Simulation and design of beating profiles in beat controlled freeze-drying or pharmaceuticals in vials by the application of a sublimation cylindrical model

A finite element method (FEM) with axial symmetry conditions and isoparametric elements has been applied to describe the freeze drying of a certain pharmaceutical contained in vials in industrial like conditions. Several operating strategies were proved on the basis of considering three different stages during freeze-drying in relation with the modification of heating and product temperature evolutions. The model offers interesting perspectives to find the most adequate combination of operating conditions in order to reduce drying time.