Multifors
 

Handling is a key issue for Multifors and the use of removable autoclavable pump heads mounted on a plate makes preparations for autoclaving and subsequent set up much simpler. This finally puts an end to the confusing which line goes where! The vessels remain in a holder even in use and reagent bottles plus sample devices can be mounted on the same frame for both autocalving and operation. The powerful stirrer motor is magnetically coupled from the bottom, featuring excellent oxygen transfer comparable to a directly driven system. Easy access is provided to all controls and the gas supply system is mounted on an open frame at the rear of the unit. This makes expansion and alteration very easy. The operating panel is mounted above the gassing system and can be removed for relocation. Up to three base units (six vessels) can be independently controlled from a single X-DDC panel and values for all units displayed on a single overview screen. Additional operating panels can be added to existing base units easily to allow for future expansion or splitting a group into smaller functional units.

Control is provided by the X-Controller system from Infors which is microprocessor based and allows for up to 16 parameters to be controlled with one operating panel capable of linking to up to a maximum of instrumentation units. The "ALL"-tab provides automatisation of time consuming jobs for all stopped fermenters that usually have to be done manually: calibration of all probes and the means to determine which pumps are primed/emptied and how long it will take. Furthermore is it possible to configure each fermenter individually in a way that all pump hoses are automatically emptied upon closedown. Additional analogue input and output capability is standard with a maximum of four inputs and five outputs per position. Control of reagent addition (eg. for pH) and feeding uses analogue pumps for flexibility and accuracy. When combined with IRIS software, the system can provide for a wide range of control strategies (event and/or time-based) plus accommodation of additional equipment such as balances or a mass spectrometer.

Key applications for Multifors include continuous culture, media and process development, strain selection and improvement, toxicity testing and scale-down studies.