Labconco FreeZone Triad Freeze Dry System 74000 Series User Manual
Page 5
Product Service 816-333-8811 or 1-800-522-7658
1
C
C
h
h
a
a
p
p
t
t
e
e
r
r
1
1
:
:
I
I
n
n
t
t
r
r
o
o
d
d
u
u
c
c
t
t
i
i
o
o
n
n
Congratulations on your purchase of a Labconco FreeZone® Triad
Freeze
Dry System, which is designed for laboratory lyophilization procedures. The
refrigerant used in the refrigeration system is CFC-free so it will not
endanger the environment. The unit is easy to install and maintain. Proper
care and maintenance of this product will result in many years of dependable
service.
Freeze Dry Process
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. Other than food processing (e.g.,
coffee, whole dinners), freeze drying has been extensively used in the
development of pharmaceuticals (e.g., antibiotics) and preservation of
biologicals (e.g., proteins, plasma, viruses and cell lines). The nondestructive
nature of this process has been demonstrated by the retention of viability in
freeze dried viruses and microorganisms.
Freeze drying is a process whereby water or other solvent 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 from the surface of the sample; the transfer of water vapor to a
collector; and the removal of heat by the collector in order to condense the
water vapor. In essence, 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.