Hanuo FD-1A-50 Benchtop Freeze Dryer
| Brand | Hanuo |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Model | FD-1A-50 |
| Instrument Type | Standard Shelf-Type Freeze Dryer |
| Application Scope | Laboratory Use |
| Freeze-Drying Area | 0.12 m² |
| Ultimate Vacuum | < 20 Pa |
| Condenser Temperature | ≤ −50 °C |
| Ice Capacity | 3 kg/24 h |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 380 × 600 × 345 mm |
| Power Supply | 220 V, 50 Hz, 850 W |
| Sample Tray | Φ200 mm × 4 layers |
| Tray Capacity | 1.2 L |
| Standard Configuration Includes | Main Unit, Organic Glass Chamber, Standard Shelf Assembly, 4 × Sample Trays, Pre-Freezing Rack, Vacuum Pump, O-Ring, Silicone Vacuum Grease, Insulation Panel, and User Manual |
Overview
The Hanuo FD-1A-50 is a compact, benchtop shelf-type freeze dryer engineered for reliable primary drying of heat-sensitive biological, pharmaceutical, and chemical samples in academic, quality control, and R&D laboratories. It operates on the principle of lyophilization—sublimation of frozen water under deep vacuum—preserving structural integrity, bioactivity, and chemical stability without thermal degradation. The system integrates a high-efficiency refrigeration circuit capable of maintaining condenser temperatures at or below −50 °C, enabling effective vapor capture during extended drying cycles. Designed for consistent performance under variable load conditions, the FD-1A-50 delivers reproducible drying outcomes across small-batch formulations, including sterile vials, serum tubes, and bulk solutions in standard trays.
Key Features
- Robust dual-stage refrigeration system with forced-air condenser cooling, achieving stable operation at ≤ −50 °C to ensure efficient ice trapping and minimize backstreaming.
- High-vacuum capability with ultimate pressure < 20 Pa, compatible with standard two-stage rotary vane vacuum pumps (included in standard configuration) and suitable for both batch and semi-continuous drying protocols.
- 0.12 m² shelf area accommodates up to four Φ200 mm stainless steel trays, supporting maximum sample volume of 1.2 L per cycle—optimized for routine lab throughput without compromising temperature uniformity.
- Benchtop footprint (380 × 600 × 345 mm) enables integration into fume hoods or laminar flow cabinets; modular design allows straightforward maintenance and component replacement.
- Integrated pre-freezing rack facilitates sample freezing prior to chamber loading, reducing thermal shock and improving ice crystal homogeneity—critical for preserving protein conformation and cell viability.
- Organic glass chamber provides full visual monitoring of sublimation progress while maintaining vacuum integrity and operator safety during operation.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The FD-1A-50 supports a broad range of sample formats—including aqueous solutions, suspensions, emulsions, and lyophilized intermediates—in compliance with fundamental laboratory good practices. Its operating parameters align with common method development requirements outlined in USP , ISO 22057 (freeze-drying terminology), and ICH Q5C (stability testing of biotechnological products). While the unit itself does not include electronic audit trail or 21 CFR Part 11–compliant software, its mechanical architecture permits integration with external data loggers for GLP/GMP-aligned documentation when paired with validated vacuum and temperature sensors.
Software & Data Management
The FD-1A-50 operates via manual control interface with analog vacuum gauge and mechanical timer. No embedded digital controller or PC connectivity is provided in the base configuration. For traceable process recording, users may connect external calibrated thermocouples (e.g., PT100 probes) to shelf surfaces and condenser, interfacing with third-party data acquisition systems. This approach supports basic validation protocols where manual parameter logging—vacuum level, elapsed time, and observed sublimation front progression—is sufficient for internal method qualification.
Applications
- Stabilization of thermolabile biologics: monoclonal antibodies, recombinant enzymes, viral vectors, and diagnostic reagents.
- Preparation of reference standards and calibration materials for HPLC, ELISA, and mass spectrometry workflows.
- Drying of microbial cultures, probiotics, and tissue homogenates for long-term storage at ambient temperature.
- Removal of solvents from organic synthesis intermediates where low-temperature volatility must be preserved.
- Dehydration of botanical extracts and nutraceutical compounds to retain polyphenolic activity and sensory profile.
FAQ
What is the recommended pre-freezing protocol for optimal lyophilization results?
Samples should be frozen at −40 °C or lower for ≥ 2 hours prior to loading; rapid freezing yields smaller ice crystals, while slow freezing promotes larger domains—selection depends on matrix viscosity and desired reconstitution kinetics.
Can the FD-1A-50 accommodate stoppered vials with rubber septa?
Yes, when used with optional press-fit sealing accessories or compatible stoppering shelves; however, the base configuration includes only open tray support—vial-specific hardware must be procured separately.
Is the vacuum pump oil included with the system?
The supplied vacuum pump comes pre-filled with ISO VG 100 rotary pump oil; users should verify oil level before first use and replace every 500 operating hours or after exposure to moisture-laden vapors.
How often should the O-ring and vacuum grease be inspected or replaced?
Inspect the chamber O-ring weekly for cracking or deformation; reapply silicone vacuum grease (Dow Corning HV 100 or equivalent) before each chamber closure; replace O-rings annually or after 200 cycles, whichever occurs first.
Does this model support controlled-rate freezing (CRF)?
No—the FD-1A-50 lacks integrated shelf temperature control; CRF requires external programmable freezers or upgraded systems with heated/cooled shelves and PID feedback loops.
