In the fields of biopharmaceuticals and scientific research, solvent removal and material concentration are crucial steps in both experimental and production processes. Traditional methods such as evaporation and centrifugation often suffer from inefficiencies, loss of active ingredients, and incomplete solvent removal. Laboratory freeze dryers, with their unique advantages of low temperature and low pressure, have emerged as highly effective tools for these processes. Among them, "BOTH" freeze dryers are at the forefront of advancing this technology.
The Science Behind Freeze-Drying: Low-Temperature Dehydration
A laboratory freeze dryer achieves solvent removal and material concentration through three key stages:
Pre-freezing Stage: The material containing solvents is rapidly frozen at temperatures ranging from -40°C to -80°C, forming solid ice crystals.
Primary Drying (Sublimation): Under a vacuum environment (typically below 10Pa), ice crystals directly sublimate into water vapor, removing over 90% of the solvent.
Secondary Drying (Desorption): A mild temperature increase (20-40°C) facilitates the complete desorption of bound water, resulting in a final moisture content of 1%-5%.
This process eliminates high-temperature damage to heat-sensitive substances, preserving the molecular structure of proteins, enzymes, and vitamins. Additionally, it creates a porous structure that facilitates easy rehydration or direct application.
Key Advantages of Laboratory Freeze Dryers
Compared to industrial-scale equipment, laboratory freeze dryers offer superior precision control and small-batch processing benefits:
Precise Temperature Control: The "BOTH" freeze dryer model ZLGJ-12, for example, utilizes imported compressor cooling technology, reaching trap temperatures as low as -80°C to ensure rapid freezing.
Intelligent Vacuum Management: High-precision sensors continuously monitor vacuum levels (≤5Pa), with built-in protection mechanisms to prevent solvent retention.
Gradient Heating for Concentration: Equipped with programmable shelf heating (such as "BOTH" freeze dryer PLD control technology), these systems allow tailored temperature curves for different materials, optimizing concentration.
For instance, in a biological laboratory experiment involving antibody freeze-drying, traditional evaporation methods led to protein aggregation and deactivation. In contrast, freeze-drying at low temperatures preserved over 95% of antibody activity, with the resulting powder being more stable for long-term storage.
As a company specializing in domestic freeze-drying equipment for 17 years, "BOTH" freeze dryers have enhanced solvent removal efficiency through continuous technological innovation.
1. Full-Process Data Traceability System
The "BOTH" laboratory freeze dryer is equipped with a color touchscreen and data storage module (capable of storing up to 100,000 records). It provides real-time temperature-vacuum curves, enabling researchers to precisely determine the endpoint of solvent sublimation, preventing over-drying or residual solvent issues.
2. Multiple Safety Protection Mechanisms
Automatic vacuum pump lockout if the trap temperature is above -50°C to prevent backflow damage.
Sound and light alarms with automatic protection activation in case of vacuum failure or abnormal temperature fluctuations.
Optional UPS power supply maintains control system operation for 20 minutes during power outages, ensuring experimental continuity.
3. Modular Function Expansion
With an optional automatic re-pressurization gas injection system, inert gases such as nitrogen can be introduced into the drying chamber to prevent oxidation reactions during the concentration of oxygen-sensitive solvents (e.g., ethanol). The chamber, made from hygienic stainless steel with a coil-free trap design, eliminates cross-contamination risks.
Laboratory freeze dryers have evolved from simple dehydration devices into sophisticated process control platforms. The "BOTH" ZLGJ series, through its intelligent and modular design, not only improves solvent removal efficiency but also enables real-time monitoring and optimization of the concentration process. For researchers who prioritize experimental precision and stable results, these devices are becoming an indispensable "standardized process assistant" in laboratories.
Post time: Mar-13-2025
