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 |
| Water Capture Capacity | 3 kg/24 h |
| Sample Tray Configuration | Ø200 mm × 4 layers |
| Power Supply | 220 V, 50 Hz, 850 W |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 380 × 600 × 345 mm |
| Standard Configuration | Benchtop主机 unit, 2 L domestic vacuum pump, 4 × Ø200 mm stainless steel sample trays |
Overview
The Hanuo FD-1A-50 is a compact, benchtop shelf-type freeze dryer engineered for reliable primary drying of thermolabile biological and pharmaceutical samples in academic, quality control, and R&D laboratory environments. It operates on the principle of lyophilization—sublimation of ice under deep vacuum and controlled low temperature—enabling preservation of structural integrity, bioactivity, and chemical stability in sensitive materials such as proteins, monoclonal antibodies, live attenuated vaccines, and enzymatic reagents. The system integrates a −50 °C condenser with a high-efficiency refrigeration circuit, capable of maintaining stable cold trap performance during extended cycles. Its sealed chamber and calibrated vacuum manifold support reproducible process conditions aligned with fundamental lyophilization physics: heat transfer via conduction through shelf surfaces, mass transfer governed by vapor pressure differentials, and ice sublimation kinetics constrained by chamber pressure and product temperature profiles.
Key Features
- Benchtop footprint (380 × 600 × 345 mm) optimized for limited lab space without compromising functional capacity
- Stainless steel drying chamber with four fixed-position Ø200 mm shelves, providing 0.12 m² total freeze-drying area and accommodating up to 1.2 L of aqueous sample volume per cycle
- −50 °C condenser with 3 kg/24 h water capture capacity, ensuring efficient ice trapping across multi-hour drying protocols
- Ultimate vacuum level ≤20 Pa achieved via integrated 2 L rotary vane vacuum pump, compatible with standard oil-based or dry-pump upgrade paths
- Robust thermal management architecture with dual-stage refrigeration and insulated condenser housing to minimize ambient thermal load
- Front-access design with silicone-sealed door gasket and visual pressure gauge for rapid setup and routine maintenance
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The FD-1A-50 supports lyophilization of vials, serum bottles, and open-dish formats using standard Ø200 mm trays. It is routinely deployed for pre-formulation studies, stability testing, and small-batch production of biologics under GLP-aligned workflows. While not certified for GMP manufacturing, its operational parameters meet baseline requirements referenced in USP , ISO 22057:2021 (freeze-drying terminology and process definitions), and ASTM F2375–22 (standard guide for lyophilization process development). Vacuum stability and condenser performance are validated per internal QC protocols traceable to NIST-calibrated pressure and temperature references. No built-in data logging or electronic signature capability; manual parameter recording is required for audit readiness.
Software & Data Management
This model operates via analog controls with mechanical vacuum regulation and manual shelf cooling activation. Real-time monitoring relies on analog vacuum gauges and external thermocouple probes (not included). No embedded software, USB interface, or cloud connectivity is provided. Users must document cycle parameters—including time-stamped vacuum readings, condenser temperature trends, and endpoint assessment—using external logbooks or LIMS-integrated spreadsheets. For laboratories requiring 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, third-party standalone data acquisition systems (e.g., Omega OM-DAQPRO or Testo Saveris 2) may be interfaced via RS232 or analog output modules (optional accessories).
Applications
- Preliminary lyophilization trials for protein therapeutics and diagnostic enzyme conjugates
- Stabilization of bacterial cultures, yeast pellets, and tissue homogenates prior to long-term cryostorage
- Preparation of calibration standards and reference materials in analytical chemistry labs
- Drying of botanical extracts and nutraceutical intermediates while retaining volatile active compounds
- Teaching applications in pharmaceutical sciences curricula covering mass transfer theory and phase diagram interpretation
FAQ
What is the maximum batch size this unit can handle?
Based on shelf area and typical loading density, the FD-1A-50 supports up to 1.2 L of evenly distributed aqueous solution across four trays—equivalent to approximately 120 × 10 mL vials or 40 × 30 mL serum bottles.
Can the vacuum pump be upgraded to an oil-free alternative?
Yes. The standard 2 L oil-sealed rotary vane pump may be replaced with a compatible dry scroll or diaphragm pump meeting ≥2 L/min pumping speed and ≤20 Pa ultimate vacuum specifications.
Is shelf temperature control available on this model?
No. The FD-1A-50 features passive shelf cooling only, derived from direct thermal coupling with the condenser. Active shelf heating or programmable ramping is not supported.
Does the system include a vacuum release valve with inert gas option?
No. Vacuum break is performed manually via atmospheric venting. Optional nitrogen purge kits (with flow regulator and inlet port adapter) are available as field-installable accessories.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for the refrigeration system?
Compressor oil and refrigerant charge require inspection every 24 months under continuous operation; condenser coil cleaning is advised quarterly in non-HEPA-filtered lab environments.
