CVD-040 Vacuum Freeze Dryer | 0.4㎡ Shelf Area · 3~5kg per Batch · Cold Trap -45~-65℃

CVD-040 vacuum freeze dryer has a shelf area of 0.4㎡, a single-batch load of 35kg, a cold trap temperature of -45-65℃, and a complete freeze-drying cycle of about 1827 hours. Its dehydration method is not heated drying: the material is first frozen in the chamber below the eutectic point, then in a vacuum environment of ≤15Pa, the ice directly sublimates into water vapor, which is captured by the cold trap through desublimation. It follows a solid-to-gas path with no liquid water involved, so fruits, vegetables, and meat granules retain their shape, color, and porous structure after freeze-drying, with a rehydration rate of up to 8595%.

Where It Is Used

Loading capacity is calculated at a tray loading density of 8~12 kg/㎡; actual loading depends on material density, cutting thickness, and tray spreading method. For larger specifications in the same series, see the vacuum freeze dryer series page.

How It Dries

The cold trap (water catcher) is the device that captures sublimated water vapor. It operates at -45~-65℃ and is located at the rear of the drying chamber, with internal coils connected to the refrigeration unit. Its function is to desublimate water vapor into frost before it enters the vacuum pump, preventing moisture from entering the pump body and affecting pumping efficiency.

Technical Parameters

Quick Specifications

Full Parameters

Main Configuration List

Why Choose It

• Starts at 0.4㎡, get the formula working first. A single batch of 3~5kg dried material is enough to validate the freeze-drying curve of a fruit/vegetable crisp, freeze-dried meat granule, or Chinese medicinal material sample, without going straight to a production line.
• Low temperature throughout, heat-sensitive materials can handle it. -55℃ pre-freezing, ≤15Pa sublimation, -45~-65℃ cold trap; materials sensitive to high temperatures such as probiotics, enzyme preparations, and fresh flowers can retain active ingredients.
• One curve manages one product. Shelf temperature is programmed in stages on the touch screen; parameters for pre-freezing, primary drying, and secondary drying are stored, and the same material can be called up directly for the next batch.
• One machine covers multiple categories. Fruit crisps, dehydrated vegetables, freeze-dried meat granules, and Chinese medicinal materials share the same set of shelves and trays; changing products only requires changing the loading method and curve.

FAQ

How much finished product can CVD-040 produce per batch?

Single-batch capacity is calculated at 4 kg, with a loading range of 35 kg, and loading density calculated at 812 kg per square meter of tray area. Finished product weight is the result of water removed after freeze-drying and depends on the material’s initial moisture content and target moisture content; for the method of calculating loading by material name, single-batch feed weight, and moisture content, you can contact us to confirm.

Why does one freeze-drying cycle take 18~27 hours?

Three stages add up: pre-freezing 35 hours to freeze the material solid, sublimation drying 1216 hours to remove free water (this step takes more than sixty percent of the entire cycle), and desorption drying 3~6 hours to remove bound water. Actual duration varies with material thickness, moisture content, and target moisture content; thick-cut and high-moisture materials take longer, and thinner spreading is faster.

What is the difference between freeze-drying, hot air drying, and vacuum drying?

In terms of rehydration rate, vacuum freeze-drying is 8595%, hot air drying 3050%, and vacuum drying 5070%; in terms of room-temperature sealed shelf life, vacuum freeze-drying is 25 years, hot air drying 612 months, and vacuum drying 1224 months. In form, hot air drying shrinks noticeably, while freeze-drying basically maintains the original shape. In processing cycle, freeze-drying is longer (on the order of 16~24 hours), in exchange for rehydration speed and shelf life. Freeze-drying process and eutectic point materials can be found in the technical library.

Why does the vacuum system need a Roots pump?

The Roots pump is a booster pump and cannot start alone. The backing rotary vane pump first evacuates the chamber below 1 kPa, then the Roots pump automatically engages, using its large pumping speed to remove the sublimated water vapor as quickly as possible. During the sublimation stage, the amount of water vapor is large, and pumping speed directly determines the drying rate, so when the freeze-drying target is ≤15Pa, the Roots pump is a necessary configuration.

How to choose between CVD-040 and CVD-100?

Look at single-batch feed weight. For daily feed within 5kg, mainly sampling and testing, choose CVD-040 (0.4㎡); for single batches up to 8~12kg and continuous discharge, choose CVD-100 (1㎡). The two models have the same shelf temperature range and cold trap temperature; the differences are shelf area, number of shelf layers, and installed power.

To calculate loading, freeze-drying curve, or cold trap configuration according to material, provide the material name, single-batch feed weight, and moisture content, and engineers will provide a selection plan.