Method and apparatus for determining presence of moisture in freeze dryer vacuum line
US6968631B1 · kind B1 · utility
4Cited by
5References
10Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 8, 2004 |
| Grant date | Nov 29, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 8, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF26B5/06
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A freeze dryer having a collector chamber is provided with a sensor for detecting the presence of moisture in the chamber so that the vacuum pump cannot be operated if moisture is present. The refrigeration system can also be deactivated. This precludes moisture from being pulled into the vacuum pump where it will mix with pump oil and shorten the life of the pump. The moisture sensor is also coupled with a warning circuit which advises the operator that the system is inoperable and is capable of displaying the reason for inoperability.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.