Freeze Dryer
A freeze dryer / lyophilizer removes water from a frozen product under vacuum for controlled drying of heat-sensitive materials. In pharma, system choice depends on product type, loading method, condenser capacity, usable shelf area, GMP requirements, documentation, and the ability to scale from R&D to production.
Subcategories
Benchtop
For R&D, formulation, cycle testing, and low volumes, the ZIRBUS VaCo lab family offers roughly 2–15 kg ice/24h condenser capacity in a modular design.
Pilot
Pilot systems bridge lab development and production. The ZIRBUS Sublimator family (5, 15, 25, 40 models) covers roughly 5–40 kg ice capacity and up to about 2.7 m² shelf area, with CIP/SIP, vacuum vial-stoppering, and cleanroom-integration options depending on model.
Industrial
For industrial production, ZIRBUS offers the single-chamber Sublimator EKS series (1–15 m² shelf area, 10–150L loading capacity; models 10/30/50/100/150 EKS) and, for larger projects, the two-chamber DKS version with industrial control, programmable drying recipes, and CIP/H2O2-sterilization options. Production systems are fully custom-designed.
Applications
- Formulation development and cycle testing in R&D
- Process transfer and pilot scale-up
- Industrial production of lyophilized products
- Drying vials, flasks, and bulk samples
Selection Criteria
- Product type: vial / bulk / biologic / API
- Condenser capacity and temperature
- Usable shelf area and shelf temperature range
- Vial-stoppering requirement
- CIP/SIP need and cleanroom integration
- GMP documentation and qualification requirements