Two Days On Site: Installing a 13-Shelf GMP Freeze Dryer in the USA

In July 2026, one of our engineers traveled to the United States for a 13-shelf GMP freeze dryer installation. The customer plans to use the machine for peptide lyophilization and wanted factory support present for installation and first start-up.

The job took two working days. Most of that time was spent beside the machine with the customer's team: inspecting it after transport, removing shipping restraints, checking the service side, powering up the controls, and commissioning the main functions.

The equipment and the assignment

The machine is a stainless-steel, pharmaceutical-type system with 13 product shelves, a separate operator panel, and service access along the side. It is related to our Command F GMP freeze dryer range.

Working with the customer at the machine

Remote calls are useful, but installation questions are much quicker to settle when both teams can point to the same valve, cable, screen, or connection. The customer's staff stayed involved throughout the work, so operating and maintenance questions could be discussed as they came up.

Day 1: transport inspection and installation checks

We began with the condition of the machine after delivery. The transport supports and protective material inside the chamber had to be removed before start-up. We then checked the chamber, shelf assembly, door, installation position, and the connections available at the site.

With the side panels open, the team could inspect the refrigeration and vacuum components, piping, wiring, and maintenance access. Doing this before start-up is a simple step, but it matters after a long international shipment.

Day 2: start-up and commissioning

On the second day we powered up the machine and worked through the agreed commissioning checks. These included the HMI, operating sequence, alarms, refrigeration, vacuum, and shelf-related functions. The customer's team also reviewed routine operation and the points they would need for the next stage of work.

What was finished in two days

By the end of the second day, we had completed the agreed installation and commissioning work and handed the machine over to the customer team. Being on site avoided long back-and-forth discussions across time zones and allowed small installation details to be handled immediately.

This handover is not the same as site-specific GMP qualification or validation. The customer will still manage items such as IQ/OQ/PQ, calibration, cleaning procedures, acceptance criteria, and the peptide lyophilization cycle within its own quality system.

Planning an overseas installation

For an overseas visit, we normally confirm the site layout, utility readiness, machine position, local contact, and planned start-up date before travel. That preparation leaves more on-site time for the equipment itself.

For related technical information, see our peptide freeze dryer solution and peptide lyophilization cycle development guide. Customers who need installation, commissioning, or training outside China can send the equipment configuration and location through the technical inquiry form.