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Devices intended remove moisture from materials through sublimation by exposing previously frozen material to low pressure and low heat. These electrically powered freeze dryers typically include a refrigeration system; a vacuum system; a product chamber or manifold for attachment of sample vials; and a condenser. During the freeze drying process the sample is held at a pressure and temperature below the triple point of water (i.e., the temperature and pressure at which gas, liquid, and solid phases coexist) and gentle heating of the substance promotes direct conversion of ice in the sample to water vapor. The refrigeration system holds the condenser at a temperature below that of the sample, and water vapor driven off from the sample collects on the condenser in the form of ice. Manifold freeze dryers include a set of ports to which individual sample vials can be connected. These freeze dryers typically use ambient heat to dry the sample. Tray freeze dryers include a large internal chamber into which large numbers of sample vials or bulk product can be introduced. These freeze dryers may incorporate a heating element to raise the temperature within the chamber.
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