Water traps protect your equipment and processes from contamination, but they can be difficult to set up. Our 10 step guide is a great first resource. The number one step is selecting the correct filter, so you can boost productivity and build confidence in your results.
Vacuum pump protection is an essential part processes involving manifolds and vacuum flasks.
Particles, aerosols, or your solution can be sucked into the pump or house vacuum system if vacuum pump protection isn’t used. This damages equipment and increases wear and tear, leading to more down time, less productivity, and higher overall costs.
Water traps may be the traditional solution, but they can be tricky to set up. Mistakes can lead to wasted time and frustrating re-tests, so here’s our easy 10 step guide to setting up a vacuum filtration system:
- Focus on filtration. Correct filter selection gives laboratory technicians a second line of defence. It can reduce equipment wear and tear, cut technician downtime, and avoid particulate contamination that compromises quality results
- Set up the safety trap. Generously wrap tape around a filter flask to prevent it from imploding during the process. Plug the flask and insert a hose, closed with a hose clamp, in the top
- Place a Büchner funnel on another filter flask
- Attach both flasks to a ring stand to prevent them from tipping over
- Connect the flasks, via the side arms, using thick-walled rubber tubing, or vacuum tubing. This will stop the hose collapsing in on itself when the partial pressure is formed
- Connect a water aspirator to the tap, and attach it to the safety trap using vacuum tubing
- Check all connections are airtight
- Check that suction is formed by turning on the water, then placing the palm of the hand over the Büchner funnel
- Begin your process
- Before turning the water off, return the system to atmospheric pressure by opening the hose clamp on the safety trap
- What filter is best for you? Find out with our new e-book, Filtering out room for error: Focus on filtration to protect equipment and boost productivity. Click here to download your free copy.