Freeze-Drying Loading Transfer Table Thermal Decoupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In modern freeze-drying equipment, the loading times become excessively long due to the need for multiple partial pushes and extended buffer zones, which increases heat exchange and risks temperature sensitivity of products, especially when high-temperature sensitivity products are processed.
Innovation Solution
The transfer table remains in its operating position during loading, and the loading aperture is partially closed during loading pauses, with liftable edge sections on the transfer table minimizing thermal contact and heat exchange, and thermal barriers on the transfer table to further reduce heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the transfer table is moved in and out before each loading push, then the loading aperture can be fully opened for loading, but the loading time increases significantly due to repeated movement and heat exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer table is positioned in its operating position before the loading process starts and remains there during multiple loading pushes. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need to move the transfer table in and out for each push, significantly reducing loading time while maintaining operational effectiveness.
2Ease of operation
If the loading aperture is kept fully open during loading, then containers can be easily loaded, but heat exchange between chamber and exterior increases affecting temperature-sensitive products
Solution Approach 1:
The loading aperture is divided into different zones: an upper closed zone and a lower open zone. The upper zone remains closed to maintain thermal isolation and protect temperature-sensitive products, while the lower zone remains open to facilitate container loading. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of both easy loading and heat exchange prevention.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple partial pushes are used to load large charging areas, then all containers can be loaded, but loading time increases and buffer zone requirements expand
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer table is positioned in advance in its operating position before the loading sequence begins. This preliminary positioning enables multiple loading pushes to be performed without repeated table movement, significantly reducing the time required to load large numbers of containers into the charging area.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging area is divided into multiple zones that can be loaded in sequence through partial pushes. The transfer table remains stationary while facilitating multiple pushes, and the buffer zone is optimized to handle the segmented loading process efficiently, reducing overall loading time while accommodating large quantities of containers.
4Quantity of substance
If the buffer zone is enlarged to handle extended loading times, then containers can be accommodated, but the isolator room size increases and clean-room requirements are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer table is positioned in advance in its operating position, enabling faster loading without requiring extended buffer zones. This preliminary action reduces the time containers spend in the buffer zone, allowing the isolator room to be smaller while still maintaining adequate buffer capacity for container accommodation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces loading times by minimizing heat exchange and maintaining product temperature uniformity, thereby enhancing the thermal decoupling between the freeze-drying chamber and the exterior space without compromising product quality.
Implementation Method 1
liftable edge sections on the transfer table minimizing thermal contact and heat exchange
Implementation Method 2
thermal barriers on the transfer table to further reduce heat transfer
Implementation Method 3
the charging areas or plates are therefore already during the loading phase adjusted to low temperatures (for example minus 20° C.)
Data Source
AI summary
A freeze-drying apparatus has a chamber (3) in which are located superposed charging plates (4) as well as loading and unloading equipment. The chamber has a loading aperture (2) equipped with closing doors (11, 12) through which the charging plates (4) are loaded. Equipment for loading the charging plates (4) with containers (5) is positioned in front of the loading aperture (2) and comprises a conveyor belt (6) which serves to supply the containers (5) and a transfer table (7) which is movable between an operating position and an idle position. The transfer table bridges a gap between conveyor belt (6) and the charging plate (4). A loading slider (8) provides push-wise transfer of a plurality of the containers (5) from the conveyor belt (6) via the transfer table (7) onto the charging plate (4). For a reduction of loading times, the transfer table (7) retains substantially in its operating position during the loading of the charging plates (4) and at least the region of the loading aperture (2) above the transfer table (7) is closed following each loading push.