Nice setup! I was looking at those cold traps from AI also. Looks like a good design with the ribbed inner glass for more surface area and stop condensation from creeping up. The mono cow valve must have a leak, but if you switch the flasks out fast enough, it shouldn’t be a huge deal. You got the right idea with no gl fittings and hoses.
I put acetone in my cold trap, just need to be careful it doesn’t boil over at first. having a liquid in there gives you maximum surface area touching glass, if its just pellets they won’t all be touching the glass.
The chiller should have instruction in the manual if you have it. I used 30% glycol to 70% distilled water. This was instructions from usalabs.
To fill the chiller, simply add the glycol & distilled mix up to the brass nut. For -10°C, 30% glycol / 70% distilled water is recommended. Be sure to prime the pump before connecting your loop. To drain the unit, drain the tank from the outlet port.
Pump Priming Instructions:
Use a short length of tubing (about 2 feet in length) and connect the outlet and inlet together. Let the pump run until no bubbles appear in the water line. Then shut down the pump and close the outlet valve. Now your pump is ready for operation.
For long-term storage:
Step 1 . Drain the chiller.
Step 2 . Using a hand sprayer, soak the tank with 99% isopropyl. Be sure to flush the inlet line and outlet lines.
Step 3 . Use an air compressor to blow all of the alcohol out of the drain in the bottom of the tank.
Step 4 . Allow time for the alcohol and any left over water to dry, then store the chiller with a cover.