Bioreactor and Fermentation

Repeatable and scalable flow control is crucial to achieving high titers from upstream bioprocesses. Designing robust control systems with closed-loop control on parameters like pH and dissolved oxygen leads to predictable, scalable, bioreactor and fermenter yields.

Automate and scale bioreactor and fermentation control systems

Flow controllers easily integrate into pre-existing data systems, ensuring data integrity and facilitating the progression through process development stages.

Alicat instruments minimize downtime and device footprint, while maintaining accuracy and functionality.

  • Preconfigured for bioprocessing – and fully customizable. Time-tested hardware and software, with USP Class VI elastomers and 316L stainless steel flow bodies, combine to form the Bio-Series – which can be further configured to slot perfectly into any system.
  • Built-in redundancies. The standup interface gives multi-parameter information in a single glance, including valve drive usage for preventative maintenance.

Product guides

Applications

Original and simplified flow diagram

Minimizing flow lines and reducing spares inventory simplifies operation and maintenance

A wide 10,000:1 turndown means a single Alicat can be swapped into any point in this system with no need for recalibration.

One global biologics manufacturer used Alicat to simplify the flow lines at its commercial production facility, decreasing failure points and minimizing the need for spares.

Bioprocessing mass flow controller

Flow systems for every phase of biologics development

Alicats are environmentally stable, fully configurable, and robust enough to handle a buffer spill — making them ideal for R&D, pilot plants, or commercial manufacturing sites.

Use our standard devices, or work with our engineering team on a custom setup designed to meet exact process requirements.

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For scientists, flexibility to experiment with cell lines and seed trains

A single flow controller works for a wide range of flows and gases, without requiring recalibration. Communicate using the standup interface, LabVIEW, or Python.
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For automation engineers, scalability to integrate control systems early

Each flow controller has a 10,000:1 turndown, maintaining usability as processes scale. Analog, serial, and industrial communication protocols make data transfers simple.
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For system designers, configuration and customization for validated systems

Options for 316L stainless steel, USP Class VI elastomersIP66, DEKRA C1D2  and ATEX C1D2 on standard configurations ensure compatibility even in highly regulated environments.
Bioreactor livestock

Back pressure control and drop-in compatibility for scale out and scale down

Native Microbials improves livestock quality of life, productivity, and sustainability by using Alicat flow controllers in scaled down parallel fermentation processes.
Photograph of a bioreactor

Unlocking new possibilities in bioreactor design

When a biotech startup set out to design compact, high‑performance benchtop bioreactors, they faced a gas control challenge. Alicat proposed an iterative process with its custom‑built BASIS Gassing Module as a solution.
Mass flow controllers lab technician

Tools to use for pharmaceutical scale-up

From supply chain risk mitigation to lean manufacturing and single‑use technology, these strategic planning tools can help you hit the ground running when considering scale‑up strategies.
bioreactor flow

Headspace monitoring for real-time control of culture growth

Measuring outgassed material in the headspace is a powerful tool to track the metabolic activity of your cell culture.

While more resource intensive than simply measuring dissolved oxygen and pH, it maximizes yield and improves scalability.

Pharmaceutical facility

The benefits of hybrid facilities in biologics systems

Hybrid biologics manufacturing facilities combine the scalability of stainless steel with the flexibility of single‑use skids, creating a cost‑effective and flexible production environment.

Products

Mass flow controller 50 SCCM
BASIS custom gas mixers provide precision control in a compact package.
Mass flow controller 50 SCCM
Mass flow controllers offer precision control, along with pressure and temperature readings.

CODA Coriolis mass flow controllers precisely measure and control liquids, with options for batching.

Pressure controller dual valve

Dual-valve pressure controllers reach setpoints in milliseconds and maintain control without continuous bleeding.

Further Reading