Stone Ridge, NY July 16th, 2003
Contact: Leslie Mather
845.687.5315

FTS Systems announces the introduction of a new Sample Extractor for its LyoStar II R&D and process development freeze-dryers.

The new design features an improved sealing mechanism to enhance the protection of product during the lyophilization process. According to product manager Leslie Mather, “Maintaining vacuum integrity of the freeze-drying process is critical for a successful freeze-dried product. Being able to remove samples from the freeze-dryer without disturbing the process facilitates effective cycle development. This improved design enables this by adding new safeguards.”

The new design enables safe, gentle extraction of vials from the product chamber to an
antechamber where the vial can be stoppered. The redesigned inner antechamber door
glides easily into place with no rubbing of gaskets and without additional vacuum grease.
This improved sealing mechanism reduces the need for maintenance and minimizes the
pressure rise in the system when the inner door is opened. Adds Mather, “More con
stant pressure means a more stable process.”

The new sample extractor can easily be installed at the customer’s site. It will be avail
able as an option on all new LyoStar II systems, and can be purchased for retrofit instal
lation for existing systems.

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.