Pilot freeze-dryer
Powerful floor-mounted unit for small batch production and process development
Epsilon 2-12D LSCplus
The Epsilon 2-12D LSCplus freeze dryer is a general-purpose, high-performance pilot unit featuring stainless steel shelves with internal heat transfer media channels for heating and cooling, enabling it to meet even the most stringent demands of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. The key features of this unit are its drying options using up to six shelves with a total area of 0.95 m2 and a shelf spacing of 51 mm, and a hydraulic stoppering device with optional stainless steel bellows seal. The Epsilon 2-12D LSCplus is also ideal for product development and small-scale production activities.
The applications of the Epsilon 2-12D LSCplus freeze dryer include the drying of bacteria or cultures, viruses, blood plasma, serum fractions, antibodies, vaccines, medicines such as chloramphenicol or streptomycin, vitamins, biomass and plant extracts for biochemical tests.
Technical data
| Ice condenser capacity: | 12 kg |
| Ice condenser temperature: | –80 °C |
| Shelf dimensions: | 350 × 450 mm (W × D) |
| Number of shelves: | max. 6 |
| Shelf area: | 0,95 m2 |
| Shelf spacing: | min. 51 mm |
| Shelf temperature: | –60 °C to +60 °C |
| Shelf temperature accuracy: | max. ±1 °C |
| Cooling systems: | Independent systems, water cooled |
| Ice condenser cooling system: | 4 kW compressors, two-stage |
| Shelf cooling system: | 1,2 kW compressor |
| Unit dimensions: | 1972 × 1570 × 1397 mm (H × W × D) |
WTMplus 2.0 – Wireless Temperature Measurement
The WTMplus 2.0 (wireless product temperature measurement system) avoids the disadvantages arising from the use of wired temperature sensors. It is significantly easier to use in practice. There is no need for temperature sensor cables or connectors inside the vacuum chamber. The wireless self-powered sensors are placed manually or automatically when the product vials or dishes are filled and report the corresponding product temperatures to the unit controller during the entire lyophilisation process.
Technical data
| Probe dimensions | Length: 21 mm plus 29 mm flexible antenna Diameter: 2.8 mm |
| Temperature measuring range | –60 °C to +135 °C |
| Measurement accuracy | ±1,0 K |
| Temperature resolution | 0.1 K |
Comparative pressure measurement
In addition to product temperature measurement and pressure rise testing, the simultaneous use of two vacuum sensors with different measuring principles can provide information about the progress of the drying process. The commonly used Pirani gauge indicates higher absolute pressures at the start of the primary drying phase because its operation is dependent on the gas type and large amounts of water vapour are released at the start of the primary drying phase. By contrast, capacitive pressure sensors are independent of the gas type. The approaching end of the primary drying phase, which occurs when there is no longer a significant concentration of water vapour, is indicated by the gradual approach of the two pressure curves to each other during the process.
Sample extraction system
The sample extraction system allows individual sample containers to be removed under vacuum during the drying process without interrupting the drying process. This is done by using a gripper arm to pick up the sample container, close it, and remove it through a vacuum lock. This allows individual sample containers or vials to be removed from the freeze dryer at defined intervals. The samples removed through the vacuum lock can be investigated and analysed in parallel with the ongoing process. This allows the progress of the process to be measured and documented in detail.
Technical data
| Sample containers/vials: | 6R to 30R Max. 50H |
| Coupling flange: | DN 160 clamp |
| Gripper working range: | 200 mm |
| Stoppering device: | Teflon-coated plunger |
| Vacuum lock: | DN50 |
| Materials: | Stainless stell 1.4404 and 1.4435, Teflon, Borosilicate glass |
| Visualisation: | Direct or with a digital camera, lighting fixture and monitor |