SPI-Dry Critical Point Dryer, Jumbo Size

Overview

The SPI-Dry Critical Point Dryer, Jumbo Size is a manually operated instrument used to dry fragile, liquid-saturated specimens for SEM, TEM, and light microscopy without the surface-tension damage caused by air drying. It is based on a massive solid brass pressure chamber with an integral water jacket, giving it a large chamber capacity suitable for batches of samples up to 1.5 inches in diameter. The technique, in routine use since 1970, has since expanded beyond biological specimens into aerogel and MEMS drying applications. This Jumbo model ships complete with hoses, a high-pressure CO2 transfer hose, a CO2 tank adapter, a spare parts kit, a boat and tissue basket set, and a user manual. It is fitted with EPDM seals, which are recommended for laboratories that process samples with aggressive solvents such as acetone.

Robust, Manually Controlled Design

The heart of the system is a solid brass pressure chamber with 1 inch thick walls, giving the unit essentially no moving parts to fail. Operators manually adjust the CO2 fill, vent, and drain exhaust valves, allowing precise, hands-on control over the substitution of the dehydration agent. Heating and cooling are provided by ordinary tap water through the integral water jacket rather than an electrical heating element.

Complete, Ready-to-Run System

Every unit ships with all required water hoses, a high-pressure CO2 transfer hose, the adapter needed to connect the hose to a CO2 tank, a spare parts kit, and a boat and tissue basket set. An easy-to-follow user manual is included so the system can be installed and operated with minimal setup time.

Suited to Life Science and Materials Applications

While critical point drying was originally developed for biological SEM specimens, SPI-Dry units are now widely used for aerogel and MEMS sample preparation as well. The EPDM seal option on this Jumbo model is specifically recommended for laboratories running more aggressive solvents such as repeated acetone exposure.

Safety-Engineered Pressure Vessel

As a pressure vessel, the chamber is pressure-tested to levels well beyond normal operating pressures and is protected by a rupture disc safety membrane in case of unexpected pressure rise. SPI Supplies offers only hot-water heated designs and does not sell electrically heated critical point dryers, limiting how hot the chamber can ever become.

Common Specifications