If you have a VirTis freeze dryer which has been in operation for some years you may wish to consider extending the lifetime of your dryer by considering a control system upgrade. As we are all aware, electronic system components are frequently upgraded, often beyond our control, and failure of such components can render an otherwise very serviceable system obsolete. The earlier GPC control system is now no longer officially supported by VirTis and the Wizard1 control system has increasingly limited support.

Now is an ideal time to think about upgrading and VirTis and Biopharma are offering upgrade packages to bring your system right up to date with all the latest features now on offer.

The user friendly and recently introduced 'Wizard2' microprocessor control system allows storage of up to 16 different multi-step freeze drying recipes.

Its graphic LCD screen displays shelf temperature profiles along with continuous shelf temperature, condenser temperature and vacuum indication.

Printer interface, diagnostic centre and alarm centre are also included with this system, which can be optionally linked to an external PC for improved data handling, storage and historical trending - additional software is required.

'Encore' is a PLC based control system designed for pilot to industrial freeze dryers.

It features an Allen Bradley PLC utilizing 32 bit technology.

Encore provides three levels of security and data encryption and accommodates up to 8 product probes for uniform temperature monitoring.

An extensive library of conditional and emergency alarms ensures that both the product and the equipment is protected.

Encore comes complete with a Windows controlled computer workstation.

For the ultimate in advanced control systems, the 'Maestro' control system features an Allen Bradley PLC coupled with Intellution software in a Windows environment.

Available with multi-level password security, remote viewing, pressure rise testing, moisture sensors, batch reports and more, Maestro is extremely versatile and can be designed to comply with FDA 21CFR11 requirements.

These upgrades are available for the VirTis AdVantage (not Encore or Maestro), Genesis and Ultra freeze dryers. Bankruptcy