Scientz SCIENTZ-18N/A Standard Benchtop Freeze Dryer
| Brand | Scientz |
|---|---|
| Origin | Zhejiang, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Product Type | Standard Shelf-Type Freeze Dryer |
| Application | Laboratory-Scale Lyophilization |
| Freeze-Drying Area | 0.18 m² |
| Ultimate Vacuum | ≤5 Pa |
| Condensate Capacity (24 h) | 6 kg/24 h |
| Cold Trap Temperature (No-Load) | ≤−56 °C |
| Main Unit Dimensions (L×W×H) | 670 × 525 × 910 mm + 480 mm (condenser height) |
Overview
The Scientz SCIENTZ-18N/A is a standard benchtop freeze dryer engineered for reliable, reproducible lyophilization of heat-labile biological and pharmaceutical samples in research and development laboratories. Operating on the fundamental principle of sublimation—where ice transitions directly from solid to vapor under controlled low-pressure and low-temperature conditions—the system enables water removal without passing through the liquid phase, thereby preserving structural integrity, bioactivity, and chemical stability of sensitive materials such as vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, cell cultures, serum, enzymes, and microbial strains. Designed around the triple-point thermodynamics of water (0.01 °C, 611.657 Pa), the SCIENTZ-18N/A maintains process conditions well below this threshold to ensure efficient primary drying while minimizing thermal stress. Its compact footprint and modular architecture make it suitable for integration into GLP-compliant lab environments where space efficiency, operational transparency, and data traceability are critical.
Key Features
- High-efficiency refrigeration system powered by a globally recognized Secop (formerly Danfoss) compressor, delivering rapid cooldown and stable cold trap performance at ≤−56 °C (no-load).
- 7-inch full-color capacitive touchscreen HMI with an embedded industrial ARM9 control platform (32 MB RAM / 128 MB FLASH), supporting real-time parameter monitoring, multi-stage program editing, and intuitive navigation.
- Transparent, one-piece polycarbonate drying chamber—chemically resistant, impact-tough, and optically clear—enabling continuous visual observation of sample morphology and drying front progression without compromising vacuum integrity.
- KF25 quick-connect vacuum interface between main unit and external pump ensures leak-tight, tool-free assembly and disassembly compliant with ISO-KF standards.
- Intelligent vacuum pump protection logic: automatic pump start delay until cold trap reaches user-defined setpoint (e.g., −45 °C), extending pump service life and reducing oil contamination risk.
- Integrated inert gas backfill valve (N₂ or Ar compatible) for oxygen-sensitive applications, supporting aseptic handling and residual moisture control during chamber venting.
- Onboard data logging with timestamped curves (chamber pressure, shelf temperature, cold trap temperature, time) stored internally and exportable via USB to PC for post-processing using Scientz’s proprietary LyoView™ desktop software.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SCIENTZ-18N/A accommodates diverse sample formats including bulk solutions (up to 2 L per cycle), vials (Φ12 mm: 1320 units; Φ16 mm: 698; Φ22 mm: 360), and custom trays mounted on four adjustable stainless-steel shelves (Ø240 mm, 70 mm spacing). Its 0.18 m² drying area and 6 kg/24 h condensate capacity support moderate-throughput R&D workflows. The system meets essential mechanical and electrical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1 and conforms to general laboratory environmental operating limits (ambient ≤25 °C, non-condensing humidity). While not pre-certified for GMP manufacturing, its architecture supports audit-ready documentation practices—including electronic logbooks, user access levels, and event-driven alarms—aligning with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 expectations when deployed with validated procedures and change-controlled software configurations.
Software & Data Management
All process parameters are recorded at configurable intervals (default: 10 s) and retained in non-volatile memory. The built-in historian allows playback of real-time and historical drying curves directly on the touchscreen, with zoom, pan, and overlay functions. Exported .csv files contain raw sensor values synchronized to system clock, enabling statistical analysis in MATLAB®, Python (Pandas), or JMP®. LyoView™ software provides additional capabilities: batch comparison, deviation reporting, freeze-drying protocol templating, and PDF report generation with digital signature fields. Optional audit trail modules can be enabled to meet ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate) for regulated environments.
Applications
- Pre-formulation studies of biologics and small-molecule APIs requiring stability assessment under desiccated conditions.
- Preservation of clinical trial reference standards and diagnostic reagents with extended shelf-life requirements.
- Lyophilization cycle development and optimization prior to scale-up on pilot or production systems.
- Drying of botanical extracts, probiotics, and enzyme preparations where thermal degradation must be avoided.
- Archiving of microbial cultures and tissue specimens for biobanking initiatives.
- Material science research involving porous scaffold fabrication or cryogel synthesis.
FAQ
What is the maximum batch size supported by the SCIENTZ-18N/A?
The system supports up to 2 L of aqueous solution per cycle, or approximately 1320 × 2 mL standard serum vials (Φ12 mm), depending on fill volume and cake resistance.
Is the cold trap temperature verified under load or no-load conditions?
The stated minimum temperature of ≤−56 °C applies to no-load operation; under typical condensation loads, sustained cold trap temperatures remain ≤−45 °C during primary drying.
Can the system be integrated with external vacuum gauges or PLC-based building management systems?
Yes—RS485 Modbus RTU communication port is provided for third-party integration; analog outputs (4–20 mA) for key variables (pressure, temperature) are available upon request.
Does the unit include a vacuum pump?
No—the SCIENTZ-18N/A is supplied without an external vacuum pump; KF25-compatible pumps (e.g., Edwards RV8, Agilent IDP-10) must be selected separately based on required ultimate vacuum and pumping speed.
Are IQ/OQ protocols available for this model?
Scientz provides generic installation and operational qualification templates; site-specific validation documentation must be developed in accordance with user-defined SOPs and regulatory jurisdiction (e.g., EU Annex 15, USP ).
