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E3000 / E3100 Critical Point Dryer Site Requirements

Site Selection

The apparatus should be positioned in the laboratory convenient for:

(a) Hot and cold water supply (if the optional E3500 thermocirculator or E4860 heater / chiller are not used).
(b) Fume cupboard or window, or generally a area of good ventilation
(d) Space for carbon dioxide syphon cylinder
(e) Mains power (for E4860 and E3500 only).

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

The CPD7501 requires a cylinder of liquid CO2 FITTED WITH A SYPHON TUBE (indicated by a vertical white stripe on the cylinder). If there is any doubt regarding the presence of a syphon tube, advice should be sought from the gas supplier.

Connection of the E3000 / E3100 to the carbon dioxide cylinder

Cylinder connection threads vary from country to country and even between manufacturers in the same country. For example, the transfer pipe supplied is fitted with 1/4" British Standard Pipe (BSP) and 0.860” x 14 tpi. union. These are standard threads for the UK and generally in the rest of the world, but will not fit cylinders in the USA. An E3000-US kit should be specified for use within the USA, this includes a transfer pipe adaptor which will fit USA cylinders. If it is found necessary to fabricate another transfer pipe, advice should be sought from a local supplier of high-pressure fittings.

Heating and cooling

A mixer to the laboratory hot and cold water outlets, terminating with a 6mm (1/4") hose connection for the PVC tubing supplied, (a “Y” piece connected to the hot and cold water taps is suitable).
The E3000 / E3100 requires both hot and cold water during the operating cycle. Cooling facilitates filling of the work chamber with liquid (CO2) and heating is required to take the liquid above its critical point. Good control of the water temperature is essential for good results, hence the manufacturer recommends the use of the E3500 Thermo-circulator or, more conveniently, the E4850 Refrigerated Re-circulator which a gives precise control of cooling and heating.

Space requirement

A minimium bench space of approximately 230 x 230mm is required.