How to Adjust the Door on your Freeze Dryer

Your new Stay Fresh freeze dryer should arrive with the door properly adjusted and tested. However, it's possible that during shipment, the door could become slightly distorted, affecting the seal. Additionally, if you have been using your freeze dryer for some time or have purchased a used one, the door bolts may loosen.

Here are the steps to adjust the door on your Stay Fresh Freeze Dryer:

1. Cool the Chamber: From the main screen, access the functions menu and turn on the compressor. Let it run for about 2 hours to allow the chamber temperature to drop. This step is crucial because the door gasket contracts slightly when it's cold. At room temperature, the door may seem to seal well, but a slight gap could form between the door gasket and the door once the temperature drops.

   

2. Dry the Door Gasket: After the temperature has dropped, use a dry cloth to wipe any moisture from the door gasket. Moisture can create a false seal by getting between the door and the gasket. Ensure the gasket is dry before proceeding to the next step.

   

3. Paper Insersion Test: Check for gaps by trying to insert a piece of paper between the door and the door gasket from different angles. If the paper slides in at any point and the width of the gap exceeds 2 inches, then the door needs adjustment, as detailed in step 4. A gap less than 2 inches can be accepted, as it should still form an effective seal when the pump is activated.

   

4. Adjust the Bolts: To adjust the acrylic door closer or farther from the machine body, there are three bolts for adjustment: two on the hinge side and one inside the door handle. Use the thin wrench included in the accessory box to adjust the nuts on the bolts for the door.

   Focus first on the side where a gap appears, moving the door incrementally closer to the machine body. If the gap does not close, it may be necessary to adjust the bolt on the opposite side to slightly move that side of the door farther from the machine body.

   
   • To adjust the 2 Hinge Side Bolts:
     • Turn Nut C counterclockwise(as if you are facing the machine), and turn Nut B clockwise to loosen them.
     • Turn Nut A clockwise to move this side of door closer to the machine body, or turn it counterclockwise to move the door farther from the machine body.
     • Secure the adjustment by turning Nut B counterclockwise and Nut C clockwise.
   • To adjust the Bolt Inside the Door Handle:
     • To adjust this bolt and bring this side of the door closer to the machine body, hold the door latch and turn Nut E clockwise to loosen it, then tighten Nut D by turning it clockwise.
     • To move this side of the door farther from the machine body, hold the door latch and loosen Nut D by turning it counterclockwise, then tighten Nut E by turning it counterclockwise.
   

5. Testing and Final Adjustments: Make small adjustments and continuously test the seal after each adjustment. Avoid over-tightening, which may cause a gap to form between the door and gasket on the opposite side of the door. Tighten all the nuts on all three bolts to secure the door settings.

6. Final Test: Ensure that the vacuum valve and drain valve are closed. Hit the 'Valve Close' and 'Pump Off' buttons, and observe the door seal forming and the door being sucked inward. This indicates that the door adjustment has been successful.Turn on vacuum and watch the door suck in.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your freeze dryer operates efficiently with an optimal seal, maintaining the required conditions inside the chamber for effective freeze-drying.