Quick Change Spargers for Bioreactors and Fermentors - Technical Details

The Quick Change Spargers are available in the following standard sizes: Inlet Tube sizes are all 1/2 inch OD with the following porous element sizes:

• 3/4 inch OD sparger tubes with 1 inch, 2 inch, 3 inch and 4 inch porous element lengths. Porous metal media grades are 0.5μm, 2μm, 5μm and 10μm.
• 1 inch OD sparger tubes with 1 inch, 2 inch, 3 inch and 4 inch porous element lengths. Porous metal media grades are 0.5μm, 2μm, 5μm and 10μm.

The Quick Change Sparger consists of a trident adapter for the end of the sparging wand or assembly and a mating porous metal sparging tip (See figure 3). The adapter can be used to modify existing sparger assemblies to accept the Quick Change Sparger tip. The trident adapter design provides optimal support for the porous element without the need for threads, clamps or other excessive areas that cannot be sterilized during SIP cycles.

The ultimate goal of the bioprocess engineer is to provide an optimum environment for biological processes. One major concern is the shear sensitivity of certain cell cultures. The use of shear protective additives such as Pluronic F-68 or methyl-celluse are proven to reduce the shear impact of bubble rupture from sparged gas in cell cultures. Industry studies have continually proven that the simplest and most effective method of oxygen transfer is direct sparging of gas into the system.

For decades bioreactor and fermentor designers and operators have relied on Mott porous metal spargers to provide this uniform bubble size and dispersion rate. The 316LSS porous metal spargers are robust and capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 400°C (752°F) and differential pressure in excess of 500 psid. This rugged material allows for repeated sterilizations via autoclave or through steam in place methods. The 316LSS material also ensures zero out-gassing and no extraction of harmful contaminants.

Standard porous media for spargers is 316L stainless steel, which provides excellent corrosion resistance and high temperature capability, up to 400°C (750°F). Standard sparger hardware is 316L stainless steel. Other materials are available on special order, including 304L SS, 347 SS, 430 SS, Inconel® 600, Monel®400, Nickel 200; Hastelloy® C276, C22 and X; and Alloy 20.