Freeze dryer technique is a gas

A Shanghai drug maker is trying out an alternative freeze-dryer technology. Shanghai Pharmaceutical affiliate Shanghai The First Biochemical & Pharmaceutical Co. is acquiring a Praxair NCOOL cryogenic heat exchanger system in a pharmaceutical freeze dryer.

The nitrogen-based system provides precision cooling and temperature control of production lyophilizers and chemical reactors. It replaces the mechanically refrigerated freeze dryer, providing a system that has greater process flexibility and environmental-friendliness, according to Praxair.

The system operates by capturing the cooling value of ultra-cold liquid and gaseous nitrogen, the NCOOL system eliminates reliance on compressors and such halogenated coolants as CFCs or other ozone-depleting substances.

- see the release