Continuous freeze drying

摘要

Apparatus and method for continuous freeze drying in which a slurry of material to be freeze dried is provided. The slurry is advanced along a predetermined path having a freezing area in which one or more plugs of frozen slurry are provided to afford a pressure drop. Heat is applied to the frozen slurry as it exits into an area of reduced pressure. The heat and reduced pressure cause the frozen slurry to sublime.