A pilot freeze dryer turns a material idea into a documented process. It is used to define the freezing route, the drying curve, the endpoint criterion and the finished-product quality before production scale is committed. For a buyer, it answers the question “can this be lyophilized, and at what cycle” with data instead of assumption.
Who this is for
Where it is used
- Material screening — testing whether a new food, extract or biological material dries well.
- Cycle development — defining freeze temperature, vacuum and drying time for a recipe.
- Small-batch production — reference lots and early-market samples.
- Quality reference — producing the finished-product target that scale-up must match.
Reference models and published parameters
The pilot range uses silicone-oil heating and covers two structures: the HDF-FD series (chamber and cold trap integrated) and the HDF-T series (chamber and cold trap split). Reference values below are published for process development and small-batch production.
| Model | Drying area | Footprint L×W×H | Power | Cold trap | Vacuum | Load | Ice | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDF-FD02 | 0.2 m² | 1470×760×1620 mm | 4 kW | ≤-60 °C | ≤5 Pa | 2 kg | 4 kg | 380 kg |
| HDF-FD03 | 0.3 m² | 1470×760×1620 mm | 4 kW | ≤-60 °C | ≤5 Pa | 3 kg | 6 kg | 390 kg |
| HDF-FD04 | 0.4 m² | 1470×760×1620 mm | 4 kW | ≤-60 °C | ≤5 Pa | 4 kg | 8 kg | 400 kg |
| HDF-T02 | 0.2 m² | 760×800×1600 mm | 4 kW | ≤-60 °C | ≤5 Pa | 2 kg | 4 kg | 320 kg |
| HDF-T03 | 0.3 m² | 760×800×1600 mm | 4 kW | ≤-60 °C | ≤5 Pa | 3 kg | 6 kg | 330 kg |
| HDF-T04 | 0.4 m² | 760×800×1600 mm | 4 kW | ≤-60 °C | ≤5 Pa | 4 kg | 8 kg | 340 kg |
| HDF-T07 | 0.7 m² | 1290×820×1700 mm | 5.5 kW | ≤-60 °C | ≤5 Pa | 7 kg | 14 kg | 680 kg |
| HDF-T10 | 1.0 m² | 1290×820×1700 mm | 8.6 kW | ≤-60 °C | ≤5 Pa | 10 kg | 20 kg | 850 kg |
| HDF-T20 | 2.0 m² | 2250×1050×1750 mm | 16 kW | ≤-60 °C | ≤5 Pa | 20 kg | 40 kg | 1500 kg |
Shelf temperature range is -55 to +70 °C. The FD series has an integrated chamber/cold-trap; the T series has a split chamber and cold trap. Published reference values from the HADOF research catalog.
How to read these parameters
- Load is fresh material per batch; actual dried output depends on the water removed.
- Ice capacity must cover the water in the load — exceed it and the cycle stalls.
- Drying area sets fill depth and how evenly the load dries.
- Integrated vs split is a layout and budget choice, not a quality choice — both use the same silicone-oil heating.
How to choose a configuration
HDF-FD series
Integrated chamber and cold trap for a compact footprint and simpler installation.
HDF-T series
Split chamber and cold trap for larger ice capacity and flexible layout.
What a pilot program should produce
- A repeatable cycle for the specific material and fill depth.
- Residual moisture and quality results with the test methods used.
- Operating limits to carry into scale-up.
Quality control
Each unit is function-tested on vacuum, refrigeration and control loops before dispatch, and shipped with operating documentation and a pre-shipment checklist.
Packaging and shipping
Bench units ship in reinforced packaging with the vacuum and refrigeration systems protected against shock and moisture. Smaller units are practical for air or courier freight; provide the destination country for an accurate packing and freight plan.
After-sales and maintenance
- Operating documentation and maintenance guidance included.
- Remote support for cycle questions and troubleshooting.
- Spare-part list and replacement guidance after delivery.
How pricing works
Price follows drying area, ice capacity and structure. The integrated HDF-FD02 is the entry point; the split HDF-T series costs more as ice capacity and control capability grow. Confirm the batch and layout needs and we quote the right model.
Frequently asked questions
Which size should I start with?
Match the model to the largest trial batch you expect. Starting too small means you cannot validate a realistic fill depth.
Can I develop a recipe on it?
Yes — the control system saves each freezing and drying step, which is what scale-up needs.
Integrated or split structure?
The integrated FD series is more compact; the split T series allows larger ice capacity and flexible layout. Both use silicone-oil heating.