English Product Name
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Domestic (PRC) |
| Model | FD-1A-50 / LGJ-12 |
| Condenser Temperature | ≤ −50 °C |
| Ultimate Vacuum | < 20 Pa |
| Freeze-Drying Area | 0.12 m² |
| Maximum Load Capacity (bulk) | 1.2 L (at 10 mm thickness) |
| Water Trapping Capacity | 3 kg/24 h |
| Condenser Dimensions | Φ220 × 130 mm |
| Sample Tray Size | Φ200 mm × 4 layers |
| Power Supply | 220 V, 50 Hz, 850 W |
| Unit Dimensions | 380 × 600 × 345 mm |
Overview
The LaboTech FD-1A-50 Benchtop Freeze Dryer (also designated LGJ-12) is a compact, vertically oriented laboratory-scale lyophilization system engineered for reliable primary drying of heat-sensitive biological and pharmaceutical samples under controlled low-temperature vacuum conditions. Operating on the principle of sublimation—where ice transitions directly from solid to vapor phase without passing through liquid—the instrument removes water from frozen specimens while preserving structural integrity, bioactivity, and long-term stability. This process is essential for stabilizing labile compounds including monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, live attenuated vaccines, diagnostic enzyme reagents, and sterile cell culture media. The system integrates a high-efficiency condenser, digitally regulated vacuum control, and an integrated pre-freezing capability, enabling complete lyophilization cycles—from freezing through primary drying—within a single benchtop unit.
Key Features
- Benchtop vertical architecture with footprint of only 0.23 m²—optimized for space-constrained laboratories and QC/QA workstations.
- Stainless steel condenser chamber (Φ220 × 130 mm) with smooth, seamless interior surface and no internal coil obstructions—enhancing frost distribution uniformity and ease of cleaning per GLP-compliant maintenance protocols.
- Imported hermetic scroll compressor delivering stable condenser temperatures ≤ −50 °C, ensuring efficient vapor capture across diverse sample matrices and moisture loads.
- Patented air-guiding cylinder design increases effective condensing surface area by up to 22%, accelerating primary drying kinetics without compromising vacuum integrity.
- Transparent acrylic bell jar (standard configuration) provides real-time visual monitoring of sublimation front progression and cake morphology—critical for method development and cycle validation.
- Digital vacuum and shelf/condenser temperature display with resolution of 0.1 °C and 1 Pa; optional PT100 probe input supports direct sample temperature monitoring during freezing and drying phases.
- Integrated inert gas backfill valve (imported stainless steel) compatible with nitrogen or argon—enabling oxygen-sensitive processing and final container pressurization in compliance with USP & ISO 11260 requirements.
- Standard ISO-KF 25 vacuum interface allows seamless integration with certified oil-free or hybrid vacuum pumps meeting ASTM F2679-21 specifications for residual hydrocarbon limits.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The FD-1A-50 accommodates bulk-loaded samples in four adjustable-height stainless steel trays (Φ200 mm), supporting total loading volumes up to 1.2 L at standard 10 mm depth. Its open-tray geometry facilitates rapid freezing and uniform heat transfer—ideal for aqueous buffers, cell lysates, microbial suspensions, and small-molecule formulations. While not designed for stoppered vial processing (i.e., no hydraulic or manual pressure-controlled stoppering), it serves as a validated platform for method scouting, formulation screening, and small-batch production of lyophilized reference standards. All wetted surfaces meet ISO 15378:2017 material compatibility criteria for pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment. The unit conforms to IEC 61010-1:2012 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment and supports audit-ready documentation when paired with external data loggers compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 requirements.
Software & Data Management
The FD-1A-50 operates via embedded microcontroller-based logic with non-volatile parameter memory—retaining user-defined vacuum setpoints, hold times, and alarm thresholds after power cycling. While it does not include onboard PC connectivity or automated curve generation (a feature reserved for VFD-series in situ systems), its analog/digital output ports support external recording via third-party chart recorders or SCADA-compatible DAQ modules. For GxP environments, integration with validated environmental monitoring systems (e.g., DeltaTrak, Dickson) enables time-stamped vacuum and temperature traceability aligned with ALCOA+ data integrity principles. Optional RS-485 Modbus RTU interface permits centralized fleet monitoring in multi-unit lab infrastructures.
Applications
- Pre-formulation studies of protein therapeutics and peptide APIs under varying freezing rates and annealing profiles.
- Stabilization of diagnostic reagents—including ELISA kits, lateral flow assay components, and molecular probes—for shelf-life extension.
- Processing of botanical extracts and probiotic cultures where enzymatic activity and viability must be retained post-drying.
- Preparation of calibration standards and certified reference materials (CRMs) for elemental analysis (ICP-MS, AAS) and chromatographic methods (HPLC, GC).
- Teaching and training in pharmaceutical sciences curricula—demonstrating phase behavior, mass transfer limitations, and collapse temperature (Tc) determination.
FAQ
Does the FD-1A-50 include an integrated pre-freezing function?
Yes—it features a built-in refrigerated shelf capable of reaching ≤ −40 °C prior to vacuum application, eliminating the need for external ultra-low temperature freezers in most routine applications.
Is this unit suitable for lyophilizing samples in glass vials?
No—vial-based processing requires a stoppering mechanism. The FD-1A-50 is optimized for tray-based bulk drying. For vial applications, consider the LaboTech VFD-50 series with in-chamber stoppering.
What vacuum pump is recommended for optimal performance?
A two-stage oil-free diaphragm pump rated ≥ 4 m³/h at 0.1 mbar or a hybrid turbomolecular system meeting ISO 8573-1 Class 0 particulate/oil contamination requirements.
Can the condenser temperature be monitored independently?
Yes—the digital display shows real-time condenser surface temperature derived from dual-sensor redundancy, critical for detecting frost saturation and scheduling defrost cycles.
Are spare parts and service support available internationally?
LaboTech maintains authorized service centers in Germany, USA, and Singapore; consumables (O-rings, gaskets, desiccants) ship globally with ISO-certified packaging and CoA documentation.
