15L Bioreactor for Microbial Fermentations

Our 15 L stirred tank bioreactor is designed for microbial fermentations though may be adapted for cell cultivation. The autoclavable microbial bioreactor is ideal for use within R&D and process development. The borosilicate glass vessel is mounted between a jacketed base and a non-welded lid.

The uniform lid features all the necessary ports and sensors that might be required for bioprocesses and features a convenient carrying handle. Featuring twelve ports comprising of five ports for sensor connections, three ports for bioreactor’s liquid supply, two ports for gas sparger and gas output and two spare ports that can be user defined.

There is a sterilisable sampling port conveniently located in the base of the vessel to facilitate operational activities during a process. The overall design of the reactor is simple to maintain and apply basic operations and processes.

The magnetically coupled drive which can reach up to 700 rpm ensures excellent sterility within the vessel throughout fermentation.

The bioreactor process control ensures:

Temperature (the temperature sensor (Pt100) is located in the bioreactor tank) regulation. Carried out by supplying a control signal either to the heating element or the electro-magnetic cooling water valve of the thermostat. Thermoregulation is carried out by circulation of thermostated water through the bioreactor’s jacket, which is located in the bottom lid of the vessel;

pH control. Carried out by supplying base or acid solutions to the bioreactors medium using the bioprocess controller’s peristaltic pumps;

pO₂ control. Ensured by automatic adjustments of the stirrer’s rotational speed. The actual pO₂ value is monitored using a pO₂ electrode;

Foam control. Carried out by supplying an antifoam agent to the bioreactor’s medium using the bioprocess controller’s peristaltic pumps. The foam level is monitored using a conductivity sensor;

Feeding (of a substrate). Carried out using the bioprocess controller’s peristaltic pump and the respective feeding rate/volume is controlled by the feeding profile, which is set in the bioprocess controller;

6) Level control. Carried out using the bioprocess controller’s peristaltic pump. The medium level is monitored using a conductivity sensor;

7) Mixing. Ensured by a magnetic drive (stirrer inner shaft and impellers contain magnets), the agitator is driven by a motor which is mounted on the top lid of the bioreactor.

Optional SCADA software is available to control fermentation processes and store the process data. Additional sensors, balances and devices can be integrated in SCADA. The software can operate on a single PC, network or remotely via Internet and can control one or several bioreactors.

Our SCADA enables the possibility to communicate with MATLAB based program via OPC server. The MATLAB program ensures fed-batch automatic control by on-line comparison of mathematical model with process off-line data.

The SCADA software is developed according to the requirements of 21 CFR Part 11. The implication is that the process can be evaluated, reviewed, approved and archived without a single sheet of paper and without the possibility to falsify process data and signatures. Our SCADA software may be adapted to the special requirements of our customers upon request.