K850 Critical Point Dryer

Critical point drying (sometimes called supercritical drying) is an established method of dehydrating biological tissue prior to examination in a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

The K850 combines versatility and ease of operation. Built-in thermo-electric heating and adiabatic cooling allow precise temperature control. The vertical pressure chamber (32 mm diameter x 47 mm) has a side viewing port, which gives a clear view of the liquid meniscus during filling. A magnetic stirrer ensures optimal mixing and exchange of process fluids.

The K850 is fitted with three valves: fluid inlet, flushing and a gas venting system which uses a fine needle valve to give controlled pressure let down at the end of the critical point drying process. A built-in magnetic stirrer ensures thorough mixing of specimens with circulating fluids.

Key features

•   Vertical chamber with top filling and bottom draining

•   Side viewing port - good visibility

•   Built-in adiabatic cooling and thermoelectric heating - accurate temperature control

•   Fine-control needle valve pressure let down - precise control of decompression avoids potential damage to specimens by uncontrolled pressure release

•   Built-in magnetic stirrer- enhanced solvent exchange

•   Pressure monitoring with safety cut-out for over pressure

The standard specimen holder has 12 individual wells (8 mm diameter x 8 mm high) and allows easy exchange and transfer to and from the K850. For larger specimens the optional EK4150 bulk specimen holder (a single large specimen container) is recommended. For critical point drying very small or delicate specimens the optional CPD800A porous pots are available.

Our CPD product range included the E3100 critical point dryer with horizontal chamber. The larger K850WM model is designed for semiconductor applications and will dry a 6" wafer. We also offer two EM freeze dryers, the K750X freeze dryer uses peltier cooling and operates under rotary-pumped vacuum. For more demanding applications, the K775X freeze dryer is cooled by liquid nitrogen and uses turbomolecular pumping.  These drying products are for Research Use Only.