ZiQi ZQ-FD-60A/B Desktop Freeze Dryer with -60°C Cold Trap

Overview

The ZiQi ZQ-FD-60A and ZQ-FD-60B are benchtop laboratory freeze dryers engineered for reliable, repeatable lyophilization of heat-sensitive biologicals, pharmaceuticals, and research samples. Based on the principle of sublimation under high vacuum and low temperature, these systems remove water from frozen samples without passing through the liquid phase—preserving structural integrity, enzymatic activity, and immunogenicity. Designed for routine use in academic labs, QC/QA facilities, and early-stage R&D environments, the ZQ-FD-60 series operates with a certified cold trap temperature of <-60°C (no-load), enabling efficient condensation of volatile solvents and high-moisture loads up to 4 kg per 24-hour cycle. Its compact footprint (560 × 500 × 400 mm) and integrated architecture eliminate external flanges and reduce potential leak paths—supporting stable vacuum maintenance below 5 Pa (no-load) and facilitating compliance with basic GLP documentation requirements.

Key Features

• Monolithic stainless steel construction: Cold trap chamber and operating platform fabricated from electropolished 304 stainless steel—resistant to corrosion, compatible with aqueous and mildly acidic/alkaline solutions, and compliant with cleaning validation protocols.
• Proprietary gas flow guidance system: Optimized internal vapor path ensures uniform ice deposition across the entire cold surface, maximizing condensation efficiency and minimizing frost bridging—even during extended drying cycles.
• Integrated pre-freezing capability: Large-diameter cold trap (no internal coil obstruction) allows direct sample freezing on shelves prior to primary drying—eliminating dependency on external ultra-low temperature freezers.
• Custom-designed stainless steel purge and drain valve: Fully machined in-house, rated for repeated cycling under vacuum and ambient pressure, with zero leakage verified per ISO 2859-1 sampling standards.
• High-efficiency refrigeration: Equipped with a Secop (Germany) high-torque rotary compressor—delivering consistent cooling performance, low acoustic emission (<52 dB(A)), and service life exceeding 25,000 operational hours.
• Intelligent vacuum management: Programmable vacuum pump start threshold prevents oil backstreaming and thermal shock; pump activation is delayed until cold trap reaches <-45°C, extending pump longevity and maintaining oil integrity.
• Modular control architecture: SH-HPSC-I controller paired with a 7-inch industrial-grade resistive touchscreen interface—supporting multi-stage drying profiles, real-time parameter logging, and password-protected user access levels.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZQ-FD-60A accommodates standard 200 mm stainless steel trays (4-layer configuration, expandable to 6 layers), supporting up to 1.2 L of material at 10 mm depth. The ZQ-FD-60B variant features a hydraulic or manual stoppering mechanism for sealed vial processing—enabling aseptic secondary drying and direct storage of lyophilized products in pharmaceutical-grade glass containers. Both models accept common labware: 12 mm, 16 mm, and 22 mm diameter serum vials (up to 920, 480, and 260 units respectively on ZQ-FD-60A). All wetted surfaces contact only USP Class VI-certified elastomers and 304 stainless steel—meeting material compatibility requirements outlined in ASTM F2477 and ICH Q5C. While not pre-certified for GMP manufacturing, the system’s data integrity framework—including time-stamped, non-erasable event logs and CSV export functionality—supports alignment with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 expectations for audit-ready documentation.

Software & Data Management

The embedded SH-HPSC-I controller records three synchronized time-series datasets at 2-second intervals: cold trap temperature (±0.5°C accuracy), shelf temperature (via calibrated Pt100 sensor), and absolute vacuum pressure (capacitance manometer, 0.1–1000 Pa range). Data is stored internally for ≥30 days and exportable via USB 2.0 to standard CSV format—compatible with MATLAB, Python pandas, and commercial LIMS platforms. No cloud connectivity or remote access is implemented, preserving data sovereignty and simplifying IT validation. Audit trail functionality captures operator ID, parameter changes, alarm events, and cycle initiation/termination timestamps—satisfying core ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available).

Applications

• Stabilization of monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and viral vectors for long-term storage and transport.
• Preparation of calibration standards and reference materials in environmental and clinical chemistry labs.
• Routine dehydration of bacterial cultures, yeast pellets, and tissue homogenates for genomic or proteomic analysis.
• Processing of natural extracts, botanicals, and nutraceutical formulations requiring thermal degradation avoidance.
• Development of lyophilized excipient blends and prototype dosage forms in preformulation studies.

FAQ

What is the maximum sample volume supported by the ZQ-FD-60A model?

Up to 1.2 L (at 10 mm fill depth) across four 200 mm stainless steel trays.
Does the system support automated shelf temperature control during primary and secondary drying?

Yes—the SH-HPSC-I controller enables programmable ramp-hold profiles with independent setpoint control for shelf heating and vacuum regulation.
Is the vacuum pump included in the standard configuration?

Yes—a 2 L/min oil-sealed rotary vane pump with integrated oil mist filter and vacuum gauge is supplied as part of the base package.
Can the ZQ-FD-60B perform in-situ stoppering under vacuum?

Yes—hydraulic actuation enables precise, repeatable compression of rubber stoppers onto vials while maintaining vacuum integrity.
What validation documentation is provided with the instrument?

Factory calibration certificates for temperature sensors and vacuum transducer, IQ/OQ checklist templates, and electrical safety test report per IEC 61010-1 are included. Full PQ support requires site-specific protocol development.