Argos Technologies EVac User manual

Operator’s Manual
Argos Technologies, Inc.
Toll Free: 800-886-8675
International:
847-622-0456
www.argos-tech.com
manufacturing solutions for science
™

2
Argos Technologies EVac™ — Operator’s Manual
2
Table of Contents
Contents ..........................................................................2
ImportantSafetyInformation......................................................3
OperatingConditions..............................................................3
HazardWarningsUsed.............................................................3
ProductOverview .................................................................4
FrontView.........................................................................4
RearView..........................................................................5
ProductDescription ...............................................................6
PackageContents..................................................................6
WarrantyInformation..............................................................7
RepairService .....................................................................7
GettingStarted....................................................................8
OperatingEVac™...................................................................9
Preparingwithoutlevelsensing....................................................9
PreparingVacuumBottle ..........................................................9
ConnectingVacuumBottletoInstrument ..........................................9
Connecting Vacuum Bottle to HandEvac™ Handheld Aspirator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Preparingwithlevelsensing ......................................................10
PreparingVacuumBottle .........................................................10
ConnectingVacuumBottletoInstrument .........................................10
Connecting Vacuum Bottle to HandEvac™ Handheld Aspirator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Connecting the Level Detection Sensor Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
PoweringUp......................................................................11
SwitchingOn.....................................................................11
Operation........................................................................12
LevelDetection...................................................................13
CalibratingLevelDetection .......................................................13
Maintenance,CareandSafetyPrecautions.........................................14
Maintenance .....................................................................14
Care..............................................................................14
Autoclaving ......................................................................14
Troubleshooting(FAQ)............................................................15
TechnicalData....................................................................16
AccessoriesandSpareParts.......................................................17

3
Argos Technologies EVac™ — Operator’s Manual
Always use this product in accordance with these instructions. Where appropriate, please use
safety goggles and protective clothing.
Operating Conditions
Operating Temperature 10 - 40° C (50 - 104° F)
Relative Humidity 10 - 90% (no condensation)
Altitude 0 - 2,500M (1.55 Miles)
Important Safety Information
STOP
CAUTION
Indicates possible damage to the instrument. Comply with the instructions.
i
Hazard Warnings Used
DANGER
Indicates possible danger of personal injury or death. Comply with the instructions.
DANGER Biological Risk
Indicates possible biological risk. Comply with the instructions.
NOTE
Provides important notes on the correct operation of Argos Technologies EVac™
Vacuum System.

4
Argos Technologies EVac™ — Operator’s Manual
Product Overview
Front View
1. EVac™ Instrument.
2. Control for Setting Vacuum/Suction Power.
3. ON/OFF Switch.
4. Vacuum Bottle.
5. Bottle Lid.
6. HandEvac™ Handheld Aspirator.
7. Quick Couplings.
8. Level Detection Sensor Cable.

5
Argos Technologies EVac™ — Operator’s Manual
Product Overview
Rear View
9. Socket for Cable Mains Adapter.
10. Push-Button for Level Detection Calibration.
11. Socket for Level Detection Sensor Cable.
12. Connection for Filter Missing if Needed.
13. Air Outlet.
14. Power/Illumination LED Indicator.
NOTE
If the level detection is not in use, items 10 and 11 have no function.
i

6
Argos Technologies EVac™ — Operator’s Manual
Product Description
Thank you for your recent purchase of the Argos Technologies EVac™ Vacuum System.
•The EVac™ is a vacuum system with an integral pump and adjustable, electronic
vacuum controller for laboratory use.
•The instrument should not be used for applications other than those specified.
Package Contents
•EVac™ Vacuum System.
•Universal Power Supply with US, UK, EU and SAA adapters.
•Warranty Registration Card.
•Instruction Manual.
•Tubing Set with Filter.
•Level Detection Sensor Cable (EV300 & EV310).
•4 Liter Polypropylene Bottle or Glass Bottle
•Lid for 4 Liter Polypropylene Bottle with Quick Couplings and Level Detection
(EV310), Lid with Barbed Fittings (EV320) or Lid for Glass Bottle with Quick
Couplings and Level Detection (EV418)
•HandEvac™ Hand Operator

7
Argos Technologies EVac™ — Operator’s Manual
Warranty Information
The Argos Technologies EVac™ Vacuum System is warranted to be free of defects
in materials and workmanship for a period of 12 months from date of purchase,
provided that:
•The unit has not been opened or attempted to be opened by the end user
•The user ensures that it has been carefully cleaned and decontaminated
•The unit has been operated according to the instructions and not in any improper way
In order to qualify for warranty repair, customer must return warranty card supplied with
unit that includes all information required to validate proof of purchase. Should warranty
service be required, repair or replacement will be provided by Argos Technologies without
charge. Freight charges for shipping unit to Argos Technologies will be responsibility of
purchaser. There are no other warranties of application or merchantability.
Repair Service
Should the EVac™ require service or repair, please contact Argos Technologies Customer
Service. A Return Authorization Number will be issued and customer will be advised on
proper packing and method of shipment.
Customer Service:
Within US: 800-886-8675
Outside US: 847-622-0456
Please include RA Number on shipping label.
Please use the same contact numbers for Argos Technologies Technical Support.
[email protected]

8
Argos Technologies EVac™ — Operator’s Manual
Getting Started
Please ensure that all packaging materials have been removed before using the EVac™.
Place the EVac™ unit on a dry, level, dust-free location.
Power supply connection
•Attach the mains adapter with the primary adapter appropriate to the power outlet.
•Plug the mains adapter into a standard electrical source and connect to the EVac™.
DANGER
The supply voltage must comply with requirements listed in the “Technical Data”
section (see page 16).

9
Argos Technologies EVac™ — Operator’s Manual
Operating EVac™
Preparing without level sensing
Preparing Vacuum Bottle
•Fit lid with barbed tube fittings onto bottle. Ensure that lid is firmly attached.
Connecting Vacuum Bottle to Instrument
•Twist filter onto connection on EVac™. Writing on filter should point away from
device. Twist filter until resistance is felt, then twist an additional half turn to ensure
that an adequate seal is achieved.
•Connect filter with short tube to the barbed tube fitting marked “PUMP” on lid of the
vacuum bottle.
Connecting Vacuum Bottle to HandEvac™ Handheld Aspirator
•Connect long tube from HandEvac™ or other suction tool to barbed tube fitting
marked “HAND” on lid of vacuum bottle.

10
Argos Technologies EVac™ — Operator’s Manual
Operating EVac™ (continued)
Preparing with level sensing
Preparing Vacuum Bottle
•Fit lid with quick couplings onto bottle. Ensure that lid is firmly attached.
Connecting Vacuum Bottle to Instrument
•Twist filter onto connection on EVac™. Writing on filter should point away from
device. Twist filter until resistance is felt, then twist an additional half turn to ensure
that an adequate seal is achieved.
•Connect filter with short tube to “BLUE” coupling on lid of vacuum bottle.
Connecting Vacuum Bottle to HandEvac™ Handheld Aspirator
•Connect long tube from HandEvac™ or other suction tool to “ORANGE” quick
coupling on lid of vacuum bottle.
Connecting the Level Detection Sensor Cable
•Connect sensor cable to socket marked “SENSOR” on bottle lid.
•Calibrate level detection according to section titled “Calibrating Level Detection”
(see page 13).

11
Argos Technologies EVac™ — Operator’s Manual
Powering Up
Please read the following notes before attempting to operate the EVac™.
NOTE
Always attach lid on tightly, ensuring that screw threads are properly aligned. The
seal in the lid will only function correctly when adequately compressed.
To build up vacuum, lid venting screw must be sealed. Ensure that sealing plug/
venting screw is tightly in place (see below).
i
Switching On
•Turn the power switch to “ON” (I).
•When the instrument is powered on, LED indicator on top of unit will light up.

12
Argos Technologies EVac™ — Operator’s Manual
Operation
Control knob allows smooth regulation of vacuum pressure. Suction power is indicated by
graduated marker on dial (see below).
Before starting suction, check that there is sufficient free volume in bottle for the amount
of liquid being aspirated.
Low Suction High Suction
STOP
i
CAUTION
Do not overfill bottle.
The EVac™ includes a safety filter which will stop fluid from reaching internal
mechanisms. If fluid or foam gets into filter, the filter must be changed immediately
or unit may no longer retain liquids. Note that hydrophobic filter holds back aqueous
solutions, whereas retention of apolar liquid is limited.
When working with dangerous substances, please maintain compliance with all
applicable safety instructions, national regulations (GLP, GMP, etc.), trade associations,
public health departments and factory inspectors.
When working with hazardous volatile substances or biohazardous agents, always place
the EVac™ within a laminar flow cabinet.
NOTE
If equipment does not operate correctly, please refer to the “Troubleshooting (FAQ)”
section on page 15.

13
Argos Technologies EVac™ — Operator’s Manual
Level Detection
The level detection connected to the EVac™ prevents foam and/or liquid from entering
the filter or reaching the internal mechanisms during aspiration. As soon as foam or
liquid is detected, the pump will switch off and an audible alarm will sound. The LED
indicator under the bottle blinks synchronously with alarm.
Level sensing automatically activates when cable is plugged in. The EVac™ will beep four
times and LED indicator will flash to confirm this. It is possible to activate/deactivate
the level sensing during use by connecting/disconnecting sensor cable. Both actions are
confirmed with an audible beep and flash of the LED indicator.
Calibrating Level Detection
•Connect sensor cable to socket on bottle lid.
•Switch on the EVac™.
•The EVac™ will beep four times and LED indicator will flash to confirm that level
detection cable is attached correctly.
•Press “CALIBRATION” button at rear of unit until a short beep sounds.
•If calibration fails, the EVac™ will beep four times synchronously with flashing of
LED indicator. Check that cable is correctly connected to device and that lid is
properly tightened and fitted.
•Check that lid, sensor pins, and space between sensor pins are clean and dry. Repeat
as required.
NOTE
Sensor cable and bottle lid must have matching calibration.
Daily calibration of the EVac™ is strongly recommended.
When using multiple lids, it may be necessary to recalibrate after changing lids.
i

14
Argos Technologies EVac™ — Operator’s Manual
Maintenance, Care and Safety Precautions
Maintenance
The EVac™ does not require any special servicing or maintenance. If a reduction in
suction power occurs, it may be caused by blockages in the tube and/or filter on the pump
side. This may be remedied by exchanging the affected tube and/or filter. When replacing
filter, remember that writing on filter should point away from device.
Care
The EVac™ may be cleaned with most common laboratory disinfectants, including
isopropanol.
i
NOTE
When using level detection, always ensure that the contact pins on bottle lid are kept
clean and dry.
DANGER
Always unplug the EVac™ from power supply before cleaning. Never use caustic
solutions (such as nitro thinners) to clean the EVac™.
Autoclaving
The EVac™ bottle, lids and tubes may be autoclaved to a maximum temperature of
121° C (249.8° F).
Refer to the autoclave manufacturer’s guide for correct sterilization of liquids
and volumes.
STOP
STOP
To prevent damage, always disconnect quick connectors prior to autoclaving.
Loosely screw lid onto bottle during autoclave process to prevent heat from
deforming bottle lid.
The EVac™ Instrument, Mains Adapter, and Sensor Cable are not autoclavable.
To prevent generation and/or aspiration of corrosive vapors, use only non-caustic
chlorine-free agents for chemical sterilization.

15
Argos Technologies EVac™ — Operator’s Manual
Troubleshooting (FAQ)
Problem Possible Cause Remedy
Equipment not
running; no
vacuum
No power line voltage Insert mains adapter plug into
suitable power outlet.
No DC supply Connect mains adapter to
instrument.
Pump switched off Turn power switch to “ON”
(l). Ensure that LED indicator
under bottle is lit.
Suction power
inadequate
or pump runs
constantly
Suction power selected
too low
Turn control knob clockwise.
Leak in vacuum system Check tubes and filters.
Check lid and tighten if
necessary.
Check if sealing plug/venting
screw on bottle lid is leaking.
Ensure that filter is fully
tightened onto unit.
Ensure that leak flow of hand
tool is not excessively high.
Bottle full; liquid
sucked into filter
Remove wet filter and replace
with new, dry filter.
Empty excess liquid from
existing bottle or replace with
new, empty bottle.
Tubes Blocked Clean or replace tubes.
Filter blocked Replace filter.
Alarm level
detection
Sensor cable
incorrectly connected
Check that cable is correctly
connected to device and lid.
Medium or foam in
bottle has reached
maximum level
Empty excess liquid from
bottle. Use an anti-foam agent.
Level detection not
calibrated
Calibrate level detection
(see page 13).
Incorrect calibration
(Four beeps will sound)
Check sensor pins, sensor
cable and connector. Retry
calibration (see page 13).
The lid interior between
sensor pins is soiled
Clean and dry interior of lid
between sensor pins.

16
Argos Technologies EVac™ — Operator’s Manual
Technical Data
Equipment Type Laboratory unit with adjustable vacuum for
controlled, contamination-free suction removal
of liquids
Dimensions (L x W x H) Instrument: 240 x 173 x 145mm (9.45 x 6.73 x
5.71 in.)
With 4L bottle, tubing, and filter:
350 x 173 x 550mm (13.78 x 6.73 x 21.65 in.)
Weight 3.9Kg (8.6 lb)
Vacuum -275 to -625 mbar relative, smoothly adjustable
Pump Output Approx. 8 L/min air under atmospheric
conditions
Control Microprocessor controlled, adjustable vacuum
control
Indicator Blue LED indicator lit when unit powered “ON”
Power supply Mains adapter
Input Voltage: 100 – 240V~; 50/60Hz; 0.6A
4 primary connectors for EU, UK, US/JP, SAA
Instrument
18V; 1.4A
Certifications CE
Protective Class II
Degree of Protection IP41
Noise Level Typ. 50dB +/- 5dB at a distance of 1m
Bottle 4L polypropylene bottle or glass bottle
Level Detection Capacitive measuring principle
Instrument Material Casing and Base: Stainless steel
Control Dial: Anodized aluminum
Filter Connection: Brass
Quick Coupling Material Body: Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF)
Spring: Stainless steel
Seal: Fluorine Rubber (Viton®)
Ambient Conditions Operation: 5 - 40° C (41 – 104° F), max 80% RH
Storage: -10 - 50° C (14 – 122° F), max 95% RH
Filter Hydrophobic membrane filter, non-sterile,
diameter 60mm, 0.45µm

1717
Argos Technologies EVac™ — Operator’s Manual
Accessories and Spare Parts
Part Number Description
EV514 HandEvac™ Handheld Aspirator with Single Channel Adapter
EV431 4L Polypropylene Bottle with Quick Release Coupling
EV432 4L Polypropylene Bottle with Barbed Fitting
EV370 4L Polypropylene Bottle
EV420 3L Glass Bottle
EV371 Lid for PP Bottle (with Quick Couplings and Level Detection)
EV372 Lid for PP Bottle (with Barbed Tube Fittings)
EV418 Lid Glass Bottle (with Quick Couplings and Level Detection)
EV332 1800mm Tubing (Bottle Lid – Handheld Aspirator)
EV331 700mm Tubing (Instrument – Bottle Lid)
EV342 Tubing Set with Filter
EV015 Hydrophobic Membrane Filter, Non-sterilized
Diameter: 60mm, 0.45µm (1/Ea.)
EV403 Level Detection Sensor Cable
EV355 Mains Adapter

manufacturing solutions for science