VACUUM DRYING
Vacuum drying is the mass transfer operation in which the moisture present in a substance, usually a wet solid, is removed by means of creating a vacuum.
HOW DOES VACUUM DRYING WORK?
Vacuum drying is used in many industrial sectors to dry substances fast, gently and energy-efficiently. The liquid contained in the processed materials is evaporated by pressure reduction and extracted as vapor.
This technique is therefore particularly suited for drying of sensitive products that would be destroyed or degraded if being dried by means of heat. For example, chemicals, pharmaceuticals or foodstuffs.
Moreover, vacuum drying is the procedure of choice for drying of products with a large surface area. Such as plastic granules or other hygroscopic materials and industrial components.
FREEZE DRYING
Freeze drying. Also known as lyophilization. A technique for the gentle drying of products. Based on the physical process of sublimation.
HOW DOES FREEZE DRYING WORK?
Freeze drying under vacuum is used to dry sensitive products without damaging them. By making use of the phenomenon called sublimation. Which means that water passes directly from the solid to the gaseous state while under vacuum.
The freeze drying process starts with freezing the product to be dried at atmospheric pressure. Usually with the help of cryogenic liquefied gases. It is then placed under vacuum. The frozen moisture in the product sublimates and can easily be extracted in the form of vapor.
In this way, water can be partly or completely removed. For example, from foodstuffs or sensitive pharmaceutical substances. With no need of heating up the products. As a result, important ingredients and aromas are preserved, and product properties remain unchanged. Therefore, freeze-dried substances can easily be rehydrated later on.
Whatever your drying process. We help you to choose the vacuum solution perfectly matching your requirements.
The Role of Vacuum Technology in Freeze Drying
Maulburg, Germany | December 15, 2020
There are several ways to extend the shelf life of food. One of the oldest methods belong of smoking and salting is drying – which was used long before freezing, boiling or vacuum packaging. Freeze drying is a modern extention of traditional drying methods to protect food from spoilage for longer.
Freeze drying is a modern extention of traditional drying methods to protect food from spoilage for longer.
This process is only made possible by modern vacuum technology because freeze drying food takes place under vacuum.