Method and apparatus for reclaiming effluent from a freeze-drying process, and uses for effluent
First Claim
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1. A system for reclaiming and reusing effluent from a freeze drying process, comprising:
- at least one condenser apparatus used during a freeze-drying cycle to collect effluent from material being freeze-died; and
a recovery reservoir positioned for collecting material from the condenser apparatus;
characterized in that ice crystals formed from the effluent are removed from the condenser after the freeze drying cycle into the recovery reservoir and the resulting effluent from the ice crystals is filtered and re-used.
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Abstract
A system for reclaiming effluent from a freeze drying process has at least one condenser apparatus used during a freeze-drying cycle to collect effluent from material being freeze-dried, and a recovery reservoir positioned for collecting material from the condenser apparatus. The system is characterized in that ice crystals formed from the effluent are removed from the condenser after the freeze drying cycle into recovery reservoir to be re-used. Product systems include both freeze-dried material and the effluent collected during freeze drying.
25 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A system for reclaiming and reusing effluent from a freeze drying process, comprising:
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at least one condenser apparatus used during a freeze-drying cycle to collect effluent from material being freeze-died; and a recovery reservoir positioned for collecting material from the condenser apparatus; characterized in that ice crystals formed from the effluent are removed from the condenser after the freeze drying cycle into the recovery reservoir and the resulting effluent from the ice crystals is filtered and re-used. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for reclaiming effluent from a freeze-dry system and converting the effluent into a useable product comprising steps of:
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(a) providing at least one water recovery tank under at least one condenser unit of the system; (b) condensing vapor drawn from a product being dried in the system onto the condenser in the from of ice; and (c) collecting and melting the ice from the condenser after a freeze drying cycle; wherein the resulting effluent is filtered and re-used. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A freeze dried product system, comprising:
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a freeze-dried material in one container, the material lacking effluent water removed in the freeze drying process; and the effluent in a second container, the effluent collected from the material in the first container during the freeze-drying process and filtered and reused.
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Specification