Speed Vac Plus

SPEED VAC PLUS (B414)
BEFORE USE:

1. New user MUST be trained by the captain or present users

2. ALWAYS add info in logbook.

3. Check if trap refrigeration unit is on and cold

4. Check if trap is full

HOW TO OPERATE:

1. Place samples in speed vac rotor (balance as with centrifuges), close cover

2. Turn rotor on (heater optional)

3. Turn vacuum on (speed vac switch)

4. MAKE SURE THE VACUUM HAS SEALED – should not be able to lift lid

5. If lid can be lifted, push down hard to make a seal

6. When samples have been reduced to desired volume, turn vacuum off

7. Turn rotor off once vacuum has been completely released (no more noise)

8. Remove samples and proceed with amazing experiments

9. If samples were radioactive, check for contamination

10. Complete log sheet

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Maintenence: Defrosting the trap.

1. If trap is full, turn off refrigeration unit

2. Put a note on the speed vac warning other users not to use the speed vac

3. If trap is not cold, evaporated material will be pulled into the pump. This is bad.

4. As soon as trap has defrosted, empty the trap

5. Turn refrigeration unit back on. Add more isopropanol (between glass trap and refrigeration unit) if necessary. The trap needs at least one hour to cool

6. Leave a note indicating when the speed vac will be ready for use

Troubleshooting:

If no vacuum seal:

1. Use finger to make a seal on the hole in the speed vac itself – if vacuum works here, the O ring or the lid could be faulty.

2. If no vacuum at speed vacn, check at pump head – if vacuum at pump head, then there is a leak somewhere between the pump and the speed vac. Check the tubing.

3. If no vacuum at pump head, send pump out for repair

4. If problems with speed vac itself (rotor, heater), send for repair

'''REPORT EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTIONS TO THE CAPTAIN OR JESSICA METZGER (B481). '''

--Jessica Metzger 12:58, 30 April 2010 (EDT)