Laboratory Freeze Dryers
Laboratory Freeze Dryers: How They Work and Choosing a Capacity
A freeze dryer (lyophiliser) dries samples by freezing them and subliming the water at low pressure, so structure and activity are preserved. This page covers laboratory-class freeze dryers for research - not household food units - and the four numbers that decide the choice.
- Sublimationice straight to vapour
- Laboratory classnot a household food unit
- Vacuum pumps availablediaphragm and rotary vane
- Already deliveredan HFD-6 unit to a customer
The three stages of freeze drying
- FreezingThe sample is frozen until all its water is ice. The freezing rate sets the crystal size, and crystal size decides how fast sublimation proceeds.
- Primary drying (sublimation)Pressure is lowered so the ice sublimes straight to vapour without passing through a liquid phase. The vapour is captured in the cold trap.
- Secondary drying (desorption)Water still bound to the material is released by raising the shelf temperature slightly. This stage sets the final moisture content.
The four numbers that decide the choice
- Cold-trap temperature. The lower it is, the more effectively water vapour is captured and the wider the range of solvents you can handle. Organic-solvent samples need a colder trap than aqueous ones.
- Ice capacity per batch. Quoted as kilograms of water captured in one cycle; this, not the number of trays, is what limits sample volume.
- Shelf area and count. Tray-format samples need area; vial or flask samples need a manifold with ports.
- Vacuum pump. Pumping speed and ultimate vacuum decide sublimation speed. Oil-free diaphragm pumps are cleaner; rotary vane pumps reach deeper vacuum.
Freeze dryers and vacuum pumps
| Model | Best for | Price | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| LANPHAN HFD-6 freeze dryer | A laboratory-class unit we have delivered; full specifications come with the quotation | on request | Request quote |
| Infitek VACP-D31 diaphragm vacuum pump | Oil-free, clean vacuum with no cross-contamination risk | Rp 11.981.430 | Buy online |
| Joan Lab VP vacuum pump (10/15/30 L/min) | An economical option for filtration and routine vacuum work | Rp 3.415.000 | Buy online |
| Infitek -25 °C laboratory freezer | Freezing samples ahead of the drying cycle | Rp 71.779.848 | Buy online |
Store catalogue prices before 11% VAT and shipping; subject to change. Stock and delivery time are confirmed in the quotation.
Laboratory vs food freeze dryers
Most "freeze dryer" searches in Indonesia are for food dryers aimed at home businesses. Those units are not designed for research samples: the cold-trap temperature is not stated, the vacuum is not programmable, and there is no data to report in a publication. If you are looking for a unit for fruit or food, we are not the right supplier. If you are drying extracts, proteins, nanomaterials or biological samples for research, this page and our team are relevant.
Frequently asked questions
How does freeze drying differ from oven drying?
An oven evaporates water at high temperature, so material can shrink, harden or lose activity. Freeze drying sublimes ice at low temperature, so pore structure, shape and biological activity are far better preserved.
How long is one freeze-drying cycle?
It depends on sample thickness, water content and the unit's capacity; typically hours to more than a day. Thin samples in trays are far faster than thick ones.
Is a separate vacuum pump needed?
Some models include a pump, others are sold without one so you can match the pump type to your solvents. We state the configuration in the quotation so no component is missed.
Does AMI handle institutional procurement for this equipment?
Yes. We issue tax invoices and are a registered LKPP e-Catalogue supplier for university and government procurement.
Need help choosing a specification?
Tell us about your samples, working temperature or test method. Our team will match the right model and send a formal quotation with an estimated delivery time.
