Chemistry: molecular biology and microbiology – Apparatus – Bioreactor
Patent
1984-03-23
1986-11-04
Naff, David M.
Chemistry: molecular biology and microbiology
Apparatus
Bioreactor
435 30, 435287, 422103, 422119, 141 89, 141104, C12M 126, C12M 100, C12Q 124, G01N 100
Patent
active
046210601
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to microbiology, and more particularly concerns an apparatus for taking samples from a fermenter.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There is known a device for taking samples from a fermenter comprising a sampler and a by-pass valve, this device being widely known in laboratory research practice.
The use of such a device for sample taking necessitates the employment of an open flame to treat conduits wherethrough a liquid being tested is passed from the fermenter to the sampler, the nipple of the sampler being necessarily immersed into an antiseptic solution. The sampler normally has a cotton plug which is removed in the flame zone during sample taking and set into place after terminating the sample taking procedure. The by-pass valve is provided with a clamp handled by one more attendant. The device described heretofore is difficult to operate, while the range of its possible application is rather limited, since it is impossible to take samples of explosive or inflammable fluids.
There is also known a device for taking samples from a fermenter comprising a by-pass valve mountable at the outlet of the fermenter, and a sampler having its own by-pass valve arranged at the inlet thereof.
The by-pass valve of the sampler has a spring-loaded rod, an annular groove and a sealing element, whereas the by-pass valve of the fermenter is provided with a spring-loaded rod and an annular projection defining during cooperation with the annular groove of the sampler valve a hermetically sealed separating chamber for the passage of a sample fluid therethrough (cf., e.g., USSR Inventor's Certificate No. 726,833, published 1979).
Prior to taking a sample from the fermenter, it is necessary that the sampler be sterilized and an underpressure or vacuum be induced therein, whereupon the sampler must be hermetically coupled with the by-pass valve of the fermenter, and by depressing the sampler the latter is filled with a culture suspension to be examined.
However, inherent in the device of the above construction is a disadvantage in that it fails to maintain sterility of the mating surfaces of the by-pass valves of the sampler and fermenter, whereby the fluid to be tested is susceptible to contamination after this fluid passes the separating chamber, the fluid may also be contaminated both in the fermenter and in the sampler.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed toward the provision of an apparatus for taking samples from a fermenter having such a construction as to enable sterilization of the equipment for sample taking simultaneously with the procedure of sample taking and prevention of the possibility of inadvertently contaminating a fluid being sampled, as well as to make the sample taking procedure more amenable to automation.
The aim of the invention is attained by that in an apparatus for taking samples from a fermenter comprising a by-pass valve mountable at the outlet from the fermenter, a sampler having its own valve at the inlet thereof, and a separating chamber between the valves, according to the invention, the separating chamber is provided with a nipple having a valve for feeding thereinto a sterilizing agent, whereas at the inlet to the sampler there is disposed an additional valve with a housing of the valve arranged at the inlet of the sampler functioning as a shut-off member of this additional valve, the separating chamber being capable of reciprocating motion in the direction of travel of the shut-off members of the main and additional valves of the sampler, and of cooperation with these members and with the housing of the additionaal valve of the sampler so that in one of the extreme positions of the chamber a hermetically sealed passage would be formed for evacuation of a sterilizing agent from the sampler.
In order to make the sample taking procedure more efficient, it is preferable that the apparatus be provided with a turret having a drive means, and a heat exchanger and a drum with sockets for securing the samplers, both the
REFERENCES:
patent: 2566306 (1951-09-01), Beesch
patent: 4047547 (1977-09-01), Rechsteiner et al.
patent: 4113437 (1978-09-01), Duff et al.
patent: 4209585 (1980-06-01), Lloyd et al.
patent: 4210724 (1980-07-01), Sogi et al.
Maximov Mikhail G.
Redikultsev Jury V.
Deck Randall E.
Institut Biokhimii I Fiziologii Mikroorganizmov Akademii Nauk SS
Naff David M.
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