A manifold style freeze drying accessory uses flasks or ampules attached to ports, allowing multiple different samples to be processed simultaneously and removed independently. A tray style freeze dryer features flat surfaces and sample trays within a chamber ideal for processing larger volumes of a single compound or for vials that need to be stoppered under vacuum at the end of the cycle.

The choice depends on your sample type and throughput. Key factors to consider include the ice capacity you need (ranging from 2.5 liters to 18 liters), the lowest collector temperature required for your sample's eutectic point, and whether you need to process samples in flasks or in trays. Labconco offers a range of FreeZone Freeze Dryers from benchtop units to large console systems as well as drying accessories tailored to your application.

Benchtop freeze dryers are compact units designed to sit on a laboratory bench, suitable for smaller throughput and research applications. Console freeze dryers are larger, floor standing units with higher ice capacities and support for larger accessories such as Labconco's Stoppering Tray Dryer and Bulk Tray Dryer.

The condenser temperature is the temperature of the cold coil inside each FreeZone Freeze Dryer. It allows for the process of freeze drying to take place and must be significantly colder (10-15°C) than the sample's eutectic point or collapse temperature to effectively trap water vapor. Labconco Freeze Dryers offer various condenser temperatures, such as -50°C for aqueous samples, -84°C for samples containing solvents or with lower eutectic points, and -105°C for samples with very low eutectic points or dilute methanol or ethanol.

Yes, some Labconco Freeze Dryer configurations are designed for solvent and acid use, but you must take precautions to ensure your system is compatible with your application. Some solvents and acids can damage stainless steel chambers, seals, hoses, and vacuum pumps. Labconco offers resistant coating options for freeze dry chambers and collector coils, as well as chemically resistant vacuum pump options.

Proper freezing is essential. Samples must be completely frozen solid before being placed under vacuum. If the vacuum is insufficient or the sample's temperature rises above its eutectic point, melting can occur and affect the final sample structure. Ensure your freeze dryer is reaching its specified vacuum level and that your samples are frozen to a temperature below their critical temperature before beginning a sample run.

A Stoppering Tray Dryer is a freeze drying accessory with a hydraulically powered stoppering mechanism used for drying and sealing vials under optimal conditions. After the primary and secondary drying stages are complete, the shelves are pressed together to seat the stoppers into the vials while they are still under vacuum, ensuring product integrity and a longer shelf life.

You should defrost the condenser after every run or once the ice building on the coil has reached its maximum capacity. Allowing ice to build beyond the condenser's capacity will reduce efficiency and eventually block the vapor path.

Regular maintenance includes checking and changing the vacuum pump oil if present, inspecting vacuum hoses and seals for cracks, cleaning and defrosting the condenser chamber, and ensuring the drain valve is clear.

A wide range of accessories including replacement flasks, vacuum hoses, temperature probes, trays, and manifolds, can be found on the Labconco website or by contacting your Labconco Sales Representative. Your instrument's manual will also list compatible accessories for your specific model.