FermSense 3D

The Fermsense 3D technology offers an inside view into the fermentation process. With this knowledge the industry can:

  • Reduce scale up time
  • Optimise the production processes, increasing yields
  • Map and compare tank performance
  • Get accurate flow and mixing time data in real fermentations
  • Get a verified compartment model based on real data
  • Data can be used as input to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models

The FermSense 3D technology can measure pH and temperature gradient maps as well as determine the mixing time in a bioreactor. Our technology has been designed and optimized for use in industrial scale bioreactors.

 

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COMPARTMENTALIZATION

During a fermentation process, the Fermsense 3D devices follow the liquid flow around in the tank. The measured parameters, such as pH and temperature, can be divided into compartments based on the position at which they are measured.  Using compartmentalized data allows for quick analysis of potential inhomogeneities which could be stable gradients or spikes as a result of dosing, as exemplified in figure 1.

DETECTION OF POORLY MIXED ZONES

The Fermsense 3D devices will have limited movement in poorly mixed zones of the tank. If the Fermsense 3D devices enter into a dead zone, it will be stagnant for an extended period. Also, dead zones can be zones where the device does not enter for an extended period. These zones will be detectable from the movement results extracted from the devices.

CHARACTERISE MIXING IN REAL FERMENTATION CONDITIONS

By tracking intersections of the Fermsense 3D devices with a detection plane, it is possible to obtain the circulation time distribution (CTD) of the devices. The mean circulation time obtained from this distribution provides a simple approach to characterize mixing performance during every stage of the fermentation. The CTD can also be used together with knowledge of oxygen consumption rates to determine the percentage of oxygen depleted cells in the process.

VALIDATING & IMPROVING FLUID DYNAMIC MODELS

Circulation time and axial velocities extracted from the Fermsense 3D devices can be compared with the same results obtained from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. This can be used to validate the CFD model and provide input for potential improvements.