Freeze Drying Technology

Lyophilization, also known as freeze-drying, is a process that removes water from a material through sublimation under low pressure. This preserves the material’s structure and properties. Key quality drivers include rapid vacuum creation, achieving the lowest ultimate vacuum, and precise heating control. The process involves three main stages:

  • Freezing: The product is rapidly frozen to -40°C, which forms small ice crystals that help maintain the structure and nutrients of the product.
  • Primary Drying: The chamber pressure is reduced below atmospheric levels, causing the ice to sublimate directly from solid to gas. This stage removes about 95% of the water content.
  • Secondary Drying: The product is gently heated to drive off any remaining bound water through desorption, ensuring complete dryness.

Controlled temperature, pressure, and airflow during these stages help retain the original shape, flavor, and nutritional value of the product, enhancing the shelf stability of freeze-dried foods and pharmaceuticals.

Defining Parameters: Achieving the fastest possible vacuum creation (less than 20 minutes to below 133 Pa) and maintaining the lowest ultimate pressure (below 15 Pa) alongside high heat efficiency and perfect heat distribution are crucial. These parameters, combined with optimal recipe settings, define the quality of the final product.

Weber Freeze Drying - MSL Teknoloji
Freeze Drying vs Vacuum Drying

Vacuum freeze-drying fundamentally differs from vacuum drying in how moisture is removed. Freeze-drying employs sublimation, transforming ice directly into vapor without passing through a liquid phase. This method prevents structural, color, and nutrient alterations, making it ideal for preserving delicate and heat-sensitive materials. In contrast, vacuum drying involves boiling off water, which can cause significant changes to a product’s characteristics.

Weber DryIng – The new Leader In Freeze DryIng Technology

Weber Drying is a global supplier of vacuum freeze drying systems. We offer three ranges of solutions: An Industry Range (up to 3.000 kg/room), a Compact Range up to 450 kg/room) and a Pilot Plant range (up to 75 kg). We set the new standards on productivity, efficiency and reliability, at lowest Total Cost of Ownership. We are more than just a supplier, we’re here to support you, from start till finish, and beyond. With our knowledge and dedicated support, both on the technology as on the production process.

Freeze Drying Laboratory

At our own laboratory we are able to conduct Freeze Drying trials with & for you. Showing you the capabilities of Freeze Drying, and helping you developing and refining your product range. At our laboratory our product specialist are at your disposal for advice, and preparing testing and marketing samples.

Laboratory Equipment to Rent

Of course, testing with your fresh products at your location is the perfect way to establish what opportunities Freeze Drying can bring to you. Using the right equipment is key. With the Weber Laboratory Drying you can achieve production conditions – on smallest scale. Achieving ideal vacuum conditions (< 15 Pa) at shortest time (< 15 minutes) at perfect heating & cooling conditions, with full process control. Our specialists guide you – all the way. Our Laboratory Freeze Dryer is offered on a monthly rental basis.

Weber Pilot Plant Range

Our pilot plants offers you small scale production capabilities, drying up to 75 kg each load. As our pilot plants are build up with exact the same components as our full size production systems, you are guaranteed to produce exact same quality levels. From here – scaling up to larger capabilities is a breeze… You either can keep your Pilot Plant for further product development, or trade in against a larger system. Pilot plants are offered on a sale-and-buy-back basis.