Freeze drying systems are an important piece of equipment in cannabis lab. There are many different ways for to extract the active ingredients. One of the most popular methods is freeze-drying.
This process removes water from the product without damaging the chemical structure. Unlike a traditional drying process, lab grade freeze dryers maintain the chemical structure and operate more efficiently when used properly.
How Does a Lab Freeze Dryer Work?
There are two main methods used for freeze drying: open and closed.
In an open system, the product is placed in direct contact with the cold gas stream. This method is often used for food products, as it allows for a high degree of flexibility.
However, this method is not ideal for cannabis, as it can damage the active ingredients.
In a closed system, the product is placed in a sealed container and then frozen. The cold gas then flows over the outside of the container, removing water from the product inside.
This method preserves the active ingredients and produces high-quality results. Closed systems are also more efficient than open systems, which makes them perfect for larger batches of product.
Why You Need a Lab Freeze Dryer?
If you are producing cannabis products, then it is essential to have a freeze dryer in your lab or facility. This equipment will allow you to produce high-quality results and ensure that the active ingredients remain intact during the drying process.
In addition to the freeze dryer, you will also need a vacuum pump and vacuum-tight sample holders. This equipment is used to remove moisture from the product and prevent it from re-hydrating during storage or transportation.
The process of using a vacuum pump with a freeze dryer ensures that your products are shelf-stable and ready for consumption at any time.
Labconco FreeZone Free Dryers
Labconco’s FreeZone freeze dryers offer the highest quality for extraction, testing and processing. Units can be used in a wide range of freeze drying applications where lyophilizing moderate or light sample loads is required.
Collector capacities from 2.5 to 18 liters are available with the benchtop and mobile models. Aqueous samples can benefit from the -50° C models, and the -84° C is fit for low eutectic temperatures like acetonitrile. There are a range of configurations offered.
A large LCD touch screen display makes it easy to dial in settings and get real-time feedback. The end-point detection technology can send a remote notification email to technicians when the process is complete. No more visual inspection of glass flasks or guesswork. This is also a benefit to lab process development.
An LCD display makes it easy to dial in settings and get real-time feedback on collector temperature and vacuum level.
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Cannabis Laboratory Freeze Dryer
When purchasing a freeze dryer for your laboratory, there are multiple things to consider. One of them is the size of your operation. Let’s take a look at a few key things you should be asking when searching for your freezer.
- How many kilograms of product do you need to dry at one time?
- How large will sample loads require lyophilization?
- What temperature range will you need?
- What is the size of your laboratory or your potential operation?
- Do you need a pre or post freeze dryer vacuum pump?
If you are unsure what model freeze dryer you need, our experts can help.
The Benefits of Using a Cannabis Laboratory Freeze Dryer
By using a laboratory freeze dryer to remove moisture, your cannabis flower will maintain its potency and flavor profile while extending its shelf life up to two years when stored properly under a vacuum. With proper packaging materials (vacuum bags or Mylar), the dried material can then be cured for even six months before being ready for sale.
Freeze-dried products, depending on how they’re stored, can last anywhere between six months to even three years.
In addition to these benefits, lab-grade machines are also able to control the temperature within a very strict range, ensuring that your product is not compromised in any way.
A freeze dryer speeds up the extraction process by drastically reducing the amount of time it takes to dry the extract.
Get Started With This Method
Interested in starting a cannabis lab, or adding innovative equipment like a laboratory freeze dryer to your current operation to streamline your harvest process? Work with Global Furnishings Inc. (GFI) to get a professional, and simple experience for what you need.
With a leading provider in laboratory furniture and equipment and lab operations, GFI offers customized solutions to what your work specifically requires. What is even more beneficial is that turn-key solutions, from equipment to equipment layout are always options.
Contact our team today to get help with all of your lab design, build, furnishing and equipment needs.
