FTS LYOSTAR 3, Operator'S Manual

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FTS Systems LyoStar™ 3 The Freeze-Drying System
Rev 006, 01/14 13
© SP Scientific 2014
Condenser System
The external ice condenser consists of a continuous, multiple loop coil located inside
a horizontally mounted, cylindrical vessel manufactured from grade 316L stainless
steel. The condenser chamber, which is designed for and provided with reinforcement
capable of withstanding full vacuum, is located below the product-drying chamber.
The condenser is connected to the drying chamber via a 4-inch (102-mm) diameter
vapor port. A condenser drain is located on the front panel, below and to the left of the
condenser door.
Condenser Cooling
The condenser cooling coils are mounted inside the chamber. The coils are
continuous for optimal flow of refrigerant. Cooling of the condenser coils is achieved
by the direct expansion of refrigerant in the condenser coils. The chamber is insulated
to protect against external heat gain. A Type T thermocouple probe located on the
cooling coil is used to monitor the temperature of the condenser.
Standard Condenser Door
The standard condenser chamber door is a full-view acrylic door. A split-ring gasket
surrounds the chamber opening allowing the chamber to be sealed under vacuum
when the door is closed.
Defrost
Defrosting of the condenser is achieved by pumping hot refrigerant gas through the
condenser coils.
Refrigeration System
The LyoStar™ 3 includes a robust 5.5 hp cascade refrigeration system consisting of
two scroll compressors—one 3.5 hp high-stage compressor and one 2 hp low-stage
compressor. The refrigeration capacity is split to allow cooling of both the shelf and
condenser simultaneously depending on demand, which is determined by the control
system automatically during operation. The low-stage circuit discharges heat to the
high-stage circuit via a cascade condenser at a temperature well below ambient. The
heat is removed from the high-stage circuit by either a water- or air-cooled heat
exchanger, depending on the purchased option. The low-stage circuit is used to
provide cooling for the shelf and the condenser. A Type T thermocouple probe
monitors the interstage temperature of the refrigeration system.
Refrigeration System Utility Requirements
Lyophilizers with air-cooled refrigeration systems require suitable ventilation and/or
conditioning of the room. Water-cooled refrigeration systems require an adequate
cooling water supply. Refer to the lyophilizer’s specifications.