To turn the heater off prior to stopping the entire system, enter a set
time into the memory at the “HEATER TIME.” When the programmed time
expires, the heater will turn off but the rotation and vacuum will continue until the
run time expires.