LYODRY LSBC55 / LSBC85 Benchtop Classic Series Freeze Dryer
| Brand | MechaTech |
|---|---|
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Model | LSBC55 / LSBC85 |
| Instrument Type | Manifold-Type Freeze Dryer |
| Application | Laboratory Use |
| Shelf Area (Equivalent) | 5 L |
| Ultimate Vacuum | <20 Pa |
| Condensate Capacity (24 h) | 2.3 kg |
| Condenser Temperature | −55 °C (LSBC55) / −85 °C (LSBC85) |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 332 × 455 × 600 mm (LSBC55) / 555 × 600 × 685 mm (LSBC85) |
| Construction | Stainless Steel (AISI 304) Chamber & Condenser |
| Drain System | Front-Mounted Bottom Drain |
| Defrost Method | Hot-Gas Auto-Defrost |
| Vacuum Unit Display Units | mbar, Torr, Pa |
| Temperature Display Units | °C / °F |
| Vacuum Pump Control | Programmable Setpoint Activation |
Overview
The LYODRY LSBC55 and LSBC85 Benchtop Classic Series Freeze Dryers are engineered for precision lyophilization in academic, pharmaceutical, and analytical laboratories where reproducible primary drying performance, operational flexibility, and long-term reliability are critical. Based on the fundamental principles of sublimation under controlled low-pressure and low-temperature conditions, these units operate by freezing samples to solid state, then reducing ambient pressure below the triple point of water and applying gentle heat to enable direct phase transition from ice to vapor—bypassing the liquid phase entirely. This preserves thermolabile structures, minimizes oxidation, and ensures high recovery of biological activity, protein conformation, and structural integrity in sensitive samples such as enzymes, vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and microbial cultures.
Key Features
- Two-tier condenser temperature capability: −55 °C (LSBC55) and −85 °C (LSBC85), enabling effective capture of volatile solvents (e.g., acetonitrile, ethanol) and low-vapor-pressure compounds commonly used in formulation development.
- Stainless steel (AISI 304) chamber and condenser construction ensures corrosion resistance, ease of cleaning, and compliance with ISO 14644-1 Class 7 cleanroom-compatible surface finish standards.
- Front-mounted bottom drain system facilitates rapid, spill-free condensate removal without requiring disassembly or tilting—reducing downtime between cycles and improving workflow continuity.
- Hot-gas auto-defrost function significantly shortens defrost time (typically <15 min) while maintaining condenser integrity and avoiding thermal shock to internal components.
- Intuitive standalone touchscreen interface supports real-time monitoring of vacuum (displayed in mbar, Torr, or Pa), shelf/condenser temperature (°C/°F), and pump status; includes programmable vacuum setpoints that trigger automatic pump activation upon reaching target condenser temperature.
- Modular manifold architecture accommodates diverse sample formats—including open flasks, serum vials, ampoules, and bulk trays—via interchangeable drying accessories (e.g., acrylic drying chambers, stainless steel tray stacks, angular manifolds, stopper-sealed valve caps).
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The LSBC series is validated for use with aqueous and partially organic solvent-based formulations across a wide range of sample viscosities and eutectic temperatures. Its −85 °C condenser option meets ASTM F2698-22 requirements for low-temperature condensation efficiency during lyophilization of high-boiling-point excipients. The unit’s stainless steel wetted surfaces comply with USP for pharmaceutical-grade material contact, and its sealed vacuum path design supports GLP-compliant documentation when paired with external data loggers. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, audit trails can be generated via optional Ethernet-connected SCADA integration for GMP-aligned environments.
Software & Data Management
The embedded control system records time-stamped vacuum, temperature, and pump status data at user-defined intervals (1–60 s). Export is supported via USB flash drive in CSV format for post-processing in MATLAB, Python, or Excel. Optional PC-based LyoControl Suite (v3.2+) provides remote monitoring, multi-unit fleet management, cycle recipe library storage, and PDF report generation with digital signature fields—facilitating adherence to ISO/IEC 17025 documentation protocols.
Applications
- Stabilization of biologics (e.g., lyophilized IgG formulations, live attenuated viral vectors)
- Preparation of reference standards for HPLC and mass spectrometry calibration
- Drying of tissue specimens for SEM imaging without shrinkage artifacts
- Preservation of probiotic strains and fungal cultures for strain banking
- Rapid dehydration of botanical extracts and natural product isolates prior to NMR analysis
- Process development support for scalable freeze-drying cycles (QbD-aligned parameter mapping)
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable sample volume per cycle?
The 5 L equivalent drying area supports up to 5 L of frozen aqueous solution (at ~10 mm depth) or ~2.3 kg of total condensable vapor load over 24 hours.
Can the LSBC series be integrated with an external vacuum pump?
Yes—standard KF-25 or ISO-KF 16 vacuum ports allow connection to oil-free scroll or diaphragm pumps meeting ultimate vacuum ≤5 × 10⁻² mbar.
Is the condenser capacity sufficient for continuous operation?
The 7.2 L internal condenser volume provides thermal inertia for stable operation during extended runs; however, full 24-hour condensate capacity assumes optimal cold trap loading and minimal chamber air leakage.
Does the system include validation documentation?
Factory-installed IQ/OQ documentation packages are available upon request, including temperature mapping reports (ASTM E2873-13), vacuum leak test records, and sensor calibration certificates traceable to UKAS-accredited labs.
Are spare parts and service support available outside the UK?
Global technical support is coordinated through authorized regional partners; consumables (O-rings, gaskets, desiccant filters) and field-replaceable modules (vacuum sensors, PID controllers) are stocked in EU, North America, and APAC distribution hubs.
