APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTINUOUS LYOPHILIZATION
First Claim
1. An apparatus for continuous sublimation of a substance, the apparatus comprising:
- a processing chamber containing a substantially atmospheric environment, the processing chamber having a plurality of trays vertically stacked therein for cascading therethrough a material containing a substance capable of sublimation to form a sublimate at a predetermined temperature;
a heater for supplying heated gas to the processing chamber; and
a desiccant in fluid communication with the processing chamber for maintaining the partial pressure of the substance within the environment within the processing chamber less than the vapor pressure of the substance.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for the continuous sublimation of a substance includes cascading a material containing a substance capable of sublimation, such as water, between a plurality of trays vertically stacked within a processing zone provided within a processing chamber. A substantially atmospheric environment is maintained within the processing zone at a temperature whereby the substance sublimes forming a sublimate within the environment. The environment containing the sublimate is contacted with a drying agent such as a desiccant to maintain the environment whereby the substance sublimes at substantially atmospheric pressure and at the controlled temperature.
17 Citations
7 Claims
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1. An apparatus for continuous sublimation of a substance, the apparatus comprising:
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a processing chamber containing a substantially atmospheric environment, the processing chamber having a plurality of trays vertically stacked therein for cascading therethrough a material containing a substance capable of sublimation to form a sublimate at a predetermined temperature; a heater for supplying heated gas to the processing chamber; and a desiccant in fluid communication with the processing chamber for maintaining the partial pressure of the substance within the environment within the processing chamber less than the vapor pressure of the substance. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification