* * * INSIGHT * * *

Chaos with the Manifold Dryer

By

Thomas A. Jennings, Ph.D.

When one is first faced with today’s research or production freeze-dryers or lyophilizers, the size of the system and complexity of the process control system is often sufficient to caution the Novice to give careful thought before performing a lyophilization process. That is not to say that there will not be some, to the consternation of many, who will plunge straight ahead and give it a try. Their efforts may soon be rewarded by making the acquaintance of members of the service department of the equipment manufacturer.

However, a manifold dryer poses a less threatening appearance and the Novice may not be so cautious in view of it’s simplistic design, absence of a complex process control system and presence of just a few manual switches. In spite of its simple design, as shown by Figure 1, the manifold dryer can produce, when used properly,  acceptable dried product like that experienced by Shackell in 1909 [1]. However, if abused or improperly used the results may be poor to the wonder of the operator. In this INSIGHT I would like to outline for you some of the most common and perhaps not so common mistakes that can be made when using this type of freeze-drying equipment. This will be accomplished by introducing you to two purely fictitious characters who will serve to demonstrate how not to use the equipment. I wish to apologize to the reader for the length of this INSIGHT but I felt it necessary to simulate why, how and the possible negative results that may occur from the improper use of this equipment.  After meeting each of the characters there will be a critique of their actions.  Being the gentleman that I am let us start with the lady first.

Volume 4 No. 10                                                                                           October 2001

11 Pages          3  References          1 Figures

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