Bulk and vial drying

Multi Concept

Dual-chamber system for maximum flexibility

Details

With the two-chamber principle developed by Martin Christ, the ice condenser is located directly under the drying chamber. The system is ideal for trays and vial drying. The large opening to the ice condenser creates ideal flows for the water vapor. Particularly temperature-sensitive material can be dried safely with this system concept.

Our preconfigured freeze dryers can be equipped with a wide range of additional options and are easy to retrofit. The two-chamber systems offer Shelves between 1.2 and 14 m² with Ice condenser capacities from 16 to 220 kg. Our production systems can be flexibly expanded on request.

Examples of applications include diagnostics and animal health.

Models & data

Our preconfigured freeze drying systems are available in six different sizes based on a space-saving system concept. You can choose between a manual or automatic door lock and an acrylic glass or stainless steel door.

Epsilon2-25D2-45D2-65D2-100D2-160D2-220D
Max. shelves (m²)1,352,884,326,489,7214,4
Number of shelves5886910
Shelf dimensions (W x D) in mm450 x 600600 x 600600 x 900900 x 1.200900 x 1.2001.200 x 1.200
Ice capacity (kg)254565100160220
Ice condenser performance (kg / 24 h)15304570110150
Shelf temperature min. - max.−60°C ‒ +50°C
Cooling rate (+20°C to -40°C)1.50
Heating rate (-40°C to +20°C)0.8

Process optimization

Use our comprehensive process monitoring for your own quality assurance and documentation. Our Process Analytical Technologies (PAT) lead to an understanding of the complex processes and enable stable drying processes.

Camera system

LyoCam

Video recordings of the product at variable intervals, depending on the process steps or as event-controlled recording – LyoCam brings greater transparency to the freeze drying process. Monitoring and analysis of freeze drying is easy and uncomplicated with this technology from Martin Christ.

  • High-end full HD industrial camera
  • Cold light LED lamps to avoid energy input
  • Completely integrated with LPCplus process visualization
  • Intelligent image storage, with image frequency linked to special process events
  • Identical timestamp to other logged process parameters
  • Up to four cameras can be used in LPCplus
  • Observation of loading, unloading and vial closure processes

Controlled Nucleation

LyoCoN

Precision freezing of all vials – that is the controlled nucleation solution LyoCoN from Martin Christ. At the press of a button, crystallization of all the vials in the freeze dryer is initiated.

  • Ice vapour is generated from the product, so no additional external substances (such as WFI) are required
  • GMP compliant process
  • No media (exhaust air or gas) that could contain active substances or product to be treated

Wireless product temperature measurement

WTMplus

The wireless product temperature measurement system WTMplus from Martin Christ makes wireless sensor-based product temperature measurement possible for freeze drying. Wireless sensors are placed direclty in the trays/vials during loading and report product temperatures to the system controller during the entire drying process.

  • Low influence of product temperature due to passive construction without batteries and very low power levels
  • Power supply to the temperature sensor via interference-free radio signal in the 2.4 GHz frequency range
  • Any probe location can be set in LPCplus
  • Up to 16 sensors for monitoring at various probe positions
  • Guaranteed service life of 100 cycles for the entire sensor
  • GMP design of the antenna and sensor
  • Fully integrated in the SCADA system

Manometric temperature measurement

MTMplus

The product temperature is one of the most critical parameters in freeze drying. It influences the shape of the ice structure, the speed of the freeze drying process and can initiate the thawing process. The Manometric Temperature Measurement system MTMplus, optimized by Martin Christ, can optimally monitor the temperature.

  • The product temperature is online calculated during the measurement
  • Non-invasive method
  • Reduced risk of product damage
  • Easily retrofittable

Comparative pressure measurement

Optimized drying monitoring

The simultaneous use of two vacuum sensors with different measuring methods provides information about the drying progress. The Pirani sensor, which is predominantly used, displays higher absolute pressure values at the start of the main drying process, as it is gas-dependent and large quantities of water vapor are released at the start of the main drying process. The capacitive pressure sensor is independent of the gas type. The convergence of the two pressure curves over the course of the process indicates the end of the main drying process, as there is no longer any significant amount of water vapor present.

Pressure rise test

Precise monitoring and automatic control

The pressure rise test is a procedure for monitoring and controlling the drying process. The pressure rise in the chamber is measured while the intermediate valve is closed.

How it works:

  1. Measurement of the pressure rise:
    When the intermediate valve is closed, the pressure increase in the recipient is continuously monitored. A stable and correct pressure is crucial for the drying process, as it provides information about the moisture content and the progress of the drying process.
  2. Adjustable limit value:
    During the test, an adjustable limit value is set for the pressure increase. This limit value serves as a critical indicator that the main drying process has been completed. If the value falls below this limit, this means that the remaining moisture in the recipient is below a defined level and the main drying process has been successfully completed.
  3. Automatic forwarding:
    As soon as the pressure rise falls below the defined limit value, the system can automatically switch to the next phase of drying, known as post-drying. This allows the drying process to continue seamlessly and efficiently without manual intervention, saving time and resources.

Further equipment options

Customize your Epsilon system with our options. From efficient loading to perfect cleaning, we offer advanced solutions that enable, for example, the smooth integration of your production systems, including filling lines.

Loading and unloading systems

Autom. systems for Trays and vials

Slot door

Slot door for connection to loading systems

CIP / SIP

Cleaning in Place / Sterilization in Place

VHP

Vapourized Hydrogen Peroxide

Linked technologies

Together with our subsidiary and the loading system manufacturer Motus, we work hand in hand to tailor your freeze drying process to your needs. As a group of companies, we offer customized loading systems, mobile filling systems and safe powder handling, including the transfer of lyophilisate into trays and vials.

Mobile filling system

Filling vessels such as Trays

Our mobile filling system is specially designed for precise filling requirements. This flexible system can be easily integrated into a sterile filling line with isolator.

Our Mobile Filling System is directly connected to the substance tank and can be easily moved into position to accurately fill containers such as trays for the freeze-drying process or in conjunction with a loading system. Filling is automated and can be fully controlled via the system.

Thanks to this innovative solution, precise dosing is guaranteed, which significantly improves the efficiency and quality of your filling processes. Rely on our Mobile Filling System for reliable and highprecision filling of your products.

Powder handling

Individual emptying of Trays

We offer customized detraying units for the safe and efficient transfer of powdered active ingredients after freeze drying into individual vessels such as bottles or containers.

For example, the trays with the dried product can be transported on a conveyor belt in a special frame table that is automatically lifted. The operator can then tilt the table manually, whereby the powder is fed directly into the desired container through a funnel.

"Our detraying units offer a unique combination of automation and manual loading, allowing a high degree of flexibility and control. The processes are intuitively designed to ensure smooth and efficient handling of powdered substances."

Containment solutions

RABS systems with LF units

The integration of containment technologies protects employees, ensures product quality and fulfils regulatory requirements. Our systems enable the seamless integration of loading systems into isolators or RABS systems, minimising risks to operators and products. RABS systems with LF units provide controlled environments for sampling.

Our integrated monitoring solutions enable real-time monitoring and fast correction of deviations. We optimize production processes with coordinated interfaces to upstream and downstream systems.

Do you have any questions?