Freeze Dryers
Continuous — CFD000: Freeze Dryer
Cuddon Limited has manufactured general-purpose batch freeze dryers since 1963. Cuddon Limited has forged a global reputation for quality and innovation and remains committed to developing new capabilities for freeze dryers through innovation and continuous improvement.
New Technology
In developing the model CFD, Cuddon Ltd has worked closely alongside AgResearch to include patented spray application technology*. This technology has been extensively tested and trialled over the past 12 months on a prototype.
The application of wet product onto the belt is via this spray device, or an extrusion device. Product is applied to the belt at ambient temperature.
The production Model CFD is based on this prototype, which is a smaller-scale working model. Key features that vary between the prototype and production models are:
- To accommodate the 5 x 1.2m wide belts, the production chamber will be 2.05m in diameter, versus 0.9m diameter on the prototype (which houses 1 x 600mm wide belt).
- Production model will contain 2 x ice chambers so that these can be alternately defrosted.
Benefits of CFD Freeze Dryers
We believe CFD freeze dryers will increase overall efficiency by 50% vs batch freeze drying. This efficiency will be made up of:
- A decrease in staff input through elimination of product handling, tray loading/unloading and tray washing.
- Minimisation of downtime between batch cycles achieved through co-ordination of 2 x ice condensers (one defrosts while other condenses) and CPN cleaning. Although we recommend a weekly cleaning program, this is more efficient than daily clean often required with batch drying.
Process
Efficiency of CFD Freeze Dryers
- Versus similar capacity batch freeze drying, we estimate a 40% reduction in energy required.
- Overall annual $/kg operating costs approximately 30% cheaper than equivalent capacity batch dryers.
CFD Freeze Dryers Capacity
- Input capacity = 140 litres of wet product per hour @ 8-50% solid (3 360kg/day) Installation Guidelines.
- 10 metres of clear space is required in order to remove the conveyer system. This clear space could be in the same room a, through the wall or out an adjacent door.
- We recommend placing the CFD above the ground floor or in a 2-story room. This is to ensure the dried product can empty at the exit point into a ground level catchment device.
Specifications for CFD Freeze Dryers
- Construction material stainless steel.
- Drying pressure 0.3-4.0 mb.
- Drying temperature – 20°C to – 10°C.
- Plate temperature 120°C decreasing to chilled water at the dried product exit point.
- Chamber diameter 2.02 metres.
- Chamber length 9.0 metres.
Cuddon either stock or will manufacture a freeze dry machine to almost any specification.
*The technology is the subject of patents pending in New Zealand and via the Patent Co-operation Treaty.
