Cuddon Limited - Freeze Dry Technology Manufacturers, Manufacturing and General Engineers

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FUMIGATION/DOCUMENTS DRYER
The Cuddon 1015 Fumigation Freeze Dryer (lyophilization machine) is designed to remove moisture from books, manuscripts and similar materials that may have been damaged by water.

The Cuddon 1015 Lyophilization Machine has two chambers, each refrigerated with its own HFC refrigeration unit, the larger specimen chamber has a heating circuit as well. A temperature controller with a digital display controls the refrigeration and heating systems of the larger chamber. This allows exact control of the drying process. The refrigeration unit for the smaller vapour condenser chamber runs continuously when drying, and maintains a low temperature so that vapour sublimating from the specimen will condense as ice to eventually be removed by defrosting.

DESCRIPTION
Chamber
The specimen chamber is 0.9 metres in diameter x 1.8 metres in length and has a large clear viewing window so that the product may be observed at all times. It is made from type 304 stainless steel. The lyophilization machine chamber has heat/cooling coils attached to the outside. A variation of design allows for additional shelf heating.
Heating Plates/Shelves
The model 1015 lyophilization machine has an individual tray support system that allows individual removal to cater for odd size loading. Energy is supplied by radiant chamber, and centre coil heating.
Vapour Condenser
A -40°C refrigerated chamber is attached beneath the main chamber to condense the water vapour and hold it as ice that is later removed by a defrost cycle.
Defrosting
Defrosting of the vapour condenser chamber can be undertaken while drying if desired, by closing the product chamber valve and selecting Defrost. This switches valves internally, and changes the direction of hot gas from the refrigeration unit to the cold wall. Once the outer shell of the ice is melted the whole plug may be taken out; this system makes for fast defrosting.
Refrigeration/Heating
The plant has a forced draft evaporator coil mounted internally at the rear of the chamber for freezing the product, this is coupled to a 1.5kW refrigeration unit. The same refrigeration unit supplies the low temperature in the vapour condenser chamber, it is able to maintain the internal wall temperature of the chamber over a range of -25°C to +80°C. Only one mode can be selected at a time, drying or pre-freezing.
Fumigation
A unique addition to this type of lyophilization machine is the capability to fumigate material, either after freeze-drying or as a straight fumigation load. Provision has been made for some automatic operation. Fumigant enters the chamber through a heated coil in the heating tank, this is to ascertain that only gas enters the chamber. For safety reasons a high-pressure solenoid will shut off the flow at a predetermined level of vacuum which is controlled by the Pirani vacuum gauge. Material may be left under fumigation for any desired length of time.
Vacuum System
The vacuum pump is easily accessible and is provided with an mechanical isolation valve. In the event of a power failure this valve will close, isolating the two chambers from the vacuum pump, this effectively holds the temperature of the product for a short period.
Heating System
The wall of the product chamber is heated by circulating a heat transfer fluid through an internal pipe circuit. Immersion elements supply energy for heating and the temperature is regulated by the panel mounted heating/cooling temperature controller. A high limit safety thermostat is also on this control circuit as an extra safety device.
General
The chambers of the lyophilization machine are mounted on a steel frame with castors for easy manoeuvrability. The vacuum pump, refrigeration units and the pipe work are all mounted within the frame. The chamber is insulated and clad in sheet stainless steel. The plant comes pre-wired and tested in our works before delivery. Requires only three-phase, neutral and earth connection. No drain or water necessary.
Warranty
The plant is warranted for 12 months from date of despatch.

Learn more about the lyophilization machine and freeze drying equipment Cuddon supplys throughout the world.

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