Thermo Scientific ModulyoD User manual

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Section Section Title — Technical Data Page
2.0 Technical Data 13
2.1 General 13
2.2 Refrigeration System 13
2.3 Electrical Data 13
2.4 Construction Details 14
2.4.1 Legislation and Standards 14
2.4.2 Constructions Materials 14
2.5 Vacuum Pump Requirements 14
©2001 Thermo
2
Table of Contents
Section Section Title — Introduction Page
1.0 Introduction 4
1.1 Scope of the Manual 4
1.2 General Description 4
1.2.1 The ModulyoD 4
Figure 1-ModulyoD 5
Figure 2-ModulyoD Back view 5
1.2.1.1 The Accessory Flange & Condenser Chamber 6
1.2.1.2 The Refrigeration System 5
Figure 3-Inside ModulyoD 7
Figure 4- Refrigeration Circuit Diagram 7
1.2.1.3 User Interface 8
Table 1-Control Panel Description 8
Figure 5-ModulyoD Control Panel 9
Figure 6-Temperature Progress Bar 9
Figure 7-Vacuum Progress Bar 9
1.2.1.4 Front Fascia 9
1.2.1.5 Connections 10
Table 2-Drain Outlet Description 10
1.2.1.6 Condenser Extension Assembly 10
Figure 8-The Condenser Extension Tube 11
1.3 Protection Devices 11
1.4 Applications 11
1.4.1 Introduction 11
1.4.2 The Freezing Process 12
1.4.3 The Drying Process 12
1.4.4 Vapor Trapping 12

Table of Contents
Section Section Title — Installation Page
3.0 Installation 15
3.1 Unpack and Inspect 15
Table 3- Checklist of Components 15
3.2 Site Preparation 15
3.3 Connect the ModulyoD to the Electrical Supply 16
3.4 Connect the Vacuum Pump 16
3.5 Connect a Vacuum Pump to the ModulyoD 16
Figure 9-Connect a VLP195FD or VLP120 Pump to the ModulyoD 17
3.6 Pump Outlet Safety 17
3.7 Test After Installation 17-18
Section Section Title — Operation Page
4.0 Operation 19
4.1 Safety 19
4.2 Sequence of Operation 19
Table 4-Sequence of Operation 19
4.3 Prepare the ModulyoD 20
4.4. Fit the Sample Container and Other Accessories 20
4.5 Pre-Cool the ModulyoD 20-21
4.6 Drying 21-22
4.7 Shut Down 22
4.8 Defrost the ModulyoD 23
4.9 Operation With No Load 24
Section Section Title — Maintenance Page
5.0 Maintenance 24
5.1 Safety 24
5.2 Precautions 24
5.3 Refrigerant Leaks 25
Section Section Title — Accessories Page
6.0 Accessories/Drying Accessories 25
Section Section Title — Warranty & Appendices Page
7.0 Warranty and Liability 26
Appendix A - Using the ModulyoD as a Cold Trap 26
Appendix B - Decision Tree 27
Freeze Drying User’s Log28
3

4
Caution - refer to accompanying documents
Caution - risk of electric shock
Caution - hot surface
This manual provides installation and operation instructions for the Thermo Electron
ModulyoDFreeze Dryer, abbreviated to ModulyoD in the remainder of this manual. You
must use the ModulyoD as specified in this manual.
Read this manual before installing and operating the ModulyoD. Important safety infor-
mation is highlighted as WARNING and CAUTION instructions; you must obey these
instructions. The use of WARNINGS and CAUTIONS is defined below.
WARNING: Warnings are given where failure to observe the instruction could
result in injury or death to people.
CAUTION: Cautions are given where failure to observe the instruction could
result in damage to equipment, associated equipment and process.
In accordance with the recommendations of IEC1010, the following warning symbols
may appear on the freeze dryer:
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 SCOPE OF THE MANUAL
The ModulyoD is the ice condenser section of a freeze drying system. It is designed
specifically for freeze drying biological samples and pharmaceutical preparations in a
laboratory environment. The ModulyoD, when used in conjunction with a vacuum source
and manifold or other sample container, forms a complete freeze drying system. The
ModulyoD may also be suitable for use as a low temperature (-50 °C.) vapor trap.
Please refer to Appendix A for specific limitations regarding the use of the ModulyoD as
a vapor trap.
The ModulyoD is used with a variety of optional accessories to freeze materials in bulk
trays, flasks, tubes, vials or ampules. These optional accessories are described in
Section 6.0 and depicted inAppendix B. The ModulyoD may also be used as a low tem-
perature vapor trap (cold trap) for a variety of devices. These include vacuum concen-
trators, rotary evaporators and vacuum ovens.
The ModulyoD itself is made of three basic parts, the condenser chamber, a refrigera-
tion system and the user interface. The refrigerant used in the ModulyoD is CFC free.
All ModulyoD components are housed in a steel cabinet that is designed for bench-top
use. The major components of the ModulyoD are described in the following sections.
(Please refer to Figures 1 and 2 on page 4 for the location of each component.)
1.2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
1.2.1 THE MODULYOD

Figure 1 – MODULYOD
1. Condenser Chamber Accessory Flange & Condenser Chamber
2. Steel Cabinet with Refrigeration System
3. User Interface
4. Front Fascia
5. Drain Outlet
6. Drain Valve
7. Vacuum Port
5
47
6
5
2
Figure 2 – MODULYOD BACK VIEW
2
Power IEC Outlet
to Vacuum Pump
1
Power IEC Inlet 3
RS232 Port
4
Power Switch
with Circuit Breaker
3
1

6
Refer to Figure 3, on page 6 for the location of components of the refrigeration system
on the ModulyoD.
NOTE: There are no longer user-serviceable parts inside the ModulyoD refrigeration
system.
The condenser chamber is cooled by refrigerant, which evaporates in the copper cool-
ing coil wound externally around the chamber. The thermo expansion valve (item2) pro-
vides excellent performance to the system. The compressor (item1) is a high-capacity,
air-cooled, hermetically sealed unit.
A suction-line accumulator (item 3) in the return line from the cooling-coil to the com-
pressor prevents slugs of liquid refrigerant, which might cause damage, from reaching
the compressor.
A filter dryer (item 4) in the line between the liquid receiver (item 5) and the expansion
valve absorbs any residual particulate and water contamination in the system. The fil-
ter dryer does not need to be serviced or replaced.
The electrical fan (item 6) simultaneously cools down the condenser coil (item 7) and
the compressor.
See Section 2.2 on page 12 for refrigerant type and charge.
1.2.1.2 THE REFRIGERATION SYSTEM
The accessory flange and condenser chamber are made entirely of stainless steel.
The chamber itself is a thin walled cylinder with a dish shaped bottom. It has a total
capacity of 5 liters of ice. The accessory flange is a large diameter flat circular plate
located immediately above the chamber. The accessory flange is designed to accept
a wide variety of accessory items. A large opening in the center of the accessory
flange provides easy inspection, cleaning and defrosting of the condenser chamber. It
also facilitates high vacuum pumping rates. Acircular cooling coil wrapped around the
outside of the condenser chamber cools the walls of the chamber. This coil is cooled
to approximately -50 °C under normal operating conditions with no load applied. At
this temperature most water vapor will condense and freeze on the chamber walls.
1.2.1.1 THE ACCESSORY FLANGE & CONDENSER CHAMBER

7
Figure 3 – INSIDE MODULYOD
3
2
4
5
7
16
1. Compressor
2. Thermo Expansion Valve
3. Suction-line Accumulator
4. Filter Dryer
5. Liquid Receiver
6. Fan
7. Condenser Coil
Figure 4 – REFRIGERATION CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

Table 1 – CONTROL PANEL DESCRIPTION
Control Figure # Item # Use
The user interface is a membrane panel with two indicator bars, two digital displays and
two pushbutton actuators. It is located on the upper sloping surface of the front fascia of
the ModulyoD. Through this interface the user will switch on and off and moving refrig-
eration and vacuum. Figure 5, Figure 2 and Table 1 (below) locate and describe, in
detail, the function of each item.
1.2.1.3 USER INTERFACE
8
To switch refrigeration system on and off.
To show temperature of the condenser chamber in °C.
When the temperature of the condenser chamber is equal to
or higher than ambient temperature, ‘rt’ is displayed, which
stands for ‘room temperature’.
The lamp is on when the refrigeration system is on.
The temperature indicator bar is a multicolored display
designed to indicate operating status from a distance. Green
indicates a temperature at or near minimum (approximately -
40 °C.). Amber bars indicate temperatures progressing from
approximately -40° to -7°. Red bars indicate temperatures pro-
gressing from -7° to ambient (see Figure 6, page 8).
To switch vacuum pump on and off if the pump is plugged
into auxiliary power outlet of the ModulyoD (see Section 3.5,
page 15).
The lamp is on when the vacuum pump is on.
To show absolute pressure in the condenser chamber.
Readings start when pressure is less then 50 mbar and are
in millibars down to 1.0 millibar. When the vacuum pressure
drops below 1.0 millibar, the pressure will then be displayed
in micro-bars. When pressure is above 50 mbar, ‘Hpr’ is dis-
played, which stands for ‘High pressure’.
The vacuum indicator bar is a multicolored display designed
to indicate operating status from a distance. Green indicates
a pressure at or below 1mbar. Amber bars indicate
pressures progressing from approximately 1 to 13 mbar.
Red bars indicate pressures progressing from 13 to 52
mbar, (see Figure 7, page 8).
To switch the ModulyoD on and off.
Fridge button 5 1
Fridge On lamp 5 2
Vacuum progress bar 5 8
Mains switch with 2 4
circuit breaker
Vacuum level display 5 7
Vacuum pump on lamp 5 6
Vacuum pump button 5 5
Temperature progress 5 4
Temperature display 5 3

1
2
4375
6
Figure 5 – MODULYOD CONTROL PANEL
See Table 1, page 7, for description of items.
9
The front fascia forms the front of the ModulyoD cabinet. The user interface is
located on the upper right-hand portion of this surface. The drain outlet, drain
valve and vacuum port are located on the lower left-hand portion.
1.2.1.4 FRONT FASCIA
8
Temperature Color
°C
Figure 6
TEMPERATURE
PROGRESS BAR
Pressure Color
mbar
Figure 7
VACUUM
PROGRESS BAR
T<-40
-40<T<-34
-34<T<-21
-21<T<-7
-7 <T<+7
7 <T
Green
Amber
Amber
Amber
Red
Red
H<1.0
1 <H<3.95
3.95 <H<6.58
6.58 <H<13.16
13.16<H<52.6
52.6 <H
Green
Amber
Amber
Amber
Red
Red

10
Figure 1 (Page 4) and Table 2 locate and describe, in detail, the function of the drain out-
let, drain valve and vacuum port. Figure 2 and Table 2 locate and describe the electrical
connections.
1.2.1.5 CONNECTIONS
The ModulyoDis shipped with the condenser extension assembly installed (see Figure 8).
This extension assembly is necessary to prevent the formation of ice in the vacuum pump
connection. The extension assembly should only be removed when working with the Spin
Freezer 96 freeze drying accessory (part numbers F05637000 or F05637115).
1.2.1.6 CONDENSER EXTENSION ASSEMBLY
Table 2 – DRAIN OUTLET DESCRIPTION
Connection Figure # Item # Use
Vacuum port 1 7 To connect your vacuum pump to the ModulyoD
Drain valve 1 6 Close the valve (turn it fully clockwise) to isolate the
condenser chamber from the drain outlet. Open the
valve (turn it anti-clockwise) to admit air into the
vacuum system, and to drain water from the condenser
chamber after it has been defrosted.
Drain outlet 1 5 This outlet is used to drain water from the ModulyoD
during defrosting of the condenser chamber. The outlet
is also used to admit air into the vacuum system.
Power IEC 320 inlet 2 1 To connect the ModulyoD to an external power source.
Auxiliary power 2 2 To connect your vacuum pump to the IEC 320 outlet
power supply which will enable the pump to be
operated directly from the ModulyoD.
RS232 port 2 3 To connect the ModulyoD to a computer or chart
recorder.

2
1
3
4
5
11
The ModulyoD and vacuum pump, if connected to the auxiliary power outlet,
are protected by a circuit breaker built in to the mains power switch. You must
manually reset the switch whenever the circuit breaker is activated. (Please
refer to Section 2.3 for electrical requirements).
1.3 PROTECTION DEVICES
For freeze drying applications, the ModulyoD must be connected to a two-stage
vacuum pump and fitted with a drying accessory (see Section 6.0 for a list of
optional freeze drying accessories.) Optimal freeze drying conditions are nor-
mally determined empirically. For this reason, we recommend the user keep a
detailed log of operating parameters (see Appendix C, Freeze Drying User’s
Log). ModulyoD performance data may be collected by connecting a computer
to the RS232 port (See Figure 2). The following sections contain general infor-
mation on some of the factors that affect the freeze drying process.
1.4 APPLICATIONS
1.4.1 INTRODUCTION
1. Extension tube
2. Vacuum pumping pipeline
3. Accessory flange
4. Condenser chamber
5. Chamber drain outlet
Figure 8 — THE CONDENSER EXTENSION TUBE

12
You must pre-freeze the sample before placing it in (or on) the drying accessory. The
thickness of the ice (and, hence, the sample) will affect the length of time needed to dry
a given sample. In general, the thickness should be less than 10 mm.
1.4.2 THE FREEZING PROCESS
When the condenser chamber has reached a temperature of -40 °C (as shown on the
temperature display), the vacuum pump may be switched on (see Section 4). The pres-
sure in the condenser chamber then starts to drop, producing the conditions necessary
for freeze drying to occur. The pressure display will show the pressure in the condens-
er chamber.
The time required to dry sample varies and is determined by a number of factors: The
type of sample, sample mass and thickness, type of container used, temperatures of
the sample, and the condenser and system performance.
Freeze drying requires an input of heat energy to the sample to change the ice into
water vapor. When using the ModulyoD, this energy may be absorbed solely from the
surroundings or, alternatively, a heated accessory may be used to provide additional
energy input. If using a heated accessory, the accessory should not be switched on until
the pressure in the condenser chamber has fallen to 1 mbar or lower.
When deciding on the quantity of heat input required, or when you try to optimize the
drying cycle for a particular product, it is important to observe the physical appearance
of the product whenever possible during the drying process. If the product has been cor-
rectly frozen, it will usually appear to be uniform in color and compact. If the product is
uneven in color, or if signs of boiling are visible, then the product may have been incor-
rectly frozen, or may have undergone some physical change, possibly from the appli-
cation of too much heat.
A wide range of factors have to be considered when trying to optimize the drying cycle
for a given sample. To assist in this optimization, we, therefore, recommend taking note
of the rate of change of both temperature and pressure within the condenser chamber
(see Appendix C) during the freeze drying process.
1.4.3 THE DRYING PROCESS
When the ModulyoD is used as a vapor trap (for example, in gel drying applications), its
function is significantly different than that when it is used in freeze drying applications.
In vapor trapping applications, the ModulyoD acts solely to protect the vacuum pump; in
freeze drying applications, it actually pumps the water vapor from the product. In vapor
trapping applications, it is often necessary to limit the vapor flow from the system to the
ModulyoD by fitting a restrictor between the vapor source and the ModulyoD. The size
of restrictor required depends on the system. SeeAppendix Afor detailed information on
the use of the ModulyoD as a vapor (cold) trap.
1.4.4 VAPOR TRAPPING

Refrigerant type ISCEON 69 L
Refrigerant charge 0.68 kg (1.5 lb)
Thermocouple type Type T
2.2 REFRIGERATION SYSTEM
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Dimensions: height x width x depth 332 x 595 x 695 mm
13.1 x 23.4 x 27.4 in
Accessory-flange diameter 370 mm/14.6 in
Mass 45 kg, (100 lb)
Ambient operating temperature range 5 to 24 °C
Maximum ambient storage temperature 50 °C
Condenser chamber
Ice capacity in 12 hours 1.2 kg (2.6 lb)
Maximum ice capacity 4.5 kg (9.9 lb)
Operating temperature -50 + 5 °C
Surface area 0.15m2(233 in2)
Volume 7.21l
Average evaporation rate 95 cm3 h-1
Instrumentation
Temperature display range -60 °C to ambient
Vacuum display pressure range 10 microbar to 50 millibar
2.0 TECHNICAL DATA
2.1 GENERAL
MODULYOD-230 MODULYOD-115
Nominal electrical supply 220 to 240 V, 1-phase 110V, 1-phase
Electrical supply frequency 50 Hz 60 Hz
Power rating
Protection
Internal 8 amp 15 amp
2.3 ELECTRICAL DATA

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Item Material
Cabinet Steel
Condenser chamber Stainless steel
Vacuum pipeline Stainless steel
Condenser extension-tube PVC
2.4.2 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
Note: Your vacuum pump must have a gas-ballast facility to prevent water build up
in the pump.
For freeze drying, your vacuum pump must meet the following specification:
Type of pump Two-stage, oil-sealed rotary pump
Ultimate pressure 1 x 10-2to 3 x 10-2mbar (1 to 3 Pa)
Pumping rate 50 l/min or more
Recommended pump Thermo Electron LyoPumpTM
2.5 VACUUM PUMP REQUIREMENTS
The ModulyoD has been designed in compliance with the following legislation and
standards:
• CE Directives
2.4 CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
2.4.1 LEGISLATION AND STANDARDS

Qty Description Check ✓
1 ModulyoD Freeze Dryer ❐
1 Power cord ❐
1 Power cord for pump ❐
1 Instruction Manual ❐
15
Table 3 - Checklist of components
WARNING: Use proper lifting technique to lift ModulyoD.
3.0 INSTALLATION
If the ModulyoD is not to be used immediately, replace the protective cover on the
accessory flange. Store the ModulyoD in a clean, dry area until ready for use.
Remove all packing and inspect the ModulyoD. If the ModulyoD is damaged, notify
your supplier and the carrier in writing within three days; state the Serial Number of the
ModulyoD together with your order number, and your supplier’s invoice number. Retain
all packing materials for inspection. Do not use the ModulyoD if it is damaged.
Check that your package contains the items listed in Table 3, below. If any of these
items are missing, notify your supplier in writing within three days.
3.1 UNPACK AND INSPECT
The ModulyoD is designed for use on a laboratory benchtop. Locate the ModulyoD in
its required operating position, within convenient access to a suitable electrical supply.
We recommend leaving an air-gap of at least 200 mm (8 in) between all four
sides of the ModulyoD and any wall or obstruction. If you do not leave a sufficient air-
gap, poor cooling of the ModulyoD may result in poor performance. When locating the
ModulyoD, consider ease of access for maintenance and repair work, which may
require removing the cover of the ModulyoD.
3.2 SITE PREPARATION

16
WARNING: Ensure that the electrical installation of the ModulyoD conforms
with your local and national safety requirements. It must be connected to a
suitably fused and protected electrical supply and a suitable earth (ground)
point. 1. Make sure that the ModulyoD is suitable for use with your electrical
supply voltage and frequency.
2. Locate the standard 2 meter long power cord IEC 320 plug and
outlet supplied with the ModulyoD.
3. Connect a 15 A fuse/breaker at the electrical supply outlet to
protect the ModulyoD.
3.3 CONNECT THE MODULYOD TO THE ELECTRICAL SUPPLY
WARNING: If intending to freeze dry product containing sodium azide, make
sure that the vacuum pump and pipeline are suitable for freeze drying these
products. If they are not suitable, there is a severe risk of explosion.
CAUTION: A two-stage vacuum pump must be used with the ModulyoD. If
not, the pump will have a very short working life.
Connect the vacuum pump to the vacuum pump connector on the front of the
ModulyoD (Figure 1, item 7). The connector is suitable for use with a 10 mm inside
diameter pipeline.
We recommend the use of a Thermo Electron LyoPumpTM high vacuum pump with the
ModulyoD. These pumps are suitable for freeze drying products which contain sodi-
um azides.
If you do not use a Thermo Electron vacuum pump, the pump must meet the require-
ments specified in Section 2.5. To connect another type of pump to the ModulyoD,
refer to the instruction manual supplied with the pump.
3.4 CONNECT THE VACUUM PUMP
If you have a Thermo Electron high vacuum pump, use the following procedure to
connect the pump to the ModulyoD. Otherwise, you may order the additional con-
nection kit, which consists of NW25 nozzle connector (item 5, Figure 9) and NW25
clamp (item 7, Figure 9). After having the additional kit installed on your pump, fol-
low the same procedure below.
1. Remove the vacuum pump connection kit, which is already pre-
assembled, from its packing material.
2. Push the elbow (item 2, Figure 9) of the connection kit onto the
vacuum port of the ModulyoD (item 1, Figure 9).
3. Push the other end of the connection kit onto the nozzle connector
of the vacuum pump. It is recommended that you use the ModulyoD
(which has an IEC 320 outlet on the rear part of the unit (item 2,
Figure 2) as a power supply for our vacuum pump, using the power
cord supplied with the ModulyoD. This will enable operation of your
vacuum pump directly from the ModulyoD control panel.
3.5 CONNECT A VACUUM PUMP TO THE MODULYOD

17
Fit an oil mist filter or pipe the exhaust gases of the vacuum pump to a chemical
fume hood.
All Thermo Electron high vacuum pumps are supplied with a gas ballast oil return kit
(GBORK) and EMF10 oil mist filter. Refer to specific manuals received with your
Thermo Electron pump to install these items.
3.6 PUMP OUTLET SAFETY
WARNING: Never engage the vacuum pump when water is present in the Ice
Condenser. The introduction of water directly into the internal mechanism of
the vacuum pump will cause significant damage to the pump.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to use the ModulyoD if it fails the installation test.
If you do, poor performance may result in the loss of the sample being
freeze dried.
Use the following procedure to test the ModulyoD:
If any of the checks below fail, turn the mains switch (item 4, Figure 2) off, then switch
off the external electrical supply and disconnect the supply from the ModulyoD.
Contact your supplier for advice. Do not attempt to use the ModulyoD.
3.7 TEST AFTER INSTALLATION
2
1
3
4
910
5
6
7
8
1. Vacuum pump connector
2. Elbow
3. Steel tube
4. Vacuum hose
5. Nozzle connector (optional)
6. Centering-ring and inlet filter assembly
7. Clamp (optional)
8. Thermo Electron LyoPumpTM
9. Alternative elbow position
10. Alternative steel tube position
Figure 9 — CONNECT A VLP195FD OR
VLP120 PUMP TO THE MODULYOD

18
1. Ensure that the main switch (item 4, Figure 2) is in the ‘0’ (off) position.
2. Connect the ModulyoD to the electrical supply and turn on the main switch (item
4, Figure 2). The controls on the control panel (item 3, Figure 1) should be illumi-
nated.
3. Turn on the refrigeration system of the ModulyoD by pressing ‘Fridge’ button
(item 1, Figure 5). The ‘Fridge On’ lamp (item 2, Figure 5) should go on.
4. Watch the cooling fan (item 6, figure 3) through the grill on the rear of the Modu-
lyoD. The fan should rotate.
5. Check that the compressor operates. There should be a low “hum” from the com-
pressor.
6. Leave the refrigeration system operating. In a minute or two, check the tempera-
ture on the temperature display (item 3, Figure 5). The displayed temperature
should be falling.
7. Check the temperature of the condenser chamber in approximately 40 minutes.
The temperature should be at or below -45 ˚C with an ambient temperature of 24
˚C or less . Check that green light on the temperature progress bar (item 4,
Figure 5) is illuminated.
8. Attach any empty drying accessory to the accessory flange of the condenser
chamber (item 1, Figure 1). Refer to Section 6.0 for optional accessories.
9. Turn the drain valve (item 6, Figure 1) fully clockwise to close it and then switch
on the vacuum pump.
10. Leave the vacuum pump on while watching the vacuum level display (item 7, Fig
ure 5). The readings on the display should change from ‘Hpr’ to the actual pres-
sure in the condenser chamber within a few minutes. As time goes by, the pres-
sure should continue to fall.
11. Check the pressure in about 30 minutes. The pressure should be less than 70
microbars.
If the ModulyoD has passed through all these steps, it is ready for use. Refer to Section
4 on operation.
3.7 TEST AFTER INSTALLATION (cont’d)

Operation step Refer to Section
Prepare the ModulyoD 4.3
Fit the sample container and
other accessory 4.4
Pre-Cool the ModulyoD 4.5
Drying 4.6
Shut down 4.7
Table 4 — Sequence of operation
19
WARNING: If you intend to freeze dry products containing sodium azide, be
sure that your vacuum pump and pipeline are suitable for freeze drying these
products. If they are not suitable, there is a severe risk of explosion.
Sodium azide is sometimes used as a stabilizing agent in freeze drying processes.
Sodium azide is toxic and, when dry, is highly explosive.
If you freeze dry a product containing sodium azide, a chemical reaction can occur in
the presence of heavy metals such as copper, lead, zinc, and cadmium. The result of
this reaction is the formation of metallic azides, which are highly unstable and explo-
sive.
The ModulyoD contains no heavy metals and is suitable for freeze drying products con-
taining sodium azide. The Thermo Electron LyoPumpTM high vacuum pumps are also
suitable for this purpose.
If you do not use a Thermo Electron pump, your vacuum pump and vacuum pipeline may
not be suitable for freeze drying products containing sodium azide. Check with your
vacuum pump manufacturer to determine its suitability if you intend to freeze dry prod-
ucts containing sodium azide.
4.0 OPERATION
4.1 SAFETY
Operation of the ModulyoD can involve a number of different steps, as shown in Table
4 below:
4.2 SEQUENCE OF OPERATION
Before you freeze dry sample, always prepare the ModulyoD as described in Sec-
tion 4.3. Always dry the sample and shut down the ModulyoD as described in
Sections 4.6 and 4.7.
The order in which the remaining steps are carried out depends on the type of prod-
uct container or other accessory used and the type of sample to be freeze dried. In
some circumstances you will need to pre-cool the ModulyoD with the accessory
flange open to the atmosphere; in other circumstances you will need to fit the sam-
ple container, pre-cool the ModulyoD and then load the sample.
If the correct sequence of operations to follow is not clear, refer to the instruction
manual supplied with the sample container or other freeze drying accessory.

20
Note: Use only mild detergents to clean the condenser chamber, accessories and con-
necting pipeline. Some of the Thermo Electron accessories are made from acrylic mate-
rials and must not be cleaned with organic solvents.
Before you first use the ModulyoD, and between freeze drying cycles, prepare the
ModulyoD, as follows (refer to Figure 1):
1. Turn the drain valve fully counterclockwise to open the valve and to
remove any water left in the bottom of the condenser chamber. When the
chamber is completely drained, turn the drain valve fully clockwise to
close it.
2. If acidic or corrosive products have been processed, flush through the
condenser chamber and drain outlet with clean water.
3. Make sure that the condenser chamber is dry.
4. Make sure the ModulyoD is clean, particularly the accessory flange. If the
flange is not clean, you will not get a good vacuum seal and the perfor-
mance of the ModulyoD will be poor.
5. Confirm that both the vacuum pump and the ModulyoD are properly con-
nected to the interconnecting vacuum tubing.
6. Select a suitable drying accessory for the product. Wipe clean the seal-
ing-ring of the accessory and check the sealing-ring for damage; if it is
damaged, fit a new sealing-ring.
The accessory sealing-ring should not need lubricating.
4.3 PREPARE THE MODULYOD
A drying accessory may be connected to the ModulyoD accessory flange. Accessories
have a rubber sealing-ring to seal the accessory to the ModulyoD accessory flange.
Once positioned, the weight of the accessory is sufficient to produce an air-tight seal
under vacuum conditions.
4.4 FIT THE SAMPLE CONTAINER AND OTHER ACCESSORIES
WARNING: Do not touch any part of the condenser chamber during or immedi-
ately after the cooling process. The condenser chamber is at a very low temper-
ature and can cause tissue damage.
Note: If you cool the ModulyoD with no product in the chamber, the chamber temper-
ature will cycle between approximately -40 ˚C and -55 ˚C.
4.5 PRE-COOL THE MODULYOD