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Notes on Cleaning LN2 and Dry Ice Cold Traps



Your trap is for the most part constructed of stainless steel so you will have to work hard to damage it using most common handy cleaning agents. 

Loosen clamp nut or head bolts and remove clamp and trap top assembly.  There may be residual condensables from the previous trapping so care for disposal should follow your company’s safety procedures.

Remove internal trapping cold trap Dewar and inspect for residual condensables.

The internal Dewar and internal of trap body may be cleaned with an appropriate alkaline detergent, followed by a thorough de-ionized water rinse, then wiped down with methanol or acetone.  Allow to air dry.

The o-rings should be cleaned with water and or a water based detergent.  Solvents like methanol or acetone are relatively strong and may attack the surface of the o-ring depending on composition.  When dry, inspect for any nicks, flat spots or cracking and replace o-ring if any defects are found.

Prior to re-assembling the trap, lubricate o-ring with either silicone grease or perfluorinated vacuum grease.  Wipe off any excess grease and look again at the o-ring, it should have a nice shiny uniform appearance.

Carefully re-assemble the individual components.  Install the o-ring and top assembly.

Tighten the band clamp or head bolts.  Tighter is not necessarily better here.  We want good uniform tension against the o-ring this is the vacuum seal.

If the trap leaks after assembly, disassemble and try again or replace o-ring and try again.  The o-ring is your vacuum seal and it is important it be in good condition to accomplish an equal seal to achieve vacuum pressure.

 


11/26/2005 ©Copyright HyVac Products, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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