An external two-stage cold trap for a freeze dryer capable of secondary water capture

Abstract

This application relates to the field of cold trap technology for freeze dryers, and provides an external two-stage cold trap for freeze dryers capable of secondary water capture. The cold trap includes a freeze-drying chamber, a water vapor capture system, and a vacuum system. The vacuum system includes a vacuum pump, and the water vapor capture system includes a primary cold trap and a secondary cold trap. The freeze-drying chamber is sealed to the primary cold trap, the primary cold trap is sealed to the secondary cold trap, and the vacuum pump is sealed to the secondary cold trap. The advantages of this invention are: the external two-stage cold trap structure significantly improves water vapor capture efficiency through two-stage condensation, reduces the load on the vacuum pump, the parallel lower-positioned cold trap layout saves space and facilitates maintenance, the optimized airflow path design makes water vapor distribution more uniform, avoids local frost and blockage, the vertical pipe connection enhances system sealing, reduces energy consumption, and extends equipment lifespan.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of cold traps for freeze dryers, and specifically relates to an external two-stage cold trap for freeze dryers that can capture water twice. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of modern logistics and packaging, cold traps for freeze dryers are widely used packaging containers. The rationality of their structural design directly affects packaging efficiency, transportation safety, and storage convenience. Traditional cold traps for freeze dryers usually adopt a single-layer plate structure, formed by gluing or nailing. In practical applications, this has the following shortcomings:

[0003] 1. Low folding and assembly efficiency: The folding process of cold traps in traditional freeze dryers often requires additional connectors (such as tape and nails) or complex folding steps. Especially in batch packaging scenarios, manual assembly is time-consuming and labor-intensive, making it difficult to meet the needs of high-efficiency production.

[0004] 2. Insufficient pressure resistance: The four corner support structure of the cold trap used in traditional freeze dryers is weak. When subjected to stacking pressure or transportation bumps, the box is prone to local dents or deformation, resulting in damage to the internal items. In particular, the packaging reliability of heavy or fragile items is poor. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides an external dual-stage cold trap for a freeze dryer that can capture water twice. The external dual-stage cold trap structure significantly improves water vapor capture efficiency through two-stage condensation, reduces the load on the vacuum pump, and the side-by-side bottom-mounted cold trap layout saves space and facilitates maintenance. The optimized airflow path design makes water vapor distribution more uniform, avoids local frost and blockage, and the vertical pipe connection method enhances system sealing, reduces energy consumption, and extends equipment service life.

[0006] The technical solution is as follows: An external dual-stage cold trap for a freeze dryer capable of secondary water capture includes a freeze-drying chamber, a water vapor capture system, and a vacuum system. The vacuum system includes a vacuum pump, and the water vapor capture system includes a primary cold trap and a secondary cold trap. The freeze-drying chamber is sealed and connected to the primary cold trap, the primary cold trap is sealed and connected to the secondary cold trap, and the vacuum pump is sealed and connected to the secondary cold trap.

[0007] The above technical solution, when in use, adopts an external dual-stage cold trap structure, which significantly improves water vapor capture efficiency through two-stage condensation, reduces the load on the vacuum pump, and the side-by-side, bottom-mounted cold trap layout saves space and facilitates maintenance. The optimized airflow path design makes water vapor distribution more uniform, avoids local frost and blockage, and the vertical pipe connection method enhances system sealing, reduces energy consumption, and extends equipment service life.

[0008] Preferably, the primary cold trap and the secondary cold trap are arranged side by side at the lower end of the freeze-drying chamber.

[0009] Preferably, a main exhaust pipe is provided on the lower rear end of the freeze-drying chamber, and a first air inlet pipe is provided on the upper rear end of the primary cold trap. The main exhaust pipe and the first air inlet pipe are sealed and connected through a vertical pipe.

[0010] Preferably, a first exhaust pipe is provided on the upper front side of the primary cold well, and a second air inlet pipe is provided on the lower rear end of the secondary cold trap. The first exhaust pipe and the second air inlet pipe are sealed and connected through a connecting pipe.

[0011] Preferably, a second exhaust pipe is provided on the lower front end of the secondary cold trap, and the vacuum pump is sealed and connected to the second exhaust pipe through an exhaust pipe.

[0012] Preferably, a water vapor filter is provided at the middle position of the exhaust pipe for filtering water vapor.

[0013] Preferably, the freeze-drying chamber is equipped with a refrigeration system and a heating system. The refrigeration system includes components such as a compressor and a condenser, which pre-freezes the material to below the freezing point (e.g., -40°C) through refrigerant circulation to form solid ice. The heating system includes a heater and is equipped with a plate layer inside the freeze-drying chamber. The material is indirectly heated through the heating plate layer to provide the heat required for ice sublimation and to prevent the material from deteriorating due to high temperature.

[0014] Preferably, a first baffle is provided in the first cold trap near the first air inlet pipe, and a first water trap is provided between the first baffle and the side of the first cold trap near the first exhaust pipe. The first water trap has three layers: upper, middle and lower, to form an S-shaped channel for gas flow. A support rod for connection and fixation is provided on the first water trap, and the lower end face of the first water trap is wavy.

[0015] Preferably, the secondary cold trap is provided with multiple vertically arranged secondary water-catching plates, and adjacent secondary water-catching plates are staggered to form an S-shaped airflow channel.

[0016] Preferably, the upper end of the primary water-catching plate faces a first water guide plate that slopes downwards towards the end near the support rod. An evaporator coil is provided between the first water guide plate and the primary water-catching plate. A first drain pipe is provided on the primary cold trap directly below the first air inlet pipe. A valve is provided on the first drain pipe. The bottom surface of the inner wall of the primary cold trap is provided with a first inclined bottom surface that slopes towards the first drain pipe. An evaporator coil is provided in the middle of the secondary water-catching plate. A second drain pipe is provided at the lower end of the secondary cold trap. A second baffle is provided on the side of the inner wall of the secondary cold trap near the second exhaust pipe to prevent water from entering the second exhaust pipe. The bottom surface of the inner wall of the secondary cold trap is provided with a second inclined bottom surface that slopes towards the second drain pipe.

[0017] During use, the above technical solution employs a special flow guiding structure and inclined drainage design for both stages of the cold trap, along with a second baffle to prevent condensate backflow and ensure stable system operation. This structure achieves efficient staged condensation of water vapor and automatic drainage, significantly improving the capture effect.

[0018] After adopting the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0019] 1. It adopts an external dual-stage cold trap structure, which significantly improves water vapor capture efficiency through two-stage condensation and reduces the load on the vacuum pump. The side-by-side bottom-mounted cold trap layout saves space and facilitates maintenance. The optimized airflow path design makes water vapor distribution more uniform, avoids local frost and blockage, and the vertical pipe connection method enhances system sealing, reduces energy consumption and extends equipment service life.

[0020] 2. Both stages of the cold trap adopt a special flow guiding structure and inclined drainage design, which, together with the second baffle, prevents condensate backflow and ensures stable system operation. This structure realizes efficient water vapor staged condensation and automatic drainage, significantly improving the capture effect. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a front view of the primary cold trap of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a front view of the secondary cold trap of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a top view of the primary cold trap and the secondary cold trap of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the primary cold trap in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the secondary cold trap in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0029] In the diagram, 1. Freeze-drying chamber; 2. Refrigeration system; 3. Water vapor capture system; 4. Heating system; 5. Vacuum system; 6. Primary cold trap; 7. Secondary cold trap; 8. Main exhaust pipe; 9. First air inlet pipe; 10. First exhaust pipe; 11. Second air inlet pipe; 12. Second exhaust pipe; 13. Connecting pipe; 14. Water vapor filter; 15. Exhaust pipe; 16. First baffle; 17. Primary water trapping plate; 18. Support rod; 19. Evaporator coil; 20. First water guide plate; 21. First inclined bottom surface; 22. First drain pipe; 23. Secondary water trapping plate; 25. Second inclined bottom surface; 26. Second drain pipe; 27. Second baffle. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0031] Example 1

[0032] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, an external dual-stage cold trap for a freeze dryer capable of secondary water capture includes a freeze-drying chamber 1, a water vapor capture system 3, and a vacuum system 5. The vacuum system 5 includes a vacuum pump, and the water vapor capture system 3 includes a primary cold trap 6 and a secondary cold trap 7. The freeze-drying chamber 1 is sealed and connected to the primary cold trap 6, the primary cold trap 6 is sealed and connected to the secondary cold trap 7, and the vacuum pump is sealed and connected to the secondary cold trap 7. The primary cold trap 6 and the secondary cold trap 7 are arranged side by side at the lower end of the freeze-drying chamber 1. A main exhaust pipe 8 is provided at the lower rear end of the freeze-drying chamber 1. A first air inlet pipe 9 is provided at the upper rear end of the primary cold trap 6. The main exhaust pipe 8 and the first air inlet pipe 9 are sealed and connected through a vertical pipe. A first exhaust pipe 10 is provided at the upper front end of the primary cold trap. A second air inlet pipe 11 is provided at the lower rear end of the secondary cold trap 7. The first exhaust pipe 10 and the second air inlet pipe 11 are sealed and connected through a connecting pipe 13. A second exhaust pipe 12 is provided at the lower front end of the secondary cold trap 7. The vacuum pump is sealed and connected to the second exhaust pipe 12 through an exhaust pipe 15.

[0033] In actual operation: efficient water vapor capture is achieved through the coordinated work of freeze-drying chamber 1, dual-stage cold traps and vacuum pump. Water vapor generated by the sublimation of materials in freeze-drying chamber 1 enters the first-stage cold trap 6 through the main exhaust pipe 8, where most of the water vapor is condensed and captured. The uncondensed residual water vapor enters the second-stage cold trap 7 through the first exhaust pipe 10 for secondary capture. Finally, the vacuum pump maintains the system vacuum. The dual-stage cold traps adopt a side-by-side bottom-mounted layout, and a gas flow path is formed through vertical pipes and connecting pipes 13, so that water vapor flows through the two-stage cold traps in sequence. The first air inlet pipe 9 of the first-stage cold trap 6 is vertically connected to the main exhaust pipe 8, which is conducive to uniform airflow distribution. The second air inlet pipe 11 of the second-stage cold trap 7 is located at the lower rear end to enhance the capture efficiency. This structure realizes the staged condensation of water vapor and the optimization of the airflow path, significantly improving the overall capture capacity.

[0034] A water vapor filter 14 is installed at the middle position of the exhaust pipe 15 to filter water vapor and protect the vacuum pump. The water vapor filter 14 includes a mounting housing, and a drain pipe is provided at the lower end of the mounting housing. A valve is provided on the drain pipe. A filter layer for filtering water vapor is provided inside the mounting housing. A refrigeration system 2 and a heating system 4 are provided on the freeze-drying chamber 1. The refrigeration system 2 includes components such as a compressor and a condenser. It pre-freezes the material to below the freezing point (e.g., -40°C) through refrigerant circulation to form solid ice. The heating system 4 includes a heater and a plate is provided inside the freeze-drying chamber 1. The material is indirectly heated through the heating plate to provide the heat required for ice sublimation and to prevent the material from deteriorating due to high temperature.

[0035] In actual operation: During operation, the refrigeration system 2 first pre-freezes the material in the freeze-drying chamber 1, then the vacuum system 5 evacuates the air to create a vacuum, the heating system 4 provides heat to sublimate the ice, and the water vapor capture system 3 simultaneously condenses the water vapor. All systems work together to ensure the efficient execution of the freeze-drying process, ultimately yielding a freeze-dried product that retains its original structure and activity. Example 2

[0036] Based on Example 1, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, a first baffle 16 is provided in the first-stage cold trap 6 near the first air inlet pipe 9. A first-stage water-catching plate 17 is provided between the first baffle 16 and the side of the first-stage cold trap 6 near the first exhaust pipe 10. The first-stage water-catching plate 17 has three layers (upper, middle, and lower) to form an S-shaped channel for gas flow. A support rod 18 for connection and fixation is provided on the first-stage water-catching plate 17. The lower end face of the first-stage water-catching plate 17 is wavy. Multiple vertically arranged second-stage water-catching plates 23 are provided on the second-stage cold trap 7, and adjacent second-stage water-catching plates 23 are staggered to form an S-shaped channel for airflow. The upper end face of the first-stage water-catching plate 17 is inclined downward towards the end near the support rod 18 as a first water guide plate. 20. An evaporator coil 19 is provided between the first water guide plate 20 and the first-stage water trap 17. A first drain pipe 22 is provided on the first-stage cold trap 6 directly below the first air inlet pipe 9. A valve is provided on the first drain pipe 22. A first inclined bottom surface 21 is provided on the bottom surface of the inner wall of the first-stage cold trap 6, which is inclined towards the first drain pipe 22. An evaporator coil 19 is provided in the middle of the second-stage water trap 23. A second drain pipe 26 is provided at the lower end of the second-stage cold trap 7. A second baffle 27 is provided on the side of the inner wall of the second-stage cold trap 7 near the second exhaust pipe 12 to prevent water from entering the second exhaust pipe 12. A second inclined bottom surface 25 is provided on the bottom surface of the inner wall of the second-stage cold trap 7, which is inclined towards the second drain pipe 26.

[0037] In actual operation: Water vapor first enters the primary cold trap 6 through the first air inlet pipe 9. The airflow is guided by the first baffle 16 to pass evenly through the S-shaped channel formed by the three-layer corrugated primary water trap 17, which prolongs the contact time and improves the collection efficiency. After the residual water vapor enters the secondary cold trap 7, it forms an S-shaped flow path between the staggered secondary water trap 23 to achieve the secondary water capture function. The S-shaped flow path prolongs the time of the airflow in the secondary cold trap 7. After a period of use, the evaporator coil 19 is started to heat the primary water trap 17 and the secondary water trap 23 to convert the condensation on the surface into condensate. The condensate in the primary cold trap 6 is collected by the first water guide plate 20 to the first inclined bottom surface 21 and then discharged by the first drain pipe 22. The condensate in the secondary cold trap 7 is guided by the second inclined bottom surface 25 to the second drain pipe 26.

[0038] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications may be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope. All such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of this utility model as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An external two-stage cold trap for a freeze dryer capable of secondary water capture, comprising a freeze-drying chamber (1), a water vapor capture system (3), and a vacuum system (5), wherein the vacuum system (5) includes a vacuum pump, characterized in that: The water vapor capture system (3) includes a primary cold trap (6) and a secondary cold trap (7). The freeze-drying chamber (1) is sealed and connected to the primary cold trap (6). The primary cold trap (6) is sealed and connected to the secondary cold trap (7). The vacuum pump is sealed and connected to the secondary cold trap (7).

2. The external dual-stage cold trap for a freeze dryer capable of secondary water capture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The primary cold trap (6) and the secondary cold trap (7) are arranged side by side at the lower end of the freeze-drying chamber (1).

3. The external dual-stage cold trap for a freeze dryer capable of secondary water capture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The freeze-drying chamber (1) is provided with a main exhaust pipe (8) at the lower rear end, and the first air inlet pipe (9) is provided at the upper rear end of the first-stage cold trap (6). The main exhaust pipe (8) and the first air inlet pipe (9) are sealed and connected through a vertical pipe.

4. The external dual-stage cold trap for a freeze dryer capable of secondary water capture according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first exhaust pipe (10) is provided on the upper front end of the first-stage cold trap, and the second intake pipe (11) is provided on the lower rear end of the second-stage cold trap (7). The first exhaust pipe (10) and the second intake pipe (11) are sealed and connected through a connecting pipe (13).

5. An external two-stage cold trap for a freeze dryer capable of secondary water capture according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lower front end of the secondary cold trap (7) is provided with a second exhaust pipe (12), and the vacuum pump is sealed and connected to the second exhaust pipe (12) through an exhaust pipe (15).

6. The external dual-stage cold trap for a freeze dryer capable of secondary water capture according to claim 5, characterized in that, A water vapor filter device (14) is provided in the middle of the exhaust pipe (15) for filtering water vapor.

7. An external two-stage cold trap for a freeze dryer capable of secondary water capture according to claim 6, characterized in that, The freeze-drying chamber (1) is equipped with a refrigeration system (2) and a heating system (4). The refrigeration system (2) includes components such as a compressor and a condenser. It pre-freezes the material to below the freezing point (e.g., -40°C) through refrigerant circulation to form solid ice. The heating system (4) includes a heater and is equipped with a plate in the freeze-drying chamber (1). It indirectly heats the material through the heating plate to provide the heat required for ice sublimation and to prevent the material from deteriorating due to high temperature.

8. An external two-stage cold trap for a freeze dryer capable of secondary water capture according to any one of claims 5-7, characterized in that, A first baffle (16) is provided in the first cold trap (6) near the first air inlet pipe (9). A first water trap (17) is provided between the first baffle (16) and the side of the first cold trap (6) near the first exhaust pipe (10). The first water trap (17) has three layers: upper, middle and lower, which are used to form an S-shaped channel for gas flow. A support rod (18) for connection and fixation is provided on the first water trap (17). The lower end face of the first water trap (17) is wavy.

9. An external two-stage cold trap for a freeze dryer capable of secondary water capture according to claim 8, characterized in that, The secondary cold trap (7) is provided with multiple vertically arranged secondary water traps (23), and the two adjacent secondary water traps (23) are staggered to form an S-shaped channel for airflow.

10. An external two-stage cold trap for a freeze dryer capable of secondary water capture according to claim 9, characterized in that, The upper end of the first-stage water trap (17) faces the first water guide plate (20) which is inclined downward near the support rod (18). An evaporator coil (19) is provided between the first water guide plate (20) and the first-stage water trap (17). A first drain pipe (22) is provided on the first-stage cold trap (6) directly below the first air inlet pipe (9). A valve is provided on the first drain pipe (22). A first inclined bottom surface (21) inclined towards the first drain pipe (22) is provided on the bottom surface of the inner wall of the first-stage cold trap (6). An evaporator coil (19) is provided in the middle of the second-stage water trap (23). A second drain pipe (26) is provided at the lower end of the second-stage cold trap (7). A second baffle (27) is provided on the side of the inner wall of the second-stage cold trap (7) near the second exhaust pipe (12) to prevent water from entering the second exhaust pipe (12). A second inclined bottom surface (25) inclined towards the second drain pipe (26) is provided on the bottom surface of the inner wall of the second-stage cold trap (7).

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