Freeze drying is an important process in sample preparation and for the preservation and storage of biologicals, pharmaceuticals and foods. Of the various methods of dehydration, freeze drying (lyophilization) is especially suited for substances that are heat sensitive.

Freeze drying is a process whereby water is removed from frozen material by converting the frozen water directly into vapor without the intermediate formation of liquid water.

The basis for this sublimation process involves the absorption of heat by the frozen sample in order to vaporize the ice; the use of a vacuum pump to enhance the removal of water vapor to a collector; and the removal of heat by the collector in order to condense the water vapor. The freeze dry process is a balance between the heat absorbed by the sample to vaporize the ice and the heat removed from the collector to convert the water vapor into ice.

8 x 500 ml flasks

Collector Temperature: -50° C