Introduction racks are connected to the facility s exhaust system with flexible air hoses. All Animal Care Systems racks use the same type of hose, which connects using special thimble connectors. The building s heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) supplies clean air to each animal room. The air enters through supply vents and exits through exhaust vents. This conditioned air is filtered again as it is drawn in through the front filter of each cage on the rack. Air is then drawn out through the rear exhaust filter of each cage and into the rack s modular plenum where it exits through the exhaust hoses connected to the building s exhaust system. Odors, allergens, and contaminants are minimized because there is no recirculation. This sequential layout provides low-velocity, single-pass airflow without re-entrainment or leakage. racks protect animals and personnel while providing flexibility, high density, and optimal conditions, all of which result in a stable environment for the animals; these benefits are achieved without consuming additional electricity, which lowers the rack room s heat load. Setup Identify a location with unobstructed access from the top of the rack to the room s HVAC exhaust. Consult Animal Care Systems technical support for information on HVAC connections. All racks must be connected to negative air pressure. Make sure the rack location provides enough room to install the cages. Connect both hoses to the exhaust system, and using an anemometer assembly kit (M79211), verify that the minimum airflow requirement is met using the airflow requirement table on Page 6. If a rack is connected with fewer exhaust hoses than it has exhaust ports, any open ports must be capped with ceiling flange caps (M21080), and the airflow measurement must meet the table s values for fewer hoses. If airflow is too high, damper assemblies (M79190) should be fitted in line with the air hoses. For dampened airflow, measure the flow through both hoses, and average the two values. Page 1 of 6
Rack Handling racks are assembled from stainless steel vertical modules, which act as air plenums for ventilation as well as the primary structural elements of the racks. Fitted to the modules are stainless steel shelves, which hold the animal cages; shelves can be removed easily by lifting up and pulling out, away from the rack. racks are equipped with four swivel casters that enable quick, maneuverable transportation; two of the casters are lockable for stable, secure placement. Conditions that impair ventilation Bottom drain door open Exhaust hoses not connected properly Open hose connection port on rack Cages on rack missing filters or tops Cages not fully inserted into rack Washing and Autoclaving 1. Cages do not need to be removed to autoclave rack. 2. Disconnect both exhaust hoses from the top of the rack. 3. Be sure the openings on top of the rack are unobstructed. 4. Open all of the drain doors at the bottom of the rack by reaching beneath each module from the front; the long door hinges are visible along the bottom front edge. Pull each door down and forward by the handle formed in the rear edge. The latch will release with sufficient force, and the door will swing open. 5. Roll the rack into the wash or autoclave system. Sterilize at 250 F (121 C) for 30 minutes. (Racks can be sterilized with vaporized hydrogen peroxide.) 6. After the wash or autoclave cycle, allow rack to dry for at least 60 minutes with the drain doors open. 7. Close the drain doors by swinging each up and rearward until the latch snaps into place. Keep module drain doors closed except when washing or autoclaving. Each module has a drain door (highlighted in red below). Page 2 of 6
Cage Handling Cages and water bottles are available in three materials: clear polycarbonate and two grades of polysulfone, amber and smoke. Cage Components There are three primary parts to each cage assembly: 400-mL bottle assembly (550-mL for rat), cage base, and cage top assembly, including the feeder and feeder cover. The bottle is omitted on cages for auto-water racks. Bottle Assembly Each bottle assembly consists of a bottle, seal, and cap. 1. Before using, place the mouse or rat bottle with seal in its respective washing basket (mouse basket: M61011; rat basket: M61012) without caps. 2. Close the top, securely fasten the latch, and wash with the basket inverted. Some caps are equipped with drinking tubes that must remain attached to the cap unless damaged. Cage Tops Stack cage tops by removing the clear feeder lid and alternating each cage top s front/back orientation. Place feeder lids in a separate basket. Stack feeders together in groups of 10 to 15 in a wire basket. Periodically inspect for bent or broken wires. Cage Bases Each cage base consists of a cage bottom, two inlets, and two filter assemblies. Periodically inspect each cage for cracks, warping or other damage. Stack cage bases up to 13 high for storage; for topped bases, up to 7 high. Washing and Autoclaving Wash cage parts at 180 F (82 C) before autoclaving. Use non-alkaline detergents, and rinse thoroughly with deionized water. Verify autoclave is properly calibrated. Animal Care Systems is not responsible for damage caused by improper use of an autoclave. Do not stack polycarbonate parts in the autoclave or before they have cooled after autoclaving. Use polysulfone for repeated autoclave use. For polysulfone cages, a sample stack of cages should be tested at the maximum expected temperature prior to commencing normal operations. If the lowest cage in the stack is deformed after testing, the stack must be shortened. Both filter media should be replaced every 70 autoclave cycles. Consult the filter replacement standard operating procedure for guidance. Autoclave Temperature Maximum Temperature? Autoclave Duration Duration Limit at Temperature? Polycarbonate 250 F (121 C) Yes 20 minutes Yes Polysulfone 275 F (135 C) No 20-30 minutes No Page 3 of 6
Cage Removal 1. Pull the cage up slightly and out with both hands. Cage Change 1. Place a clean cage base assembly. 2. Remove the cage top from the soiled cage base. 3. Transfer each animal from the soiled cage base to the clean one. 4. Replace top, and reinstall cage on rack, ensuring the cage is fully seated on the shelf. 5. Inspect each row and column for cage misalignments. Bottle Change 1. Lift the empty bottle assembly out of its cavity in the cage top. 2. To remove the cap, grasp it firmly and pull with a twisting motion (to help the cap separate from the seal). 3. Press the cap firmly onto the clean, filled bottle, and twist 1/4 of a turn (to secure the cap and minimize leaks). 4. Install the new bottle. Feeder Change 1. Remove the cage top and feeder lid. 2. Grasp the feeder along the two longer sides near the top rim, and squeeze (Figure 1). 3. While squeezing, push the feeder upward through the opening in the cage top (Figure 2). 4. Do not fill the feeder beyond its upper rim. 5. To reinstall, lower the feeder into the opening, and just as it bottoms out, squeeze the sides until the recessed section clears the tabs on the cage top and becomes captive. Replace the feeder lid. Figure 1 Figure 2 Page 4 of 6
Cage Bedding 1. Pour 1 to 2 cups of bedding into each mouse cage base or 3 to 4 cups into each rat cage base. 2. Spread the bedding evenly across the floor at a depth of 3/8 to 1/2 of an inch. Use aspen shavings, corncob, or a similar bedding. Empty Cage Storage If using the rack to store empty cages, be sure each cage base has a top to ensure a closed rack system. Local Construction/Renovation If there is any construction or renovation work in or around the facility, place vibration isolator pads beneath each rack s casters. This eliminates the vibration from power tools and other noises. Contact your Animal Care Systems sales representative for details. 3m Magnitude (Grms) Magnitude (Grms) 2.5m 2m 1.5m 1m 750u 500u 250u 0 3m 2.5m 2m 1.5m 1m 750u 500u 250u 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 Frequency (Hz) 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 Frequency (Hz) 400 400 3m Magnitude (Grms) 2.5m 2m 1.5m 1m 750u 500u 250u 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 Frequency (Hz) Credit: Comparative Medicine Program, Texas A&M University Top graph: Passive vibration Middle graph: Construction vibration, no pads Bottom graph: Construction vibration, with pads 400 Page 5 of 6
Rack Type and Capacity Hoses Per Rack Mouse Rack Airflow Recommendations Total Volume Airflow per Rack, in CFM per hose, less one hose, plus one hose, S1, 14 Cages 1 8 / 12 1.3 / 2.0 N/A N/A S2, 28 Cages 1 16 / 24 2.6 / 3.9 N/A N/A S3, 42 Cages 1* 24 / 36 3.9 / 5.9 N/A 2.0 / 3.0 S4, 56 Cages 2 32 / 48 2.6 / 3.9 5.2 / 7.8 N/A S5, 70 Cages 2 40 / 60 3.2 / 4.8 6.4 / 9.6 2.2 / 3.2 D4, 56 Cages 2 32 / 48 2.6 / 3.9 5.2 / 7.8 N/A D6, 84 Cages 2 48 / 72 3.9 / 5.9 7.8 / 11.8 2.6 / 4.0 D8, 112 Cages 2* 64 / 96 5.2 / 7.8 N/A 3.5 / 5.2 D10, 140 Cages 2* 80 / 120 6.5 / 9.8 N/A 4.4 / 6.6 Rack Type and Capacity Hoses Per Rack Rat Rack Airflow Recommendations Total Volume Airflow per Rack, in CFM per hose, less one hose, plus one hose, S1, 7 Cages 1 12 / 18 1.9 / 2.9 N/A N/A S2, 14 Cages 1 24 / 36 3.8 / 5.7 N/A N/A S3, 21 Cages 1* 36 / 54 5.7 / 8.5 N/A 2.9 / 4.3 S4, 28 Cages 2 48 / 72 3.8 / 5.7 7.6 / 11.4 N/A S5, 35 Cages 2 60 / 90 4.9 / 7.3 9.8 / 14.6 3.3 / 4.9 D4, 28 Cages 2 48 / 72 3.8 / 5.7 7.6 / 11.4 N/A D6, 42 Cages 2 72 / 108 5.7 / 8.5 11.4 / 17 3.8 / 5.7 D8, 56 Cages 2* 96 / 144 7.8 / 11.7 N/A 5.2 / 7.8 D10, 70 Cages 2* 120 / 180 9.7 / 14.5 N/A 6.5 / 9.7 *Rooms with sub-optimal ventilation may require additional exhaust hoses to meet airflow requirements. Contact Animal Care Systems support for instructions and additional equipment requirements for extra hoses. Page 6 of 6