AFC 2000/3000 Series Replacement Bioreactor Control System

AFC 2000 Replacement Bioreactor Control System

Drop-in Replacement System for Sartorius Reactors up to 40L

The AFC 2000 provides replacement controls for existing Sartorius steel reactors up to 40L. Capitalize on existing steel by modernizing outdated control hardware in a cost-effective way when compared to the expense of purchasing and installing new reactor systems.

The AFC 2000 is based upon modern control hardware and integrates with existing instrumentation and control elements. ILS can customize the AFC 2000 to fit specific needs including updating reactors with modern instrumentation and control elements.

All ILS controllers are fully integrated into our Batch Expert+ software, allowing local and remote operation of our systems.

AFC 3000 Fully Customized Control System for Larger Reactors

The AFC 3000 series is designed to replace retired, failing, and outdated controllers of larger SIP/CIP systems. Let ILS customize your controls with open, non-proprietary, commercially available quality components.

ILS will work with you to evaluate your existing reactor and design a replacement system that fits the needs of your lab.

Designs typically include: Custom stainless steel enclosure, new variable frequency drive controls & motors, integration of automated valves, customized CIP cycles, integration of existing sensors along with newer, current technology, and full integration with Batch Expert+ software

  • AFC 2000 drop-in replacement bioreactor controller for Sartorius stainless steel reactors up to 40L
  • New AFC controller for 110L SIP reactor
  • AFC 3000 Semi-custom bioreactor controller designed to fit existing cabinetry

Why Choose an ILS Controller?

Value

A replacement controller is less than half the cost of a new system and allows you to reuse your existing stainless steel tank.

Functionality

ILS has invested 1000s of programming hours to create the most versatile and flexible system for cell culture and fermentation processes.

Flexibility

AFC systems work with most existing sensors as well as devices like pumps, load cells, and scales. The controllers and software are designed to be able to integrate future technology.

Implementation

Each system is built to user specifications and is fully tested before leaving our facility. With proper planning, changeover can be as little as one week.

Integration

To provide a complete solution, ILS controllers are coupled with our Batch Expert+ software. BE+ provides user control from anywhere and includes a true SQL data historian, intelligent alarming, batch recipe management, and support for all major controller vendors.

ILS Batch Expert+ Software

  • Adaptable: Customers can customize a system to meet their needs both now and in the future. Software features are often added to meet the ever-changing needs of process development or the introduction and integration of new measurement technology.

  • IoT Approach: We apply the notion of the Internet of Things (IoT) to laboratory automation. Our controllers integrate smart control elements and instruments in smart ways. Often this implies a digital interface to read and write actual numbers instead of an analog 4-20 mA approximation. Richer and more accurate/precise data is presented for data analysis and automation. Be it gas flow controllers (Alicat and Brooks), digital probes (Mettler ISM, Hamilton Visiferm), scales (Mettler, Sartorius, OHAUS, etc.), cell density (Hamilton Incyte, ABER, Fogale), the IoT approach provides smarter solutions.

  • Open: ILS first-and-foremost provides solutions — not just a piece of equipment that is unpacked from a box. To achieve this goal, we don’t hide behind proprietary equipment or software that is rigid and would conform to our thoughts of what our customers need. Our platforms grow and scale to adapt to customer needs through an open software and hardware system based on industrial grade, off-the-shelf components.

  • Remote Support: ILS often supports our customers through a remote VPN connection (LogMeIn, Citrix Receiver, etc.). Our customers claim that we have an obsession with bioreactor control and performance tuning. Combining our AFC controller with our BE+ platform, the slightest DO oscillation or anomaly spurs our interest. Through this interaction and customer feedback, we continually learn and improve our products and solutions. Also, we are often not on-site when questions and issues arise just before a 5:00 pm Friday inoculation, so any automation to help the end users is greatly appreciated.

Specifications Overview

The AFC 2000/3000 Series Supports:

  • Probes & sensors from Hamilton Visiferm, Mettler-Toledo ISM, Aber, BlueSens, & Broadley James
  • Technologies include Digital and Analog pH, Optical DO, Polargraphic DO, Dissolved CO2, Redox, Capacitance probes, and Conductivity probes
  • RS485 or RS232 for multiple Mettler-Toledo, Sartorius, Ohaus scales, along with most other brands
  • Direct digital communications with Alicat Scientific gas flow controllers, as well as analog control of most other brands
  • Integration of existing control elements for temperature, pH, DO, and gas control
  • Automated Steam-in-Place
  • Integrate existing agitator motor with VFD
  • Automated SIP/CIP cleaning cycles
  • Multiple PID control loops including temperature, pH, DO cascade, & pressure
  • Built-in Watson Marlow variable speed pumps for pH control and nutrient feeds. Built-in control of external pumps as required.
  • Valve control elements including AC or DC solenoid valves, and a propor- tional control valve (PCV) for pressure control
  • Replacement stirrer motor provided
  • Built-in Modern OPC-UA Server software

Related Products

AFC 900
AFC Complete Bioprocess Control System
Batch Expert+

What Clients Say

Our production rate increased significantly after ILS installed the AFC system.
Our fermentations are running fantastic after ILS installed the new equipment and software.