TITLE: SEM Critical Point Dryer JIAM Protocol
AUTHORS: Elizabeth Fozo

[DESCRIPTION]
<div class = "text-blocks"><div class = "text-block">SEM Critical Point Dryer Protocol at JIAM</div></div>

[STEPS]
?. [Protocol for using the critical point dryer at JIAM]
Power on the machine at least 5 minutes before using (Suggest doing this during the last dehydration step).
?. [Protocol for using the critical point dryer at JIAM]
Make sure the O-ring between the cover (with 3 screws) and the chamber is in good shape.
?. [Protocol for using the critical point dryer at JIAM]
Close cover and tighten screws.
?. [Protocol for using the critical point dryer at JIAM]
Open the small vent rate knob all the way – will take some time to close.
?. [Protocol for using the critical point dryer at JIAM]
The system cools down. Fill with liquid CO2 by opening the Vent knob, Fill knob, Drain Knob, and opening the CO2 tank.
?. [Protocol for using the critical point dryer at JIAM]
After a minute or so of this, close the CO2 valve and drain valve – make sure the pressure gauge is zero
?. [Protocol for using the critical point dryer at JIAM]
Open chamber partway and shake lid to make sure pressure is gone.  Then put samples onto the sled with the post side entering the chamber first – Be super quick.
?. [Protocol for using the critical point dryer at JIAM]
Replace cover and tighten screws evenly.
?. [Protocol for using the critical point dryer at JIAM]
Begin by opening the CO2 tank (Vent and Fill should be open still).
?. [Protocol for using the critical point dryer at JIAM]
After the chamber fills, closeVent the close Fill (leave the CO2 tank open).
?. [Protocol for using the critical point dryer at JIAM]
Let sit for 10 minutes.
?. [Protocol for using the critical point dryer at JIAM]
To cycle the CO2 in the chamber after 10 minutes, close the CO2 tank, open the Fill, Vent, and Drain.
?. [Protocol for using the critical point dryer at JIAM]
Once the liquid is evacuated, close the Drain.
?. [Protocol for using the critical point dryer at JIAM]
Then open the CO2 tank – let the chamber fill back up.
?. [Protocol for using the critical point dryer at JIAM]
Once, full, close Vent, and Fill.
?. [Protocol for using the critical point dryer at JIAM]
Let sit for 10 minutes.
?. [Protocol for using the critical point dryer at JIAM]
To cycle the CO2 in the chamber after the second 10 minutes, close the CO2 tank, open the Fill, Vent, and Drain.
?. [Protocol for using the critical point dryer at JIAM]
Once the liquid is evacuated, close Drain
?. [Protocol for using the critical point dryer at JIAM]
Then open the CO2 tank – let the chamber fill back up.
?. [Protocol for using the critical point dryer at JIAM]
Once, full, close Vent and Fill.
?. [Protocol for using the critical point dryer at JIAM]
At this point, you can begin Heating.
?. [Protocol for using the critical point dryer at JIAM]
Close the Vent Rate valve. Small knob.
?. [Protocol for using the critical point dryer at JIAM]
WATCH THE PRESSURE GAUGE – should never go above 1400 psi.  You can modulate pressure by opening the VENT valve and then incrementally opening the small vent rate knob.
?. [Protocol for using the critical point dryer at JIAM]
Heat turns off automatically once the chamber reaches 42oC, which takes about 12 minutes.
?. [Protocol for using the critical point dryer at JIAM]
At this point, bleed off the pressure slowly until the gauge reads zero pressure.