New Auto-Refill Option Enhances Safety
of R&D/Process
Development Lyophilization
Liquid Nitrogen trap safeguards operators
and equipment
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News & Events
Stone Ridge, NY May 22,2003
Contact: Leslie Mather
845.687.5315
FTS Systems announces the introduction of an auto-refilling
liquid nitrogen trap as an accessory for the LyoStar II® R&D
freeze-dryer. The new option provides increased process and equipment
safety in the lyophilization of formulations utilizing non-aqueous
low-temperature solvents.
According to product manager Leslie Mather, “Increasing
numbers of applications are utilizing these solvents that do not
condense fully on traditional –55°C or even –85°C
condensers. This can reduce the longevity of condenser components
and vacuum pumps.” Mather adds, “Some solvents, such
as ethanol, liquefy in the traditional condenser, and can contact
chamber doors and gaskets. This can cause hairline cracks and gasket
damage which can mean down-time and higher maintenance costs.”
The Auto-Refilling LN2 trap safeguards the process
and the freeze-drying system by providing an additional ultra-low
temperature condensing area. Auto-refilling also means that operator
handling of the trap and any potentially dangerous contact with
the LN2 is minimized. The freeze-drying process becomes more automated
as the trap can be switched on line at the start of the freezing
cycle. The trap controller monitors the level of LN2 throughout
the freeze-drying process to maintain a constant supply. Robust
design minimizes evaporation and reduces risk of spillage while
maintaining excellent vacuum integrity.
About the LyoStar
II R&D Freeze-Dryer: The LyoStar II is an R&D
and process development freeze-dryer that provides unmatched
process accuracy, reliability and unique ease-of-use features.
The LyoStar II features RTD-controlled shelf temperature accuracy
of +/- 0.5°C or better and vacuum control within 0.1%
of set-point. Its robust 5.5 hp cascade refrigeration system
enables shelf pull down from ambient to –40°C in
less than 25 minutes, and the ultra-reliable scroll compressors
feature just 3 moving parts . LyoStar II’s unique integrated
arm-mounted touchscreen controls enable the operator to manage
and monitor operations at the unit.
About FTS Systems:
For more than 30 years, FTS Systems has been a leading maker
of innovative R&D, process development and production
freeze-dryers, and other thermal management systems. Based
in Stone Ridge, NY, FTS is part of Kinetics Thermal Systems,
a member of the Kinetics Group. |
