Abstract: A bioreactor sensing system is presented. The bioreactor sensing system comprises a bioreaction vessel. The bioreaction vessel comprises an aperture configured to provide an interface for monitoring contents within the bioreaction vessel. The bioreaction vessel also comprises a port coupled to the bioreaction vessel proximate the aperture. The bioreactor sensing system also comprises a sensing device disposed at least partially within the port such that a sensing element is exposed to the contents. The bioreactor sensing system also comprises an external seal configured to be applied over a portion of the sensing device and a portion of the port.

Abstract: A bioreactor vessel is provided. The bioreactor vessel comprises a bioreactor bag wall having an interior side and an exterior side and an aperture extending from the interior side to the exterior side, wherein the interior side is configured to contact and house a reaction mixture. The bioreactor vessel also comprises a port mounted proximate the aperture, the port including a flange fixedly attached to the bioreactor bag, such that a fluidic seal is maintained along a circumference of the flange. The bioreactor vessel also comprises a plurality of sensors disposed within the port.

Abstract: A sensor may include a sensing element retained within a storage compartment filled with a storage medium, which may also be used as a calibration medium. The sensing element can include a sensing surface located away from the distal end of the sensing element, such that an inactive section of the sensing element can cooperate with a sealing member such as an O-ring to form part of the seal retaining the storage/calibration medium. The sensing element can be extended and retracted from the storage compartment to expose the sensing surface to a process medium, while preserving the storage medium within the storage compartment for post-measurement validation.

Abstract: A sensor may include a sensing element retained within a storage compartment filled with a storage medium, which may also be used as a calibration medium. The sensing element can be moved from a first position in which the sensing element is exposed to the storage compartment, and a second position in which the sensing element can be exposed to a process medium. An actuator mechanism may be configured to engage a portion of the sensor to move the sensing element between the first position and the second position. The actuator mechanism may be controlled by an external system, and may include a rotary actuator such as a servomotor or a stepper motor to move the sensing element between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A colorimetric analyzer includes a reaction chamber configured to receive a sample and at least one reagent. A measurement cell is operably coupled to the reaction chamber. The measurement cell has an illumination source and an illumination detector spaced from the illumination source such that illumination from the illumination source passes through the reacted sample to the illumination detector. A controller is coupled to the illumination source and the illumination detector. The controller is configured to generate an analytic output based on a signal from the illumination detector. A fill conduit is operably interposed between the reaction chamber and the measurement cell. The fill conduit is configured to reduce bubbles.

Abstract: A colorimetric wet chemistry analyzer for determining a concentration of an analyte of interest in a sample is provided. The analyzer comprising includes a reaction chamber configured to receive the sample and facilitate a reaction that changes a color of the sample based on the concentration of the analyte of interest. A photometric cell is operably coupled to the reaction chamber to receive the sample and direct illumination therethrough. The photometric cell has a first illumination source configured to provide illumination at a first wavelength through the photometric cell and a second illumination source configured to provide illumination at a second wavelength through the photometric cell. The second wavelength is different than the first wavelength. A photo detector is configured to detect illumination passing through the photometric cell.

Abstract: A sensor may include a sensing element retained within a storage compartment filled with a storage medium, which may also be used as a calibration medium. The sensing element can include a sensing surface located away from the distal end of the sensing element, such that an inactive section of the sensing element can cooperate with a sealing member such as an O-ring to form part of the seal retaining the storage/calibration medium. The sensing element can be extended and retracted from the storage compartment to expose the sensing surface to a process medium, while preserving the storage medium within the storage compartment for post-measurement validation.

Abstract: A colorimetric analyzer includes a reaction chamber configured to receive a sample and at least one reagent. A measurement cell is operably coupled to the reaction chamber. The measurement cell has an illumination source and an illumination detector spaced from the illumination source such that illumination from the illumination source passes through the measurement cell to the illumination detector. A controller is coupled to the illumination source and the illumination detector. The controller is configured to determine an absorbance of a reducing reagent and store the determined reagent absorbance in the analyzer. The controller is configured to use the determined reagent absorbance to compensate at least one subsequent colorimetric sample measurement.

Abstract: A gas-permeable well for use with a bioreactor may include a reinforced gas-permeable membrane. The gas-permeable membrane may include an integrated reinforcing structure such as a stainless steel mesh or perforated screen, and may include an integrated gasket or O-ring, or other regions of increased thickness. A sensor brought into close proximity to the reinforced gas-permeable membrane may take an indirect measurement of a condition of process medium on the other side of the gas-permeable membrane, such as a measurement of dissolved oxygen or carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A wet chemistry analyzer is provided. The wet chemistry analyzer comprises a reaction chamber configured to receive a reactant solution from a sample inlet and facilitate a process reaction. The wet chemistry analyzer also includes a detection chamber configured to receive a portion of a reaction mixture from the reaction chamber and measure a concentration of a chemical within the reaction mixture. The reaction chamber and the detection chamber are fluidically coupleable such that a portion of the reaction mixture can be directed to flow into the detection chamber to pre-condition a surface inside the detection chamber.

Abstract: A calibration solution for a wet chemistry analyzer is provided. The solution comprises a calibration agent. The solution also comprises a cleaning agent. The cleaning agent is selected such that the wet chemistry analyzer is simultaneously cleaned and calibrated.

Abstract: A colorimetric analyzer includes a reaction chamber configured to receive a sample and at least one reagent. A measurement cell is operably coupled to the reaction chamber. The measurement cell has an illumination source and an illumination detector spaced from the illumination source such that illumination from the illumination source passes through the measurement cell to the illumination detector. A controller is coupled to the illumination source and the illumination detector. The controller is configured to determine an absorbance of a reducing reagent and store the determined reagent absorbance in the analyzer. The controller is configured to use the determined reagent absorbance to compensate at least one subsequent colorimetric sample measurement.

Abstract: An online colorimetric analyzer that generates an indication of a material in a sample is provided. The analyzer includes a peristaltic pump configured to convey. A photometric cell is operably coupled to the peristaltic pump to receive the sample. An illumination source is disposed to direct illumination through the sample in the photometric cell along an angle of incidence. A photodetector disposed to receive illumination passing through the photometric cell along the angle of incidence and provide a signal indicative of a color of the sample. A controller is coupled to the illumination source, the photodetector and the peristaltic pump. The photometric cell is tilted relative to vertical such that a surface of liquid present when the photometric cell is partially filled substantially reflects the illumination away from the angle of incidence.

Abstract: A single use pH sensor housing for a single use container is provided. The single use pH sensor housing includes a compartment configured to house a single use pH sensor. In one embodiment, the single use pH sensor housing comprises an actuator configured, when actuated, to transition the single use pH sensor from a storage position to a deployed position. In the storage position, the pH sensor is in fluidic contact with a buffer solution. In the deployed position, the single use pH sensor is in fluidic contact with an interior of the single use container. During the transition from the storage position to the deployed position, the buffer solution moves from a sensor portion of the compartment to a storage portion of the compartment such that the buffer solution is isolated from contact with the interior of the single use container.

Abstract: A calibration solution for a wet chemistry analyzer is provided. The solution comprises a calibration agent. The solution also comprises a cleaning agent. The cleaning agent is selected such that the wet chemistry analyzer is simultaneously cleaned and calibrated.

Abstract: A bioreactor sensing system is presented. The bioreactor sensing system comprises a bioreaction vessel. The bioreaction vessel comprises an aperture configured to provide an interface for monitoring contents within the bioreaction vessel. The bioreaction vessel also comprises a port coupled to the bioreaction vessel proximate the aperture. The bioreactor sensing system also comprises a sensing device disposed at least partially within the port such that a sensing element is exposed to the contents. The bioreactor sensing system also comprises an external seal configured to be applied over a portion of the sensing device and a portion of the port.

Abstract: A pH sensor for a single-use bioreactor is provided. The sensor includes a pH sensing electrode, a reference system, a storage compartment, and an access mechanism. The reference system includes a reference electrolyte, a reference electrode disposed in the reference electrolyte, and a reference junction. The storage compartment contains a storage solution that is configured to contact the pH sensing electrode within the storage compartment. The access mechanism is configured to, when actuated, couple the pH sensing electrode to an interior of the single-use bio-reactor. The storage solution includes a buffer solution that is compatible with the reference electrolyte.

Abstract: A single use pH sensor housing for a single use container is provided. The single use pH sensor housing includes a compartment configured to house a single use pH sensor. In one embodiment, the single use pH sensor housing comprises an actuator configured, when actuated, to transition the single use pH sensor from a storage position to a deployed position. In the storage position, the pH sensor is in fluidic contact with a buffer solution. In the deployed position, the single use pH sensor is in fluidic contact with an interior of the single use container. During the transition from the storage position to the deployed position, the buffer solution moves from a sensor portion of the compartment to a storage portion of the compartment such that the buffer solution is isolated from contact with the interior of the single use container.

Abstract: A bioreactor vessel is provided. The bioreactor vessel comprises a bioreactor bag wall having an interior side and an exterior side and an aperture extending from the interior side to the exterior side, wherein the interior side is configured to contact and house a reaction mixture. The bioreactor vessel also comprises a port mounted proximate the aperture, the port including a flange fixedly attached to the bioreactor bag, such that a fluidic seal is maintained along a circumference of the flange. The bioreactor vessel also comprises a plurality of sensors disposed within the port.

Abstract: A wet chemistry analyzer is provided. The wet chemistry analyzer comprises a reaction chamber configured to receive a reactant solution from a sample inlet and facilitate a process reaction. The wet chemistry analyzer also includes a detection chamber configured to receive a portion of a reaction mixture from the reaction chamber and measure a concentration of a chemical within the reaction mixture. The reaction chamber and the detection chamber are fluidically coupleable such that a portion of the reaction mixture can be directed to flow into the detection chamber to pre-condition a surface inside the detection chamber.