Thermo Scientific RVT100 User manual

Instruction Manual
Thermo Scientific ®RVT100, RVT400,
RVT4104 Refrigerated Vapor Trap

©2008 Thermo Fisher Scientific. All rights reserved.
“Suva®” is a registered trademark of DuPont.
All other trademarks are the property of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. and
its subsidiaries.

Table of Contents
Section Section Title — Introduction Page
1.0 Description 1
Section Section Title — Installation Page
2.0 Installation 1
2.1 Site Preparation 2
2.2 Other Components 2
2.3 Preparing for Operation 2
Section Section Title — Operation Page
3.0 Operation 5
3.1 Emptying the glass vessel 5
Section Section Title — Specifications Page
4.0 Specifications 6
Section Section Title — Accessories Page
5.0 Accessories 7
Section Section Title — Warranty and Page
Liability
6.0 Warranty & Liability Statements 7
Appendix 1 - Troubleshooting and Maintenance 8

RVT-series Refrigerated Vapor Traps are reliable, easy-to-use, compact benchtop
traps for solvent vapor condensation and collection. Mechanically
refrigerated vapor traps replace dry ice/methanol traps, and are the easiest, most
practical, and safest way to protect high-vacuum, rotary vane oil pumps in a
vacuum system.
Solvents are removed from samples during vacuum evaporation with a SpeedVac®
Concentrator or during rotary evaporation and are collected in the CFC-free
Refrigerated Vapor Trap. Solvent vapors pass into a Glass Insert Trap or Glass
Condensation Flask and condense on its walls. This prevents the vapors from
reaching and potentially damaging the oil-sealed vacuum pump. When used in
conjunction with the VaporNet®controller, RVT-series traps provide levels
of solvent recovery equal to the most elaborate liquid nitrogen traps.
The three models differ in trap chamber capacity and in approximate operating
temperature as follows:
Approximate
Trap Chamber Capacity Operating Temperature
RVT100 1 iter -50 °C
RVT400 4 iter -50 °C
RVT4104 4 iter -104 °C
All three are controlled simply by an on/off (I/O) switch. The RVT4104 additionally
displays the trap temperature, and can control power to a vacuum pump through
an auxiliary power outlet. Using this outlet provides an extra measure of
protection for your pump. The RVT4104 employs a cascade (dual compressor)
refrigeration system to achieve its low operating temperatures. The RVT100 and
RVT400 have a single-stage refrigeration system.
CAUTION: To assur saf op ration and b st r sults, r ad this manual in
its ntir ty b for op rating this instrum nt. Improp r op ration can
damag th trap or your vacuum pump.
eceiving. Inspect the shipping carton upon receipt. If the carton is damaged in
anyway, call Customer Service or your local distributor.
Unpacking. Carefully remove the instrument from its shipping carton. Lift
and carry with two people, holding the unit securely underneath with
both hands. Compare the packing list to the box contents. If there is a discrepan-
cy, call Customer Service or your distributor.
Inspection.Inspect the unit for any damage that may have occurred during ship-
ment. Should there be damage, report it to the carrier and contact customer serv-
ice immediately. Make sure the carrier inspects the damage and leaves an inspec-
tion report. Register claims for shipping damage against the carrier or his agent.
Save the shipping carton in the event a return is necessary.
1.0 DESC IPTION
2.0 INSTALLATION
1

The trap is typically placed on a bench top at least 26 inches (66 cm) deep and
located near a power outlet of the required voltage.The outlet must have a rating of
at least 15 A for 120V operation, or 10 A for 240 V operation. The trap draws high
current when first switched on; therefore, other high-powered equipment, or
equipment that will be affected by a momentary drop in power, should not be
placed on the same circuit as the trap. The refrigerated trap and SpeedVac®may
also be installed on a sturdy mobile cart, such as the Deluxe Convenience Cart,
(CC120/DX).
Provide adequate ventilation. Refrigerated traps are air-cooled and require at least
4 inches (10 cm) of clearance for ambient air suction. The RVT100 and RVT400 draw
air inward from the right side. The RVT4104 draws air from the left side. Ambient
temperature must not exceed +90 °F (+32 °C) during operation.
The following accessories are ordered separately:
Glass Insert Trap and Flasks. Order GIT100 (1-liter Glass InsertTrap) for the
RVT100; order wide-mouth GCF400 flask (4-liter Glass Condensation Flask) for the
RVT400 and RVT4104. The glass insert traps and flasks are quickly exchanged
between runs and are easy to clean. Having several available permits uninterrupted
refrigerated trap operation while the used vessel is being defrosted, cleaned and
dried for next time.
Vapor Trap Upgrade Kit (CAFS400). Kit includes two wide-mouth GCF400
Glass Condensation Flasks, along with all the tubing, fittings, and clamps needed for
the typical SpeedVac®System set up. Also includes rubber Flask Cover, tubing cutter
and instructions. For use with RVT400 and RVT4104 only.
CryoCool®Heat Transfer Fluid. A permanent, safe, efficient, and economical
alternative to methanol or ethanol. CryoCool does not evaporate, has very low
water absorption, is odorless, and non-toxic. Order SCC1 for a 1-liter bottle; order
SCC5 for a 5-liter bottle.
In addition, a complete line of other components required for drying, including
vauum tubing kits, Quick-Fit Connectors to enable rapid changing of GIT100 and
GIT400 Glass Insert Traps, and replacement Flask Covers for the GCF400 is available.
Switch the trap OFF. Connect the power cord to the receptacle on the right side of
the instrument. Plug the trap into an appropriate wall outlet.
CAUTION: B for conn cting th R frig rat d Vapor Trap to an out-
l t, ch ck voltag , fr qu ncy, and amp rag to b sur th y match
th pow r r quir m nts indicat d on th lab l on th right sid (l ft
sid for RVT4104) of ach instrum nt. (RVT100, RVT400: 120 VAC/60
Hz, 4A; 240 VAC/50 Hz, 2 A, RVT4104: 120 VAC/60 Hz, 12 A, 240
VAC/50 Hz, 6 A.) If th r ar any qu stions, pl as consult an l ctrician.
As a safety feature, units are equipped with a three-prong grounded plug that fits a
grounding-type power outlet. Consult an electrician to replace outlet if necessary.
Do not defeat this safety feature by modifying the plug.
2.1 SITE P EPA ATION
2.2 OTHE COMPONENTS
2.3 P EPA ING FO OPE ATION
2

These units are “FOR INDOOR USE ONLY”. Avoid operating in areas of excessive
humidity or extremes of temperature. RVT4104 users can plug the vacuum pump into the
outlet on the left side of the RVT4104 and leave the vacuum pump switched on; the
RVT4104 will control power to the vacuum pump, insuring that the pump is ON only when
the trap has reached its operating temperature.
Pour CryoCool®Heat Transfer Fluid into the stainless steel trap chamber. For the RVT100,
use 200 ml; for the RVT400 and RVT4104, use 800 ml. A line scribed in the wall of the
stainless steel chamber indicates the minimum appropriate level of CryoCool when the
glass vessel is not present. Before each use, be sure the chamber is filled to the correct
level. If necessary. add more CryoCool until the level reaches the scribed line.
Installation of Glass Insert Traps (GIT100, GIT400)
These are ordered separately. Glass Insert Traps are enclosed glass vessels with integral
glass ports for vacuum connections. Tubing attaches to the glass ports by means of
quick-disconnect compression fittings. This forms the vacuum connections to the
SpeedVac system. A glass extension (“trumpet”) inside the GIT directs vapors from the
SpeedVac into the center of the vessel. An insulating foam cover fits over the GIT to
seal in the cold and seal out atmospheric condensation from the refrigerated chamber.
The GIT100 is used with the 1-liter RVT100, and the GIT400 is used with the 4-liter
RVT400 and RVT4104.
Carefully place a clean Glass Insert Trap into the chamber with the glass elbow (ports)
facing upward. As you press the glass trap into the chamber, the level of CryoCool rises.
Verify that the final CryoCool level is 10 to 15 mm below the rubber seal. If the level is
low, carefully pour more CryoCool into the chamber while holding down the Glass Insert
Trap.
Immediately wipe clean any CryoCool that spills onto the rubber seal.
Fit the white insulating cover over the Glass Insert Trap to secure the trap in the chamber.
Attach the vacuum tubing of the drying apparatus (SpeedVac or rotary evaporator) to the
intake port of the Glass Insert Trap. (The elbow that leads to the glass tube down the cen-
ter of the trap is the intake port.)
Tubing Connection. Quick-Fit Connectors are used on each port of the Glass Insert Trap.
These fittings are the black assemblies at the end of the clear plastic vacuum tubing
(QFK120-3 tubing kit). Unscrew and remove the hexagonal clamping nut (Figure 1).
Remove the spacer from the hexagonal clamping nut, noting its orientation. Slide the
hexagonal clamping nut onto the glass elbow so that its hollow end faces outward. Insert
the spacer so that its flat face faces outward. This flat face will press against the O-ring
to form an air-tight compression seal. Slide the O-ring over the port and into the hex nut.
Now slide the rest of the Quick-fit assembly over the port and screw it together with the
hex clamping nut. Hand-tightening is adequate; DO NOT use a wrench. Never simply
loosen the hexagonal nut and force the Quick-Fit fitting onto the glass elbow. This can
damage the O-ring and prevent a good vacuum seal, which in turn could cause poor
sample drying in the SpeedVac®.
3
Figure 1. Quick-Fit Connector
COUNTER-CLOCKWISE
TO LOOSEN NUT CLAMP

Installation of Glass Condensation Flasks (GCF400)
These are ordered separately. The GCF400 is an open-mouth flask used with the 4-liter
traps RVT400 and RVT4104. The wide mouth facilitates easier cleaning and removal
compared to a GIT-type flask. A rubber Flask Cover (FC400) fits over the top, and
tubing attaches to this by means of fittings pushed into molded ports on the rubber
cover. This forms the vacuum connection. An insulating foam cover fits over the flask to
seal in the cold and seal out atmospheric condensation from the refrigerated chamber.
Installation. Place a clean, dry Glass Condensation Flask into the stainless steel chamber.
Fit the insulating cover (white foam ring) over the flask. Seal flask mouth with the black
rubber Flask Cover. Press down flask and insulating cover so that the level of CryoCool®
rises around the flask, and so that the flask, its cover, and insulation are seated to
operating position. This will fully seal the chamber. Withdraw the flask again and verify
that the level of CryoCool came to within about a half-inch (12–15 mm) from the top
(shoulder) of the flask. If the level is low, carefully pour more CryoCool into the chamber
while holding down the flask.
Immediately wipe clean any CryoCool that spills onto the rubber chamber seal or Flask
Cover.
Tubing connection. A 1/2-inch O.D. fitting is required to connect tubing to the rubber
Flask Cover. If tubing from the SpeedVac concentrator (or other drying apparatus) is
wider (for example, SC250DDA or SPD131DDA), a reducer fitting (such as the 3/4 –1/2
inch M60-0044-24 included with these units) is needed. Fit the fitting to the tubing, and
press the fitting into the molded port on the rubber cover. Fit the suction line from the
pump end of the system in a similar manner.
Note: It does not matter which molded port is used for the SpeedVac and which is used
for the pump. The best setup will have the shortest, straightest line of tubing with the
fewest amount of bends. It should achieve a convenient and comfortable lay of tubing,
with little stress on the fittings. The rubber cover and flask should be easy to remove for
system maintenance.
Note: Previous SpeedVac users may note that the GCF400 does not have an internal
funnel like the older GIT-type trap. In many cases, this is not needed to assist in vapor
collection. However, if desired, an extender fitting (such as the M60-0044-14 straight
fitting included with the CAFS400 kit) can be inserted under the rubber cap, so that
vapors from the concentrator enter toward the center of the flask.
4

All models. After preparing the unit as described in Section 2.3, switch it ON. The
power switch, located on the front panel (RVT100, RVT400) or on the left side
(RVT4104) of the instrument, illuminates when on.
Immediately verify by touch that the trap is drawing air through the vent on the right
side (left side for RVT4104). If you cannot feel the air suction, switch the trap OFF (O)
at once. Operating the trap without a working fan, or with the air flow blocked, will
damage the refrigeration system.
It may take up to 30 minutes (90 minutes for RVT4104) for the trap fluid to reach its
operating temperature. When this occurs, you may begin drying operations as outlined
in the instruction manual of your drying apparatus.
The RVT100, RVT400, and RVT4104 Refrigerated Vapor Traps are designed to oper-
ate continuously and may be left on for extended periods. Be sure to regularly check
the glass trap or flask and empty it as required. For maximum efficiency, replace with
clean vessel when not more than half full (see Section 3.1).
RVT4104. The RVT4104 displays trap temperature and pump power status. When you
switch the RVT4104 ON, all front panel display LED segments are lighted for a few
seconds as a test. When the unit starts up, the trap temperature is displayed. On start-
up, the display typically indicates the ambient temperature. When the trap temperature
reaches -85 °C, the RVT4104 activates the vacuum pump. The RVT4104 features a
“Pump On” light that illuminates whenever power is being applied to the vacuum
pump. Ultimately, the trap temperature typically indicates a temperature of -104 °C or
colder. During operation, the trap temperature may rise because condensing and
freezing solvent vapors transfer heat into the trap.
The RVT4104 occasionally displays “CO” (Compressor Off) in place of the trap
temperature. This indicates that the RVT4104 has deactivated its compressors for
several minutes to equalize refrigerant pressures. This feature provides safety and
optimum trap operation.
3.0 OPERATION
5
Vessels are available separately and are described in Sections 2.2 and 2.3. During
system operation, solvent vapors from the SpeedVac will collect in the glass vessel.
The vessel must be regularly emptied to keep the entire system operating at peak
efficiency. If the vessel is not maintained, it may become so full that sample drying
rate is adversely affected. Another consequence of a full vessel is that solvent
vapors are more likely to contaminate and possibly damage an oil-sealed vacuum
pump that may be used with the SpeedVac system.
Empty the glass vessel before it is half full. Often it is convenient and good practice
to change the vessel at the end of the workday or workweek, no matter the depth
of fill. For aggressive solvents, you may wish to remove the vessel at the end of
each run for maximum protection of the system components.
3.1 EMPTYING THE GLASS VESSEL

4.0 SPECIFICATIONS
COLD TRAPS RVT100 RVT400 RVT4104
Operating Temperature* -50 °C -50 °C -104 °C
Capacity 1 Liter 4 Liter 4 Liter
Dimensions (W x D x H)
Inches 13.5 x 23.5 x 12.0 13.5 x 23.5 x 12.0 20.0 x 26.0 x 13.0
Centimeters 34.3 x 59.7 x 30.5 34.3 x 59.7 x 30.5 50.8 x 66.0 x 33.0
Weight (Shipping, net)
Pounds 85, 55 91, 60 138, 150
Kilograms 38, 25 41, 27 62, 68
Power Requirements 120 VAC/60 Hz, 4 A 120 VAC/60 Hz, 4 A 120 VAC/60 Hz, 12 A
240 VAC/50 Hz, 2 A 240 VAC/50 Hz, 2 A 240 VAC/50 Hz, 6 A
* Depends on ambient temperature, line voltage fluctuations, and load capacity.
6
CAUTION: Refrigerated Vapor Traps reach low operating temperatures that can
cause severe damage to unprotected skin. Wear protective gloves and clothing
when removing glass vessels.
GCF400 Glass Condensation Flask: To remove the GCF400 for cleaning, bleed the
system back to atmospheric pressure. Remove rubber Flask Cover from flask, leaving
tubing attached to cover. Withdraw the flask partially from the chamber and allow
CryoCool to drain briefly. Fully remove flask and insulating foam ring. Avoid thermal
shock by placing the flask on several thicknesses of absorbent paper toweling and allow
to come to room temperature. Insert a spare GCF400, which is clean and dry, into the
chamber. Cover with insulating foam ring, and seal with rubber Flask Cover. Make sure
rubber cover is seated firmly for a good vacuum seal. This easy system maintenance can
be done in a matter of minutes; the Refrigerated Vapor Trap need not be shut off during
this process. When the used flask has defrosted, dispose of contents in an
environmentally responsible manner. Clean and dry flask for next use.
GIT100/GIT400 Glass Insert Traps: Bleed system to atmospheric pressure. Loosen the
hexagonal nuts and remove the Quick-Fit Connectors from the glass vacuum ports as
indicated in Installation of Glass Insert Traps (Section 2.3). Withdraw the glass trap and
follow instructions as above for GCF400. Make sure Quick-Fit Connectors are installed
on the clean Glass Insert Trap as described in Section 2.3, for a good vacuum seal.
Note: If the Refrigerated Vapor Trap is not needed for several weeks, you may wish to
shut it off between uses. Before switching on again, always remove the used glass ves-
sel and replace with a clean, dry trap. Check the condition of the CryoCool; if a layer of
water is visible under the CryoCool, remove with a pipette. Failure to follow these
precautions may cause the glass vessel to break when the trap returns to operating tem-
perature.
3.1 EMPTYING THE GLASS VESSEL (cont’d)