Freeze-drying
Freeze-drying applications
Freeze-drying is a drying technology particularly suited to products that are sensitive to heat and moisture. As drying takes place at low temperature, the product’s properties are not affected in any way, and benefit from improved, longer-lasting preservation. Implementing this cutting-edge technology requires know-how and industrial equipment, both of which Groupe Berkem has at its disposal. Groupe Berkem is able to freeze-dry various finished products and raw materials for specific markets, including:
Tailor-made freeze-drying
Thanks to its know-how and industrial equipment, Groupe Berkem offers customized freeze-drying for a wide range of products, including liquids, pastes and solids, and frozen, chilled or temperature-controlled products. Its production facilities has 12 freeze dryers (ranging from 1 kg to 200 kg in capacity) as well as a sifter, a cryogenic grinder and other grinders. The cleanroom work area is ISO 7-classified, guaranteeing that all services are carried out in a controlled atmosphere. Groupe Berkem supports its customers in every phase of the project, with a technical and regulatory team on hand from the definition of requirements right through to delivery.
What steps are involved in the freeze-drying process?
Freeze-drying is a low-temperature drying technique that removes the maximum amount of water from a product to improve its stability and extend its shelf life. Several steps are necessary for this technical process to be successful:
- Freezing. The product is first frozen and converted to a solid state
- Sublimation. Once the previous step has been completed, a vacuum is created in the chamber. The water in the product changes from a solid to a gas. This water is trapped on a coil cooled to -80°C. This step is carried out by gradually heating the shelves, allowing the ice to sublimate.
- Recovery. Once freeze-dried, the product is packed in sealed bags to protect it from moisture.
Advantages of freeze-drying
Preservation of active ingredients
As the freeze-dried product is dehydrated at low temperature, the active ingredients initially present in the product are fully preserved.
Preservation of intrinsic quality
The intrinsic quality of the product is also preserved. As a result, the freeze-dried product retains its color, appearance, texture, flavor and smell.
Improved stability
This drying technology improves product stability. Once freeze-dried, the product’s shelf life is considerably extended, enabling it to be stored for several years.
Easy transportation and storage
As the water in the product disappears, the freeze-dried product weighs much less than it did initially. Storage and transportation are optimized, as the product takes up less space than it did originally for certain products.
Additional services
In order to provide all-around support, we also offer additional services to freeze-drying, including mixing, grinding, sifting, and packaging in pouches (aluminum, PA/PE, jars, vials). Vials can also be filled, sealed, capped and crimped.
