EP0777092A1 - Freeze-drying apparatus - Google Patents
Freeze-drying apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- EP0777092A1 EP0777092A1 EP96118095A EP96118095A EP0777092A1 EP 0777092 A1 EP0777092 A1 EP 0777092A1 EP 96118095 A EP96118095 A EP 96118095A EP 96118095 A EP96118095 A EP 96118095A EP 0777092 A1 EP0777092 A1 EP 0777092A1
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- plates
- adjusting device
- pressure chamber
- freeze
- plate
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F26—DRYING
- F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
- F26B5/00—Drying solid materials or objects by processes not involving the application of heat
- F26B5/04—Drying solid materials or objects by processes not involving the application of heat by evaporation or sublimation of moisture under reduced pressure, e.g. in a vacuum
- F26B5/06—Drying solid materials or objects by processes not involving the application of heat by evaporation or sublimation of moisture under reduced pressure, e.g. in a vacuum the process involving freezing
Definitions
- the invention relates to a freeze drying system with a pressure chamber in which at least one vertically movable plate for receiving vessels containing the product is arranged, and with an adjusting device held on an outer wall of the pressure chamber and in operative connection with the plates for vertical movement of the plates.
- Freeze-drying systems of this type are used for freeze-drying food and / or pharmaceuticals. These products to be dried are mostly filled into vessels, in particular in bottles, and are placed through a loading opening in the front wall of the freeze-drying system on a vertically movable plate within the pressure chamber. As soon as one plate is fully loaded, it is moved upwards and the next plate can be loaded. After all the plates have been loaded, the pressure chamber is cooled and then a high vacuum is applied. The energy of the product (water, benzene, glacial acetic acid, etc.) evaporates in the frozen state.
- step-shaped freeze-drying system From DE-OS 21 03 526 a continuously operating, step-shaped freeze-drying system is known, the plate-shaped drying surface of which performs vibrating movements in order to transport the material to be dried through the device.
- the present invention has for its object to provide a freeze drying system in which it is possible to set the product in a vessel in oscillations or vibrations.
- a freeze drying system of the type mentioned at the outset is proposed as a technical solution to this problem to further develop that the adjusting device and the plates are mounted such that they can vibrate with respect to the pressure chamber, and that a vibrator is attached to the adjusting device, by means of which the plates can be set in vibration while the pressure chamber remains at rest.
- a freeze drying system designed according to this technical teaching has the advantage that not the entire, heavy pressure chamber, but only the plate or plates and the adjusting device are set in oscillations or vibrations. As a result, the mass to be vibrated is very much smaller, so that the vibrator to be used requires much less power.
- the plate is a coolable shelf for receiving the product to be processed.
- the adjusting device is mounted on a plurality of vibrating metals, springs or the like, which are attached to the outside of the outer wall of the pressure chambers. This makes it possible to move the adjusting device relative to the pressure chamber, so that the adjusting device and thus also the plates can oscillate or vibrate independently of the pressure chamber.
- the adjusting device is held in a predetermined position by guide pins. After the adjustment device is movably supported in relation to the pressure chamber, the freedom of movement of the adjustment device is limited by the guide pins. These guide pins allow the adjustment device to move in the adjustment direction and limit the freedom of movement of the adjustment device in the other directions.
- the guide pins have travel limiters which limit the freedom of movement of the adjustment device in the adjustment direction.
- sufficient clearance for vibration is provided between the adjusting device and the guide pins.
- This play, or this free space, between the adjusting device and the guide pins allows the adjusting device to exert oscillations or vibrations to a limited extent and to transmit these to the plates.
- the strength of the oscillations or vibrations depends on the size of the distance or the game.
- the vibrator sets the plates in high or low frequency vibrations.
- the frequency of the vibrator is continuously adjustable.
- the adjustment device has a displacement measuring system. This makes it possible to determine the position of the individual plates and the distance between the plates. This is advantageous if the individual bottles on the plates are to be closed after the freeze-drying process has been completed.
- the bottles are closed in that the distance between two adjacent plates is reduced by vertically adjusting the plates. If the bottles are still on the plates, the lids or stoppers on the bottles are pressed into the bottle by the plate above, so that they are closed becomes. When the plates are subsequently pulled apart, it can happen that some bottles stick with their stoppers to the plate above due to the suction effect.
- the displacement measuring system now makes it possible to pull two adjacent plates apart by about 10 mm after the bottles have been closed, and to ensure that the adhering bottles come loose and fall onto the underlying plate by vibrating the upper plate. This significantly simplifies the emptying of the plates after the freeze-drying process has been completed.
- FIG. 1 shows a sectional side view of an embodiment of a freeze drying system according to the invention.
- the figure of the drawing shows the subject of the invention in a highly schematic manner and is not to be understood to scale.
- the objects of the figure are partially enlarged disproportionately, so that their structure can be shown better.
- the freeze dryer shown in the figure comprises a pressure chamber 2 made of stainless steel, in which a high vacuum can be generated.
- a pressure chamber 2 made of stainless steel, in which a high vacuum can be generated.
- a plurality of plates 4 are arranged, which can be moved vertically. So that when loading and unloading the pressure chamber 2 none if unnecessary cold is lost, a narrow, elongated loading opening is provided in a front wall of the pressure chamber 2 , not shown, which can be closed with a door, not shown.
- the plates 4 are vertically adjustable.
- the top plate 4 is exactly at the level of the loading opening when all plates 4 are pushed together. As soon as the uppermost plate 4 is fully loaded, it is pulled upwards by an adjusting device 6 attached outside the pressure chamber 2 until the plate 4 below it is at the level of the loading opening and so on.
- the individual plates 4 are connected to the respective overlying plate 4 by a bolt 8 , which is only permanently mounted on the respective plate 4 and is slidably mounted on the other plates 4 .
- a bolt 8 is only permanently mounted on the respective plate 4 and is slidably mounted on the other plates 4 .
- bolt 8 is shown in the drawing that connects the top plate 4 with an overlying printing table 10 .
- the pressure table 10 is connected to a hydraulic rod 12 which extends through an outer wall 14 of the pressure chamber 2 into a hydraulic cylinder 16 .
- This hydraulic cylinder 16 is welded to a support plate 18 which is movably mounted on the outer wall 14 of the pressure chamber 2 on four coil springs 20 .
- the support plate 18 is guided in four guide pins 22 , which are welded to the outer wall 14 of the pressure chamber 2 . It is between the support plate 18 and the respective Guide pin 22 formed a certain game 24 , so that the adjusting device 6 can vibrate or swing around within the scope of this game 24 .
- a vibrator 28 is mounted, which is operated electrically or pneumatically and whose frequency is infinitely adjustable.
- four vibrating metals can also be used instead of the four springs 20 .
- the hydraulic cylinder 16 hangs freely on the springs 20 due to the weight of the plates 14 and the vessels 32 .
- the vibrations generated are transmitted freely from the hydraulic cylinder 16 via the hydraulic rod 12 to the printing table 10 and via the screw bolts 8 to the plates 4 .
- the frequency of the vibrator 28 is freely adjustable, and both high and low frequencies can be realized with it.
- the hydraulic cylinder 16 presses the individual plates 4 together via the printing table 10 until adjacent plates 4 abut the respective vessels 32 therebetween. As soon as this state is reached, the adjusting device 6 is moved upward against the force of the springs 20 until the carrier plate 18 abuts a travel limiter 34 . By further increasing the pressure in the hydraulic cylinder 16 , a closing force can now be exerted on the individual vessels 32 .
- the printing table 10 is raised by approximately 10 mm.
- the position of the printing table 10 and the other plates 4 can be precisely determined by a displacement measuring system (not shown) within the adjusting device 6 .
- the vibrator 28 is switched on briefly in order to release any vessels 32 adhering to the plates 10 . This process is repeated until all vessels 32 are free on all plates 4 and can be removed through the loading opening without any problems.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
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- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Drying Of Solid Materials (AREA)
- Percussion Or Vibration Massage (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Gefriertrocknungsanlage mit einer Druckkammer in der mindestens eine vertikal verfahrbare Platte zur Aufnahme von das Produkt beinhaltenden Gefäßen angeordnet ist, und mit einer an einer Außenwand der Druckkammer gehaltenen, mit den Platten in Wirkverbindung stehenden Verstellvorrichtung zum vertikalen Verfahren der Platten.The invention relates to a freeze drying system with a pressure chamber in which at least one vertically movable plate for receiving vessels containing the product is arranged, and with an adjusting device held on an outer wall of the pressure chamber and in operative connection with the plates for vertical movement of the plates.
Derartige Gefriertrocknungsanlagen werden zum Gefriertrocknen von Lebens- und/oder Arzneimitteln eingesetzt. Diese zu trocknenden Produkte sind zumeist in Gefäße, insbesondere in Flaschen, abgefüllt und werden durch eine Beschickungsöffnung in der Vorderwand der Gefriertrocknungsanlage hindurch auf eine vertikal verfahrbare Platte innerhalb der Druckkammer gestellt. Sobald eine Platte vollständig bestückt ist, wird sie nach oben verfahren und die nächste Platte kann bestückt werden. Nachdem alle Platten beladen sind, wird die Druckkammer gekühlt und dannach wird ein Hochvakuum angelegt. Durch Energiezufuhr wird das Lösungsmittel des Produktes (Wasser, Benzol, Eisessig usw.) in gefrorenem Zustand verdampft.Freeze-drying systems of this type are used for freeze-drying food and / or pharmaceuticals. These products to be dried are mostly filled into vessels, in particular in bottles, and are placed through a loading opening in the front wall of the freeze-drying system on a vertically movable plate within the pressure chamber. As soon as one plate is fully loaded, it is moved upwards and the next plate can be loaded. After all the plates have been loaded, the pressure chamber is cooled and then a high vacuum is applied. The energy of the product (water, benzene, glacial acetic acid, etc.) evaporates in the frozen state.
Das Lösungsmittel und die übrigen Stoffe des Produktes gefrieren bei unterschiedlichen Temperaturen, so daß bei einem gewöhnlichen Gefriertrocknungsprozeß eine Entmischung der einzelnen Materialien stattfindet. Um diese Entmischung zu verhindern, ist bereits vorgeschlagen worden, das Produkt beziehungsweise das das Produkt aufnehmende Gefäß während des Gefriertrocknens in Schwingungen beziehungsweise Vibrationen zu versetzen.The solvent and other substances in the product freeze different temperatures, so that a separation of the individual materials takes place in an ordinary freeze-drying process. In order to prevent this segregation, it has already been proposed to vibrate the product or the receptacle receiving the product during freeze-drying.
Aus der DE-OS 21 03 526 ist eine kontinuierlich arbeitende, stufenförmig aufgebaute Gefriertrocknungsanlage bekannt, deren tellerförmig ausgebildete Trocknungsfläche vibrierende Bewegungen ausführt, um das zu trocknende Gut durch die Vorrichtung zu transportieren.From DE-OS 21 03 526 a continuously operating, step-shaped freeze-drying system is known, the plate-shaped drying surface of which performs vibrating movements in order to transport the material to be dried through the device.
Aus der US 3,667,135 ist ebenfalls eine kontinuierlich arbeitende Gefriertrocknungsanlage bekannt, bei der mehrere Tische übereinander hängend auf Rollen gelagert sind. An den Tischen greift eine Vibrationsanlage an, die jeden der Tische in Vibration versetzt. Hier wird das zu trocknende Gut über einen Einfüllstutzen auf den obersten Tisch geleitet und durch die Vibration bis zum Ende des Tisches transportiert, wo es auf den darunterliegenden Tisch fällt usw.From US 3,667,135 a continuously operating freeze-drying system is also known, in which several tables are mounted on rollers hanging from one another. A vibration system attacks the tables, causing each of the tables to vibrate. Here, the material to be dried is fed to the top table via a filler neck and transported by vibration to the end of the table, where it falls onto the table below, etc.
Bei beiden vorgenannten Gefriertrocknungsanlagen handelt es sich um kontinuierlich arbeitende Anlagen, bei denen es nicht möglich ist, in Behältern abgepackte Stoffe gefrierzutrocknen. Auch dient die Vibration der Tische dieser Anlage dem Weitertransport des zu trocknenden Gutes, was bei Behältern mit dem Gefriertrocknungsgut unerwünscht ist.Both of the above-mentioned freeze drying systems are continuously operating systems in which it is not possible to freeze-dry substances packaged in containers. The vibration of the tables of this system also serves to transport the goods to be dried, which is undesirable for containers with the freeze-dried goods.
Davon ausgehend liegt der vorliegenden Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Gefriertrocknungsanlage zu schaffen, bei der es möglich ist, das in einem Gefäß befindliche Produkt in Schwingungen oder Vibrationen zu versetzen.Proceeding from this, the present invention has for its object to provide a freeze drying system in which it is possible to set the product in a vessel in oscillations or vibrations.
Als technische Lösung dieser Aufgabe wird erfindungsgmäß vorgeschlagen, eine Gefriertrocknungsanlage der eingangs genannten Art dahingehend weiterzubilden, daß die Verstellvorrichtung und die Platten gegenüber der Druckkammer vibrierbar gelagert sind, und daß an der Verstellvorrichtung ein Vibrator angebracht ist, durch den die Platten in Vibration versetzbar ist, während die Druckkammer in Ruhe verbleibt.According to the invention, a freeze drying system of the type mentioned at the outset is proposed as a technical solution to this problem to further develop that the adjusting device and the plates are mounted such that they can vibrate with respect to the pressure chamber, and that a vibrator is attached to the adjusting device, by means of which the plates can be set in vibration while the pressure chamber remains at rest.
Eine nach dieser technischen Lehre ausgeführte Gefriertrocknungsanlage hat den Vorteil, daß nicht die gesamte, schwere Druckkammer, sondern lediglich die Platte beziehungsweise die Platten und die Verstellvorrichtung in Schwingungen, beziehungsweise in Vibrationen versetzt werden. Hierdurch ist die zu vibrierende Masse sehr viel geringer, so daß der einzusetzende Vibrator mit sehr viel weniger Leistung auskommt. Dabei ist die Platte eine kühlbare Stellfläche zur Aufnahme des zu bearbeitenden Produktes.A freeze drying system designed according to this technical teaching has the advantage that not the entire, heavy pressure chamber, but only the plate or plates and the adjusting device are set in oscillations or vibrations. As a result, the mass to be vibrated is very much smaller, so that the vibrator to be used requires much less power. The plate is a coolable shelf for receiving the product to be processed.
In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform ist die Verstellvorrichtung auf mehreren Schwingmetallen, Federn oder dergleichen gelagert, welche an der Außenseite der Außenwand der Druckkammern angebracht sind. Hierdurch wird es möglich, die Verstellvorrichtung relativ zur Druckkammer zu bewegen, so daß die Verstellvorrichtung und somit auch die Platten unabhängig von der Druckkammer schwingen beziehungsweise vibrieren können.In a preferred embodiment, the adjusting device is mounted on a plurality of vibrating metals, springs or the like, which are attached to the outside of the outer wall of the pressure chambers. This makes it possible to move the adjusting device relative to the pressure chamber, so that the adjusting device and thus also the plates can oscillate or vibrate independently of the pressure chamber.
In einer anderen, bevorzugten Ausführungsform wird die Verstellvorrichtung durch Führungsstifte in einer vorbestimmten Position gehalten. Nachdem die Verstellvorrichtung beweglich gegenüber der Druckkammer gelagert ist, wird durch die Führungsstifte die Bewegungsfreiheit der Verstellvorrichtung begrenzt. Diese Führungsstifte erlauben eine Bewegung der Verstellvorrichtung in Verstellrichtung und begrenzen die Bewegungsfreiheit der Verstellvorrichtung in den anderen Richtungen.In another preferred embodiment, the adjusting device is held in a predetermined position by guide pins. After the adjustment device is movably supported in relation to the pressure chamber, the freedom of movement of the adjustment device is limited by the guide pins. These guide pins allow the adjustment device to move in the adjustment direction and limit the freedom of movement of the adjustment device in the other directions.
Damit die Verstellvorrichtung sich nicht beliebig weit von der Druckkammer entfernen kann, und damit ein definiertes Verstellen der Platten möglich bleibt weisen die Führungsstifte Wegbegrenzer auf, die die Bewegungsfreiheit der Verstellvorrichtung in Verstellrichtung begrenzen.So that the adjustment device cannot move as far from the pressure chamber as possible, and thus a defined adjustment of the plates remains possible, the guide pins have travel limiters which limit the freedom of movement of the adjustment device in the adjustment direction.
In einer besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsform ist zwischen der Verstellvorrichtung und den Führungsstiften ein für die Vibration ausreichendes Spiel vorgesehen. Dieses Spiel, beziehungsweise dieser Freiraum, zwischen der Verstellvorrichtung und den Führungsstiften erlaubt es der Verstellvorrichtung, in begrenztem Maße Schwingungen oder Vibrationen auszuüben, und diese auf die Platten zu übertragen. Dabei hängt die Stärke der Schwingungen beziehungsweise Vibrationen von der Größe des Abstandes beziehungsweise des Spieles ab.In a particularly preferred embodiment, sufficient clearance for vibration is provided between the adjusting device and the guide pins. This play, or this free space, between the adjusting device and the guide pins allows the adjusting device to exert oscillations or vibrations to a limited extent and to transmit these to the plates. The strength of the oscillations or vibrations depends on the size of the distance or the game.
In einer anderen, besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsform versetzt der Vibrator die Platten in hoch- oder niederfrequente Vibrationen.In another, particularly preferred embodiment, the vibrator sets the plates in high or low frequency vibrations.
In einer noch anderen Ausführungsform ist die Frequenz des Vibrators stufenlos einstellbar.In yet another embodiment, the frequency of the vibrator is continuously adjustable.
Je nach Beschaffenheit des zu bearbeitenden Produktes kann es notwendig sein, unterschiedliche Frequenzen zur Vibration einzusetzen. Folglich ist es vorteilhaft, die Frequenz der Schwingungen je nach Anwendungsfall individuell einstellen zu können.Depending on the nature of the product to be processed, it may be necessary to use different frequencies for vibration. It is therefore advantageous to be able to individually set the frequency of the vibrations depending on the application.
In einer ganz besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsform weist die Verstellvorrichtung ein Weg-Meß-System auf. Hierdurch ist es möglich, die Postition der einzelnen Platten und den Abstand der Platten voneinander zu bestimmen. Dies ist dann vorteilhaft, wenn die einzelnen, sich auf den Platten befindlichen Flaschen nach Abschluß des Gefriertrocknungsprozesses verschlossen werden sollen.In a very particularly preferred embodiment, the adjustment device has a displacement measuring system. This makes it possible to determine the position of the individual plates and the distance between the plates. This is advantageous if the individual bottles on the plates are to be closed after the freeze-drying process has been completed.
Das Verschließen der Flaschen erfolgt dadurch, daß durch vertikales Verstellen der Platten der Abstand zweier benachbarter Platten verkleinert wird. Befinden sich nun die Flaschen noch auf den Platten, so werden die auf den Flaschen befindlichen Deckel oder Stopfen durch die darüberliegende Platte ein die Flasche hineingedrückt, so daß diese dadurch verschlossen wird. Beim anschließenden Auseinanderziehen der Platten kann es aufgrund der Saugwirkung passieren, daß einige Flaschen mit ihren Stopfen an der darüberliegenden Platte haften bleiben.The bottles are closed in that the distance between two adjacent plates is reduced by vertically adjusting the plates. If the bottles are still on the plates, the lids or stoppers on the bottles are pressed into the bottle by the plate above, so that they are closed becomes. When the plates are subsequently pulled apart, it can happen that some bottles stick with their stoppers to the plate above due to the suction effect.
Durch das Weg-Meß-System ist es nunmehr möglich, zwei benachbarte Platten nach dem Verschließen der Flaschen um etwa 10 mm auseinanderzuziehen, und durch Vibrieren der oberen Platte dafür zu sorgen, daß die anhaftenden Flaschen sich lösen und auf die darunterliegende Platte fallen. Hierdurch wird das Entleeren der Platten nach abgeschlossenem Gefriertrocknungsprozeß deutlich erleichtert.The displacement measuring system now makes it possible to pull two adjacent plates apart by about 10 mm after the bottles have been closed, and to ensure that the adhering bottles come loose and fall onto the underlying plate by vibrating the upper plate. This significantly simplifies the emptying of the plates after the freeze-drying process has been completed.
Weitere Vorteile der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung ergeben sich aus der Beschreibung der Ausführungsform und der beigefügten Zeichnung. Ebenso können die vorstehend genannten und die noch weiter aufgeführten Merkmale erfindungsgemäß jeweils einzeln oder in beliebigen Kombinationen miteinander verwirklicht werden. Die erwähnte Ausführungsform hat lediglich beispielhaften Charakter und begrenzt den Rahmen der Erfindung nicht. Die bevorzugte Ausführungsform ist in der Zeichnung dargestellt und wird im folgenden näher erläutert.Further advantages of the device according to the invention result from the description of the embodiment and the attached drawing. Likewise, according to the invention, the features mentioned above and those listed further can be implemented individually or in any combination with one another. The mentioned embodiment is only exemplary in nature and does not limit the scope of the invention. The preferred embodiment is shown in the drawing and is explained in more detail below.
Figur 1 zeigt eine geschnittene Seitenansicht einer Auführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Gefriertrocknungsanlage.FIG. 1 shows a sectional side view of an embodiment of a freeze drying system according to the invention.
Die Figur der Zeichnung zeigt den erfindungsgemäßen Gegenstand teilweise stark schematisiert und ist nicht maßstäblich zu verstehen. Dabei sind die Gegenstände der Figur teilweise stark überproportional vergrößert dargestellt, damit ihr Aufbau besser gezeigt werden kann.The figure of the drawing shows the subject of the invention in a highly schematic manner and is not to be understood to scale. The objects of the figure are partially enlarged disproportionately, so that their structure can be shown better.
Die in der Figur dargestellte Gefriertrocknungsanlage umfaßt eine Druckkammer 2 aus Edelstahl, in der ein Hochvakuum erzeugbar ist. In dieser Druckkammer 2 ist eine Vielzahl von Platten 4 angeordnet, die vertikal verfahrbar sind. Damit beim Be- und Entladen der Druckkammer 2 keine unnötige Kälte verlorengeht, ist in einer nicht dargestellten Vorderwand der Druckkammer 2 eine schmale, längliche Beschickungsöffnung vorgesehen, die mit einer nicht dargestellten Tür verschließbar ist. Um zu erreichen, daß sich die jeweils zu beladende Platte 4 in Höhe der Beschickungsöffnung befindet, sich die Platten 4 vertikal verstellbar. Dabei befindet sich die oberste Platte 4 genau in Höhe der Beschickungsöffnung, wenn sämtliche Platten 4 zusammengeschoben sind. Sobald die oberste Platte 4 vollständig bestückt ist, wird diese durch eine außerhalb der Druckkammer 2 angebrachte Verstellvorrichtung 6 solange nach oben gezogen, bis sich die darunterliegende Platte 4 in Höhe der Beschickungsöffnung befindet und so fort.The freeze dryer shown in the figure comprises a
Die einzelnen Platten 4 sind mit dem jeweils darüberliegenden Platte 4 durch eine Bolzenschraube 8 verbunden, die nur an den jeweiligen Platte 4 fest montiert ist und an den anderen Platten 4 verschiebbar montiert ist. Der Übersichtlichkeit wegen ist in der Zeichnung nur derjenige Schraubenbolzen 8 dargestellt, der die obersten Platte 4 mit einem darüberliegenden Drucktisch 10 verbindet.The
Der Drucktisch 10 ist mit einer Hydraulikstange 12 verbunden, welche durch eine Außenwand 14 der Druckkammer 2 hindurch bis in einen Hydraulikzylinder 16 reicht.The pressure table 10 is connected to a
Dieser Hydraulikzylinder 16 ist auf einer Trägerplatte 18 festgeschweißt, welche auf vier Schraubenfedern 20 beweglich an der Außenwand 14 der Druckkammer 2 gelagert ist.This
Damit die Verstellvorrichtung 6 mit ihrer Trägerplatte 18, ihrem Hydraulikzylinder 16 und der Hydraulikstange 12 nicht unkontrolliert umherschwingen kann, ist die Trägerplatte 18 in vier Führungsstiften 22 geführt, welche an der Außenwand 14 der Druckkammer 2 festgeschweißt sind. Dabei ist zwischen der Trägerplatte 18 und dem jeweiligen Führungsstift 22 ein gewisses Spiel 24 ausgebildet, so daß die Verstellvorrichtung 6 im Rahmen dieses Spiels 24 frei vibrieren beziehungsweise umherschwingen kann. Gleiches gilt für eine Öffnung 26 in der Außenwand 14 der Druckkammer 2, durch die die Hydraulikstange 12 hindurchreicht.So that the adjusting
An der Außenseite des Hydraulikzylinders 16 ist ein Vibrator 28 montiert, der elektrisch oder pneumatisch betrieben wird und dessen Frequenz stufenlos einstellbar ist.On the outside of the
Damit durch die Öffnung 26 kein Schmutz in die Druckkammer 2 gelangen kann, und damit die Druckkammer 2 trotz der Öffnung 26 vakuumdicht ist, ist die Hydraulikstange 12 und die Öffnung 26 mit einem Edelstahlmembranfaltenbalg 30 umgeben, der für eine entsprechende Abdichtung sorgt.So that no dirt can get into the
In einer nicht dargestellten Ausführungsform können anstelle der vier Federn 20 auch vier Schwingmetalle eingesetzt werden.In an embodiment not shown, four vibrating metals can also be used instead of the four
Während des Gefriertrocknungsprozesses hängt der Hydraulikzylinder 16 aufgrund des Gewichts der Platten 14 und der Gefäße 32 frei auf den Federn 20. Nach dem Aktivieren des Vibrators 28 werden die erzeugten Schwingungen vom Hydraulikzylinder 16 frei über die Hydraulikstange 12 auf den Drucktisch 10 und über die Schraubenbolzen 8 auf die Platten 4 übertragen. Die Frequenz des Vibrators 28 ist dabei frei einstellbar, und es können sowohl hohe, als auch niedrige Frequenzen damit realisiert werden.During the freeze-drying process, the
Zum Verschließen der einzelnen Gefäße 32 drückt der Hydraulikzylinder 16 über den Drucktisch 10 die einzelnen Platten 4 zusammen, bis jeweils benachbarte Platten 4 an den jeweils dazwischen liegenden Gefäßen 32 anliegen. Sobald dieser Zustand erreicht ist, wird die Verstellvorrichtung 6 entgegen der Kraft der Federn 20 nach oben bewegt, bis die Trägerplatte 18 an einem Wegbegrenzer 34 anliegt. Durch weitere Druckerhöhung im Hydraulikzylinder 16 kann nun eine Verschließkraft auf die einzelnen Gefäße 32 ausgeübt werden.To close the
Nachdem die Gefäße 32 verschlossen sind, wird der Drucktisch 10 um etwa 10 mm angehoben. Durch ein nicht dargestelltes Weg-Meß-System innerhalb der Verstellvorrichtung 6 kann die Position des Drucktisches 10 und der anderen Platten 4 präzise bestimmt werden. Nachdem also der Drucktisch 10 um etwa 10 mm angehoben wurde, wird der Vibrator 28 kurzzeitig eingeschaltet, um eventuell an den Platten 10 haftende Gefäße 32 zu lösen. Dieses Verfahren wird so oft wiederholt, bis sämtliche Gefäße 32 auf sämtlichen Platten 4 frei stehen und problemlos durch die Beschickungsöffnung entnommen werden können.After the
- 22nd
- DruckkammerPressure chamber
- 44th
- Plattenplates
- 66
- VerstellvorrichtungAdjustment device
- 88th
- SchraubenbolzenBolts
- 1010th
- DrucktischPrinting table
- 1212th
- HydraulikstangeHydraulic rod
- 1414
- AußenwandOuter wall
- 1616
- HydraulikzylinderHydraulic cylinder
- 1818th
- TrägerplatteCarrier plate
- 2020th
- Federfeather
- 2222
- FührungsstiftGuide pin
- 2424th
- Spielgame
- 2626
- Öffnungopening
- 2828
- Vibratorvibrator
- 3030th
- EdelstahlmembranfaltenbalgStainless steel diaphragm bellows
- 3232
- Gefäßvessel
- 3434
- WegbegrenzerPath limiter
Claims (8)
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß
die Verstellvorrichtung (6) und die Platten (4) gegenüber der Druckkammer (2) vibrierbar gelagert sind, und daß an der Verstellvorrichtung (6) ein Vibrator (28) angebracht ist, durch den die Platte (4) in Vibration versetzbar ist, während die Druckkammer (2) in Ruhe verbleibt.Freeze drying system with a pressure chamber (2), in which at least one vertically movable plate (4) is arranged for receiving vessels (32) containing the product, and with a plate held on an outer wall (14) of the pressure chamber (2) (4) active adjustment device (6) for vertical movement of the plates (4),
characterized in that
the adjusting device (6) and the plates (4) are mounted such that they can vibrate with respect to the pressure chamber (2), and that a vibrator (28) is attached to the adjusting device (6), by means of which the plate (4) can be set in vibration while the pressure chamber (2) remains at rest.
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß
die Verstellvorrichtung (6) auf mehreren Schwingmetallen oder Federn (20) an der Außenwand (14) der Druckkammer (2) gehalten ist.Freeze drying plant according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the adjusting device (6) is held on a plurality of oscillating metals or springs (20) on the outer wall (14) of the pressure chamber (2).
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß
die Verstellvorrichtung (6) durch Führungsstifte (22) in einer vorbestimmten Position gehalten ist.Freeze drying system according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the adjusting device (6) is held in a predetermined position by guide pins (22).
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß
die Führungsstifte (22) Wegbegrenzer (34) aufweisen.Freeze drying plant according to claim 3,
characterized in that
the guide pins (22) have limiters (34).
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß
zwischen der Verstellvorrichtung (6) und den Führungsstiften (22) ein für die Vibrationen ausreichendes Spiel (24) vorgesehen istFreeze-drying system according to at least one of claims 3-4,
characterized in that
between the adjusting device (6) and the guide pins (22) there is sufficient play (24) for the vibrations
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß
der Vibrator (28) die Platte (4) in hoch- und/oder niederfrequente Vibrationen versetzt.Freeze drying system according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the vibrator (28) sets the plate (4) in high and / or low frequency vibrations.
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß
die Frequenz, mit der der Vibrator (28) die Platten (4) in Vibrationen versetzt, einstellbar ist.Freeze drying system according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the frequency with which the vibrator (28) vibrates the plates (4) is adjustable.
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß
die Verstellvorrichtung (6) ein Weg-Meß-System aufweist.Freeze drying system according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the adjusting device (6) has a displacement measuring system.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE19544283 | 1995-11-28 | ||
| DE19544283A DE19544283C2 (en) | 1995-11-28 | 1995-11-28 | Freeze dryer |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP0777092A1 true EP0777092A1 (en) | 1997-06-04 |
| EP0777092B1 EP0777092B1 (en) | 1998-12-09 |
Family
ID=7778587
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP96118095A Expired - Lifetime EP0777092B1 (en) | 1995-11-28 | 1996-11-12 | Freeze-drying apparatus |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0777092B1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE174425T1 (en) |
| DE (2) | DE19544283C2 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK0777092T3 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2004090446A1 (en) * | 2003-04-11 | 2004-10-21 | Elizabeth Acton | Method and apparatus for freeze drying material |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP7390176B2 (en) * | 2019-12-06 | 2023-12-01 | 株式会社アルバック | Vacuum drying equipment, how to adjust the temperature of shelves in vacuum drying equipment |
Citations (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3241250A (en) * | 1965-01-05 | 1966-03-22 | Scientific Industries | Automatic shell freezing device |
| US3280471A (en) * | 1964-11-23 | 1966-10-25 | American Sterilizer Co | Apparatus and process for freeze drying |
| US3537233A (en) * | 1967-08-15 | 1970-11-03 | Hull Corp | Container stoppering apparatus |
| US3667135A (en) | 1970-12-24 | 1972-06-06 | Horton John T | Vibratory conveyor system |
| DE2103526A1 (en) | 1971-01-26 | 1972-08-17 | Battelle-Institut E.V., 6000 Frankfurt | Continuous freeze-drying device |
| GB2121152A (en) * | 1982-05-25 | 1983-12-14 | Edwards Alto Vuoto Spa | Freeze drying apparatus |
| US4961273A (en) * | 1987-03-30 | 1990-10-09 | Hull Corporation | Method and means for assuring freeze dryer chamber sterility |
| US4993171A (en) * | 1989-11-22 | 1991-02-19 | The Boc Group, Inc. | Covering for a hydraulic ram of a freeze dryer |
-
1995
- 1995-11-28 DE DE19544283A patent/DE19544283C2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1996
- 1996-11-12 AT AT96118095T patent/ATE174425T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1996-11-12 EP EP96118095A patent/EP0777092B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-11-12 DE DE59600961T patent/DE59600961D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-11-12 DK DK96118095T patent/DK0777092T3/en active
Patent Citations (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3280471A (en) * | 1964-11-23 | 1966-10-25 | American Sterilizer Co | Apparatus and process for freeze drying |
| US3241250A (en) * | 1965-01-05 | 1966-03-22 | Scientific Industries | Automatic shell freezing device |
| US3537233A (en) * | 1967-08-15 | 1970-11-03 | Hull Corp | Container stoppering apparatus |
| US3667135A (en) | 1970-12-24 | 1972-06-06 | Horton John T | Vibratory conveyor system |
| DE2103526A1 (en) | 1971-01-26 | 1972-08-17 | Battelle-Institut E.V., 6000 Frankfurt | Continuous freeze-drying device |
| GB2121152A (en) * | 1982-05-25 | 1983-12-14 | Edwards Alto Vuoto Spa | Freeze drying apparatus |
| US4961273A (en) * | 1987-03-30 | 1990-10-09 | Hull Corporation | Method and means for assuring freeze dryer chamber sterility |
| US4993171A (en) * | 1989-11-22 | 1991-02-19 | The Boc Group, Inc. | Covering for a hydraulic ram of a freeze dryer |
| US4993171B1 (en) * | 1989-11-22 | 1996-07-02 | Boc Group Inc | Covering for a hydraulic ram of a freeze dryer |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2004090446A1 (en) * | 2003-04-11 | 2004-10-21 | Elizabeth Acton | Method and apparatus for freeze drying material |
| GB2400901A (en) * | 2003-04-11 | 2004-10-27 | Elizabeth Acton | Method and apparatus for freeze drying material |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE59600961D1 (en) | 1999-01-21 |
| DE19544283C2 (en) | 1997-11-27 |
| ATE174425T1 (en) | 1998-12-15 |
| DE19544283A1 (en) | 1997-06-05 |
| EP0777092B1 (en) | 1998-12-09 |
| DK0777092T3 (en) | 1999-08-16 |
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