Introduction
A pilot freeze dryer is a freeze drying system of intermediate scale, between laboratory benchtop units and industrial production systems, designed to develop, optimize, and validate freeze drying processes and to produce small pilot batches of products, and it is used in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and food industries. The pilot freeze dryer operates on the same principle as other lyophilizers: the product is frozen, and the water is removed by sublimation under vacuum, with the water vapor collected on a cold condenser; the system provides precise control of temperature, pressure, and time, and it is designed to allow the development of drying cycles that can be scaled up to production equipment, with the chamber, shelves, and condenser sized to mimic the geometry and performance of larger systems. Pilot freeze dryers are used for process development and optimization, for studying the freeze drying behavior of new products, for producing small batches for clinical trials, for stability testing, for technology transfer, and for troubleshooting production issues, and they are used for drugs, vaccines, proteins, diagnostics, food products, and other materials, in pharmaceutical companies, contract manufacturing organizations, research institutions, and food companies. They are available with various shelf areas, condenser capacities, and control systems, with features such as programmable cycles, temperature and pressure control, data logging, and options for sterilization and clean-in-place. With their scale and process control capabilities, pilot freeze dryers are essential for bridging the gap between laboratory development and industrial production of freeze-dried products.
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer LPFD-T2013
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer features stainless steel chamber with 25L capacity. Both pre-freezing and drying operations are completed directly on the integrated shelf surface. Equipped w...
Pilot Top Press Freeze Dryer LPFD-T2012
Pilot Top Press Freeze Dryer features a condenser temperature of - 80°C and a condenser capacity of 40 kg/24 h. It includes an automatic recording function for the vacuum pump running t...
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer LPFD-T2012
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer offers 0.54 m² drying area and 18 Kg ice holding capacity. Our Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer has a stainless steel 304 casing that meets standards. Shelves use...
Pilot Top Press Freeze Dryer LPFD-T2012
Pilot Top Press Freeze Dryer offers 0.2 m² drying area and 10 Kg ice holding capacity. Our Pilot Top Press Freeze Dryer features a unique design with separate vacuum and cold trap chamb...
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer LPFD-T2010
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer has an ice condenser capacity of 4 kg and features a single chamber. Its cold trap and freeze-drying chamber are all designed with 316L stainless steel to ens...
Pilot Top Press Freeze Dryer LPFD-T2011
Pilot Top Press Freeze Dryer offers a -70 °C condenser temperature and 15 kg per 24 hours condenser capacity. It features an easy-to-view acrylic door for monitoring during processing. ...
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer LPFD-T2010
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer is designed to handle lyophilization needs for scale-up production. It is equipped with advanced a 15 kg condenser capacity and a temperature of -80 °C for e...
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer LPFD-T2010
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer is designed to handle lyophilization needs for scale up production. Equipped with 6 kg condenser capacity and a temperature of -80 °C for effective lyophiliz...
Pilot Top Press Freeze Dryer LPFD-T2011
Pilot Top Press Freeze Dryer is designed to handle lyophilization needs for scale-up production with a stoppering configuration for the vials. Equipped with 6 kg condenser capacity and a...
Pilot Top Press Freeze Dryer LPFD-T2011
Pilot Top Press Freeze Dryer is designed to handle lyophilization needs for scale-up production with a stoppering configuration for the vials. Equipped with 3 kg condenser capacity and a...
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer LPFD-T2010
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer is designed to handle lyophilization needs for scale-up production. It is equipped with advanced a 3 kg condenser capacity and a temperature of -80 °C for ef...
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer LPFD-T2015
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer has 1.15 m² drying area and 25 Kg ice holding capacity. It features secure three-level user access with activity tracking and export capabilities. The coolin...
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer LPFD-T2014
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer provides 1 m² drying area and 25 Kg ice holding capacity. Our Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer has a molded T-structure for better door sealing and leak preventio...
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer LPFD-T2013
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer has 0.82 m² drying area and 18 Kg ice holding capacity. It features a restart delay and thermal overload protection for safe operation. It uses an advanced s...
Pilot Top Press Freeze Dryer LPFD-T2014
Pilot Top Press Freeze Dryer has 0.4 m² drying area and 10 Kg ice holding capacity. Our Pilot Top Press Freeze Dryer shelves use circulating fluid for even temperature control. Separati...
Pilot Top Press Freeze Dryer LPFD-T2013
Pilot Top Press Freeze Dryer has 0.3 m² drying area and 10 Kg ice holding capacity. It features a compact, integrated modern design and comes with a 7-inch touch screen that displays re...
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer LPFD-T322
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer features 0.4 ㎡ drying area and 8 Kg ice holding capacity. It has a system for auto or semi-auto control and real-time vacuum monitoring for safety. If vacuum...
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer LPFD-T321
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer area and 8 Kg ice holding capacity. Our Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer features a 7-inch touch screen that shows real-time data like vacuum pressure, cold trap,...
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer LPFD-T320
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer drying area and 8 Kg ice holding capacity. The refrigeration system features two hermetic compressors, with one cooling the other for fast and efficient perfo...
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer LPFD-T411
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer drying area and 6 Kg ice holding capacity. Our Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer has two linked hermetic compressors with eco-friendly refrigerants for fast, quiet ...
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer LPFD-T410
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer drying area and 6 Kg ice holding capacity. The shelves circulate heat transfer fluid, and a special silicone-oil-based system gives the shelves high temperatu...
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer LPFD-T314
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer features a condenser temperature of -60°C, built to handle demanding freeze-drying operations. Its layered design supports thermal stability under fluctuatin...
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer LPFD-T313
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer offers a condenser temperature of -35°C, making it ideal for consistent performance in lab-scale applications. It includes food-grade contact materials to en...
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer LPFD-T312
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer offers a condenser temperature of -35°C, ideal for maintaining product stability during freeze-drying. Efficient shelf heat transfer delivers uniform tray te...
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer LPFD-T311
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer features a condenser temperature of -35°C, enabling reliable freeze-drying of sensitive samples. It supports multiple vial sizes, offering flexibility for va...
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer LPFD-T310
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer features a condenser temperature of -35°C, ensuring efficient freeze-drying for sensitive materials. The built-in vacuum gauge enables accurate pressure trac...
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer LPFD-T2012
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer has an ice condenser capacity of 12 kg. Its refrigeration system consists of dual compressors that help to reach ultra-low temperatures faster and more stably...
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer LPFD-T2011
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer has a 9 kg ice condenser capacity and a dual-chamber design. It features a Pirani vacuum sensor or capacitive vacuum sensor for optimal performance. This free...
Pilot Top Press Freeze Dryer LPFD-T2012
Pilot Top Press Freeze Dryer has a condenser, with a capacity of over 10kg and a temperature reaching as low as -75°C. It has a powerful vacuum pump evacuation rate of 16 cubic meters p...
Pilot Top Press Freeze Dryer LPFD-T2011
Pilot Top Press Freeze Dryer is designed to handle lyophilization needs for scale up production with a stoppering configuration for the vials. Equipped with 10 kg condenser capacity and ...
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer LPFD-T2010
Pilot Standard Freeze Dryer is designed to handle lyophilization needs for scale up production. Equipped with 10 kg condenser capacity and a temperature of -75 °C for effective lyophili...
Standards
ISO 13408-3:2006-Aseptic processing of health care products-Lyophilization
ASME BPE-2022-Bioprocessing Equipment
Complies with the above standards, but is not limited to them.
Features
1. Pilot-scale freeze dryer for intermediate-capacity lyophilization between lab and production.
2. Medium-capacity vacuum drying with shelf area and condenser for pilot batches.
3. Suitable for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, chemical and research pilot plants.
4. Advanced process control with recipe management and data logging for scale-up.
5. Includes vacuum chamber, shelves, condenser, vacuum system, controller and software.
FAQ
Q1: What testing scenarios is this freeze dryer mainly applied to?
A: The pilot freeze dryer is used in pharmaceutical development, biotechnology, food processing, chemical research, nutraceutical manufacturing and research institutions to perform intermediate-scale lyophilization of products including pharmaceuticals, biologics, food ingredients, chemicals, diagnostics reagents and research materials, bridging laboratory and production scale. It supports pharmaceutical formulation and process development at pilot scale, food and nutraceutical product freeze drying trials, biological product lyophilization development, chemical and material drying at larger scale, diagnostic reagent stabilization, and process scale-up studies before commercial production. The pilot scale provides larger capacity than benchtop units while maintaining flexibility for research and development. It is essential for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food and research pilot facilities requiring intermediate-scale freeze drying for formulation development, process optimization, scale-up studies, clinical trial material production, market testing and research, where pilot-scale lyophilization enables evaluation of larger batches, process validation, cycle optimization and technology transfer from laboratory to commercial production in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food and chemical development requiring controlled, scalable freeze drying capability.
Q2: What standards does the freeze dryer comply with?
A: The pilot freeze dryer complies with relevant IEC 61010 laboratory electrical safety standards, applicable GMP requirements for pharmaceutical pilot production, and relevant GB/T standards for freeze drying equipment. Pharmaceutical applications may require equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ). Vacuum and temperature measurement should be calibrated periodically. For GMP use, cycle validation and data integrity requirements apply.
Q3: What is the warranty period for the whole machine and key components?
A: The whole pilot freeze dryer is covered by a 12-month warranty. The refrigeration system, vacuum pump, chamber, shelves, condenser and controller are covered, while vacuum pump oil, gaskets, filters and valves are consumables or accessories. Damage from improper use, sample spillage or unauthorized repair is excluded. Extended service contracts are available for this high-value equipment.
Q4: Is this device difficult to operate? Is professional training required?
A: Operation requires trained personnel familiar with freeze drying principles, cycle development, vacuum systems and process control. We provide comprehensive training, operation manuals and application support. Proper sample loading, cycle programming, vacuum maintenance, condenser defrosting and result interpretation are important for successful pilot-scale lyophilization.
Q5: What is the typical lead-time for order delivery?
A: Standard models require 7-30 working days. In-stock units can ship within 3-7 working days. Custom configurations or large built-to-order systems may require additional time, and we confirm the exact schedule before order confirmation.
Q6: Is regular maintenance required? What is the recommended calibration cycle?
A: Vacuum pump oil change per usage or manufacturer schedule. Temperature and vacuum calibration every 6-12 months. Condenser defrosting and cleaning per cycle. Gasket and seal inspection regularly. Refrigeration system performance checked annually. Full system qualification for GMP pilot facilities. Routine maintenance per manufacturer schedule.
Q7: Are supporting consumables universal?
A: Vacuum pump oil, gaskets, filters, vials, stoppers and trays are available from multiple suppliers, though instrument-specific parts should be verified. Long-term consumable and maintenance cost is moderate to high depending on usage intensity.
Q8: Can I customize parameters or supporting accessories?
A: Customization includes shelf area and temperature, condenser capacity, vacuum system, stoppering capability, CIP/SIP (for GMP), control features and software. Additional shelves, vials and accessories can be ordered separately. Custom orders extend delivery lead-time.
Q9: Does the purchase include on-site installation and commissioning service?
A: Yes, pilot freeze dryers include on-site installation, commissioning, calibration and operator training by certified specialists. For GMP pharmaceutical use, IQ/OQ qualification and cycle validation support are available. Site preparation guidance is provided before delivery.
Q10: What types of samples are compatible with this equipment?
A: The pilot freeze dryer processes aqueous solutions, suspensions, solids and biological products within the shelf capacity, condenser capability and temperature specification. Products should have developed or preliminary freeze drying cycles. Highly volatile or flammable solvents require special engineering controls. Users should develop appropriate freeze drying cycles for each product, ensure proper sample loading and distribution, maintain vacuum pump and refrigeration systems, defrost and clean the condenser between runs, use appropriate containers (vials, trays), verify product moisture content after lyophilization, and maintain proper documentation for scale-up and technology transfer. For pharmaceutical pilot production, cycle development, validation and GMP documentation are required per applicable regulations. The pilot scale should be used to generate data for commercial production scale-up.
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