K850 CPD - Critical Point Dryer (Quorum, UK)
Manufacturer's Product Webpage
The K850 Critical Point Dryer (Quorum) is used for the drying of biological and material specimens in preparation for electron microscopy. It preserves fine structural details by avoiding surface tension effects that can occur during conventional drying methods. The instrument replaces water or ethanol in the sample with liquid CO2, which is then brought to its critical point, allowing it to transition to a gas without crossing a liquid-gas boundary. This process minimizes distortion and structural collapse, making it suitable for delicate or porous samples.