Benchtop lyophilizer system for efficient freeze‐drying of biologicals, reagents, and delicate samples

Overview

The Labconco FreeZone 4.5 L freeze dryer is a versatile benchtop lyophilizer ideal for academic and research laboratories. Its 4.5-liter chamber paired with a 12-port stainless-steel manifold allows simultaneous processing of multiple vials, flasks, or ampoules. By rapidly freezing samples and then reducing chamber pressure to sub-ambient levels, this system gently removes water (or other solvents) via sublimation—preserving structural integrity of proteins, nucleic acids, small-molecule reagents, and living cells. The integrated cascade refrigeration delivers a condenser temperature down to –84 °C, ensuring efficient trapping of vapors and high product recovery.

Key Features & Benefits

1. 4.5-Liter Stainless-Steel Drying Chamber:
2. • Accommodates up to twelve 500 mL flasks, thirty 50 mL vials, or other configurations on the included manifold.
3. • Internal dimensions (approx.): 30 cm W × 30 cm D × 20 cm H (fits most common lab vessels).
4. 12-Port Manifold (SS-304):
5. • Each port sealed with individual stopcock valves—enables staggered sample loading and selective isolation during the run.
6. • Accepts standard 5 mm or 7 mm tubing/vial adapters for a variety of sample vessels (vials, flasks, ampoules).
7. Cascade Refrigeration System:
8. • Two-stage refrigeration cascade achieves –84 °C on the stainless-steel condenser coil.
9. • High ice-load capacity (~16 kg water vapor) before defrost cycle—minimizes interruptions during large runs.
10. Digital Control Panel:
11. • LED display shows condenser temperature, shelf (if shelf kit installed) temperature, and vacuum status.
12. • Simple setpoints for “Freeze” (pre-freeze mode) and “Dry” (vacuum initiation) phases.
13. • Integrated timers for freeze-dry cycle stages (pre-cool, primary drying, secondary drying).
14. Vacuum Interface:
15. • Vacuum outlet designed for direct connection to an external lubrication-free vacuum pump (recommended: 5–8 cfm pump with ultimate vacuum < 10 mTorr).
16. • Integrated high-efficiency vapor trap between condenser coil and pump protects pump oil from moisture and sample vapors.
17. Defrost & Maintenance:
18. • Automatic defrost at end of cycle, melting accumulated ice without manual intervention.
19. • Removable condenser coil can be wiped with 70 % ethanol (when powered off) for routine cleaning.
20. Compact Footprint & Connectivity:
21. • Bench footprint (approx.): 56 cm W × 61 cm D × 81 cm H; fits under standard laboratory shelving.
22. • 60 Hz or 50 Hz models available; 115 VAC / 9 A or 220 VAC / 5 A power input.
23. • Standard NEMA 5-15 plug (North America) or IEC C13 (international).

Essential Specifications

1. Drying Chamber Volume: 4.5 L (≈ 30 × 30 × 20 cm interior)
2. Condenser Temperature: Down to –84 °C (ambient 20 °C)
3. Ice Collection Capacity: ~16 kg H₂O before defrost
4. Manifold Ports: 12 ports (SS-304) with individual stopcock valves
5. Ultimate Vacuum (Pump Dependent): < 10 mTorr (with recommended pump)
6. Power Requirements:
7. 115 VAC / 60 Hz / 9 A / 850 W (North America)
8. 220 VAC / 50 Hz / 5 A / 850 W (International)
9. Refrigerant: Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC-123), compliant with local regulations
10. Weight: ~68 kg (150 lb) fully assembled
11. Operating Environment: 10 °C – 32 °C ambient; ≤ 60 % RH (non-condensing)

Typical Applications

1. Protein & Enzyme Preservation: Freeze-drying purified proteins, antibodies, vaccines, or enzymes to extend shelf life without refrigeration.
2. Cell & Tissue Samples: Lyophilization of cell pellets, tissue slices, or microbial cultures for downstream DNA/RNA extraction or long-term storage.
3. Small-Molecule & Peptide Reagents: Drying fine powders, peptides, or drug substances that are heat-sensitive.
4. Formulation Screening: Rapid candidate formulation screening by freeze-drying small volumes (≤ 20 mL) in multiple vials for solubility/stability studies.
5. Food & Nutraceutical Samples: Preservation of fruit extracts, probiotics, or other temperature-sensitive dietary ingredients.
6. Analytical & Sample Prep: Preconcentration of environmental water samples, soil extracts, or biological fluids for trace analysis.