Pilot Freeze Dryers by Zirbus are high-quality systems engineered for laboratory and product development. Offered by Apex Scientific in South Africa, these reliable lyophilizers are ideal for pilot-scale research and pre-production testing. With ice capacities ranging from 5 to 40 kg, they meet a variety of freeze-drying requirements while maintaining a compact footprint of up to 2.7 m².
Designed for Laboratory Versatility
These Pilot Freeze Dryers include a standard vacuum valve for precise control and a separating valve that maintains a clear barrier between the condenser and the drying chamber. This setup ensures consistent results and greater process efficiency. Whether you’re testing new formulations or scaling up, the design supports smooth transitions between applications.
Robust and Hygienic Build
Constructed entirely from stainless steel, these units are resistant to all common disinfectants. Their durable build is well-suited for demanding laboratory environments that require frequent cleaning and long-term reliability.
Compact Yet Powerful
Despite their strong performance, these freeze dryers maintain a space-efficient design. This balance makes them ideal for research facilities with limited lab space but a need for scalable freeze-drying capability.
For more information, read our article,
Discover the Best Freeze Dryers for Your Laboratory in South Africa, available on our
Insights page. Apex Scientific provides helpful resources to support your choice of
laboratory products for research and development.
| Sublimator | 5 | 15 | 25 | 40 |
| Footprint up to max. [m²] | 0,45 | 1,12 | 2,02 | 2,70 |
| Ice condenser capacity | 4 kg / 24h
max. 5 kg | 10 kg / 24h
max. 10kg | 20 kg / 24h
max. 25kg | 30 kg / 24h
max. 40kg |
External dimensions (WxHxD) [mm]
(Standard version) | 970 x 1700 x 750 | 1300 x 1850 x 850 | 1500 x 1920 x 850 | 980 x 1920 x 1650 |
Footprint temp.
at -50°C Version | -40…+60 °C | -40…+60 °C | -40…+60 °C | -40…+60 °C |
Footprint temp.
at -80°C Version | -60…+60 °C | -60…+60 °C | -60…+60 °C | -60…+60 °C |
Footprint Configuration for Tray Drying
| Sublimator | 5 | 15 | 25 | 40 |
| Footprint – tray drying [mm] | 200 x 450 | 320 x 500 | 420 x 600 | 450 x 750 |
Footprint configuration
(number+radiation panel) / footprint [m²]
Footprint spacing [mm] | 2+1 / 0,18m²
130mm | 5+1 / 0,8m²
75mm | 3+1 / 0,76m²
180mm | 5+1 / 1,69m²
100mm |
3+1 / 0,27m²
90mm | 6+1 / 0,96m²
60mm | 4+1 / 1,01m²
130mm | 6+1 / 2,03m²
80mm |
4+1 / 0,36m²
58mm | 7+1 / 1,12m²
50mm | 5+1 / 1,26m²
100mm | 7+1 / 2,36m²
67mm |
5+1 / 0,45m²
44mm | | 6+1 / 1,51m²
80mm | 8+1 / 2,70m²
57mm |
| | 7+1 / 1,76m²
65mm | |
| | 8+1 / 2,02m²
55mm | |
Footprint Configuration for Vial Drying
| Sublimator | 5 | 15 | 25 | 40 |
| Footprint – Vial drying [mm] | 200 x 450 | 250 x 500 | 350 x 600 | 450 x 750 |
Footprint configuration
(number+radiation panel) / footprint [m²]
Footprint spacing [mm] | 2+1 / 0,18m²
130mm | 3+1 / 0,38m²
130mm | 3+1 / 0,63m²
160mm | 4+1 / 1,35m²
125mm |
3+1 / 0,27m²
90mm | 4+1 / 0,5m²
95mm | 4+1 / 0,84m²
120mm | 5+1 / 1,69m²
100mm |
4+1/ 0,36m²
58mm | 5+1 / 0,63m²
75mm | 5+1 / 1,05m²
100mm | 6+1 / 2,03m²
80mm |
| 6+1 / 0,75m²
60mm | 6+1 / 1,26m²
80mm | 7+1 / 2,36m²
67mm |
| | 7+1 / 1,47m²
65mm | |
Accessories
CIP (cleaning in place)
Spray nozzles mounted in the chamber and condenser ensure intensive cleaning
SIP (sterilization in place) (from sublimator 15)
Chamber and condenser are designed as pressure vessels, so that steam sterilisation in place is possible. Alternatively, H2O2 is also possible.
GMP-FDA compliant
Taking the guidelines into account, the systems meet the highest demands for production in compliance with cleanroom standards. The exact requirements are defined and implemented together with you.
Liquid-tempered shelves made of stainless steel
For an even and rapid temperature distribution, the shelves are flooded with brine oil.
Closure device for vials
The shelves can be automatically moved together after the drying process to seal vials under vacuum conditions. The optimal preservation.
Air or water-cooled refrigeration system
Depending on the installation site, we can design the refrigeration systems to be air-cooled or water-cooled.
Wall mounting (gas-tight)
The front of the unit is installed gas-tight in a wall. This allows the service area to be separated from the production area.
Oil-sealed and oil-free vacuum pump
If organic solvents are present, it may be useful to use an oil-free vacuum pump.
Insulator- Glovebox coupling
The units can be connected to insulators via a connecting flange. Special designs are also possible.
Versch. Control systems, SCADA visualisation
We offer a variety of different visualisation and documentation systems.
EX-protection version ATEX, solvent discharge
If explosive gas mixtures are present, the systems can be equipped with explosion protection.
