Pilot Freeze Dryer with 10kg Capacity – Precision Lyophilization for Research and Small-Scale Production

Product Overview

The Pilot Freeze Dryer with 10kg Capacity is a compact, high-performance vacuum freeze-drying system designed for research laboratories, pilot production, and small-scale food or pharmaceutical processing. Utilizing advanced lyophilization technology, this equipment removes water from frozen materials through sublimation under low-pressure vacuum conditions. By converting ice directly into vapor without passing through the liquid phase, the freeze dryer ensures that products retain their original shape, color, flavor, texture, and nutritional content. This pilot-scale system is ideal for testing and developing new products before scaling up to industrial production.

Key Specifications

• Capacity: 10 kg per batch

• Drying Chamber: Stainless steel, corrosion-resistant, insulated for energy efficiency

• Shelf Heating: Adjustable heating shelves with precise temperature control up to 120°C

• Vacuum System: Integrated vacuum pump with digital vacuum control, maintaining pressures as low as 10–30 Pa

• Cold Trap: Refrigerated condenser for water vapor capture, capable of temperatures down to –50°C

• Control System: PLC and touchscreen interface for programmable drying cycles and real-time monitoring

• Material Tray Size: Standard trays for uniform product loading and efficient heat transfer

• Power Supply: Compatible with laboratory and small-scale production environments

Applications

The 10kg pilot freeze dryer is versatile and widely used for:

• Food Research and Development: Freeze-drying fruits, vegetables, herbs, mushrooms, and pet food

• Pharmaceutical Industry: Drying sensitive drugs, vaccines, enzymes, and biologics

• Nutritional Supplements: Preparing powdered formulations with maximum nutrient retention

• Pilot Production: Small-scale product trials before full-scale commercial production

• Laboratory Studies: Testing freeze-drying parameters, rehydration rates, and shelf-life evaluations

Usage Instructions

1. Preparation: Pre-freeze materials at low temperatures (typically –30°C to –50°C) to form solid ice crystals.

2. Loading: Place the frozen materials on trays inside the vacuum drying chamber, ensuring even spacing for airflow and heat transfer.

3. Drying Cycle: Close the chamber door, start the vacuum pump, and set the desired temperature and pressure parameters. The system will sublimate ice while the cold trap captures water vapor.

4. Monitoring: The control system tracks temperature, pressure, and drying time, with automatic adjustments to maintain optimal drying conditions.

5. Completion: When drying is complete, the chamber is slowly returned to atmospheric pressure using inert gas or clean air. Remove the freeze-dried products for packaging or further testing.

Common Questions

• Q: Can I freeze-dry liquid samples?
  A: Yes, liquids can be frozen in trays or vials before starting the cycle.

• Q: How long does a batch take?
  A: Typical drying time ranges from 12 to 36 hours depending on material type, moisture content, and shelf temperature.

• Q: What maintenance is required?
  A: Regular cleaning of trays, vacuum seals, and the cold trap is recommended. Check refrigerant and vacuum pump operation periodically.

• Q: Can I scale up this process?
  A: Yes, pilot data from this 10kg system can be used to design larger industrial freeze-drying systems.

Conclusion

The Pilot Freeze Dryer with 10kg capacity provides a reliable, efficient, and precise solution for research, pilot production, and small-scale manufacturing. Its compact design, advanced control system, and excellent nutrient retention make it ideal for developing high-quality freeze-dried foods, pharmaceuticals, and nutritional products while supporting accurate scale-up to larger production systems.