Freeze dryer loading system ALUS™

As a pioneer in the field of freeze-drying innovation, GEA has been designing, updating and improving the ALUS® system for more than 30 years. In fact, we were the first manufacturer to develop this technology and create permanently installed units (conveyor-pusher systems). Other advances include introducing flexible, automatic guided vehicle (AGV)-led transfer cart systems and integrating a loading system inside an isolator. Our wealth of experience has resulted in a validated base of more than 220 production-scale ALUS® systems being installed worldwide, seven patents and an ongoing program of research and development to optimize both handling and maintenance. Efficient, safe and reliable performance ALUS® is designed to provide maximum flexibility in terms of containment, layout and product flow. This can include loading and unloading from either one side or two (pass through design). This system is extremely flexible; for example, multipurpose lines for a broad range of products and formats are available. Loading can be done with a fixed push-pull system using an isolator or RABS systems, and unloading can be done with a Transfer Cart in oRABS-based facilities. Furthermore, ATEX-compliant versions and systems designed to handle potent products or those using organic solvents are also available. In addition, the ALUS® can accommodate a wide variety of third-party filler and capper options, both upstream and downstream. Benefiting from a compact and adaptable design significantly reduces the footprint of the plant, keeping building costs to a minimum and making integration in retrofit applications much easier.