BioTech Automation Bioreactors for Algae, Bacteria, and Yeasts – from Education to Production Bioprocesses are becoming increasingly important for industry as they offer sustainable alternatives to conventionally manufactured products. With a large number of components and solutions from our product portfolio, industrial bioprocesses can be operated efficiently over the long term. We are also involved in biologization as a field of learning. To create the best possible environment for microorganisms, such as bacteria, algae, and yeasts to grow optimally and achieve a high biomass, the conditions in the reactor must be precisely adapted to their requirements. This requires the measurement, recording, and control of many variables. In addition to temperature and pH value, the supply of nutrients and the precise gassing of air, oxygen, and other gases play a key role. Festo is not only meeting the new challenges in the field of biologization from a technical point of view. As the market leader in technical education, we also keep an eye on the qualifications that will be required in the future. In addition to the development of new job profiles, Festo has developed a modular learning concept for future biomechatronics technicians that can be used to impart knowledge, especially technical basics. For this purpose, Festo provides components and solutions from the fields of gas handling, liquid handling, and control technology as well as solutions up to ready-to-install control cabinets. We also offer customer-specific software from the control system to the cloud. The seamless integration of the systems and the ability to analyze data in real time make it possible to control processes efficiently and transparently. Here we show a stainless-steel bioreactor, which is often used in industrial biotechnology. Gas Handling: Precise Flow Control The VEMD mass flow controllers are used to dose the gases. In addition to air, nitrogen, CO2, and in particular oxygen are also used. Liquid Handling: Exact Dosing Thanks to Overpressure For dosing the liquid media in the reactor, the pressure- over-liquid method is applied via the VEAB proportional pressure regulating valve. The VYKA media separated solenoid valve controls even the smallest quantities with high precision and is also suitable for aggressive substances such as alkalis, acids, and other chemicals. The FDA-compliant VZBD ball valve, which is set by the DFPD turn actuator and the CMSX positioner, is used to control the temperature of the reactor. Control: Automated Regulation of all Parameters The CPX-E terminal controls the components in the reactor and thus automatically regulates the pH value, temperature, and other factors influencing the growth of microorganisms. Connection to a management system using the MTP standard is possible. Bioreactor: Highlight Products and their Function Algae Reactor: Highlight Products and their Function The system consists of educational software and various educational hardware, which are housed in a modular furniture system. Educational software: Prototype based on the proven Festo LX learning platform, which teaches the content in a playful way and prepares the students for the tasks. Educational hardware: In addition to the bioreactor for cultivating yeasts and sampling functions, the system also features two products from Festo Didactic: the control cabinet of the already available SkillsConveyor and the Electeo learning system, which will be presented for the first time at the Hannover Messe. Furniture system: The system consists of five modules and can be expanded as required and combined with other modules. Ergonomic learning is possible thanks to the slanted shape of the integrated elements. You can find out more about the learning reactor and the new job profile at www.festo.com/biomechatronics Photosynthesis is a key metabolic pathway for the growth of algae. This converts CO2 into sugar and releases oxygen. Gas Handling: Two Concepts for Gassing The application shows two methods of controlled fumigation: on the one hand, exactly the right amount is pumped into the reactor using a VEMD mass flow controller for air and CO2. On the other hand, gassing is controlled by the VEAA pressure regulator in conjunction with the SFAH flow sensor. It measures the actual amount of CO2 and air. Liquid Handling: Food-safe Valve Technology The pneumatically driven, food-safe VZQA pinch valve is used for filling and emptying the reactor or for taking samples. Control: a New Product in Action These valves are controlled with the new VTUX valve terminal. The CPX-E controls and regulates the components in the reactor and thus automatically regulates pH value, temperature, gassing and light. Learning Reactor: Modular System for Biomechatronics Technicians
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