Liquid Vacuum Trap Policy

Created by Jill Marchant, Modified on Wed, 12 Nov at 3:59 PM by Jim Koman


Bakar Labs' policy for ALL vacuum traps is a two-flask trap to ensure that there is no contamination of house vacuum.  There is one standard liquid trap flask AND a second overflow trap.  There must be a 2 or 3 micron hydrophobic filter (check direction!) between last flask and the house vacuum valve.  All flasks must be labeled as to what is in them.  Entire apparatus must be in a secondary container.


See attachment for the entire vacuum system safety fact sheet from the University.


Screenshot from UC Berkeley EH&S fact sheet on vacuum flasks for biological work. It shows an illustration of a proper vacuum flask system. Text reads: Use a liquid trap with an appropriate disinfectant (e.g. bleach, volume calculated for 10% final concentration). The trap should be labeled with the disinfectant used and any hazards. A second overflow trap with a disinfection bubbler must also be installed. To prevent research organisms from entering the house vacuum system, an air filter must be installed. Use only 0.3 micron filters designed to protect vacuum lines.





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