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- General Manager required - Join our Team!
We are currently recruiting for a full-time General Manager to join our busy team in Thornbury, Bristol BS35. The position has arisen because our existing General Manager will be retiring after over a decade of dedicated service with MechaTech Systems. It's a full time, permanent position in a busy industrial engineering environment. Responsibilities will include project management, overseeing health and safety, quality assurance and many other aspects of the day to day running of the business. This presents an excellent opportunity to work alongside highly skilled engineers and learn detailed aspects of the high vacuum engineering trade. For the full job description and details of how to apply, please visit https://www.mechatechsystems.co.uk/careers
- Freeze Dryer Accessories - including new Stoppering Accessory for Benchtop Units!
LyoDry Freeze Dryers are supplied with an extensive choice of freeze dryer accessories and spare parts. Our freeze dryer accessory list has recently been updated and now includes the Vial Stoppering Shelf Unit. LyoDry Freeze Dryers range from benchtop to pilot and production scale lyophilzers, manufactured, supplied and supported from our Bristol, UK site. Customers include most UK and many overseas universities, and government research establishments, pharmaceutical and food manufacturers. We receive excellent feedback. LyoDry Benchtop Freeze Dryers and LyoDry Midi Freeze Dryers are direct replacements for the (now obsolete) Modulyo and Supermodulyo freeze dryers, formerly manufactured by Edwards. Whilst incorporating the latest developments in freeze drying technology, they have the same size accessory flange as the older models. Consequently, the vast majority of our freeze dryer accessories and spares are compatible not only with LyoDry Freeze Dryers, but also Modulyo and Supermodulyo freeze dryers. This includes our newest accessory, the Vial Stoppering Shelf Unit . The Vial Stoppering Shelf Unit facilitates the stoppering of freeze-dried vials whilst under under vacuum, using a hand operated manual mechanical stoppering screw. This is a four-shelf unit housed within an Acrylic Vacuum Chamber, equipped with 8 stainless steel half trays (2 per shelf). The capacity table below indicates the number of vials the entire unit can accommodate. The trays can also be used for bulk drying. 2ml vials, dia 14mm (±0.5mm) 320 - 350 vials 5ml vials, dia 22mm (±0.5mm) 160 - 180 vials 10ml vials, dia 24mm (±0.5mm) 80 - 90 vials Vials Capacity Table The Vial Stoppering Shelf Unit is suitable for use with LyoDry Benchtop or Midi Freeze Dryers, and is also compatible with most Modulyo Freeze Dryers. For any further details or a quotation, please Contact MechaTech Systems .
- Advanced Vacuum Drying Trials - a Visit from Key Stakeholders
A few weeks ago, MechaTech Systems were delighted to welcome key stakeholders from Sellafield Ltd, the NDA and TDA to our second unit in Berkeley, where we are conducting a programme of full-scale, in-active vacuum drying trials for Sellafield. The trials are being carried out using simulant nuclear waste in the Advanced Vacuum Drying System (AVDS) . The AVDS, manufactured by north Bristol based MechaTech Systems Ltd, is designed to condition waste in ductile cast iron containers. Conditioning removes the free water and subsequent moisture content, in its original container, down to acceptable levels for interim and long-term storage, transport and eventual disposal. The AVDS was originally designed in a collaborative effort by MechaTech Systems and Magnox - now NRS Ltd – as an alternative to concrete encapsulation of nuclear waste. The system won the Magnox i4 innovation award in 2014 and MechaTech Systems were highly commended by the NDA for the best application of an innovative solution. Today, the AVDS is actively conditioning ILW at nuclear decommissioning sites in the UK. To date, MechaTech Systems have delivered five AVDS to UK nuclear decommissioning sites, are currently working on a sixth system and provide scheduled maintenance and upgrades. The recent visit proved a great success, presenting an excellent opportunity for the MechaTech Systems’ team to meet with key stakeholders who were able view the AVDS trials configuration and discuss progress, key features and potential future uses of the AVDS. For further information about the AVDS, please visit: www.mechatechsystems.co.uk/advanced-vacuum-drying-system-avds Or contact us: enquiries@mechatechsystems.co.uk / +44 (0) 1454 414723
- Vacuum Pumps and Spares in Stock Now
As leading suppliers of Vacuum Pumps and Spare Parts in the UK, we maintain a ready stock of vacuum pumps and spares available at competitive prices for next working day delivery. Being manufacturers of High Vacuum Systems and Freeze Dryers , it is essential that we hold extensive supplies of best quality, genuine vacuum pump spare parts and accessories in stock, including vacuum pumps (new and reconditioned), NW/KF/ISO vacuum fittings and flanges, vacuum oils and greases, clean and overhaul kits, vacuum valves, and Pirani gauges. Need spares for your Edwards Vacuum Pump? As Edwards Vacuum Stockists and a service centre for all makes and models of vacuum pumps including Welch, Leybold and Vacuubrand, we hold authentic Edwards vacuum spare parts such as mist filter elements, blade kits (vanes), nXDS tip seal kits, and more. Additionally, we provide a selection of KF (NW) / ISO vacuum components, including O rings and centring rings, clamps, T-pieces, reducers, nozzles, flexible hoses, and other related products. Customers include universities and research institutes, blue chip pharma, nuclear and decommissioning, government, aerospace and defence, oil and gas, universities and research institutes, both in the UK and globally. Our customer service is first class and we receive excellent feedback . Not sure what you need? Our experienced team will be pleased to advise. See our latest In Stock Now list and contact us for a quotation: enquiries@mechatechsystems.co.uk / +44 (0) 1454 414723.
- Compact Benchtop Freeze Dryer: quality assured and budget friendly
The LyoDry Compact benchtop freeze dryer - UK designed, manufactured and supported - is the optimum choice for laboratories seeking a quality assured, budget friendly, benchtop lyophilizer. LyoDry Compact has a 5Kg capacity ice condenser with temperature options of either -55°C or -85°C and can be used with a wide choice of drying chambers and freeze drying accessories. Originally designed to directly replace the (obsolete) Edwards Modulyo freeze dryer, the LyoDry Compact has an identical accessory flange so that drying accessories are directly interchangeable. Whilst also providing some end-user familiarity for Modulyo users, the latest LyoDry Compact includes many contemporary enhancements, including: a lab-friendly, polished stainless steel chassis automatic hot gas defrost a bright, clear LCD display which is visible even from a distance vacuum units in millibar, Torr or pascal & temperature units in Celsius or Fahrenheit a system start-up bar which clearly indicates time remaining until 'Ready' on-screen vacuum pump control with easy to follow commands Freeze drying chamber options include a clear acrylic chamber with lid and L-gaskets and stainless steel tray accessory (unheated or with heater mats and a controller), a bell jar for smaller batches, a column manifold for flask drying or, where bulk and flask drying are needed, an acrylic chamber with ported lid for flasks. Accessory options also include a secondary drying manifold and spin freezer. The recommended vacuum pump can also be quoted or we will be happy to advise whether your existing vacuum pump is suitable. LyoDry Compact occupies, as its name suggests, a compact footprint. It is designed to sit on a laboratory bench or, for added height convenience and portability, on an optional purpose-built, stainless steel trolley which has a lower shelf for the vacuum pump, castors and brakes. This is our most budget friendly model which can be purchased outright, or there is a hire-to-buy option for the -55°C version which enables buyers to purchase new equipment via monthly payments. Alternatively, used benchtop freeze dryers with an acrylic chamber, tray accessory and vacuum pump can be rented from £650.00 per month. Finally but importantly, support is always on hand whether you need guidance with choosing your freeze dryer or after sales advice. On-site set-up and operator training, an annual service contract or maintenance on-demand are available as required. Our customer service is first class and we receive excellent feedback. For any further information and/or a quotation, please contact us.
- Comparing Freeze Dryer Chambers: Finding the Best Fit for Your Laboratory Freeze Dryer
MechaTech Systems supply freeze dryer chambers and spare parts which are suitable for use with our own range of LyoDry freeze dryers and Edwards Modulyo and Supermodulyo freeze dryers. Read on to compare and find the best fit for your laboratory freeze dryer. LyoDry laboratory freeze dryers (including Benchtop and Midi lyophilizers) were originally designed to directly replace Edwards Modulyo and Supermodulyo freeze dryers. So, our freeze dryer accessories and spares are usually compatible with Edwards freeze dryers too. If you're unsure, we will be pleased to check this for you. Our most popular drying chamber is the Acrylic Chamber (part number LSDC) The acrylic chamber directly replaces the Edwards acrylic chamber (part number F056-52-000) and is supplied complete with removable lid and 2 x L-gaskets. Measuring 350mm diameter x 435mm high, it is ideal for a wide range of bulk freeze drying applications. Alternatively, if you need a smaller, cheaper option, the Acrylic Bell Jar (part number LSDCS) measures 212mm diameter x 215mm working height and is supplied with the L-gasket. The Acrylic Chamber (LSDC) is commonly used with the 6-Tray Drying Rack (part number LSD6) with removable stainless steel trays, Each individual tray is 284mm diameter x 30mm high providing a total drying area of 0.38m², enabling freeze drying of multiple samples in a single cycle. Alternatively, we also supply a 2-Tray Drying Rack (part number LSD2) which has 2 x flat stainless steel trays each measuring 310mm, with a height of 132.5mm between each layer. Need to freeze dry faster? The Heated Tray Drying Accessory (part number LSAD6H) which includes the acrylic chamber and 6-tray accessory adds energy in the form of heat via heater mats and a temperature controller (0°C – 60°C). If you need the ability to freeze dry in flasks as well as bulk samples, the Acrylic Chamber with 8-port lid (part number LSDCV) can be used with either of the tray accessories mentioned above. Each of the 8 ports is fitted with a neoprene valve, 3/4" ID, suitable for flasks of up to 1 litre capacity. Or, if you are only freeze drying in flasks and need larger volume, the 24-port column manifold (part number LSPM24) in stainless steel is supplied complete with 24 neoprene valves mounted radially around the column, each of which are 3/4" ID, and suitable for flasks of up to 1 litre capacity. We also supply the neoprene valves (part number LSRV) individually too, along with B19, B24 and B29 rubber adaptors (which connect the valve to the manifold). If you already have an Edwards column manifold or drum manifold and just need replacement valves, these are compatible too, directly replacing the old Edwards part number, F056-48-000. For freeze drying in ampoules, we supply Spin Freezers and Secondary Drying Manifolds , either with your new LyoDry Benchtop or Midi freeze dryer, or as replacements to suit your Edwards Modulyo or Supermodulyo freeze dryer. The Spin Freezer (part number LSSP) employs evaporative cooling and centrifugation to freeze samples in a thin layer on one side of each ampule for faster drying, and it's supplied with 5 interchangeable carriers to accommodate ampoules of varying sizes and capacities. The Secondary Drying Manifold (part number LSDM96) is available with either 96, 48 or 24 ports (part number LSDM96) complete with adaptor nipples for desorption (secondary drying) of samples in ampoules. We also supply spare adaptor nipples (part number LSAN) in packs of 48 units, for the secondary drying manifold (also compatible with the older Edwards secondary drying manifolds). If greater capacity is required but on a laboratory scale budget (as opposed to more expensive pilot scale models), the LyoDry Midi freeze dryer condenser (which replaces the Supermodulyo EF12K condenser) can be used with our 10-tray, stainless steel chamber (part number LSCC10). This provides up to 1.5m² drying area and is available either unheated or heated, and can also be fitted with a manifold assembly for additional flask drying. This chamber can also be retrofitted to a Supermodulyo freeze dryer. For any further information: See our full range of Freeze Dryer Chambers, Accessories and Spares > See LyoDry Benchtop Freeze Dryers > See LyoDry Midi Freeze Dryers > If you have questions or would like a quotation please Contact Us >
- Freeze Dryers - 2024 Catalogue out now!
LyoDry Freeze Dryers are UK designed, manufactured and supported by MechaTech Systems Ltd. Our 2024 catalogue is available for download now! LyoDry Freeze Dryers range from benchtop to pilot and production scale models. LyoDry Freeze Dryers are used and endorsed by universities, government research institutes, pharmaceutical manufacturers, food and beverage manufacturers and archaeological conservators, in the UK and internationally. We receive excellent feedback. LyoDry Freeze Dryers conform to the latest environmental standards, using CFC free refrigeration gas and are designed to have fast cool down times, helping to minimise energy consumption and maximise life expectancy. Download our 2024 catalogue, or read more about LyoDry Freeze Dryers online.
- Freeze Dryer Service and Repair UK
MechaTech Systems repair and service freeze dryers. We can service at your site, or we can arrange collection at a time to suit, and carry out the service in-house at our dedicated service facility near Bristol, UK. Our engineers are experienced in the service and repair of a wide range of freeze dryer makes and models, including LyoDry, Modulyo and Modulyo-D, Supermodulyo, Scanvac, LyoTrap, and Zirbus. This includes the accompanying vacuum pump if required, including vacuum pumps manufactured by Edwards, Welch, Leybold, Pfeiffer, Agilent and Savant. Wherever possible, genuine spares are used and we maintain stocks of many standard spare parts to enable a fast turnaround. Freeze Dryer maintenance can be carried out at scheduled times, with a customised Service Contract to suit your operational and budgetary needs (with preferential Service contract rates and priority). Or simply contact us for on-demand repair or maintenance and we will send you a budgetary quote, so that you have an idea of costs beforehand. Each service and repair includes a 6 month warranty on the work completed and a Service Report for your records. We are located close to the M4/M5 interchange near Bristol, so we can be with you in a jiffy! We are ISO9001, F-Gas and Achilles certified and audited. We receive excellent feedback. Please contact our sales team for more information and a budgetary quote, by emailing enquiries@mechatechsystems.co.uk or phone us on 01454 414723. Or find out more: Maintenance and Repairs
- Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from MechaTech Systems!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from MechaTech Systems! We close for business on 22nd December, reopening on January 2nd 2024. We are delighted (if somewhat exhausted!) to report that 2023 has been an exceptionally busy year. The production of LyoDry Freeze Dryers for universities and government research centres S35 Gas Sampling Systems for nuclear sites Hyscan II Hydrogen in Aluminium Analyser for automative parts manufacturers Vacuum Degassing and Oil Filling Systems for electronic manufacturers throughout the UK and across the world, have kept our highly experienced and skilled manufacturing team operating at full steam ahead! Our vacuum dryers design and service teams have engaged with with nuclear decommissioning sites, conducting R&D relating to various waste streams and fulfilling planned maintenance at sites across the UK where the Advanced Vacuum Drying System (AVDS) is actively conditioning ILW. Meanwhile, spare parts and servicing of freeze dryers and high vacuum systems have seen continued growth throughout 2023, thanks in no small part to our diligent and hard-working sales, purchasing and project teams. Thank you sincerely to all our customers and suppliers for for contributing to the continued success of MechaTech Systems Ltd thoughout 2023. We wish everyone very happy holidays and look forward to working with you in 2024!
- Pilot Scale Freeze Drying without the Price Tag
Benchtop freeze dryers are often used for small scale freeze drying or research and development projects. The choice is sometimes driven more by budget than capacity requirements. What if you need a freeze dryer that is bigger than a benchtop but without the pilot scale price tag? Benchtop freeze dryers are not usually chosen for their capaciousness. LyoDry Benchtop freeze dryers have a 5Kg ice condenser capacity. This means that they will process up to a maximum of 5Kg of the ice that is created from the product moisture, per batch. They are often used with an acrylic chamber and tray accessory for bulk freeze drying. But if you really need a larger freeze dryer, without paying automated pilot scale freeze dryer prices, the LyoDry range of freeze dryers includes more attainable options, such as the LyoDry Midi and LyoDry Midi Pro. The LyoDry Midi freeze dryer condenser is free standing and designed to fit beside a standard laboratory bench (the footprint is analogous to a washing machine, rather than a microwave). The LyoDry Midi has an 18Kg ice condenser capacity, which is useful if you're freeze drying a very wet product and want to freeze dry in larger batches between defrost. The vacuum pump (an Edwards RV12 as standard or an Edwards nXDS15i dry scroll pump if preferred) is integral and easily accessible for maintenance. Like the benchtop freeze dryer, the LyoDry Midi is modular: this means that you can choose your drying chamber and accessory. Thus it can be used with the standard acrylic chamber and tray accessory, just like the benchtop freeze dryer. But if you're really looking to scale up your drying capacity, then the LSCC10 10-tray drying chamber is designed for use with the LyoDry Midi and offers ample volume. LSCC10 has 10 trays, each individual tray measuring 450 mm x 345 mm x 30 mm, giving a total drying area of 1.5m². Available unheated as standard, one option is heating to 60°C. Another option is a manifold valve attachment for flask drying fitted to the side of the chamber. If the LyoDry Midi with LSCC10 chamber sounds appealing but you also need data logging, analysis,pressure control, USB and ethernet connections, then the LyoDry Midi Pro includes this added functionality. Other advantages of the LyoDry Midi Pro include colour touch screen control and, if used with a heated chamber, pre-programmable freeze drying recipes can be used, simplifying the whole process even further. LyoDry Midi and LyoDry Midi Pro are lab scale freeze dryers with the potential for pilot scale freeze drying more economically. Read more about the LyoDry Midi Read more about the LyoDry Midi Pro Contact Us for a quotation or any further information
- Measuring Hydrogen in Molten Aluminium to avoid Porosity in Aluminium Casting
Measuring hydrogen in molten aluminium is essential to avoid porosity in castings. When aluminium alloys are in the liquid state, they absorb hydrogen. If this hydrogen is not removed, it can cause porosity in the casting. Porosity is a defect in aluminum casting that can cause a number of problems, including: Reduced strength and durability Increased susceptibility to corrosion Reduced machinability Increased weight Visual defects Hydrogen in molten aluminium and its alloys derive principally from the aluminium – water reaction: 2Al + 3H₂O 4 Al₂O₃ + 3H₂ . Water vapor is a major source of porosity in aluminum castings. It can come from the atmosphere, products of combustion, hygroscopic degassing or fluxing materials, reactive materials in the melt, and hydrated corrosion products on feed material. The hydrogen formed is absorbed by the liquid aluminium and unless most of it is removed by degassing techniques, porosity will be observed in the casting. So, an accurate measurement of hydrogen in the melt before casting is essential to ensure that degassing operations achieve the specified quality acceptance value. This measurement is available on the foundry shop floor, using Hyscan II Hydrogen in Aluminium Analyser, UK manufactured and supported, by MechaTech Systems Ltd. Hyscan II is a hydrogen analyser that measures hydrogen during aluminum alloy processing operations. It uses a quantitative reduced pressure technique to provide the operator with a quantitative measurement of hydrogen in the melt within five minutes of sampling. Hyscan II is a robust and designed specifically for use on the shop floor. It is rugged and easy to operate, and it provides accurate results with less than 5% difference between that of the vacuum sub-fusion method. Hyscan II can be used for a variety of purposes, including quality control, process investigation, and the evaluation of melt treatments. By monitoring hydrogen levels during the casting process, Hyscan II can help to identify potential problems and prevent defects, leading to lower scrap rates, reduced energy and labour costs, and improved product quality. The financial savings from using Hyscan II can be enough to offset the cost of the instrument within one year. Hyscan II is a global leader in the measurement of porosity in aluminum castings. Its proven method and accuracy have made it a trusted tool for production foundries around the world. Read more about Hyscan II Hydrogen in Aluminium Analyser on our website: https://www.mechatechsystems.co.uk/hyscan-analyser Contact Us for more information: enquiries@mechatechsystems.co.uk / +44 (0) 1454 414723.
- Benchtop Freeze Dryers - UK designed, manufactured and supported
LyoDry Benchtop Freeze Dryers are designed, manufactured and supported from our site near Bristol, UK. We receive excellent feedback. Used and endorsed by universities, government research institutes, blue chip pharmaceutical manufacturers, chefs and restaurants - in the UK and overseas - LyoDry Benchtop Freeze Dryers have options to suit both your budget and technical requirements. LyoDry Benchtop Freeze Dryers were originally designed to directly replace the (now obsolete) Modulyo range of freeze dryers, which were manufactured by Edwards and subsequently Thermo Savant. Consequently, LyoDry Benchtop Freeze Dryers are compatible with most drying chambers and accessories previously used with the Modulyo. So, if you only wish to upgrade either your Modulyo condenser, or your Modulyo drying chamber / accessory, then you can do so with either a LyoDry Freeze Dryer Condenser, or a LyoDry Drying Chamber / Accessory. All LyoDry Benchtop Freeze Dryers have the benefit of a stainless steel cabinet, making them ideal for freeze drying in lab, pharma and food environments. They also have hot gas defrost for a faster turnaround between batches. We also supply the recommended vacuum pump if required - either a rotary vane oil pump or an oil-free dry pump if preferred - or will be pleased to advise whether your existing vacuum pump is suitable. A purpose built, stainless steel trolley is available if required, fitted with castors and brakes and a lower shelf to accommodate the vacuum pump. This is sometimes more convenient, being lower than a laboratory bench and adding portability. There are two models of LyoDry Benchtop Freeze Dryers available: - The LyoDry Compact is our entry level benchtop freeze dryer. It has an ice condenser temperature of -55°C (part number LSBC55) or -85°C (part number LSBC85), with an ice capacity of 5Kg per batch. LyoDry Compact is a modular freeze dryer, therefore you can choose from a range of drying chambers, tray accessories and manifold options to suit bulk or flask drying. A clear, LCD display facilitates on-screen control of the vacuum pump and user changeable vacuum and temperature units. The LyoDry Benchtop Pro is designed for more closely controlled freeze drying, with the added features of data logging, real time and historical temperature and pressure trends, ethernet comms, pressure control and a wide, touchscreen, colour operator interface with icons for easy navigation. If the LyoDry Benchtop Pro is used with our Heated Tray Accessory (part number LSAD6H), then multiple profile creation ('freeze drying recipes') is an added benefit. LyoDry Benchtop Pro is also available with a condenser temperature of either -55°C (part number LSB55P) or -85°C (part number LSB85P), and an ice capacity of 5Kg per batch. Ancillary services include the options of delivery to your site by courier, or delivery by one of our engineers, with on-site set up and basic operator training. We offer on-demand servicing or prescheduled annual service contracts with preferential rates. Service contracts can be tailored to suit, and can include other freeze drying/vacuum equipment that you may have on-site, if required. Spare parts and accessories are readily available, often from stock. LyoDry Freeze Dryers conform to the latest environmental standards, manufactured by F-Gas certified engineers using CFC free refrigeration gas. LyoDry Freeze Dryers are designed to have fast cool down times, helping to minimise energy consumption and maximise life expectancy. They are high end, competitively priced and quality assured. Read more about LyoDry Compact Benchtop Freeze Dryers Read more about LyoDry Benchtop Pro Freeze Dryers Read more about LyoDry Freeze Dryer Chambers and Accessories Contact us for a quotation or more information