Esco FV-001 User manual

User
Manual
Esco Technologies, Inc.
2940 Turnpike Drive, Units 15-16 • Hatboro, PA 19040, USA
Toll-Free USA and Canada 1-877-479-3726
Tel [phone] • Fax [phone]
us.escoglobal.com • [e-mail]
Esco Micro Pte. Ltd.
21 Changi South Street 1 • Singapore 486 777
Tel [phone] • Fax [phone]
www.escoglobal.com • [email protected]m

Copyright Information
© Copyright 2011 Esco Micro Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.
The information contained in this manual and the accompanying product is copyrighted and all rights are
reserved by Esco.
Esco reserves the right to make periodic minor design changes without obligation to notify any
person or entity of such change.
Sentinel™ are registered trademarks of Esco.
“Material in this manual is provided for informational purposes only. The contents and the product described in
this manual (including any appendix, addendum, attachment or inclusion), are subject to change without
notice. Esco makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy of the information contained in this
manual. In no event shall Esco be held liable for any damages, direct or consequential, arising out of or related
to the use of this manual.”

i
Formalin Vaporizer
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTORY PAGES
i
Table of Contents
iii
Warranty Terms and Conditions
v
Introduction
v
1. Products Covered
v
2. Safety Warning
v
3. Limitation of Liability
v
4. European Union Directives on WEEE and RoHS
vii
Declaration of Conformity
USER SECTION
1
Chapter 1 -Product Information
1
1.1 About Esco Formalin Vaporizer
1
1.2 Labels
2
1.3 Quick View
3
Chapter 2 -Control System
3
2.1 Sentinel Control System
3
2.2 Menu Options
4
2.2.1 Before Decontamination Process Start
5
2.2.2 After Decontamination Process Start
7
Chapter 3 - Decontamination Process
7
3.1 Formalin/Paraformaldehyde Decontamination
8
3.2 Common Equipment Used in Decontamination
8
3.2.1 Common Equipment
8
3.2.2 Appropriate PPE
8
3.2.3 Common Apparatus
8
3.3 Preparation Steps
9
3.4 Recommended Decontamination Sealing Method
9
3.4.1 For Unit without Ducting
10
3.4.2 For Unit with Ducting
11
3.5 Decontamination Process
11
3.5.1 Formalin –Ammonia Combination
11
3.5.2 Paraformaldehyde –Ammonium Bicarbonate Combination
13
3.6 Completion Steps
13
3.7 Decontamination Validation Procedure (optional)
APPENDIX

ii

iii
Formalin Vaporizer
Warranty Terms and Conditions
Esco products come with either a 1, 2 or 3 year limited warranty, depending on the product purchased,
beginning on the date of shipment from any Esco international warehousing location. To determine which
warranty applies to your product, refer to the appendix below.
Esco's limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Esco's liability under this limited
warranty shall be, at our option, to repair or replace any defective parts of the equipment, provided if proven
to the satisfaction of Esco that these parts were defective at the time of being sold, and that all defective parts
shall be returned, properly identified with a Return Authorization.
This limited warranty covers parts only, and not transportation/insurance charges.
This limited warranty does not cover:
Freight or installation (inside delivery handling) damage. If your product was damaged in transit, you
must file a claim directly with the freight carrier.
Products with missing or defaced serial numbers.
Products for which Esco has not received payment.
Problems that result from:
oExternal causes such as accident, abuse, misuse, problems with electrical power, improper
operating environmental conditions.
oServicing not authorized by Esco.
oUsage that is not in accordance with product instructions.
oFailure to follow the product instructions.
oFailure to perform preventive maintenance.
oProblems caused by using accessories, parts, or components not supplied by Esco.
oDamage by fire, floods, or acts of God.
oCustomer modifications to the product
Consumables such as filters (HEPA, ULPA, carbon, pre-filters) and fluorescent / UV bulbs.
Esco is not liable for any damage incurred on the objects used on or stored in Esco equipment. If the
objects are highly valuable, user is advised to have in place independent external preventive
measures such as connection to a centralized alarm system.
Factory installed, customer specified equipment or accessories are warranted only to the extent guaranteed by
the original manufacturer. The customer agrees that in relation to these products purchased through Esco, our
limited warranty shall not apply and the original manufacturer's warranty shall be the sole warranty in respect
of these products. The customer shall utilize that warranty for the support of such products and in any event
not look to Esco for such warranty support.
Esco encourages all users to register their equipment online at www.escoglobal.com/warranty or complete the
warranty registration form included with each product.
ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES FOR THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE
LIMITED IN TIME TO THE TERM OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. NO WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, WILL APPLY AFTER THE LIMITED WARRANTY PERIOD HAS EXPIRED. ESCO DOES NOT ACCEPT LIABILITY
BEYOND THE REMEDIES PROVIDED FOR IN THIS LIMITED WARRANTY OR FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT,
CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY LIABILITY FOR THIRD-
PARTY CLAIMS AGAINST YOU FOR DAMAGES, FOR PRODUCTS NOT BEING AVAILABLE FOR USE, OR FOR LOST
WORK. ESCO'S LIABILITY WILL BE NO MORE THAN THE AMOUNT YOU PAID FOR THE PRODUCT THAT IS THE
SUBJECT OF A CLAIM. THIS IS THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT FOR WHICH ESCO IS RESPONSIBLE.

iv
These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Singapore and
shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Singapore.
Technical Support, Warranty Service Contacts
USA: 1-877-479-3726
Singapore: [phone]
Global Email Helpdesk: [e-mail]
Visit http://www.escoglobal.com/ to talk to a Live Support Representative
Distributors are encouraged to visit the Distributor Intranet for self-help materials.
Product Appendix, Warranty Listings
Biological Safety Cabinets, Laminar Flow Cabinets,
HEPA-Filtered Cabinets (except Streamline brand)
The warranty periods for BSC may vary by country. Contact
your local distributor for specific warranty details.
Laboratory Fume Hoods
2 years limited.
Ductless Fume Hoods
4 years limited for Ascent Opti, 6 years for Ascent Max.
Cleanroom Equipment
1 year limited.
Laboratory Ovens and Incubators
1 year limited.
CO2Incubators
2 years limited.
Containment/Pharma Products
2 years limited.
Ultralow Temperature Freezer
3 years limited. 60 months on Compressor.
The warranty period starts two months from the date your equipment is shipped from Esco facility for
international distributors. This allows shipping time so the warranty will go into effect at approximately the
same time the equipment is delivered to the user. The warranty protection extends to any subsequent owner
during the warranty period. Distributors who stock Esco equipment are allowed an additional four months for
delivery and installation, providing the product is registered with Esco. User can register product online at
www.escoglobal.com/warranty or complete the warranty registration form included with each product.
Policy updated on 1st December 2011 (This limited warranty policy applies to products purchased on or after
1st January 2012)

v
Formalin Vaporizer
Introduction
1. Products Covered
Esco Formalin Vaporizer
Electrical Rating
220-240 V AC, 50Hz, 1Φ
FV-001
110-130 V AC, 50Hz, 1Φ
FV-002
2. Safety Warning
Anyone working with, on or around this equipment should read this manual. Failure to read,
understand and follow the instructions given in this documentation may result in damage to the unit,
injury to operating personnel, and / or poor equipment performance.
Any internal adjustment, modification or maintenance to this equipment must be undertaken by
qualified service personnel.
The use of any hazardous materials in this equipment must be monitored by an industrial hygienist,
safety officer or some other suitably qualified individual.
Before you process, you should thoroughly understand the installation procedures and take note of
the environmental / electrical requirements.
In this manual, important safety related points will be marked with the symbol.
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by this manual, the protection provided by this
equipment may be impaired.
3. Limitation of Liability
The disposal and / or emission of substances used in connection with this equipment may be governed by
various local regulations. Familiarization and compliance with any such regulations are the sole responsibility
of the users. Esco’s liability is limited with respect to user compliance with such regulations.
4. European Union Directive on WEEE and RoHS
The European Union has issued two directives:
• Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
This product is required to comply with the European Union’s Waste Electrical &
Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/EC. It is marked with the following
symbol:
Esco sells products through distributors throughout Europe. Contact your local Esco
distributor for recycling/disposal.
• Directive 2002/95/EC on Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)
With respect to the directive on RoHS, please note that this hood falls under category 8 (medical devices) and
category 9 (monitoring and control instruments) and is therefore exempted from requirement to comply with
the provisions of this directive.

vi

vii
Formalin Vaporizer
Declaration of Conformation
In accordance to EN ISO/IEC 17050-1:2010
We, Esco Micro Pte. Ltd.
of 21 Changi South Street 1
Singapore, 486777
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
declare on our sole responsibility that the product:
Category : Formalin Vaporizer
Brand : -
Model : FV-001
in accordance with the following directives:
2006/95/EEC : The Low Voltage Directive and its amending directives
92/31/EEC : The Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive and its amending
directives
has been designed to comply with the requirement of the following Harmonized Standard:
Low Voltage : EN 61010-1:2010
EMC : EN 61326-1:2006 Class B
More information may be obtained from Esco’s authorized distributors located within the European Union. A
list of these parties and their contact information is available on request from Esco.
_______________________________
XQ Lin
Group CEO, Esco
This Declaration of Conformity is only applicable for 230V AC 50Hz units

viii

1
Formalin Vaporizer
Chapter 1 - Product Information
1.1 About Esco Formalin Vaporizer
Esco formalin/ammonia vaporizer features a fully automatic decontamination and neutralization cycle which
will switch off the heating cycle as soon as all of the formalin/ammonia solution has boiled, making the unit
safer especially in overnight operations. It has a maximum capacity of 800 ml for each formalin and ammonia
solution and may be used for biohazard safety cabinet decontamination.
1.2 Labels
Model - The model of the unit.
Serial - The serial number of the unit.
Power - The power consumption and electrical
requirement of the unit.
Manufactured year - The year of manufacture.

2
1.3 Quick View
1. Esco Sentinel™ Microprocessor Control System
2. On/Off switch
3. Formalin Tank Caps
4. Ammonia Tank Caps
5. Stainless Steel Grip Handle
1
2
3
4
5

3
Formalin Vaporizer
Chapter 2 – Sentinel Control System
2.1 Sentinel Control System
1. Up (▲) and Down (▼) Arrow Button
oMove the menu options upwards and downwards.
oIncrease and decrease corresponding value inside one of the menu options.
2. Set or Mute Button
oChoose the menu or sub-menu currently displayed on the LCD screen.
oProceed to the next step or sequence inside one of the menu options.
3. Menu Button
oTo enter and exit from the menu options.
oTo go back to the previous level of the menu options.
2.2 Menu Options
MENU
SET TIME
SET ADMIN PIN
PRE PROC TIME
CONTACT TIME
NEUTRAL TIME
START PROCESS
RESET DEFAULT
RESUME STEP
SKIP STEP
CANCEL STEP
HH:MM
XXXX
HH:MM
HH:MM
MM
This part of the menu tree
is only accessible after the
decontamination process
starts
This part of the menu tree
is only accessible before
the decontamination
process starts
MENU
SET
UP
DOWN

4
2.2.1 Before Decontamination Process Start
Some of the menu in the Formalin Vaporizer can only be accessed before the decontamination process starts.
This menu enables the operators to customize the vaporizer settings (preprocessing time, contact time and
neutral time) according to their specific needs. During the decontamination process; this menu can no longer
be accessed.
2.2.1.1 Set Time
Users can set the time by increasing/decreasing the hour and minute values. The correct time will be
maintained even after the unit is turned off.
MENU SET TIME HH:MM TIME SET
2.2.1.2 Set Administrator PIN
This menu enables the operator to enable and disable admin PIN. The formalin vaporizer default admin PIN
condition is disabled; however the operator can enable it by setting an admin PIN. To disable the admin PIN;
set it to 0000.
MENU SET ADMIN PIN XXXX CONFIRM PIN?
2.2.1.3 Pre Processing Time
Pre proc time or pre-processing time is the time between the formalin vaporizer start until the time the
formalin vaporizing step starts. This time allows the operator to finish preparing the unit or room for
decontamination –i.e.: sealing a biological safety cabinet. The default preprocessing time is 10 minutes;
however the operator can set the time between 01 and 59 minutes.
MENU PRE PROC TIME MM PRE PROC TIME SET
2.2.1.4 Contact Time
Contact time is the formalin residence time or the time between the formalin vaporizing step ends until the
ammonia vaporizing step starts.
During the formalin vaporizing period (25%, 50%, 75% and 100% vaporized); it is a good idea to turn on the
unit (biological safety cabinet, etc.) blower to circulate the formalin and enable the vapor to reach each crevice
of the unit.
The default contact time is 15 hours; however the operator can set it between 04:00 to 17:59.
MENU CONTACT TIME HH:MM CONTACT TIME SET
2.2.1.5 Neutral Time
Neutral time is the ammonia residence time after the ammonia vaporizing step ends. The ammonia is needed
to neutralize the formalin.
During the ammonia vaporizing period (25%, 50%, 75% and 100% vaporized); it is a good idea to turn on the
unit (biological safety cabinet, etc.) blower to circulate the formalin and enable the vapor to reach each crevice
of the unit.
The default neutral time is 8 hours; however the operator can set it between 01:00 to 17:59
MENU NEUTRAL TIME HH:MM NEUTRAL TIME SET
2.2.1.6 Start Process
This will start the decontamination process. The process will start with pre-processing step, and continue with
formalin vaporizing step, contact time step, ammonia vaporizing step and finally neutral time
START PROCESSMENU START PROCESS? EVACUATE

5
Formalin Vaporizer
2.2.1.7 Reset Default
This will start the decontamination process. The process will start with pre-processing step, and continue with
formalin vaporizing step, contact time step, ammonia vaporizing step and finally neutral time step.
RESET DEFAULTMENU READ MANUAL | PRESS SET
2.2.2 After Decontamination Process Start
This menu can only be access during the decontamination process.
2.2.2.1 Resume Step
This menu allows you to resume the decontamination process after a pause i.e. by accessing menu.
If there’s a power failure during the decontamination process, the formalin vaporizer will automatically
resume the decontamination process once the power is recovered. In this case, the operator doesn’t even
need to access this menu.
RESUME STEPMENU CONFIRM?
2.2.2.2 Skip Step
This allows you to skip a step in the decontamination process.
SKIP STEPMENU SKIP STEP?
2.2.2.3 Cancel Process
This allow you to cancel the decontamination process altogether.
CANCEL STEPMENU CANCEL PROCESS?

6

7
Formalin Vaporizer
Chapter 3 – Decontamination Process
3.1 Formalin/Paraformaldehyde Decontamination
Typically the decontamination is performed using formalin gas by either vaporizing 37% formalin solution or by
de-polymerization of solid paraformaldehyde.
Despite its widespread usage for decontamination, formalin presents the following health risks:
External contact can cause irritation to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
Inhalation in small concentrations can cause coughing, nausea, and diarrhea.
Inhalation in large concentrations can cause convulsions, coma, and death.
Long term exposure can cause cancer.
Although the Permissible Exposure Level (PEL) for formalin is 0.75 ppm, many scientists believe that there is no
safe level of carcinogen exposure to humans. Therefore, typically the room must be evacuated when the
decontamination process is performed, which leads to lab down time.
The use of formalin decontamination also has other disadvantages:
The process is time-consuming.
The certifier needs to pulse the BSC fan to circulate the formalin vapor. This can dislodge the tape
holding the plastic sheet covering the exhaust filter.
Due to excessive residue extensive cleaning must be done after decontamination and before use.
The formalin decontamination process can require an extended period of time as outlined below:
According to OSHA [Occupational Safety and Health Administration (USA)], formaldehyde Short Term Exposure
Level (STEL) is 2 ppm for 15 minutes exposure, 4 times a day, minimum of 60 minutes in between exposures.
Any additional local safety regulations should also be observed. Personnel should be given adequate training.
The following links provide general guidelines on formaldehyde safety:
Regulations (Standards - 29 CFR) Formaldehyde - 1910.1048, Occupational Safety and Health
Standards, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), U.S. Department of Labor:
http://www.osha.gov
OSHA Formaldehyde Fact sheet (PDF format)
http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts formaldehydefactsheet.pdf
No.
Process
Time
1
Set-up & sealing the BSC to make it air tight
1 hour
2
Formalin vaporization
½ hour
3
Formalin contact time to obtain target log of 4-6 kill
8 –10 hours
4
Ammonia vaporization to neutralize formalin
½ hour
5
Ammonia contact time to neutralize formalin
2 hours
6
Exhausting the ammonia residue
1 hour
7
Tear-down & cleaning the (substantial) residue
1 hour
TOTAL without ammonia neutralization
10½ –12½ hours
TOTAL with ammonia neutralization
14 –17 hours
Ammonia is used to neutralize formaldehyde. OSHA prescribes the ammonia STEL is 35 ppm for 15 minutes
exposure, 4 times a day, minimum of 60 minutes in between exposure.
Due to the adverse health effect of formalin gas, its use has been banned in Germany, Austria, and
Switzerland. Other European countries are expected to follow suit. Two primary candidates to replace formalin
decontamination are chlorine dioxide gas and hydrogen peroxide vapor.

8
3.2 Common Equipment Used in Decontamination
3.2.1 Common Equipment
Device to measure formaldehyde concentration
FormaldemeterR 400 has been found to be suitable and can be obtained from:
PPM Technology (UK) - http://www.ppm-technology.com
Device to measure ammonia concentration
DragerR-Tubes and AccuroR pumps have been found to be suitable:
Dragerwerk AG (Germany) - http://www.draeger.com/index.html
Tubes with a measuring range of 0-100 ppm are recommended
Formalin vaporizer
oFV-001 Formalin Vaporizer - 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz
oFV-002 Formalin Vaporizer - 100-130 V, 50/60 Hz
Esco Micro Pte. Ltd. - http://www.escoglobal.com
Spore strips (optional) to verify decontamination efficacy
3.2.2 Appropriate PPE
A solid front-back closing, full body, long-sleeved disposable lab gown
Disposable shoe covers
Disposable surgical/PVC gloves for hand protection
Note: Gloves should be pulled over the knitted wrists of the gown rather than being worn inside. Double gloving
should be considered. Gloves must be worn while handling formalin and ammonia solutions. Compared to latex
gloves, Nitrile gloves exhibit higher resistance to formaldehyde and are less likely to cause allergic skin reactions.
Hence Nitrile gloves are preferred over latex gloves.
Full-faced mask with a disposable dust and mist respirator. The face shield should be wiped clean with
a suitable tissue and water each time after using it.
3.2.3 Common Apparatus
Beaker
Measuring cylinder
Tape
Decontamination bag
Measuring tape
Biohazard waste bag
3.3 Preparation Steps
1. It is recommended that a safety briefing be conducted for all personnel in the laboratory where the
unit has been placed before carrying out the procedure.
2. Access to the laboratory should be restricted during the procedure, especially when you’re using
formalin vapor/ paraformaldehyde gas and chlorine dioxide gas. A warning sign should be pasted on
the door of the lab to warn all personnel. No personnel should enter the lab until the procedure is
complete and the decontamination agent’s concentration has been verified to be within safe limits.
3. Prior to starting the procedure, contingency plans should be drawn for possible incidences of breach
in the unit seal, leading to leakage of decontamination agent into the room. You should properly
study the ventilation design of the room and should keep appropriate equipment on standby so the
agent can be vented in the event of a leakage. One way of doing this would be to connect a flexible
hose to a small exhaust fan which can vent the contaminated air into an adjacent fume hood. Special
care should also be taken in case the air in the laboratory is re-circulated to other parts of the
building. In such a case, a leakage could even necessitate evacuation of other parts of the building.
4. All interior work zones and surfaces of the unit should be decontaminated with a suitable disinfectant
before performing gaseous decontamination.

9
Formalin Vaporizer
3.4 Recommended Decontamination Sealing Method
3.4.1 For Unit without Ducting
Put the decontamination bag to enclose the entire
BSC and support stand
Use the 50 mm wide aluminum tape to seal the gap
between the decontamination bag and the floor. To
compensate for areas where the decontamination
bag must turn, use multi section tape. Ensure that the
two layers of tape overlap at the end points to
prevent leakage.
Overlap the tape at the joints
These 2 cables (for BSC and for vaporizer) should be
combined so that only 1 cable should come out from
the decontamination bag, to minimize chance of
formalin leakage
To seal the cable, first make an Ω-shape aluminum
tape around the cable, and make a 5 cm flat portion
going to both directions. Then, paste the aluminum
tape to the floor.
Put the bottom part of the decontamination bag on
top of the aluminum tape, and then seal it with
another layer of aluminum tape. Use multiple layer of
aluminum tape (at least 2 layers) on both directions
to ensure leak tightness.

10
3.4.2 For Unit with Ducting
For ducted Unit, you will need to cut a portion of the bag to accommodate the ducting system. The
decontamination method itself is basically the same as the non-ducted Unit shown above with some additional
steps, namely:
Close the air tight damper
Wrap the bag around the ducting system and seal it using aluminum tape. Use multiple layer of
aluminum tape to make sure that it is sealed correctly.
Create a rounded shape using aluminum tape so the adhesive part is on the outside. Use it to put the
bag together.
Seal the connection with multiple layers of aluminum tape to ensure its leaktightness.
The BSC is ready for formalin
decontamination.