The Freeze Drying Vial System (FDVS) has been optimized for simulating the industrial freeze drying process in a compact and efficient form. By incorporating the vials, the FDVS works with a small sample volume and uses enough to simulate large scale industrial processes while still minimizing sample wastage. It saves time and money; the unit has also been designed to save space. It is mounted on an ergonomically designed table which houses controller units underneath and has the stage and imaging system.
The system was built with the scientific process in mind and as such comes with several specialized components which are essential to the freeze drying process. The optical system can be controlled in the X, Y, Z axis with a 10X darkfield lens mounted in line with the freeze drying stage. With this specially-designed optical setup, monitoring and tracking the position of the sublimation interface can be done simply and efficiently. Real time imaging allows the user to see a sample's structural changes as lyophilization occurs in the vials. A cold trap has been built into the system to condense and remove any excess moisture. The system is fitted with two vacuum sensors, a capacitive and a pirani-type sensor, which allow accurate sensing throughout the drying process and detection of the end point of primary drying. The top of the stage also features a vial stopper which allows the user to close the open vials once the freeze drying process is complete.
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Request QuoteAlong with vacuum, temperature (-100°C to 125°C) can be accurately controlled and programmed to simulate industrial procedures and determine ideal drying parameters. The process is quick and utilises small volumes of sample, ultimately reducing sample wastage and saving on costs.
The system is fitted with two vacuum sensor types ensuring accurate detection of the transition between primary and secondary drying. The dipping thermocouple accurately measures the temperature reading within the lyophilisation vials and a platinum sensor in the shelf provides accurate stage temperature detection.
With the 10x Darkfield lens and control of the X,Y and Z axis, the system is optimised for capturing the freeze drying process. The arrangement of the optical set-up allows for structural changes to be seen as they occur in the lyophilisation vials.
Compatible with most standard freeze drying vials (2R (up to seven vials), 4R, 8R, 10R, 15R and 20R).
The built in cold trap captures excess moisture and removes it from the vacuum system.
Technical Specifications are Subject to Change
Temperature Range: -100°C to 50°C
Heating Rate: 0.01°C to 30°C
Block Type: Silver Cooling Block
Pressure Range: 40mTorr to Standard Pressure
Compatible Vials: 2R (up to seven vials), 4R, 8R, 10R, 15R and 20R
Pressure Sensors: Pirani and Capacitive
Dr Zixin Huang, University of Erlangen, Research Group of Dr H. Giesler:
“The idea of designing the FDVS system is not just to make a mini-scale freeze dryer but also to create a versatile platform, with which one is able to quantitatively evaluate the freeze-drying process under controlled condition within a single vial. The purpose of this system is to facilitate the freeze-drying cycle design and process transfer.
Process parameters such as sublimation rate and resistance to vapour flow can be determined during the drying process. By this means, the freeze-drying cycle under given condition could be quantitatively assessed. With the optical unit, which is equipped with a darkfield lens, one is also able to observe the freezing and drying process, which would be helpful for better understanding the drying behaviour”.