Lab Rod Module

Lab Rod Module is compatible with most of the desk-top bioreactors (fermenters) such as BioFlo from Eppendorf. Shape of a rod (usually d20 or d12mm) allows o-ring seal and easy positioning in bioreactor. Dead end hollow fiber membrane setup is used. Port connection usually hose barb trough thread.

Polypropylene hollow fiber membrane, degassing/gassing and filtration
0.1m² P60 active membrane surface, dead end setup
Compatible with most fermentors and bioreactors (Aniaml Cell Vessel, BioFlow...)
Hose barb D8mm port connection

Characteristic

Membrane Type		P60	P80
Membrane	Material	Polypropylene (natively hydrophobic)
	Pore size	average 0.1 μm
	OD/ID	310/240 μm	530/440 μm
	Burst / Collapse pressure	>5.5 / >3.5 bar
Module	Active Membrane Surface	0.1 m²	?? m²
	Priming Volume Shellside	x ml	x ml
	Priming Volume Lumenside	ml	ml
	Housing Material	PVCu
	Potting Material / Seals	Polyurethane
	Shell pressure	< 3 bar
	Temperature	< 45°C
	Ports	D8mm hose barb
	Dimensions	365x30x12mm
	Weight	??g

① food grade, no additives PP is used, but due to production small amounts of other materials might be used, please consult us for chemical resistance
② body pipe can be customized to fit MBR O-ring port

Possible Applications

Gas transfer, microporous hollow fiber membrane is used so gas/liquid or liquid/gas
Liquid filtration - liquid/solids separation on microfiltration level
Membrane degassing - lab, OEM applications
Hollow Fiber Lab Fermenter - Isolation (extract) of active substances (product) - extractive membrane bioreactor
Hollow Fiber Lab Fermenter - Nutrition, aeration of substrate during a biconversion - membrane aeration bioreactor
Hollow Fiber Lab Fermenter - Immobilisation microorganisms inside a hollow fibers

Applications Notes

When degassing (gas inside the membrane), membrane will float, mixer/rotor might be a problem.
Try to avoid temperature shocks, slow change is preferable. For contactor (liquid / gas, degassing) applications temperature gradients might cause condensation inside the pores, wetting and module bleeding. When this happens thorough drying (dry air @50°C at least 24 hours) will restore the module.
No oxidizing chemistry or UV light – PP membrane is very sensitive. For chemical cleaning use standard NaOH / citric acid procedure.
Chemical resistance can be estimated from used materials PP, PVCu, polyurethane, usually least resistant is potting - polyurethane.

Bioreactor (biofermenter / fermenter) definition

Bioreactor is a container in which a chemical process is carried out which involves biochemically active substances derived from microorganisms. Organisms growing in bioreactor are submerged in liquid medium. Cultures may be suspended or immobilized.

Sample custom application - BioConSepT (2012-2015)

The aim of the cooperation project was biotechnological production of fuels and chemicals from renewable biomass. BioConSepT has developed 8 different processes to produce multifunctional molecules (e.g. biosurfactants, acids) from lignocellulosic and oil feedstock.

The role of ZENA in project was solved In Situ Product Recovery for improving the fermentation performance. Separation of the cells from the liquid phase is necessary for the further purification of product. An integrated fermentor with ultrafiltration membranes was developed.

BioConSepT (2012-2015)