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Freeze Drying Technology

Lyophilization, also known as freeze-drying, is a process that removes water from a material through sublimation under low pressure. This preserves the material’s structure and properties. Key quality drivers include rapid vacuum creation, achieving the lowest ultimate vacuum, and precise heating control. The process involves three main stages:

Freezing: The product is rapidly frozen to -40°C, which forms small ice crystals that help maintain the structure and nutrients of the product.
Primary Drying: The chamber pressure is reduced below atmospheric levels, causing the ice to sublimate directly from solid to gas. This stage removes about 95% of the water content.
Secondary Drying: The product is gently heated to drive off any remaining bound water through desorption, ensuring complete dryness.

Controlled temperature, pressure, and airflow during these stages help retain the original shape, flavor, and nutritional value of the product, enhancing the shelf stability of freeze-dried foods and pharmaceuticals.

Defining Parameters: Achieving the fastest possible vacuum creation (less than 20 minutes to below 133 Pa) and maintaining the lowest ultimate pressure (below 15 Pa) alongside high heat efficiency and perfect heat distribution are crucial. These parameters, combined with optimal recipe settings, define the quality of the final product.

Freeze Drying vs Vacuum Drying

Vacuum freeze-drying fundamentally differs from vacuum drying in how moisture is removed. Freeze-drying employs sublimation, transforming ice directly into vapor without passing through a liquid phase. This method prevents structural, color, and nutrient alterations, making it ideal for preserving delicate and heat-sensitive materials. In contrast, vacuum drying involves boiling off water, which can cause significant changes to a product’s characteristics.

Weber Drying – The new Leader in Freeze Drying Technology

Weber Drying is a global supplier of vacuum freeze drying systems. We offer three ranges of solutions: An Industry Range (up to 3.000 kg/room), a Compact Range up to 450 kg/room) and a Pilot Plant range (up to 75 kg). We set the new standards on productivity, efficiency and reliability, at lowest Total Cost of Ownership. We are more than just a supplier, we’re here to support you, from start till finish, and beyond. With our knowledge and dedicated support, both on the technology as on the production process.

Weber Financing - Your Road to Success

From our head office in the Netherlands Weber can assist you with financing your investment in the Freeze Drying technology. Through the Dutch Government there is a Trade Finance Program, offering uncomplicated and favorable financing opportunities, where the majority of your investment can be financed for over three to five years. Financing partner is Atradius. How it works you can find on the video!

Find more about Atradius and Trade Finanance Program