YAMATO DC801 Laboratory Freeze Dryer
| Brand | YAMATO |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | DC801 |
| Type | Manifold Freeze Dryer |
| Application | Laboratory Use |
| Shelf Area | 0.12 m² |
| Ultimate Vacuum | 6.7 × 10⁻² Pa |
| Condensate Capacity | 1 L/24 h |
| Cold Trap Temperature | −80 °C |
| Cooling Time (20 → −80 °C) | 80 min |
| Refrigerant | R404A/R23 (450 g ± 5 g) |
| Power Supply | AC 100 V, 50/60 Hz, 1 A (circuit breaker: 20 A) |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 405 × 500 × 846 mm |
| Net Weight | ~54 kg |
| Cold Trap Dimensions | Φ153 × H235 mm |
| Internal Volume | ~4 L |
| Vacuum Gauge | Pirani-type |
| Safety Features | Anti-backflow valve, overload protection, earth-leakage circuit breaker, refrigeration compressor overheat relay |
| Defrost Method | Hot-gas bypass |
| Cooling System | Air-cooled dual compressors (2 × 350 W) |
| Material | Stainless steel cylindrical chamber |
| Vacuum Pump Compatibility | Requires external pump with ≥50 L/min pumping speed at 50/60 Hz |
| Service Outlets | Vacuum pump socket (max. 6 A), heating socket (max. 2 A) |
Overview
The YAMATO DC801 is a compact, high-reliability manifold-type laboratory freeze dryer engineered for precise lyophilization of small-batch biological, pharmaceutical, and analytical samples. It operates on the fundamental principle of sublimation—removing water from frozen samples under deep vacuum while maintaining product integrity through controlled thermal management. Designed for benchtop integration in QC labs, research facilities, and university core instrumentation centers, the DC801 delivers consistent primary drying performance with an ultimate vacuum level of 6.7 × 10⁻² Pa and a cold trap temperature of −80 °C—sufficient to condense volatile solvents including ethanol and acetone in addition to water. Its dual air-cooled compressors (350 W each) utilize environmentally compliant mixed refrigerants (R404A/R23) to achieve rapid cooldown from ambient to −80 °C in approximately 80 minutes. The system’s stainless steel cylindrical cold trap (Φ153 × H235 mm) provides ~4 L internal volume and accommodates up to 1 L of condensate per 24-hour cycle—optimized for vial-based drying across its 0.12 m² effective shelf area.
Key Features
- Integrated Pirani vacuum gauge for real-time, high-accuracy pressure monitoring during primary and secondary drying phases
- Automatic anti-backflow safety mechanism that seals the vacuum path upon power loss or manual shutdown—preventing oil migration from connected vacuum pumps into the cold trap or sample chamber
- Hot-gas bypass defrost system enabling rapid, residue-free ice removal from the cold trap without requiring disassembly or extended downtime
- Dual-stage air-cooled refrigeration architecture with independent compressor control—enhancing thermal stability and extending service life under continuous operation
- Dedicated service outlets: vacuum pump socket (rated ≤6 A) and auxiliary heating socket (≤2 A), both interlocked with safety relays
- Comprehensive electrical protection suite including earth-leakage circuit breaker, compressor overload relay, and reverse-flow prevention valve
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The DC801 supports standard 13–22 mm OD glass vials mounted on its manifold ports—ideal for pre-frozen samples prepared externally (e.g., using liquid nitrogen or −80 °C freezers). It does not include a built-in pre-freezing function or shelf heating capability; therefore, it complies with ISO 22042:2016 guidelines for standalone freeze dryers used in conjunction with validated freezing protocols. While not certified for GMP manufacturing environments, its design aligns with GLP documentation requirements when paired with compliant vacuum pumps (e.g., oil-sealed rotary vane units meeting ISO 8573-1 Class 2 purity standards). All electrical components meet JIS C 61000-3-2 harmonic emission limits and are rated for continuous duty under IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity testing.
Software & Data Management
The DC801 operates as a stand-alone instrument with analog-digital hybrid controls—no embedded software or data logging capability. Process parameters (vacuum level, cold trap temperature, runtime) must be recorded manually or via external data acquisition systems interfaced through the vacuum gauge’s analog output (0–10 VDC). For regulated environments requiring audit trails, users may integrate third-party chart recorders or SCADA-compatible controllers compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with electronic signature modules. YAMATO provides full electrical schematics and mechanical drawings upon request to support IQ/OQ validation protocols.
Applications
- Lyophilization of enzyme solutions, monoclonal antibodies, and diagnostic reagents where residual moisture content must remain below 1–2% w/w
- Stabilization of thermolabile reference standards for chromatographic calibration (e.g., USP Reference Standards)
- Preparation of freeze-dried bacterial cultures and fungal spores for long-term cryo-storage
- Routine dehydration of tissue homogenates prior to mass spectrometry analysis
- Removal of solvents from synthetic intermediates in medicinal chemistry workflows
FAQ
Does the DC801 include a vacuum pump?
No—the DC801 requires an external vacuum pump with a minimum pumping speed of 50 L/min at 50/60 Hz and ultimate pressure ≤6.7 × 10⁻² Pa.
Is a pre-freezing step mandatory before loading samples?
Yes—samples must be fully frozen prior to placement on the manifold. The DC801 lacks in-chamber freezing capability.
Can the cold trap handle organic solvents?
Yes—its −80 °C operating temperature enables efficient condensation of common low-boiling-point solvents such as methanol, ethanol, and acetone.
What is the maximum number of vials supported simultaneously?
Up to 12 standard 16-mm vials (depending on manifold configuration and stopper compatibility).
Is the unit compatible with 230 V power supplies?
No—it is designed exclusively for AC 100 V, 50/60 Hz input. Voltage conversion requires an externally rated isolation transformer meeting IEC 61558-2-1 standards.
