ez-Control

Simple and accurate process control for research and pilot plant bioreactors and fermentors.

The ez-Control is an easy to use system for bioreactors and fermentors. The system accurately controls pH, Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, Foam/Level and Agitation. The color touch screen interface guides the user through the operation. The adaptive control features allow the user to focus on the process while the controller keeps tight control on the important process parameters.

What makes this controller unique are its ease of use, its small footprint, its flexibility and its accurate control.

Although the system has a very small footprint, the capabilities are beyond any other laboratory process control system.

The Dissolved Oxygen is measured using a standard polarographic oxygen sensor. The system can accommodate up to 4 mass flow controllers for accurate gas flow control, up to 4 rotameters with optional solenoid on/off control valves for gas supply to the culture.

Temperature is measured using a Pt-100 sensor and can be controlled using a build-in thermocirculator, a silicone heating blanket or a cooling water valve.

pH is measured via a standard pH probe and can be controlled via a choice of acid pump, CO2 mass flow controller, CO2 rotameter with solenoid on/off control valve and an alkali pump.

Foam/Level is measured through a conductivity sensor (adjustable tripping point) and is controlled using an antifoaming agent pump or medium addition or removal pump.

The powerful but quiet permanent magnet dc stirrer motor uses an incremental encoder for feedback. This guarantees accurate stirrer speed control of the full stirrer speed range independent of the viscosity of the culture.

The intuitive color touch screen display gives a clear overview of all process parameters. Data is presented numerically, in line graphs and bar charts.

The system has three user levels: Viewer, Operator and Engineer all have their own access rights.

Using the touch screen interface the user can alter the configuration of the system. This enables the system to be used for different cultures without adding or removing hardware. Just select the desired operation mode from the display and start the next culture.

The ez-Control was developed and documented in compliance with the GAMP 4 guidelines to enable users to fully validate the system for their process.

The system can be operated in a 21CFR part 11 compliant environment. The validation documentation package is available as an option.

Software updates are easy when functionality is developed. Just connect the USB key with the software update to the USB port and system will automatically load the latest firmware.

The computer interface uses the well-proven Ethernet communication. This means that you can plug it into a network and collect the data from anywhere in the network using one of Applikon’s BioXpert software programs.

The integrated web server allows access to the machine using standard internet browsers. Via the browser the machine can be operated and actual process data can be viewed. Your standard software can be used to view or control the system in the laboratory while you are at your desk.

The optional ADDA board offers an additional 8 analog inputs, 4 analog outputs, 8 digital inputs and 8 digital outputs.

This enormous amount of additional I/O power can be used to connect Biomass monitors, balances, gas analyzers, variable speed pumps, fixed speed pumps valves and other equipment to the ez-Control.

Virtually any bioprocess can be controlled through the standard 5 control loops and the control 14 outputs. With the ADDA card the total I/O count even reaches an impressive 21 inputs and 26 control outputs. This is in addition to the 2 integrated alarm outputs (process alarm and device alarm).

Other options include bottle racks for liquid additions and a set of lifting brackets for transport of the ez-Control.

The ez-Control can be ordered as part of Applikon’s BioBundle Family, therefore making this advanced system very affordable.

• Affordable
• Expandibility
• Easy communication
• Advanced computer interface
• Easy updates
• Enhanced documentation and validation
• Security
• Easy operation
• Agitation measurement and control
• Foam/Level measurement and control
• pH measurement and control
• Temperature measurement and control
• Dissolved oxygen measurement and control
• Introduction