Customizable Pilot Plant Fermentor

Bioflo 6000, a mobile pilot-scale fermentation vessel from New Brunswick Scientific (NBS), can be readily customized to fermentations from bench to pilot scale. This universal pilot plant is designed to accommodate more than a hun-dred readily available options including a variety of sensors, valves, pumps, process controllers, etc. Mounted on an open frame, the mobile system incorporates lockable casters. Control valves and filters are accessible from all sides to facilitate opera-tion and maintenance. BioFlo 6000 is operated by NBS's new ML-6100 multi-loop microprocessor controller with a touch-screen operator interface. Control functions are easily expandable since special control loops may be created electronically on screen, providing the flexibility needed to adapt the fermenter to a wide range of applications. Up to 16 process parameters are controlled and displayed.

NBS offers a choice of 50, 100 or 130 liter fermentation vessels, each equipped with more than 20 ports, including multiple Ingold-type ports and versatile Tri-clamp ports. Filters, valves, pumps, etc., are coupled to the piping via quick-release sterilize-in-place Tri-clamp fittings, which provide easy access to in-line components, simplifying their disassembly, cleaning and removal. Vessels for mammalian and insect culture are also available.

Standard Features And Benefits

• ML-6100 touch screen controller provides the ultimate in power, convenience, and flexibility
• Choice of 50, 100 or 130 liter vessels
• Independent steam traps to ensure sterility by eliminating pressure drops
• More than 20 Ingold and Tri-clamp ports
• Guaranteed OTR values of 350 mM O₂/L/Hr
• ASEPCO diaphragm drain valve
  
• Large-diameter impellers for optimum mixing and O₂ transfer
• Rapid temperature-shift capability enhances protein production in temperature induction studies
• Thermal mass flow meter for precise digital control of air flow
• Large rectangular vessel window permits viewing of interior above and below liquid level
• Back pressure manually adjusted to control vessel pressure
• All vessels fabricated in NBS's in-house ASME-certified vessel facility

The entire process is regulated by the ML-6100 controller, capable of operating up to sixteen process loops. Setpoints are easily specified along with high and low-limit alarms that warn of any deviation. The 6100 accommodates all commonly used signals from ancillary equipment, and may be validated for cGMP facilities.

Intuitive Control
The menu-driven system is designed for simplified control using on-screen programming of Loop Configuration, Pump and Sensor Calibration Display Configuration, X-Y Trend Graphs, Cascade Control, Sterilization, and Alarms. Change setpoints by touching the appropriate gauge to bring up a numerical display for that parameter. Then, simply key in the new setpoint.

The touch-screen controller has the built-in intelligence to guide even an inexperienced operator through every step of the process. When adding such instrumentation as glucose, optical density or CO₂ analyzers, the Loop Configuration Screen will help link each facet of the control loop. The controller can be adapted to the signal requirements of al I instrumentation right at the touch-screen. The appropriate loop is simply chosen from a menu of options. The display screen shows exactly where each connection is made, obviating the need for a service repre-sentative to install an optional circuit board. Thus there is no longer a need to order special factory-installed control loops at extra cost.

Optional Advanced Features
Available with third-party control systems

Variety of validation support packages available for IQ and OQ

2-gas mixer using air and/or pure 0₂ attains up to 1,500 my 021LlHr for high protein yields

Thermal mass flow controller provides automatic regulation of air flow and D.O.

Steam-resterilizable transfer lines, valves, sensors, addition and sampling valves

Two-position resterilizable addition valves can be repeatedly sterilized while vessel is in use

Double mechanical agitator seal provides maximum containment

Exhaust gas condenser minimizes evaporation of culture medium

Shaft-seal alarm warns of pressure drop in seal housing in the event of seal failure

Pneumatic head lift raises top plate for easy access to vessel interi-or, simplifying removal of impellers and shaft

Automatic vessel pressure control

In-line amplifiers for pH and D.O. sensors; compatible with polarographic and galvanic probesFor more information: Julia Cino, Fermentation Product Manager, New Brunswick Scientific, Box 4005, 44 Talmadge Rd., Edison, NJ 08818-4005. Tel: 732-287-1200.

By Angelo DePalma