The LYOVAC GT 2 from FINN-AQUA is a compact tabletop freeze dryer that has been specially designed for use in research facilities and university laboratories. Its modular design makes it particularly flexible and versatile. Depending on requirements, the appliance can be operated either in single-chamber mode with a manifold or in a two-chamber system, which enables drying via trays as well as via the manifold.
The condensation coils of the appliance are cooled via a single-stage refrigerant compressor. The large condensation surface is designed to efficiently capture and condense even large quantities of water vapour, particularly at the start of the freeze-drying process. At a drying pressure of 6.5 x 10-1 millibar, the drying capacity (for ice) is around three kilograms within 24 hours, with a maximum storage capacity (for ice) of five kilograms. At an ambient temperature of 20 degrees Celsius, the final temperature of the condenser reaches around minus 45 degrees under atmospheric pressure and around minus 55 degrees under vacuum.
The required vacuum condition is generated by a two-stage vacuum pump. A vacuum gauge integrated into the control panel, which covers a measuring range from atmospheric pressure to 10-3 millibars, is used to monitor the pressure curve. The user interface is supplemented by a clock for displaying the process duration as well as temperature displays at various measuring points and on the barometer. Both temperature and pressure can be individually preset before the start of the drying process, allowing precise control and reproducibility of the processes.
The duration of the freeze-drying process depends largely on the layer thickness and the solids content of the product. For optimum results, it is recommend to limit the layer thickness to a maximum of 15 millimetres and filling the appliance evenly. In addition, only one product type should be processed per drying process to ensure homogeneous drying.
An integrated acoustic alarm system ensures additional safety during operation. It warns if the vacuum gauge tube is not connected correctly, is defective or if the preset process time has been exceeded.
The LYOVAC GT 2 combines a compact design, technical precision and user-friendly operation. This makes it ideal for use in teaching and research, particularly in the fields of pharmacy, biotechnology and food science.
