| 摘要 |
A system of apparatus (and method) for the continuous freezing and freeze drying of solids-containing aqueous liquids to obtain a freeze dried product. The feed liquid is frozen as a thin sheet on a continuously moving belt and is broken to form discrete pieces which are further reduced in size prior to freeze drying. The frozen particles are moved on a chilled multistage vibratory conveyor in an evacuated chamber wherein refrigerated condensers and radiant energy sources cooperate with the conveyor to sublimate the ice content of the frozen particles to form a freeze dried product. The vibrating conveyor is constructed to minimize transfer of vibratory forces as well as the effects of changes in length of the conveying sections as a result of temperature change. The system operates continuously to receive the liquid feed, to discharge the freeze dried product, and to separate and remove ice collecting on the condensers. The system functions to accomplish the freezing and freeze drying operations in the relatively short period of from 40 to 110 minutes.
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