Ningbo Scientz SCIENTZ-10ND/A Benchtop Shelf-Type Freeze Dryer
| Brand | Scientz |
|---|---|
| Origin | Zhejiang, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Instrument Type | Standard Shelf-Type Freeze Dryer |
| Lyophilization Area | 0.12 m² |
| Ultimate Vacuum (Empty) | ≤5 Pa |
| Condensate Capacity (24 h) | 3 kg/24 h |
| Cold Trap Temperature (Empty) | ≤−56 °C |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 590 × 460 × 400 mm + 440 mm (Cold Trap Height) |
Overview
The Ningbo Scientz SCIENTZ-10ND/A is a benchtop shelf-type freeze dryer engineered for precision lyophilization in academic, governmental, and early-stage biopharmaceutical laboratories. It operates on the fundamental principle of vacuum freeze-drying—sublimation of ice directly from the solid to vapor phase under controlled low-pressure and low-temperature conditions—thereby preserving structural integrity, biological activity, and chemical stability of thermolabile samples. Unlike spray drying or oven drying, this process avoids liquid-phase transition, minimizing denaturation, aggregation, oxidation, or morphological collapse. The SCIENTZ-10ND/A integrates a high-efficiency refrigeration system with intelligent PID-controlled shelf heating, enabling reproducible primary and secondary drying stages. Its compact footprint (590 × 460 × 840 mm total height) supports space-constrained lab environments without compromising performance or scalability. Designed for method development and small-batch processing, it serves as a critical tool for optimizing freeze-drying cycles prior to pilot- or production-scale transfer.
Key Features
- Shelf-based heating system with 36 V low-voltage silicone rubber heating plates, ensuring operator safety and thermal uniformity across the 0.12 m² drying surface
- PID-controlled shelf temperature regulation (range: ambient to +60 °C), delivering stable ramp profiles with minimal overshoot and ±0.5 °C typical control accuracy
- Imported high-reliability compressor with standard −56 °C cold trap capability; optional −80 °C dual-stage cascade refrigeration system available for low-eutectic formulations
- 7-inch full-color TFT touch screen with industrial-grade embedded OS, supporting real-time monitoring and logging of shelf temperature, cold trap temperature, chamber pressure, and elapsed time
- Transparent one-piece polycarbonate drying chamber—chemically resistant, optically clear, fully sealed—enabling visual process validation and in situ observation of ice sublimation and cake formation
- Programmable vacuum control logic: vacuum pump activation delayed until cold trap reaches setpoint, extending pump service life and reducing oil backstreaming risk
- Integrated inert gas purge valve (N₂ or argon compatible) for oxygen-sensitive samples and sterile processing support
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SCIENTZ-10ND/A accommodates diverse sample formats including bulk solutions in trays, vials (with optional manifold adapters), and ampoules. It is routinely deployed for lyophilizing proteins, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, viral vectors, nucleic acids, enzymes, probiotics, botanical extracts, soil matrices, food homogenates, and nanomaterial dispersions. While not certified for GMP manufacturing, its architecture supports GLP-aligned workflows: data integrity is ensured via timestamped, non-erasable cycle logs stored internally and exportable via USB to external PCs. Optional co-located eutectic point detection module enables empirical determination of critical formulation temperatures—supporting rational cycle design per ICH Q5C and USP . The system complies with CE electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) directives and meets general laboratory safety standards (IEC 61010-1).
Software & Data Management
All operational parameters—including shelf setpoints, vacuum setpoints, hold times, and ramp rates—are programmable via intuitive graphical interface. Up to 10 complete freeze-drying protocols can be saved onboard. Each run automatically generates a time-stamped .csv file containing second-resolution data for shelf temperature, cold trap temperature, chamber pressure, and condenser load. Files are exportable via USB 2.0 to Windows-compatible systems for post-processing in Excel, MATLAB, or dedicated lyo-analytics platforms. Audit trail functionality records user login events, parameter modifications, and emergency stops—aligning with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with institutional electronic signature policies. Optional PC-based upper-computer software provides remote monitoring, multi-unit fleet management, and automated report generation compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation expectations.
Applications
This instrument is validated across multidisciplinary research domains:
- Life sciences: Long-term preservation of bacteriophage stocks, primary cell lysates, CRISPR ribonucleoprotein complexes, and extracellular vesicles
- Pharmaceutical R&D: Development of lyophilized powder formulations for oral disintegrating tablets, ophthalmic suspensions, and injectables requiring reconstitution stability
- Agricultural & food science: Stabilization of probiotic cultures, enzyme preparations, and volatile flavor compounds without thermal degradation
- Environmental analysis: Preparation of soil, sediment, and wastewater sludge samples for trace metal speciation (e.g., As, Hg, Cd) and organic contaminant profiling
- Materials science: Drying of aerogel precursors, MOF suspensions, and colloidal nanoparticles while inhibiting agglomeration
- Diagnostic & public health labs: Processing of clinical specimens (serum, CSF, swab eluates) for pathogen isolation and molecular assay standardization
FAQ
What is the maximum batch capacity for vial-based drying using the standard manifold?
The unit includes an 8-port wide-mouth manifold compatible with standard 10–25 mm OD glass vials; total condensate load must remain within the 3 kg/24 h limit.
Can the SCIENTZ-10ND/A be integrated into a cleanroom environment?
Yes—the polycarbonate chamber and stainless-steel cold trap are compatible with ISO Class 5–7 environments when installed with appropriate HEPA-filtered air handling and static-dissipative flooring.
Is remote monitoring supported out of the box?
Local USB export is standard; Ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity requires optional communication module installation and third-party SCADA integration.
Does the system support validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ)?
Scientz provides factory test reports and calibration certificates for key sensors; full qualification packages require site-specific execution by qualified personnel per ASTM F2697 or ISO 20577 guidelines.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for the vacuum pump?
With optional oil mist filter and regular oil changes every 500 operating hours, typical service life exceeds 3,000 hours; pump oil type must match manufacturer specifications (e.g., Alcatel DUR-100 or equivalent).
