Shell Bath offers safe way to pre-freeze multiple flasks

Shell Bath offers safe way to pre-freeze multiple flasks
Dec 13, 2004
Product News Network
Self-contained VirTis Benchtop Shell Bath produces frozen product coating to inside of freeze-drying flasks. Cabinet allows capacities of up to two 1,200 mL flasks and up to four 40 mL flasks at one time. Freeze-drying flasks are rotated by speed-controlled, motor-driven rollers in -70[degrees]C bath containing alcohol or any other freeze-resistant fluid. Process evenly distributes thin coating of liquid around inside shell of flask until it is frozen solid.
The new VirTis Benchtop Shell Bath is a self-contained, compact freezing unit designed for the laboratory benchtop. This Benchtop Shell Bath produces a frozen product coating to the inside of freeze-drying flasks. This allows the freeze-drying process to be far more efficient than other conditions such as "stub freezing." A thin coating of product is evenly frozen around the inside of a freeze-drying flask, permitting a greater volume of material to be quickly and efficiently processed during each freeze-drying run. These refrigerated units provide a simple and safer method of pre-freezing multiple flasks at one time and producing the thin shell inside. The freeze dry cycle is shortened because moisture does not have to migrate through the ice interface and a thick layer of already dried product. The higher surface area also allows better heat transfer.
The VirTis Benchtop Shell Bath is mounted in a streamlined, compact cabinet that allows capacities of up to two each 1200 mL flasks and up to four each 40 mL flasks at one time. Freeze-drying flasks are automatically rotated by speed controlled, motor driven rollers in a refrigerated bath containing alcohol or any other freeze resistant fluid. The stainless steel rollers rotate freeze-drying flasks in the -70[degrees]C bath evenly distributing a thin coating of liquid product around the inside "shell" of the flask until it is frozen solid. A greater volume of material may be quickly processed during each freeze-drying cycle. To produce the most efficient format, a cylindrical shell, the flask is filled approximately 1/3 full and placed on its side for rotation. This provides a high surface to volume ratio of frozen sample to be freeze dried. A flask lift device permits flasks to be 1/2 filled. The device elevates the flask end cap and allows a conical coating to form inside the flasks as they rotate. This prevents fouling of the lid, filter, and stoppering plug.
For more information, call 800-523-2327, visit our web site at www.SPindustries.com. or write SP Industries, 935 Mearns Rd., Warminster, PA 18974.