Bactron User Group > Chamber Operation  »   How do I operate air lock and what cycle options do I have?

1. Load the Air Lock with samples, materials, supplies, etc.

2. Close the outer and inner Air Lock Doors.

3. Activate the Air Lock by one of two methods:

A) Manual Cycle (Manual Gas/Vacuum Switch):
i. Locate the 3 position Manual Gas/Vacuum Cycling Switch which should be in
the middle.
ii. Turn the Manual GAS/VAC switch to VAC until a vacuum of 17 to 20 in. Hg.
(42 to 50 cm. Hg.) is reached, as indicated by the VACUUM GAUGE.
iii. Flip the GAS/VAC switch to GAS to refill the Air Lock with the gas mixture
until the AIR LOCK VACUUM GAUGE reads approximately 4 in. Hg. (10 cm.
Hg.) on the first two cycles. On the third and last cycle leave the gas on until
the gauge reaches zero to ensure that there is no vacuum still present in the
Air Lock, then return the switch to the middle or off position.
iv. It is essential to perform the cycle at least three times. Once this is done, you
may enter the chamber through the armports, using the procedure specified in
the next section, and take your materials into the chamber through the inner
Air Lock door.
NOTE: When cycling the Air Lock manually, the AUTO CYCLE ANAEROBIC light on the
control panel will not illuminate when the cycle is completed, as it does at the end
of the automatic cycle.

B) Automatic Cycle:
i. Make sure both Air Lock doors are closed. The automatic cycle will not start
otherwise.
ii. Press the “AUTO CYCLE START/RESET” button to initiate the cycle. The
AUTO CYCLE AEROBIC/AUTO CYCLE ANAEROBIC lights will alternately
flash on and off, indicating the cycle is in progress. When the cycle is
complete, the system will stop automatically with the AUTO CYCLE
ANAEROBIC light on.
iii. If the cycle does not follow the sequences in the previous section on manual
operation (eg: cycle won’t start, cycle does not go through three times, cycle
cot within specified limits, door won’t open upon completion, etc.), consult the
Troubleshooting Guide for adjustments.

NOTE: Do not hold Auto Cycle Start Switch down. Simply Press the
button and let go to activate.

iv. If you WANT TO abort the cycle, press and hold the “AUTO CYCLE
START/RESET” switch for 5 seconds. The vacuum gauge will go to 0 and
stop. Then the AUTO CYCLE AEROBIC/AUTO CYCLE ANAEROBIC light
will stop flashing.