Yingtai: Measures To Improve Freeze-Drying Efficiency Optimizing Material Loading

Yingtai: Measures to Improve Freeze-Drying Efficiency Optimizing Material Loading

Freeze-drying is one of the gentlest drying methods, but it is also a relatively lengthy process, typically requiring over 24 hours for a batch of materials. However, the energy consumption during the vacuum freeze-drying process is high, resulting in low production efficiency. Improving efficiency and reducing energy consumption are pressing challenges we need to address. One effective measure to enhance freeze-drying efficiency is to optimize the material loading method, specifically by reducing sample thickness and increasing the freeze-drying surface area.

Optimizing Material Loading Method

1. Sample Loading Thickness: Choose loading containers with a large surface area and good thermal conductivity whenever possible. Keep the sample thickness within 10 mm. Data shows that a sample thickness of 10 mm takes about 24 hours to freeze-dry, while increasing the thickness by 1 mm can extend the drying time by at least 1 hour.

2. Sample Pre-Freezing Method: For larger samples, a rotary freezing device can be used to thin out the samples, thereby increasing the sublimation surface area.

3. Sample Heating Shelves: For experimental freeze-dryers, the heat required for sample sublimation primarily comes from the environment. To accelerate the sublimation rate, especially for large batches, electric heating shelves can be employed to supply the necessary heat for sublimation.