Restricted Flow Alarm & Automated Response
A problem develops in a pressure regulator, restricting gas flow to the bioreactor. The MFC generates a restricted flow alarm, enabled by Ethernet-based networks, initiating an automated response by the bioreactor PLC to adjust and return the system to normal operating conditions.
How it helps
- Eliminates need for manual operator intervention to resolve flow restriction
- Increases bioprocessing system productivity and functionality
- Decreases troubleshooting/diagnosis time and reduces system downtime
- Supports easy configuration and setup for all users
Backflow Alarm
Enabled by digital MFCs and Ethernet-based network protocols, the backflow alarm alerts the operator to stop the process due to bioprocess liquid pushed backward through the flow path to the MFC.
How it helps
- Occurs when bioreactor vessel pressure exceeds limits and overcomes positive pressure through the MFC
- Enables fast response to potential problems within the bioprocess
- Helps prevent the loss of valuable biologic material or damage to bioprocessing systems, including the MFC
Zero Drift History
How it helps
- Enables zero flow thresholds allowing low-end process control
- Easy access to flow, temperature and flow hours for reproducibility/lot analysis
- Enables predictive analysis on flow performance
MFC Calibration Service Due
MFC generates alert (and triggers blinking light on device) to notify bioprocessing management system that device is scheduled for service or recalibration.
How it helps
- Supported for EtherNet/IP and PROFINET systems
- Notifies process management that device is scheduled for (or should be scheduled for) service or calibration
- Incorporates alerts into preventive maintenance tools and processes
- Prevents loss of quality, process drift, reduction in productivity; helps prevent unscheduled downtime
Setpoint Deviation Alarm
Digital MFCs automatically adjust to maintain proper flow rates. If the MFC over adjusts and exceeds established setpoints, there’s a strong risk that the bioreactor isn’t receiving proper amounts of gases like O2 and CO2 — throwing off pH and dissolved O2 and harming production of the targeted biologic.
How it helps
- Setpoints critical/fundamental element of effective process control in any industry
- Deviations alert operators to significant problems in gas delivery systems
- Shows how to leverage MFCs to troubleshoot larger system issues
High/Low/No Flow Alarms
Bioreactor MFCs have specific flow rate “recipes” for each new biologic being processed. Preset alarms will trigger to alert operators if upper and/or lower thresholds have been crossed or there’s no flow at all.
How it helps
- Processes that use gases like bioreactors have flow rate “recipes“
- Critical to maximum process quality, yield and efficiencies
- Real-time alerts that can trigger critical diagnostic and systematic troubleshooting for more rapid response to get processes back to optimal
