SP Scientific VIRTIS FREEZEMOBILE SHELL BATH User manual

SHELL BATH OPERATOR’S MANUAL
V IR T IS F REEZEMOBILE S HELL B ATH
S HELL B ATH F REEZER

Rev 005, 11/11 i
© SP Scientific 2011
Copyright © 2011 SP Scientific. All marks herein are used under license.
All brand or product names mentioned may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
companies.
Part Number 100002203
Rev 005, 11/11
Original Instructions
The U.S. English version of this document is the original instructions.
All other languages are a translation of the original instructions.
SP Scientific
815 State Route 208
3538 Main Street
Gardiner, NY 12525 USA
Stone Ridge, NY 12484 USA
[phone]
[phone]
SP Service
[phone]
SP Service Fax
[phone]
Website
http://www.spscientific.com/
This Shell Bath Operator’s Manual contains confidential and proprietary information of SP Scientific and
may be used only by a recipient designated by and for purposes specified by SP Scientific.
Reproduction of, dissemination of, modifications to, or the creation of derivative works from this Shell
Bath Operator’s Manual, by any means and in any form or manner, is expressly prohibited, except with
the prior written permission of SP Scientific. Permitted copies of this document must retain all proprietary
notices contained in the original.
The information in this document is subject to change without prior notice. Always confirm with SP
Scientific that you are using the most current version of this document. SP Scientific is free to modify any
of its products and services, in any manner and at any time, notwithstanding the information contained in
this document.
THE CONTENTS OF THIS DOCUMENT SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE ANY WARRANTY OF ANY KIND,
EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY AND/OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR GIVE RISE TO ANY
LIABILITY OF SP SCIENTIFIC, ITS AFFILIATES OR ITS SUPPLIERS.
The terms and conditions governing the use of this Shell Bath Operator’s Manual shall consist of those
set forth in written agreements with SP Scientific.

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© SP Scientific 2011
Important Symbols
WARNING!
INJURY OR EVEN DEATH
MAY RESULT IF A
RECOMMENDATION MARKED
WITH THIS SYMBOL IS NOT
HEEDED.
CRUSH HAZARD. KEEP HANDS
CLEAR WHEN OPERATING DOOR.
ELECTRIC SHOCK DANGER!
USE APPROPRIATE CAUTION
TO AVOID INJURY OR DEATH.
CORROSIVE CHEMICAL. WEAR
SUITABLE GLOVES, SAFETY
GLASSES, AND PROTECTIVE
CLOTHING.
BURN DANGER! POTENTIALLY
HOT SURFACE. USE
APPROPRIATE CAUTION.
PROPERTY CAUTION! TO PREVENT
DAMAGE TO CHAMBER EQUIP-
MENT AND/OR LOAD, ADHERE TO
PROCEDURES MARKED BY THIS
SYMBOL.
DO NOT STORE FLAMMABLE
MATERIALS IN CHAMBER.
PRACTICAL OPERATING TIP.
THESE RECOMMENDATIONS
STREAMLINE UNIT OPERATION
AND PREVENT COMMON
OPERATOR ERRORS.
WEAR SAFETY GLASSES.
EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS HAZARD!
KEEP OBJECTS AWAY FROM HEAT.
Shell Bath Safety Warnings
Always ensure that only an authorized technician services the refrigeration, heat transfer, vacuum and electricalsystems.
Always ensure that refrigeration air intake is clear and clean.
Always practice team lifting when moving heavy equipment.
Always wear safety glasses when using glass flasks.
Be sure to carefully read the entire instruction manual before attempting to operate the freeze dryer.
Be sure to verify that the electric service and other utilities match the unit’s requirements before connecting to power.
Never clean with solvents. Use mild detergent and water only.
Never operate the unit without all covers in place.
Never stopper vials unless the chamber door is tightly closed.
Never use acrylic closures if they are cracked or crazed.
Never use with toxic, corrosive, flammable or organic materials unless special precautions are in place toprevent injury to personnel or damage to equipment.
A residual risk is always preset and stored as pressurized gas refrigerant in the unit even when unplugged;Handle and transport with care.
Never Transport or store unit with fluids and/or products inside the baths.

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© SP Scientific 2011
Warranty Information
VirTis Freezemobile Shell Bath is warranted by SP Scientific to be free of defects in material and workmanship when
operated under normal conditions as specified in the instructions provided in this manual. Please take this opportunity
to locate the serial tag on your new VirTis Freezemobile Shell Bath and record the information below for future
reference. SP Scientific also recommends that you complete and return your unit’s warranty registration card.
Model Number
Serial Number
Part Number
Limited Warranty
SP Scientific (the “Company”) shall warrant each of its products against defects in material or workmanship for a period
of 12 months from the date of installation or 15 months from the date of shipment (whichever comes first) provided that
the product is used in a reasonable manner under appropriate conditions and consistent with the applicable operating
instructions.
The obligation of the Company shall be, at its option, to repair or replace, without charge any parts that prove to be
defective within the warranty period, if the purchaser notifies the Company promptly in writing of such defect. No
product shall be returned to the Company without prior approval of the Company.
This limited warranty shall cover the costs of parts and labor to repair or replace all defective product(s) at the Seller’s
factory. For all products installed by the Company and located within the Company service travel areas, this warranty
shall cover transportation charges to ship the product to and from the Company’s factory and/or the costs of travel,
room and board if the Company’s employees conduct repair at the Buyer’s location. In lieu of repair or replacement at
the Company’s factory, the Company may, in its discretion, authorize a third party to perform the repair or replacement
at the Buyer’s location, and at the Company’s sole expense.
The Company shall not be responsible for labor charges payable with respect to persons other than Company
employees. Replacement or repair of parts pursuant to this warranty shall not in any way extend the original warranty
period. The Company shall not be responsible for any unauthorized repairs, replacements or product modifications, nor
will it be responsible for any product failures resulting from such unauthorized repairs, replacements or product
modifications negligently or otherwise made by persons other than Company employees or authorized representatives
of the Company. The buyer shall assume transportation charges to ship the product to and from the Company’s factory
and the costs of travel, room and board if the Company’s employees conduct repair at the Buyer’s location within the
warranty period if the product was not installed by the Company’s and/or is not located within the Company’s service
travel areas.
THE COMPANY DOES NOT MAKE AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, WITH
RESPECT TO THE SALE, INSTALLATION, DESIGN OR USE OF ITS PRODUCTS. ADDITIONALLY, THE
COMPANY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF OR
ANY DEFECTS IN ITS PRODUCTS.
The Company’s employees are available to provide general advice to customers concerning the use of the Company’s
products; however, oral representations are not warranties with respect to particular products or their uses and may not
be relied upon if they are inconsistent with the relevant product specifications for the items set forth herein.
Notwithstanding the above, the terms and conditions set forth in the Company’s formal sales contracts shall be
controlling and supersede any inconsistent terms contained herein, and any changes to such contracts must be made
in writing and signed by an authorized executive of the Company.
WARNING! THE DISPOSAL AND/OR EMISSION OF SUBSTANCES USED IN
CONNECTION WITH THIS EQUIPMENT MAY BE GOVERNED BY VARIOUS FEDERAL,
STATE OR LOCAL REGULATIONS. ALL USERS OF THIS EQUIPMENT ARE URGED TO
BECOME FAMILIAR WITH ANY REGULATIONS THAT APPLY IN THE USERS AREA
CONCERNING THE DUMPING OF WASTE MATERIALS IN OR UPON WATER, LAND OR
AIR AND TO COMPLY WITH SUCH REGULATIONS.

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Rev 005, 11/11 v
© SP Scientific 2011
Contents
Important Symbols...............................................................................................................................................ii
Shell Bath Safety Warnings .................................................................................................................................ii
Warranty Information .......................................................................................................................................... iii
Introduction .................................................................................................................1
Key Features........................................................................................................................................................1
Installation and Startup ...............................................................................................3
Initial Inspection...................................................................................................................................................3
Service Connections............................................................................................................................................3
Shell Bath Setup..................................................................................................................................................4
Basic Operation...........................................................................................................5
Shell Bath Operation............................................................................................................................................5
Preventing Glassware Breakage..........................................................................................................................6
General Maintenance..................................................................................................7
Cleaning...............................................................................................................................................................7
Refrigeration System ...........................................................................................................................................8
The Air-Cooled Condenser..............................................................................................................................8
Compressor(s).................................................................................................................................................8
Bath Covers.........................................................................................................................................................8

Contents
VirTis Freezemobile Shell Bath
vi Rev 005, 11/11
© SP Scientific 2011

Rev 005, 11/11 1
© SP Scientific 2011
Chapter
1
Introduction
VirTis Freezemobile Shell Bath freezers are exceedingly useful in freeze-dry sample
preparation. Motor-driven rollers rotate flasks within a refrigerated bath, pre-freezing
products with an increased surface area and greatly decreasing overall freeze-drying
times. When used in conjunction with VirTis brand laboratory lyophilizers,
Freezemobile Shell Baths help to streamline the freeze-drying process.
Freezemobile Shell Baths are designed to accept various flask sizes without changing
the depth of the fluid in the bath. A dual-bath unit can accept flasks as follows:
Six (6) 150 mL VirTis Flasks.
Four (4) 300 mL VirTis Flasks.
Four (4) 600 mL VirTis Flasks.
Two (2) 1200 mL VirTis Flasks.
Two (2) 2000 mL VirTis Flasks.
Key Features
Compact design.
Panel-mounted rocker switches to control roller motors for each bath
independently.
Dual-roller assembly for multiple flask processing.
Clear covers for viewing product during processing.
CFC-free refrigeration system offering bath temperatures as low as -75 °C.

Introduction
VirTis Freezemobile Shell Bath
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© SP Scientific 2011
Chapter
2
Installation and Startup
Initial Inspection
Upon receiving your Freezemobile Shell Bath, inspect all contents of your shipment
for damage. Check packing material for small accessory items. Remove all packing
material carefully and inspect for concealed shipping damage. Inspect the inside of
the unit for any visible damage. In the unlikely event that shipping damage has
occurred, retain all packing material and contact your freight carrier immediately.
Note: In the event of shipping damage, SP Scientific will cooperate in the matter of collecting
your claim; however, SP Scientific is not responsible for the collection or free replacement of
material. When possible, replacement parts will be shipped and invoiced to you, making them a
part of your claim.
DO NOT ACCEPT DAMAGED SHIPMENTS FROM A CARRIER WITHOUT A SIGNED
NOTIFICATION OF DAMAGES.
Service Connections
Make sure that the outlet you intend to use meets the voltage and amperage
requirements listed on the serial tag of your unit. After installation. plug the
Freezemobile Shell Bath into an appropriate outlet and switch on the circuit breaker
only after following the installation instructions.
Note: SP Scientific ships Freezemobile units with typical power connectors. If your outlet
configuration requires a different connector, replace the plug according to local electric codes.
An appropriate plug connection will need to be installed on the unit that meets all local
and national electric codes; contact a qualified electrician to perform all electrical
connections.

Installation and Setup
VirTis Freezemobile Shell Bath
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© SP Scientific 2011
Shell Bath Setup
Position your Freezemobile unit so that it rests firmly and level on the floor.1. Allow yourself sufficient space to easily connect the unit and ensure that the
area around the unit provides for adequate air circulation. The back of the
Freezemobile should be at least four inches away from the wall.
Note: For efficient operation, maintain room temperature at 20 °C (68 °F). Warmer
ambient temperatures may negatively affect system performance.
The refrigeration system compressor(s) may be mounted on shock absorbent2. springs. Check to see if you have compressor spring mounts. If so, use a ½-
inch wrench to loosen the shipping hex nuts on the spring mount bolts. These
are tightened prior to shipment. Turn each shipping hex nut counterclockwise
until the top of the nut is flush with the top of its bolt. This will float the
compressor on the springs and prevent vibration from extending to the
cabinet. To reach all spring mount bolts, you may need to work through the
back, front grille and/or side panels.
Ensure that the voltage, phase, frequency and amperage listed on the3. Freezemobile serial tag match the available power supply.
Switch the main power switch to the On position. The digital display(s) on the4. front panel will illuminate.

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© SP Scientific 2011
Chapter
3
Basic Operation
Your Freezemobile Shell Bath is equipped with roc
ker switches to control the refrigeration and motorized roller systems, as well as
Omega digital displays to indicate the temperature of the bath(s).
Note: The Omega digital indicators are preconfigured at the factory and require no additional
adjustment. For more information on the display, refer to the Omega User’s Guide.
Shell Bath Operation
To operate your Freezemobile Shell Bath freezer:
Fill the bath with 2-3 liters of process fluid (such as Methanol). The fluid must1. have a freezing point lower than your operating temperature.
Switch on the refrigeration system using the rocker switch on the front panel.2.
Fill VirTis-brand flasks with your product. If cylindrical coating of the flask is3. desired, fill the flask approximately 1/4 to 1/3 full. If conical coating is desired,
fill the flask approximately 1/2 full.
Note: Do not fill flasks to more than half of their total capacity.
Secure the flask cover and insert a polypropylene plug into the top.4.
When the bath reaches operating temperature (-40 °C or lower), add flasks.5.
If cylindrical coating is desired, lay the flask(s) directly on the rollers,a. being careful to avoid wetting the filter in the flask’s cover. If the filter
freezes due to contact with product, it may block vapors from escaping
during freeze-drying.
If conical coating is desired, place the flask lift bar across the bath withb. the chain fully extended. The lift bar offers two positions for high or low
support. Select a position based on the size of your flask(s). Position a
flask under the lift bar, resting the flask bottom on the rollers. Shorten the
lift chain until it meets the groove in the polypropylene plug. Allow the
flask to hang from the top plug. The flask should be at least partially
submerged in process fluid.

Basic Operation
VirTis Freezemobile Shell Bath
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Enable the bath roller(s) by switching on the appropriate rocker switch on the
6. front panel. The flask(s) will begin to rotate in the bath of process fluid.
Replace the clear bath cover(s). The cover(s) should be kept on when the7. bath is in use to minimize frosting and condensation.
Allow the product to freeze completely. If required, remove flasks from the8. bath and finish freezing in a deep freezer. Frozen samples should be freeze-
dried immediately or stored in a deep freezer for later use.
Preventing Glassware Breakage
Avoid cleaning glassware with a wire brush, as metal-to-glass abrasioncreates microscopic scratches which can cause breakage.
Never fill a flask to more than half of its total capacity (e.g., a 600 mL flaskhas a working capacity of 300 mL).
To prevent glass-to-glass abrasion when placing flasks in glassware washers,do not allow contact with metal racks or other glassware.
Note: SP Scientific offers safety-coated glassware to reduce breakage and containglass in case of implosion. Contact SP Scientific for more information

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© SP Scientific 2011
Chapter
4
General Maintenance
Proper routine maintenance is the key to an efficiently operating unit with minimal
downtime. The following section provides instructions on how to maintain your
Freezemobile Shell Bath freezer.
Cleaning Regular cleaning of your unit will help keep it in optimal operating condition.
To clean your unit:
Wipe down all exterior surfaces with a damp cleaning cloth.1.
When required, drain the bath:2.
Place a bucket or appropriate fluid container under the fluid drain valve(s)a. on the front panel.
Open the drain valve(s) and allow the fluid to drain fully.b.
Flush the bath with a mild detergent or baking soda solution to clean thec. stainless steel bath and rollers.
Rinse with clean water and wipe all surfaces dry with a clean, soft cloth.d.
Close the drain valve(s) and refill the system with the appropriate processe. fluid.
Vacuum any particulate matter that may have accumulated in the refrigeration3. condenser, as well as all screens and openings.
Remove side panels and carefully clean the unit with compressed air. Let air4. settle for several minutes and repeat.
Note: Ensure that the unit is unplugged before removing side access panels

General Maintenance
VirTis Freezemobile Shell Bath
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Refrigeration System
The Air-Cooled Condenser
It is very important to keep the air-cooled condenser clean. This is where high-
pressure vapor from the compressor is converted to liquid refrigerant by transferring
the heat gained from the vapor condenser into the ambient air. Reduced airflow over
the condenser can result in severely reduced performance and may shorten the life of
the compressor.
To maintain the air-cooled condenser and compressor:
Do not allow any paper products (paper towels, Kimwipes®, etc.) or cloth to1. slip underneath the unit. These items will obstruct the airflow.
Always maintain at least four inches of clearance on all sides of the unit.2.
Maintain a room temperature of approximately 20 °C. Higher temperatures3. may result in reduced performance and shorten the life of the compressor.
Clean the fins on the front and bottom of the unit. Dust buildup may cause the4. unit to malfunction.
Compressor(s)
Depending on the model of your Freezemobile Shell Bath, your unit may contain one
or two compressors. When a cooling problem is suspected, have a qualified
refrigeration service technician check the refrigerant charge or contact SP Service.
Each refrigeration system contains a specified charge. This charge is listed on a black
charge tag, which is attached to the back of the unit. The charge tag indicates the
refrigerant type and static pressure.
A qualified refrigeration technician may check the charge after the unit has been off
after several hours at room temperature. This will allow internal pressures to equalize.
The shroud will need to be removed to allow the Hi and Lo side access valves to be
visible. If the actual system pressure matches the pressure specified on the charge
tag ± 5 percent, a refrigeration leak may be ruled out. If the actual system pressure is
less than 5 percent of the specified charge, it may be necessary to leak check the
system and repair the leak.
If a refrigeration problem is suspected, a qualified technician should check for frost on
the suction line. If the line is warm or just slightly cool to the touch, it usually means
that a loss of refrigerant has occurred, and that the condenser and shelf are
experiencing cooling problems. Contact SP Scientific for more information.
Bath Covers
Clean the bath covers with a mild detergent and a soft, lint-free cloth.
CAUTION! DO NOT USE ORGANIC SOLVENTS OR ABRASIVE CLEANERS TO CLEAN BATH COVERS.

SP Scientific
815 State Route 208
Gardiner, NY 12525 USA
3538 Main Street
Stone Ridge, NY 12484 USA
www.SPScientific.com
[phone]
[phone]