Looking for a pilot-scale bioreactor built entirely to your specifications? Techfors from INFORS HT, supplier of bioreactors and fermenters is a customised pilot-scale bioreactor covering total volumes up to 1,000 L, configured around your individual requirements profile. We know lab, and we are here to support you through the entire journey, from planning to commissioning.

Techfors is built on a modular platform where each unit is configured to your application, organism and process requirements. With a workflow-oriented touchscreen and the eve bioprocess platform software, you can control, monitor, analyse and document complex bioprocesses in GMP-regulated environments. The bioreactor is suitable for microbial cultivation, cell culture and applications with high demands on sterility and reproducibility.

Key features

• Broad total volume range, up to 1,000 L for cell culture and 750 L for microbial applications
• Temperature control up to 79 °C
• Modular platform fully adapted to your requirements profile
• In situ sterilisation (SIP) and optional TechCIP for automated cleaning
• Top or bottom drive with mechanical seal or magnetic coupling
• Fluid-cooled motor for quiet operation without a separate circulation pump
• Workflow-oriented touchscreen with integrated OPC server
• Compatible with eve bioprocess platform for planning, analysis and documentation
• Open ring frame for a compact design and easy access
• Upgradable even after commissioning

A bioreactor built to your requirements

Every Techfors is built around an individual requirements profile. You set the specifications and INFORS HT builds the system on its standardised platform, drawing on the experience of more than 250 previous installations. This means the stirrer system, gassing strategy, port count, sterilisation method and cleaning solution are all adapted to your application.

The modular construction allows the bioreactor to be extended with additional sensors, analytical instruments or functions even after commissioning. For validated installations, supplementary documentation for changes and additions is provided on request.

Modular design with extensive configuration options

Techfors supports virtually any relevant configuration for pilot and production scale:

• Top or bottom-driven agitation
• Classic stirrer shaft with mechanical seal or magnetic coupling
• Single or double mechanical seal
• Various impellers and impeller combinations
• Manual or automatic sterilisation of the vessel
• Sterilisation of the air-inlet filter and peripherals
• Exhaust line with membrane or depth filter, heated by steam or electricity
• Heating via heat exchanger or direct injection of steam or hot water into the double jacket
• Combined harvest and sampling valve or separate valve systems

Reliable process automation

The automation solution is a critical factor in a stable fermentation process. With standardised CIP and SIP routines and individual control strategies, you create the conditions for consistent, reproducible results. The touchscreen is workflow-oriented, and eve bioprocess platform software from INFORS HT gives you web-based access to bioprocess data through any browser on your network.

Validation, qualification and documentation

INFORS HT supplies the standard qualification documents and supports you with documentation for validation according to your requirements. Qualification options include:

• Installation Qualification (IQ)
• Operational Qualification (OQ)
• Factory Acceptance Test (FAT)
• Site Acceptance Test (SAT)

Infors AG is certified to ISO 9001. Validation and qualification are managed according to your own process and applicable regulatory requirements.

Typical applications

• Microbial fermentation with bacteria such as E. coli and Pseudomonas
• Cultivation of yeasts and fungi such as Saccharomyces, P. pastoris, Aspergillus and Streptomyces
• Mammalian cell culture for pilot and production scale
• Process development, scale-up and production fermentation
• Bioprocesses in GMP-regulated environments

Cultivation strategies include batch, fed-batch and continuous culture.

Technical data

• Total volume: up to 1,000 L (cell culture) and up to 750 L (microbial applications)
• Temperature control: up to 79 °C
• Sterilisation: in situ sterilisation (SIP)
• Cleaning: optional TechCIP, fully or semi-automatic
• Motor: fluid-cooled for quiet operation
• Construction: open ring frame, compact footprint
• Product contact material: stainless steel 1.4404
• Control unit: touchscreen with integrated OPC server
• Software: eve bioprocess platform

Frequently asked questions about Techfors

Which total volumes does Techfors handle?

Techfors is based on a modular platform with total volumes up to 1,000 L for cell culture and up to 750 L for microbial applications. Each unit is configured to the customer’s specific requirements profile.

Is Techfors suitable for GMP-regulated environments?

Yes. Techfors is designed to support bioprocesses in GMP-regulated environments, with standardised CIP and SIP processes and available documentation for validation and qualification.

Can Techfors be upgraded after commissioning?

Yes. The modular construction allows sensors, analytical instruments and additional functions to be added even after installation. For validated installations, documentation for the changes is provided on request.

What is the difference between Techfors and Techfors S?

Read more about Techfors S, a compact pilot-scale bioreactor for working volumes from 3 to 30 L. Techfors is a fully customised bioreactor for pilot and production scale, covering total volumes up to 1,000 L.

What sterilisation and cleaning options are available?

Techfors is supplied with in situ sterilisation (SIP) and can be complemented with TechCIP for automated cleaning. The cleaning and sterilisation strategy is adapted to your process requirements.

Contact Berner Lab for advice on Techfors

Flyer Techfors