SPI Critical Point Drying Apparatus

The pressure vessel is drilled (¼" BSP thread) to take three high pressure handling valves of the "right-angle" type. The valves seal by contact between a ground steel cone and a brass knife edge; this metal to metal contact should not be overtightened as this will impair the efficiency of the valve.

The INLET and VENT valves are screwed directly into the top of the pressure vessel and seal against an O-ring. The O-rings are located on their seats by small stainless steel inserts. When the valves are initially fitted, their lengths are adjusted so that they face the desired direction when they have been screwed onto the seal. A locking nut ensures that the valve does not rotate.

The DRAIN valve in the bottom of the vessel is fitted in a slightly different way. A ¼" BSP plug is sealed into the female part of the valve body with Locktite^® and this plug butts against the O-ring seal. This method allows the valve to be mounted horizontally (for convenience) rather than vertically like the INLET and VENT valves.

Servicing

To loosen the action of a valve:

1. Unscrew nut in top of valve knob.
2. Remove knob from square keyed shaft.
3. Unscrew hexagonal sleeve nut slightly and retest the tightness of the action.

To remove INLET or VENT valve:

1. Unscrew locking nut (one turn).
2. Remove valve by rotating in counterclockwise direction.
3. Remove insert and O-ring for checking and cleaning.

To remove DRAIN valve:

1. Remove pressure vessel from stand pillar by rotating pressure vessel counterclockwise relative to stand base.
2. Unscrew locking nut (one turn).
3. Remove valve and plug by unscrewing.
4. Remove insert and O-ring for checking and cleaning.

To completely strip valve:

1. Unscrew nut and remove knob.
2. Unscrew sleeve nut and remove.
3. Unscrew keyed shaft and remove together with O-rings.

Note: When refitting valves onto the vessel, it is only necessary to tighten the valve against the O-ring by hand. Overtightening can cause premature wear and damage to the O-ring.

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