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Overviewfreeze drying, also known as lyophilization, is a process used to preserve perishable materials by removing water from them while maintaining their structure and properties. This method has been used for centuries, with the ancient Incas and Chinese using it to preserve food. However, it wasn't until the early 20th century that it was developed into a standard industrial process. Freeze drying is used in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, biotechnology, and aerospace. This technique has proven to be an effective method for preserving materials such as food, pharmaceuticals, and biological samples for long periods. The resulting products from freeze drying are lightweight, easy to store, and have a long shelf life, making them ideal for transport and storage. The Process of Freeze Drying The process of freeze drying can be broken down into three main stages: freezing, primary drying, and secondary drying. Each stage has a specific purpose in removing water from the material while preserving its structure. 1. Freezing The first stage of freeze drying involves freezing the material. This is typically done by placing the material in a chamber and lowering the temperature to below freezing. This causes the water in the material to freeze and form ice crystals. The freezing stage is crucial because it determines the size and distribution of the ice crystals. Larger ice crystals can cause damage to the material's structure, while smaller ones result in better preservation. To control the size of the ice crystals, the material is often frozen slowly or subjected to a pre-freezing treatment. 2. Primary Drying Once the material is frozen, the primary drying stage begins. This involves removing water by sublimation, which is the process of transforming water directly from a solid to a gas without passing through a liquid state. The frozen material is placed in a vacuum chamber, and heat is applied to create a pressure difference between the frozen material and the surrounding environment. Full Product DetailsAuthor: Walt WadePublisher: Independently Published Imprint: Independently Published Dimensions: Width: 14.00cm , Height: 0.20cm , Length: 21.60cm Weight: 0.059kg ISBN: 9798328909907Pages: 40 Publication Date: 19 June 2024 Audience: General/trade , General Format: Paperback Publisher's Status: Active Availability: In Print ![]() This item will be ordered in for you from one of our suppliers. Upon receipt, we will promptly dispatch it out to you. For in store availability, please contact us. Table of ContentsReviewsAuthor InformationTab Content 6Author Website:Countries AvailableAll regions |