Abstract: A freeze drying vessel having a drying chamber and moveable transfer belts each moved by a driven drum. Each transfer belt includes a transfer surface that transports frozen particles. Each transfer surface is arranged vertically in the chamber and moves in an opposite direction than a lower transfer surface. A removal device is located adjacent each driven drum that removes frozen particles from an end of each transfer surface, respectively, to enable removed frozen particles to flow downward to a lower transfer surface. A heating element is located adjacent each transfer belt to sublimate the frozen particles to form freeze dried product.

Abstract: A compact freeze dryer removes a liquid from a bulk powder product. The freeze dryer utilizes a single cryogenic vessel for both (1) freezing the liquid contained in the bulk product, and (2) condensing vapor resulting from sublimating the frozen liquid. A vacuum pump is connected to the cryogenic vessel for drawing a vacuum in the cryogenic vessel and in a drying vessel. Vapor resulting from subliming the frozen liquid in the drying vessel is drawn into the cryogenic vessel and condensed.

Abstract: A freeze dryer processes aseptic bulk powder products. The freeze dryer freezes the product by mixing an atomized spray of product with sterile liquid nitrogen to produce a frozen powder. The frozen powder is freeze dried in a vessel by dielectrically heating the frozen powder using electromagnetic radiation such as microwave radiation or infrared radiation, and the frozen powder is continuously agitated using a sterilizable apparatus such as a series of vibrating shelves to maintain even heating and to prevent agglomeration.

Abstract: A freeze dryer processes aseptic bulk powder products. The freeze dryer freezes the product by mixing an atomized spray of product with sterile liquid nitrogen to produce a frozen powder. The frozen powder is freeze dried in a vessel by dielectrically heating the frozen powder using electromagnetic radiation such as microwave radiation or infrared radiation, and the frozen powder is continuously agitated using a sterilizable apparatus such as a series of vibrating shelves to maintain even heating and to prevent agglomeration.

Abstract: Parameters of a freeze drying process are monitored by measuring trace materials in the vacuum pump exhaust. The measurements are made using techniques such as acousto-optic spectrometry, multipass cavity-enhanced absorption spectrometry (CEAS) and cavity ring-down spectrometry (CRDS). The technique may be used to diagnose problems such as leakage in the freeze drying shelves, leakage in the condensation coils, leaks from atmosphere in the chambers and the presence of residual cleaning materials. The technique may also be used to monitor the presence of water vapor in the exhaust of a secondary drying process.

Abstract: Parameters of a freeze drying process are monitored by measuring trace materials in the vacuum pump exhaust. The measurements are made using techniques such as acousto-optic spectrometry, multipass cavity-enhanced absorption spectrometry (CEAS) and cavity ring-down spectrometry (CRDS). The technique may be used to diagnose problems such as leakage in the freeze drying shelves, leakage in the condensation coils, leaks from atmosphere in the chambers and the presence of residual cleaning materials. The technique may also be used to monitor the presence of water vapor in the exhaust of a secondary drying process.

Abstract: This invention is directed to freeze dryers used in the pharmaceutical industry, and in particular, to a barrier system for freeze dryers located in an isolator or clean room facilitate sterilization of the isolator.

Abstract: An integrated heater/cooler for heating and cooling of heat transfer fluid in a freeze dryer is provided. This integrated heater/cooler is made up on a housing having a heat exchange fluid outlet to discharge heat exchange fluid; a heat exchanger disposed on one side of the housing having a refrigerant inlet to receive refrigerant, a refrigerant outlet to discharge refrigerant and a heat exchange fluid inlet to receive heat exchange fluid; and a heater disposed on the other side of the housing.