Procedure for Freeze Drying Sediment Samples

Procedure

1. place samples in open vials on the shelves of the freeze drier
2. VERY CAREFULLY lift bell cover and set in place being sure not to disturb any of your carefully placed samples
3. be sure that all valves are closed (in up, that is 12:00, position
4. press the condenser button and wait for about 15 minutes
5. press and hold the vacuum button until you hear the vacuum motor kick on
6. leave samples for at least 12 hours
7. turn vacuum off by pressing and holding the vacuum button until you hear the vacuum motor kick off
8. turn off condenser by pressing that button
9. very slowly release the vacuum by opening one of the valves in the bell cover until you hear the sound of air entering the chamber
10. wait for a few minutes until the full vacuum has been released
11. carefully lift off bell cover and retrieve samples
12. samples should still be placed in the drying oven at 50°C to ensure complete air-dryness