BLOG ARTICLE
Simple, Robust, and Ready for Pharmaceutical Freeze Drying
NORTH AMERICA | 24 September 2025 | 5 min
The Edwards EXS Dry Screw Vacuum Pump series is designed to deliver reliable, efficient, and oil-free performance in the most demanding vacuum applications. Based on the proven design of our GXS dry screw vacuum pump, the EXS takes vacuum performance to the next level with a simpler design, lower cost of ownership, and long-term dependability.
One area where the EXS is making a strong impact is in pharmaceutical freeze drying, where precise control, contamination-free operation, and energy efficiency are essential to protecting product quality and ensuring process reliability.
Why Choose the EXS?
The EXS is more than a pump—it’s a solution engineered to make complex vacuum applications simple, economical, and sustainable.
Key Advantages of the EXS Series
- Proven: Built on the same trusted GXS technology that has been installed in thousands of applications worldwide, the EXS brings that reliability into a simplified design tailored for long-term performance.
- Economical: With lower energy consumption, compact footprint, and reduced utilities usage, the EXS helps manufacturers cut operating costs while maximizing space efficiency and productivity.
- Environmental: Oil-free operation eliminates the risk of contamination, while low power usage reduces carbon footprint—making the EXS a more sustainable choice for modern pharmaceutical facilities.
- Robust: Engineered for demanding applications, the EXS incorporates advanced screw technology, long-life seals, and durable bearings that ensure minimal downtime and longer service intervals.
- Simple: Easy to install, operate, and maintain, with a built-in inverter, straightforward controls, and flexible connectivity options—including Modbus RTU, Fieldbus, and IoT monitoring through the Edwards GENIUS Portal.
- Standard Components: The EXS is equipped with an off-the-shelf VFD, providing customers with easier access to spares, simplified maintenance, and less complex controls compared to tailored systems.
Designed for Performance
The EXS series was built with durability and practicality in mind. Its patented Quinby screw profile enables efficient handling of vapors, liquids, and powders, while its non-contacting seals and labyrinth oil blocking system ensure a clean, oil-free vacuum space. With advanced quality bearings and low vapor pressure oils, the EXS achieves superior reliability even under long or demanding process cycles.
The EXS is specifically designed for use in non-classified areas, providing safe, dependable performance where explosive atmospheres are not a concern.
Ease of integration is also a hallmark of the EXS. Each pump includes a built-in inverter and protection sensors for plug-and-play reliability, with flexible communication options including Modbus RTU, Fieldbus protocols, and IoT connectivity through the Edwards GENIUS Portal. This provides real-time monitoring, remote alerts, and full visibility into pump performance.
Supporting Pharmaceutical Freeze Drying
In pharmaceutical manufacturing, freeze drying is a critical step to preserve product stability, extend shelf life, and ensure patient safety. The EXS dry screw vacuum pump has proven itself as a dependable solution for this application. Its oil-free design eliminates contamination risks, while robust sealing technology ensures consistent vacuum levels throughout extended freeze drying cycles.
A key advantage of the EXS in freeze drying is its ability to efficiently handle the high water vapor load inherent to the process, making it particularly well suited for this application. By combining energy efficiency with stable, repeatable performance, the EXS helps pharmaceutical manufacturers reduce operating costs while achieving the high standards of quality and reliability demanded by regulators and customers alike.
The EXS Advantage
Whether applied to pharmaceutical freeze drying or other demanding vacuum processes, the EXS series offers manufacturers a pump that is simple, robust, and sustainable. By building on proven GXS technology and refining it into a more accessible and economical design, Edwards has created a pump that helps businesses reduce costs, improve efficiency, and operate with confidence.
For pharmaceutical manufacturers and beyond, the EXS delivers a unique balance of simplicity, strength, and sustainability. As industries continue to push for greater productivity and cleaner, more reliable solutions, the EXS stands ready to deliver dependable vacuum performance—today and for years to come.
Interesting in learning more about the Edwards EXS Series, click the link to learn more: LEARN MORE