Module 3 – Drying & Maintenance
Part of the Purus Lumina Device Care Education Programme
What this module covers
Module 2 documented the cleaning protocol. This module documents what happens after the rinse: drying, inspection, storage of cleaned components, and the maintenance checks that must be performed before every session.
Drying is not the final step of cleaning. It is a clinical requirement in its own right. A component that has been cleaned but not fully dried before reassembly introduces moisture into the device. Moisture in the filling chamber affects grind consistency, screen performance, and temperature profile. Moisture trapped under a seal or around an O-ring accelerates degradation of that component.
No clinical guidance currently exists on drying standards for dry herb devices used in prescribed CBPM administration in the UK. This curriculum documents the standard that should apply.
The drying standard
Air drying on a clean surface is the only acceptable method. No heat source. No hairdryer. No hot air dryer. No heated drying cabinet. No microwave. Isopropanol is flammable — applying any heat source to a component cleaned with isopropanol is a COSHH-relevant safety failure. This applies even if the component appears dry to the touch. Residual isopropanol may remain in recesses, channels, and around seal edges not visible on the surface.
Minimum drying time: There is no fixed minimum time that applies universally. Drying time depends on ambient temperature, humidity, airflow, and the geometry of the component. A cooling unit with multiple internal channels will retain moisture longer than a flat screen. The standard is full dryness confirmed by inspection, not a timer.
Drying surface: Components must be placed on a clean, uncontaminated surface. Use a fresh sheet of blue roll or a clean, lint-free surface. Do not use a fabric surface that sheds particulate.
Drying environment: Dry in a well-ventilated area. Do not dry components in a humid environment — a bathroom, a kitchen with active cooking, or any space with elevated ambient moisture will extend drying time and may introduce airborne contamination onto cleaned surfaces.
Drying orientation: Where possible, orient components to allow gravity to assist drainage. The cooling unit should be positioned so residual moisture in the channels can drain downward. Screens should be laid flat. The mouthpiece should be positioned opening-down or on its side.
Confirming dryness: Before reassembly, inspect every component individually. Hold each component up to light and confirm no visible moisture remains in channels, recesses, or around seal seats. Run a clean, dry cotton bud through any channel that cannot be inspected visually. If the cotton bud returns moisture — the component is not dry. Continue drying.
Storing cleaned and dried components
Storage standard: Store dried components in a clean, sealed container. A lidded glass or food-grade plastic container is appropriate. Do not use a fabric pouch, an open tray, or any container that cannot be confirmed as clean and sealed.
Labelling: If components from different devices or different cleaning sessions are stored, label the container clearly. Do not mix components from different devices in the same storage container.
Pre-session maintenance checks
Screen check: Both screens must be present, clean, and intact. If either is absent, damaged, or blocked — do not use the device.
Seal and O-ring check: Any seal that is cracked, deformed, discoloured, or does not seat correctly must be replaced before use.
Airpath check: Draw resistance should be consistent and moderate. Any significant increase indicates a blockage that must be cleared before use.
Chamber check: The filling chamber must be clear of AVB and residue from the previous session before loading.
Tool and accessory check: The filling chamber tool must be clean and free of residue. The device brush must be clean. Any accessory being used in this session must be confirmed clean before use.
Battery and power — pre-session checks
Check the battery level before beginning a session. A device that runs out of power mid-session will not complete the vaporisation of the loaded material. The prescribed amount will not be fully delivered.
If the device is to be used on mains power, confirm the cable is connected and the charging indicator is active before beginning. If a power bank is being used, confirm compatibility before the session.
AVB — Already Vaped Bud
AVB is the botanical material remaining in the filling chamber after a completed session. It has been fully vaporised to the point of exhaustion and retains no meaningful therapeutic value for the purposes of the prescribed dose. It must be removed from the device after every session without exception.
Why removal matters: AVB left in the device continues to off-gas at ambient temperature. It increases the contamination load on the filling chamber, the screens, and the cooling unit. It accelerates residue build-up and shortens the interval between required cleans.
How to remove AVB: Allow the device to cool fully before handling. Use the filling chamber tool to loosen and collect the material. Tap the chamber gently over a clean collection surface. Do not blow into the chamber — this introduces moisture and redistributes particulate into the airpath.
AVB storage: If retaining AVB, store it in a clean, sealed, smell-proof container. Glass jars with airtight seals are the appropriate standard. Label the container with the strain and date of collection if retaining across multiple sessions.
Disposal: If not retaining AVB, dispose of it in general household waste in a sealed bag. Do not dispose of AVB in a way that could be mistaken for unused cannabis material.
Device storage between sessions
AVB removal before storage: AVB must be removed from the device before storage. Material left in the device between sessions continues to off-gas at ambient temperature and increases the contamination load on every subsequent clean.
Storage with or without the cooling unit: Either is acceptable provided both the device and the cooling unit are clean and dry before storage.
Travel and transport: The device must be transported in a clean, protective case. Module 7 addresses travel and transport in full.
Dosing capsule maintenance
Dosing capsules are reusable but not indefinitely. Replace when any of the following apply:
- Visible discolouration that does not clear after cleaning
- Deformation — any change in shape that affects seating
- Damage to the mesh — any tear, hole, or distortion
- Any doubt about the integrity of the capsule following inspection
Capsule cleaning: Soak in solution for a minimum of 30 minutes. Rinse individually for a minimum of 60 seconds. Air dry fully before reuse or storage.
Capsule labelling for multi-strain patients: Dosing capsules must be dedicated per strain or cleaned to protocol standard between strains. Module 4 addresses cross-strain contamination in full.
Grinder (Herbing Mill) maintenance
Grinder (Herbing Mill) inspection — every use: Brush the teeth and collection chamber to remove loose botanical material after every use.
Grinder (Herbing Mill) full strip-down: Every 5–10 sessions, or whenever visible residue accumulation is present. Full strip-down between strains is the documented standard.
Grinder (Herbing Mill) wear inspection: Inspect the teeth for wear or damage at every full strip-down. A grinder with worn, chipped, or damaged teeth sheds particulate into the ground material. Replace a worn grinder or Herbing Mill.
Replacement parts — the documented standard
- Fine screens: Replace when any damage, distortion, or blockage that does not clear after cleaning is identified.
- Coarse screens: Same standard as fine screens.
- Seals and O-rings: Replace when any crack, deformation, discolouration, or incorrect seating is identified.
- Dosing capsules: Replace when discolouration, deformation, or mesh damage is identified.
- Device brush: Replace the supplied wooden-handled brush with a non-porous equivalent.
Replacement parts for the Storz & Bickel Mighty Medic+ are available directly from Storz & Bickel via VaporMed. Patients should maintain a stock of replacement screens, seals, and dosing capsules.
In plain terms
Air dry only — no heat source, ever. Confirm dryness by inspection before reassembly.
Before every session: check both screens, all seals, draw resistance, chamber clearance, and accessories.
Remove AVB after every session using the filling chamber tool. Do not blow into the chamber. Store AVB in a sealed, smell-proof container if retaining it — label with strain and date. Dispose of it in a sealed bag if not.
Check the battery before every session.
Dosing capsules are reusable but not indefinitely. Inspect after every session. Replace when in any doubt.
The grinder (Herbing Mill) requires the same structured care as the device. Brush after every use. Full strip-down every 5–10 sessions. Full clean between strains. Replace when worn.
Get the Solution
The Purus Lumina Device Purification Solution — purpose-formulated for dry herb devices used in prescribed CBPM administration. 99.9% pharmaceutical-grade. UK-made. Designed specifically for devices like the Storz & Bickel Mighty Medic+.
Available in 250ml, 500ml, and 1L — in recyclable aluminium with a silver screw cap. No plastic. No compromise.
Isopropanol is available in three common grades — 70%, 91%, and 99.9%. Only 99.9% pharmaceutical-grade is the correct standard for medical device care. 70% and 91% contain water — affecting evaporation rate and leaving residue in device components.
A purpose-formulated solution is not a preference. It is the correct standard.
Get the Device Purification Solution →
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Continue to Module 4 – Contamination & Risk →
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This module forms part of the Purus Lumina Device Care Curriculum — the world's first documented device care education programme for patients prescribed botanical medicine. Published as a matter of public record. Preserved in perpetuity.
This module was published on 27 June 2026 and exists in perpetuity as part of the Purus Lumina Device Care Curriculum — the world's first documented device care education programme for patients prescribed botanical medicine. It will not be removed.
Glenn Hailes · Director · Purus Lumina Ltd · 3rd Floor, 86–90 Paul Street · London EC2A 4NE · United Kingdom · Registered in England and Wales