Innovative mixing technique by self-regulating pressurisation

Abstract:
This paper presents a concept of a novel sensor-controlled mixing technique. This concept provides a first feasibility study and a first gain of knowledge, whether this mixing technique can be applied in cell cultivation and similar techologies requiring soft processing conditions. at all. A microcontrol unit in combination with an electronic control board enabled synchronising several valves, a flow sensor and a liquid sensor finally allowing a pulsed flow being generated using two different sources of compressed gasses to swirl the reactor medium. The pulsation could be calibrated with the sensor-based electronics in order to ensure that volume and pressure changes during ongoing fermenter operation no longer have any influence on the pulsation. The intensity of the pulse is therefore only determined by the pressure or flow rate of the gas in the headspace or the pulsation tube. This allows to gently mix cell cultures and other in broadest terms delicate fluids.