Cold Trap Tube or Delay Path

A Cold Trap option is available. Parts and accessories can be found online at www.Micromeritics.com.

The cold trap or delay path is installed in the ports located under the top panel, to the left of the sample tube ports.

A cold trap is used to condense liquids out of the gases flowing through the analyzer before reaching the detector.

A delay path is used to reduce the perturbation (disturbance) of the gas flow caused by injections of gas through the septum.

  1. Insert the open ends of the cold trap or delay path into the openings under the upper panel. If difficult to insert, loosen the attachment nuts by unscrewing them slightly.

  If the nuts are loosened until they become free of the analyzer, they will fall out of the analyzer.
  1. Press the cold trap or delay path up into the analyzer until it comes to a stop.Securely tighten the fittings.
  Do not overtighten the fittings. A sufficient seal is achieved when the fittings are finger-tight.
  1. The use of a dewar reduces the temperature of the cold trap. To use a dewar:
  1. Fill the dewar with the appropriate coolant.
  2. If using the dewar shelf, hook the shelf on the front of the analyzer and slide the shelf to the right. Position the dewar beneath the cold trap and raise the dewar until the shelf can be moved to the left underneath the dewar. Lower the dewar to rest on the shelf.
  3. If using the dewar stand, position the dewar beneath the cold trap and raise the dewar until the stand can be moved underneath the dewar. Lower the dewar to rest on the stand.
  1. Ensure the cold trap is completely immersed in the coolant.

Change or Clean the Cold Trap or Delay Path

The cold trap removes condensibles from the gas stream, therefore it will require occasional cleaning. The delay path (used for BET analyses) also attaches to the cold trap port fittings.

  1. If a dewar is around the cold trap, raise the dewar slightly, move the dewar stand out of the way, and remove the dewar. Allow the cold trap to warm to room temperature.
  Depending upon the state of the analyzer, the cold trap fittings may be hot. Use caution. If necessary, wear cotton gloves to protect your hands.
  1. Go to Unit [n] > Enable Manual Control. Ensure a checkmark displays to the left of the menu item. If the analyzer schematic does not display, go to Unit [n] > Show Instrument Schematic. Right-click on the cold trap valve and select Bypass.

  1. Loosen the retaining nuts on the cold trap port fittings.

  1. Remove the cold trap (or delay path), nuts, ferrules, and O-rings.
  2. Clean the cold trap (or delay path) by flushing it with isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Dry the trap in an oven or by blowing compressed air or nitrogen through it before replacing it.
  1. Inspect the O-rings for cracks or other damage that might cause leaks. If the O-rings are cracked or damaged, replace them before reinstalling the cold trap (or delay path). Otherwise, clean, dry, and re-install the O-rings.
  Use only Kalrez O-rings. Kalrez is rated for both chemical and temperature suitability in this application. O-rings of other materials could burn, melt, or decompose.
  1. Place the retaining nuts, ferrules, and O-rings on the cold trap (or delay path).
  Do not over tighten the retaining nuts. Doing so may damage the O-rings. Finger-tight is sufficient.
  1. Hold the cold trap (or delay path) in place and tighten the retaining nuts. Tighten the nuts only enough to hold the cold trap securely in place and prevent leaks.
 
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