Abstract: A device for holding and monitoring a predetermined dose of a product during a freezing, drying and/or lyophilization process, includes a mold having a receptacle part for containing the predetermined dose of the product in direct contact with the receptacle part, a sensor, contacting the mold or integrated in the mold, for measuring a physical characteristic and/or quantity, and a transmitter for transmitting the measured characteristic and/or quantity in the form of a sensor signal to a control unit for controlling a heating and/or cooling element, integrated in the device, for heating and/or cooling a predetermined dose of product during a freezing, drying and/or lyophilization process, in the lyophilization process. The device relates in further aspects to a system and a method.

Abstract: An integrated industrial plant includes various systems, all of which use a cryogenic liquid obtained from a common source. One system includes a fermentation unit, in which cold air, chilled by heat exchange with the cryogenic liquid, absorbs excess heat generated by the fermentation. Another system is a lyophilization unit, in which a refrigeration step is performed through the use of air that has been chilled by heat exchange with the cryogenic liquid. Another system is a device for freezing discrete samples of biological products, the samples being frozen by partial immersion in the cryogenic liquid. The invention substantially reduces the use of electric power, and provides systems which operate economically and reliably.

Abstract: In the method for producing a particulate material (58) from an at least partially liquid material (35) containing a solvent and/or dispersant, this material (35) is atomized in a process chamber (21) into droplets which are frozen to particles (131) by contact with a freezing fluid. The particles (131) are then dried by freeze-drying in the or in another process chamber (22) having a filter (18) at the top. For the freeze-drying, cooled process gas is passed upward from below through the process chamber (22) and through the filter (18) in such a way that at least a substantial part of the particles (131) rest against the filter (18) at least for a substantial part of the freeze-drying taking place in the process chamber (22). This makes it possible to dry a batch of particles (131) in a short time.

Abstract: Acording to the invention, the size reduction of a wet mass of vital gluten is carried out while said mass is in a brittle state, as a result of which, on the one hand, the vitality is preserved and, on the other hand, savings in energy for the subsequent drying process are achieved. Said brittle state can be achieved by the mass being cooled to a temperature of -75.degree. C. or less. Also described is an apparatus for implementing such a method, and a combination thereof with a drier.

Abstract: The present invention includes a freeze dryer which has a housing defining a chamber. A condenser is remote from the chamber and has an interior coupled for communication with the chamber. A base supports the chamber and is configured to accommodate the chamber in a plurality of different positions relative to the base. A pump is coupled to the chamber to lower pressure in the chamber.