FAQ

Delivery

• The freeze-dryer is delivered in a single package weighing approximately 81.2 kg.
• Package dimensions: 66.0 cm W x 91.4 cm D x 104.1 cm

The arrival of your new freeze-drying machine is an exciting and important moment. Here are a few tips for a successful reception:

• Be present: Make sure you’re at home to receive the parcel.
• Reservations: Inspect the package before signing the delivery note. If you notice any damage, please make a written reservation.
• Strength in numbers: The machine is heavy, so you’ll need at least two people to move it safely.
• Preparation: Before arrival, determine the location of the machine and make sure the space is ready.

Then follow the step-by-step installation instructions and start freeze-drying with ease!

INSTALLATION

To install a freeze-drying machine at home, there are a few key considerations to optimize its use:

• Choose a solid surface: The machine should be placed on a sturdy table or work surface capable of supporting its weight without the risk of tipping or excessive vibration.

• Select a suitable location: Avoid placing the machine in living areas such as the living room, as the vacuum pump may emit noise during operation. Choose an area such as a garage, laundry room or basement, where the noise will be less disturbing.

• Reduce noise: If vacuum pump noise is a concern, consider soundproofing solutions, such as acoustic enclosures or anti-vibration mats, to attenuate the sound.

• Make sure you have an electrical outlet nearby: The machine requires a reliable power source, so make sure you have an electrical outlet suitable for its power consumption close at hand.

• Ventilation: Make sure the room is well ventilated, as freeze-drying can sometimes release water vapor and slight aromas from the treated products.

• Easy access: Position the machine so that you have easy access to the freeze-drying chamber and pump for maintenance and cleaning.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to set up your freeze-dryer for efficient and enjoyable home use.

SUPPORT

Our support service for LYO ROBOTS machines is dedicated to ensuring our customers’ peace of mind. Available 7 days a week, our team of experts is able to resolve 99% of problems in less than 5 minutes, ensuring that your freeze-drying operations continue uninterrupted. We understand the importance of continuity in your production processes, which is why we are committed to providing fast, effective solutions to any technical challenges you may encounter.

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VACUUM PUMPS

Freeze-drying cannot take place without a complete vacuum during the process. This is why all freeze-dryers must also have a vacuum pump. Harvest Right currently offers our standard oil pump as well as two enhanced vacuum pump options. One of the most common questions we receive is,“What are the differences between pumps?”

The standard oil pump is the one supplied with the freeze-dryer. This pump can last for years, but requires maintenance. New hoses have improved the vacuum process, but the oil in the pump still needs to be drained and filtered after every 4 to 5 batches. Filtering the oil takes just a few minutes. Basically, you open a valve, drain the oil into the top of the included oil filter, wait a few minutes for the oil to filter, then pour the return oil into the pump. The standard pump also operates at a volume of around 64 decibels.

The first pump upgrade available is the Premier oil pump. The Premier pump still uses oil, but rarely needs to be changed or filtered. The pump features a gas ballast function that prevents water from remaining in the oil. As a result, the oil in the pump remains pure and clear, even after 30 or more batches. You simply won’t need to change the oil until you’ve run 20 or more batches. This pump is also lighter, more durable and requires slightly less energy to operate. It operates at 52 decibels.

The latest pump upgrade is the oil-free pump. Like all these pump options, the oil-free pump can be used with any size of freeze-dryer. It’s quiet, fast and easy to use. These pumps do not require oil changes or regular maintenance by the user. This is the most maintenance-free pump available. The oil-free pump operates at 62 decibels.

When deciding which pump to buy, the most important question to ask is how much maintenance you’re prepared to carry out. Although filtering oil is relatively simple, some people would prefer not to spend the time or effort it takes. The Premier pump is a great idea for anyone who wants the lowest maintenance or the quietest pump. The oil-free pump is perfect for the person who wants almost zero maintenance.

PRODUCT COMPARISON Industrial Oil Pump vs. Standard Oil Pump

OIL CHANGES This new Industrial Pump rarely requires oil change or filtration. The pump has a gas ballast function that prevents water from remaining in the oil. As a result, the oil in the pump remains pure and clear, even after 30 or more batches. You simply won’t need to change the oil until you’ve run 25 to 40 batches. Whereas the oil in the standard vacuum pump must be changed and filtered every 4 or 5 batches (when using the new 3/8″ vacuum hose).

VACUUM PRESSURE In cold and hot conditions, the Industrial Pump will create a deeper vacuum than the Standard Pump. In cold conditions, the difference is 0.05 Pascal for the Industrial Pump and 0.08 Pascal for the Standard Pump. In warm conditions, however, the difference is much greater: 0.05 Pascal for the Industrial Pump and 2.05 Pascal for the Standard Pump.

As a result, the Industrial Pump is particularly unaffected by hot ambient conditions. When temperatures rise, it will create a much better vacuum than the Standard Pump. The Industrial Pump is just not affected by external heat. It creates the same deep vacuum even when in a warm environment.

NOISE The Industrial Pump is substantially quieter than the Standard Pump, 52 decibels versus 64 decibels. The 52-decibel Industrial Pump is about as noisy as a refrigerator.

OIL MIST FILTER Both pumps are equipped with an oil mist filter. However, the Industrial Pump’s oil mist filter means no oil spray at all, and will last much longer.

ELECTRICAL CONSUMPTION The Industrial Pump uses less energy than the Standard Pump (187 watts vs. 218 watts).

AMPERAGE In hot conditions and at ultimate vacuum pressure, the Standard Pump draws 2.1 amps, while the Industrial Pump draws only 1.7 amps. As a result, the Industrial Pump is more efficient.

WEIGHT The Industrial Pump is easier to move, weighing 5 lbs less than the Standard Pump (14.5 kg vs. 16.8 kg).

LIFETIME The Industrial Pump is more durable and will last longer than the Standard Pump.

Oxygen absorbers are small sachets containing iron powder. They are used to remove oxygen from a hermetically sealed environment, such as a food storage container, to extend the shelf life of products by preventing oxidation, which can lead to spoilage and rancidity. The “cc” indication on oxygen absorbers refers to their oxygen absorption capacity in cubic centimeters.

A 200cc oxygen absorber can absorb 200 cubic centimetres of oxygen, while a 2000cc absorber can absorb ten times as much. The size of oxygen absorber required depends on the volume of the pack and the amount of oxygen remaining after packing.

For example, in the freeze-drying (FD) process, food is dehydrated at low temperatures and under vacuum pressure. This process removes most of the water content from the food, inhibiting the growth of micro-organisms and slowing down the enzymatic reactions that can cause spoilage. However, oxygen remaining in the packaging could still lead to oxidation. This is where oxygen absorbers come in.

If you’re packing a small volume of freeze-dried fruit in a bag, a 200cc oxygen absorber may be all you need. However, if you’re packing a larger volume, such as a batch of freeze-dried meals in a larger container, you’ll need a 2000cc absorber or several 200cc absorbers to effectively remove oxygen and protect the food.

Here’s a concrete example: You have a one-liter container of freeze-dried strawberries. After sealing, air remains trapped inside. If we assume that air is 21% oxygen and the container is full of air after sealing, you’d have around 210 milliliters of oxygen. In this case, a 200cc oxygen absorber would be sufficient, as it can absorb 200 cubic centimeters (or milliliters) of oxygen, which is close to the 210 milliliters in the container. For larger containers or less efficient packaging, where more air could be trapped, a 2000cc absorber would be needed to ensure that all the oxygen is absorbed.

The key is to match the absorber’s capacity to the volume of oxygen you expect to have in your packaged product, to ensure optimum preservation.

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Solar freeze-drying

At LYO ROBOTS, we practice what we preach: our office runs on green energy, powering our freeze-dryers exclusively via solar energy.

We’ve optimized our system so that a small 4000-watt system can easily supply the 20 kWh needed per cycle, based on an average of 7 hours of sunlight and 70% efficiency. This ecological approach in no way affects the efficiency of our machines, proving that performance can rhyme with environmental responsibility. Commit to sustainability without compromising quality or productivity.