Using surface heat flux measurement to monitor and control a freeze drying process
US9121637B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 25, 2013 |
| Grant date | Sep 1, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 15, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01K17/00
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of monitoring and controlling a freeze drying process in a freeze drying apparatus having walls, shelves and a number of vials or trays positioned on different areas of the shelves and containing product to be freeze dried. One or more vials or trays are selected that are representative of the positions of all of the vials or trays in different areas of the shelves. One or more heat flux sensors are positioned between the selected vials or trays and adjacent portions of the walls and/or shelves. The heat transfer between the selected vials or trays and the adjacent wall or shelf portions is measured during the freezing and drying stages of the freeze drying process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.