In situ sterilizable, top drive fermentor, maximum working volume 200-300 L.

The fermenter will replace a similar 300 litre (working volume) unit currently installed as the 1st of a series of pilot fermenters at VTT Biotechnology. It will function either as seed fermenter to the larger pilot units or as a standalone fermenter for research and production purposes. Various different microbial processes involving filamentous fungi, bacteria and yeasts are investigated, as well as some non-photosynthetic plant cell cultures. An important feature of the overall system is therefore flexibility, both in local parameter control (e.g. DO cascading alternatives) and also in remote-operated process control with the current OPC computer control system used at VTT. Many of the microbes and cell lines to be cultivated are GMO organisms (although generally Biosafety class 1), and therefore e.g. a double mechanical seal for assured containment is necessary.