Frequently Asked Questions – PBR 2S

What applications are appropriate for the BIOSTAT® PBR 2S?
Phototrophic culturing (e.g. R&D, Alternative Energy, Upstream Processing)

What is a phototrophic organism?
Phototrophs (photo=light, troph=nourishment) or photoautotrophs (photo=light, auto=self, troph=nourishment) are organisms which carry out photosynthesis. Using energy from sunlight, carbon dioxide and water are converted into organic materials to be used in cellular functions such as biosynthesis and respiration.

What is photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis is defined as the conversion of light energy into chemical energy by living organisms.  It is affected mainly by light intensity and is divided into:

Oxygenic photosynthesis accomplished by:
- plants
- algae
- Cyano bacteria (blue-green algae)

Anoxygenic photosynthesis accomplished by:
- Bacteria (e.g. purple bacteria)

What is the abbreviation PAR ?
The expression Photosynthetically Active Radiation, often abbreviated PAR, designates the spectral range of solar light from 400 to 700 nanometers that is used by phototrophic organisms in the process of photosynthesis

What are the main events for photosynthesis to occur?
For phototrophic organisms, light is the primary energy source, the most important regulatory growth factor
(e.g., specific light growth vs. light intensity).

For phototrophic organisms, light quality is the second main factor, mainly determined by photosynthetically active pigments.

Are there special requirements for a phototrophic cultivation that the BIOSTAT® PBR 2S offers?
- 4-Gasmixing for cultivations under anaerobic and aerobic conditions
- Efficient illumination with adjustable light intensity
- Large illuminated surface for max. illumination efficiency per unit surface area
- Preventing of fouling via high recirculation rates
- Efficient, low shear mixing
- Efficient gas exchange

What are the main components of the BIOSTAT® PBR 2S?

- Control Tower
- Photosynthetic Module with Illumination control
- Recirculation / Conditioning Vessel
- Recirculation pump

What are the footprints of the BIOSTAT® PBR 2S components?
Basic Housing = 320 x 735 x 565 mm (W x H x D)
Photosynthesis Device = 390 x 500 mm (Ø x H)
Recirculation Pump = 169 x 138 x 256 (W x H x D)

What are the autoclave dimensions required for the BIOSTAT® PBR 2S?
390 x 500/*340 mm (Ø x H)
*with optional flexible adaptor for the exhaust cooler (8844593)

How is illumination on the BIOSTAT® PBR 2S controlled?
By illumination strength control, controlled automatically via turbidity probe.

What are the total and working volumes of the BIOSTAT® PBR 2S?
Total volume = 3.7L
Working volume illuminated is 3.L

What is the wattage of the illumination lamp of the BIOSTAT® PBR 2S?
Eight (8) lamps at 18 Watts

How large is the illuminated surface area of the BIOSTAT® PBR 2S?
5,350 cm²

What is the PAR light impact control range of the BIOSTAT® PBR 2?
5–480 µE/m2s

Is there a trend display for process variables in the BIOSTAT® PBR 2S?
Up to 6 –freely selectable- over a time span of max. 72 h.

What kind of amplifiers/probes are available, and can external analyzers and devices be connected to the BIOSTAT® PBR 2S?
Standard measurement for the BIOSTAT® PBR 2S are: temperature, pH, DO and turbidity.  There is also an integrated amplifier and available socket for Redox.
Additionally, sockets are available for four (4) external signals, computer (RS 232 or RS 422), Ethernet connection, balance (RS 232), printer/balance (RS 232) and two (2) external analogue substrate pumps.

With the gassing supply module (4-Gasmixing) for the BIOSTAT® PBR 2S how many gasses can be mixed and how many flow meters (manual and massflow meters) can be mounted?
Consists of 4-Gasmixing system for mixing of Air, N₂, O₂ and CO₂
Rotameter for Overlay flow and Total Sparger flow
Overlay and Sparger aeration
- Overlay: Air only
- Sparger: Air, O₂, N₂ and CO₂
Safety valves for vessel protection
Optional Mass Flow Controllers for Sparger and Overlay
Gas inlet and outlet via hose connector
Requires pre-controlled gas @ 1.5 barg

What are the rotameter gas flow ranges of the BIOSTAT® PBR 2S?
Sparger Range = 16-166 ml/min
Overlay Range = 16-166 ml/min

What is the recirculation flow rate of the BIOSTAT® PBR 2S?
50-5000ml/min

What is needed for the BIOSTAT® PBR 2S to connect the services to the basic/ supply unit?
Part of the delivery is an installation kit, inclusive tubing, etc.

Is there any possibility to easily check the pH and DO electrode with respect to maintenance or replacement?
Yes, the calibration zero and slope signals of the pH and DO electrode are displayed. They can be used for an easy electrode check. The zero and slope signals should be in the following range:

B.    pH electrode:        Zero: -30 … 30 mV
                             Slope: 54 … 60 mV/ pH

C.    DO electrode        Zero: 0 … 15 nA
                             Slope: 25 …200 nA (Air calibration)

Do I need an external data acquisition system? Can I use any data acquisition system?
Together with the BIOSTAT® PBR 2S package a MFCS/DA software system for one reactor will be delivered standard. The MFCS/win complete package is optional.  For connection of any other data acquisition system, the BIOSTAT® PBR software protocol will be supplied upon request

How can I connect a PC to the BIOSTAT® PBR 2S?
A PC can be connected via RS 232/RS 422 or Ethernet!

How are firmware configurations stored in the BIOSTAT® PBR 2S?
Via CF (Compact Flash) card