Modular Bench-top Bioreactor - RALF
The RALF by Bioengineering is the best-built bioreactor with a compact and modular design for complex and efficient laboratory applications.
RALF
The RALF by Bioengineering is the best-built bioreactor with a compact and modular design for complex and efficient laboratory applications.
The RALF by Bioengineering is the best-built bioreactor with a compact and modular design for complex and efficient laboratory applications.
RALF
The RALF by Bioengineering is the best-built bioreactor with a compact and modular design for complex and efficient laboratory applications.
RALF Bioreactor: A Compact and Efficient Equipment
Introduction to the RALF Bioreactor
The Bioengineering bioreactor RALF is a compact, efficient, and highly versatile equipment designed to meet various needs in biotechnological processes. With an innovative design that combines functionality and accessibility, the RALF is the ideal bioreactor for laboratories needing equipment that occupies little space.
Compact and Modular Design
The design of the RALF bioreactor , with the vessel in front of the control tower and central connections for all probes and utilities, ensures accessibility from all sides, as well as quick and easy configuration. The compact control tower minimizes the space required in your laboratory.
Perfect Proportions
The balance of the RALF Bioreactor's proportions creates optimal conditions for your processes. The bioreactor accommodates any type of process, while satisfying the need for a functional and adequately sized design.
The Vessel Becomes Slimmer for Autoclaving
The vertically retractable handles reduce the space needed for the autoclave. The reflux cooling, thanks to flexible couplings, can be easily repositioned for sterilization, decreasing the total height required for the vessel assembly in the autoclave.
Foldable Reflux Condenser
Thanks to the flexible hose connections of the bioreactor , the reflux condenser is attached to the control tower during the fermentation process but can be quickly disconnected and positioned laterally on the vessel wall for autoclave sterilization. This unique feature drastically reduces the total height of the vessel assembly required for autoclaving.
Flexible Configuration
Autoclavable medium and feed flasks with filters can be attached to the vessel. If desired, they can be easily disconnected and repositioned anywhere else you find suitable. This further reduces the space needed in an autoclave.
Everything in Place
The vertically retractable handles reduce the space needed in the autoclave. They also provide convenient access to the lid ports during assembly and inoculation.
Smart Solutions
Switching Between Microbial Cultivation and Cell Culture
Due to its modular design and the wide variety of available gas modules, each RALF Bioreactor is capable of providing both high and low vvm rates. Thus, the same bioreactor can be used for both microbial fermentation and cell culture.
Connections for Multiple RALF Bioreactor Systems
Using shared utility connections for multiple RALF Bioreactor systems (employing 2–6 units) requires less space and fewer utility requirements, in addition to providing an easier and faster means of assembling the bioreactor .
We Take S M A R T Literally – in Every Single Letter
The solutions we offer are Specific, Measurable, and Accepted throughout the industry, in addition to being Reasonable – well-established and technically mature – and Time-Oriented: delivered promptly within the requested deadline.
Three Temperature Control Options
Occupied Baffles
Our temperature control system achieves bilateral temperature control but in a single-walled vessel. This leads to shorter autoclaving time and lower overall vessel costs, while providing highly uniform temperature distribution, previously obtained only in double-jacketed vessels.
Double-Jacketed Vessel
For shear-sensitive processes, a combined heating circuit with a double-jacketed vessel ensures uniform temperature distribution inside the vessel, even for smaller working volumes.
Heating Pad
An electrical heating pad with cutouts for observation heats the vessel quickly and efficiently. Cooling is provided by a valve-controlled cooling finger.
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Quality in Details
Your quality standards inspire us to go further. According to the Swiss tradition of commitment to quality, our materials and manufacturing procedures are subject to rigorous quality control.
Premium Swiss Craftsmanship Guarantees Impeccable Hygienic Design
Welds
Only the highest standards of hygienic design and superior materials are used in our bioreactors , including clean precision welding and flawlessly designed connections and ports.
Seals and Ports
Gap-free and hygienic sealing is guaranteed by positioning the O-rings near the medium side. The shape of the ports allows simple and reliable installation of lid components, even in space-limited environments.
Bioengineering Guarantees the Best Conditions from Start to Finish
Engineering and Manufacturing
Each RALF Bioreactor is carefully designed according to the highest standards by our dedicated team and subject to benchmark quality control. Each bioreactor arrives ready for use and promises optimal research conditions upon delivery.
Top-Tier Suppliers
Our premium bioreactors use only the highest quality parts. Certified suppliers with decades of experience in bioprocess applications are carefully selected to maximize reliability and enhance the overall user experience.
Easy Handling
We put our heads into thinking to free yours for the task at hand. Self-explanatory handling details allow you to focus all your attention on the process.
Convenient Interfaces
Easy Vessel Removal
Drive
Our high-durability, maintenance-free agitator features plug 'n' play coupling with the shaft. Assembly and disassembly are completed in just a few seconds.
Adaptation / Transfer Hoses
The unique design of Bioengineering's pump head allows users to easily snap and disconnect their addition/transfer hoses, while couplings on both sides keep the hoses in place and prevent them from moving.
Sensors
Pluggable connections allow for quick disconnection of sensor wiring. Since all our plugs differ visually from one another, no confusion occurs when connecting the vessel.
Temperature Circuit
Color-coded quick-connect couplings provide an easy means to quickly disconnect the water circuit hoses and avoid uncertainties when reconnecting the vessel.
Immediate Access to the Control Unit
Rotation
The 180° rotation capability of the control unit on its pedestal requires minimal effort from the user while providing convenient access to all interfaces, valves, and other components.
Forward Tilting
If necessary, the control unit can be tilted forward to access additional interfaces inside the housing (e.g., when upgrading the RALF Bioreactor). The control unit is securely fastened for risk-free work, even in the tilted position.
Removal
The control unit can be detached from the utility lines, removed from the housing, and if necessary, replaced with a new unit – all in a matter of minutes.
Modular Design
A wide range of modules offers you enough options to adapt our equipment to your needs – ideally and from the first step.
RALF Bioreactor: Modular and Yet Individual
The RALF bioreactor is modular and yet individual. Its flexible structure allows complete customization to meet the specific needs of each application.
Vessel
The autoclavable glass vessel has a hemispherical bottom and is available in single or double jacket versions. The stainless steel lid allows hygienic connection of all sensors, inlet/outlet piped lines, as well as all gas supply and exhaust lines. A high-performance, maintenance-free motor centrally positioned on the lid covers a wide range of speeds and can drive adjustable-height impellers of various types. A hygienically designed mechanical seal or a magnetic drive ensures the vessel is completely sealed and sterile.
Temperature Control
Various temperature control systems are available. They all uniformly heat the reaction space and maintain the desired temperature with a high degree of precision. This can be done with a cooling finger in combination with a heating pad. Alternatively, a water circuit with a recirculation pump maintains constant temperature through the double-jacketed vessel or perforated baffles – all without obstructing the view of the reaction space.
Aeration
Up to six gas lines can be combined for multiple aeration strategies. The wide choice of gas flow combinations provides the flexibility to use the same fermenter for both microbial processes and cell culture, if desired. The gas lines are positioned laterally on the side of the control unit in expandable or interchangeable modules. This allows control of the flow rate and pressure of the gas mixture injected into the process. Using solenoid valves or mass flow controllers, you can easily automate all gas lines and integrate them into your control strategy.
Different options are available to ensure optimized aeration for any culture: submerged and surface aeration, high-intensity aeration tubes, and spargers for minimized bubble sizes – even at low speeds. The exhaust gas flow is dehumidified in a reflux condenser before passing through the exhaust filter. To analyze O2 and CO2 concentrations in the exhaust flow, a Bioengineering Exhalyzer can be integrated into the system at any time, without additional software modifications.
Addition / Transfer
Up to seven peristaltic pumps ensure precise and minimally pulsated delivery of medium and corrective fluids, such as acids, alkalis, or antifoaming agents from auxiliary glass flasks. Also included is the extraction and transfer of culture fluids from the vessel. The fixed or variable speed pumps are integrated into modules mounted beside the control unit and can be combined in various ways.
For a particularly wide range of flow rates and precisely controlled speeds, an additional independent pump with a local display and operating elements can be added to the setup. This is useful for highly accurate continuous or profile-dependent measurement. It is also possible to freely assign all pumps to multiple control loops and change their labels in the software, ideally addressing process requirements related to corrective agents and nutrients.
Control Unit
Each RALF Bioreactor is equipped with basic control loops that can be expanded, depending on your needs for additional measurements and functions.
In addition to controlling speed, temperature, pH, pO2, level, or foam, you can add an I/O module with universal controllers to measure O2 and CO2 concentrations in the exhaust flow, redox potential, or alcohol concentrations. Simple plug-and-play connection for scales of all capacities enables precise feeding or chemostatic cultivation, if desired.
The control unit interfaces are accessible via pluggable connectors, and the control software is designed to accommodate additional parameters. This allows expanding the scope of functionality at any time with simple plug 'n' play.
Connections for analog and digital valves or switches are also available. Together with the control software, these features support the quick and flexible setup of control loops correlating internal or external measurement points, valves, pumps, or even subordinate controllers.
RALF BioSCADA Software
The RALF BioSCADA software has a user-friendly interface that allows quick and direct access to the process, including comprehensive analysis, documentation, and management of all current and historical process data. Other software functionalities include online export of open process data to Excel and generation of ready-to-use batch reports. Additionally, defining sequence algorithms and recipes without programming skills is part of the functions, along with alarm management and user authorization levels.
Full access to individual controllers is provided through easy-to-handle input and display fields. With these fields, you can preconfigure control parameters, specify alarm limits, diagnose and calibrate sensors, and define cascades and profiles. The media and variables displayed in the graphical user interface can be named according to your preferences. The consumption of all corrective media is also accessible with the RALF BioSCADA software.
Various Additional Options
Our options are a testament to the wide reach of our systems and offer ideal enhancements for your equipment, at any time.
Various types of customization options
Customize Your RALF Bioreactor
Vessel Options
Multiple interchangeable mixing elements – such as Rushton, marine, and pitched blade impellers – allow high flexibility for optimized mixing.
Addition / Transfer Options
Fermenters can be equipped with different addition/transfer systems, such as perfusion filters. The result is the efficient culture of different cell types, as well as a wide range of microorganisms.
Control Unit Options
Conveniently expand the scope of your functionality through simple plug 'n' play connection for a wide variety of external devices.
Aeration Options
Choose between multiple aeration systems for the best and most efficient aeration strategy required for different microorganisms and cell cultures.
Upgrade Kits
Aeration Upgrade Kits
Advanced products allow any combination of up to six gases, with a wide range of flow rates. Should process requirements change, you can easily upgrade or replace the gas modules at a later stage.
Addition / Transfer Upgrade Kits
Pump upgrade kits allow easy expansion of addition/transfer capabilities (these connect up to seven pumps that can be added later).
Vessel Kits
Users have complete freedom to configure their vessel kit, which can be used as a spare vessel or to avoid downtime during autoclaving.
Total Control – Ingenious, Yet Easy
With us, you don't need to be a perfectionist to have everything under control.
Our process automation enables an ideal process flow, thanks to high-quality measurement and control units, together with easy-to-use bioprocess management software that allows monitoring and recording everything according to your choice.
Automation
The RALF BioSCADA is based on our proven BioSCADA software, designed to meet the challenging demands of laboratory and production systems worldwide.
This exceptional BioSCADA system incorporates years of accumulated experience from development with end users and partners in all fields of operation. It guarantees the best connection between scale-up and scale-down, as well as advantages in operator training, usability, and maintenance.
Bioengineering RALF BioSCADA and Supervisory Control
- Each RALF Bioreactor comes with RALF BioSCADA, the most comprehensive and intuitive bioprocess management software on the market. Whether your process is simple or sophisticated, RALF BioSCADA will always adapt to your needs.
- RALF BioSCADA allows complete process automation – including advanced recipe functions, batch logging, user management, audit trail, report generation, plus other key features to meet the high demands of the 24/7 industrial environment. No prior knowledge of bioprocess software or programming is required to use it successfully.
- Multiple integrated analysis options provide a seamless view of your process and the ability to export your data in any format.
- RALF BioSCADA allows total connectivity: add, calibrate, name, and access external devices to use them as inputs or outputs in your control strategy.
Most Reliable and Durable Probes from Top-Tier Suppliers
We exclusively use the best and most advanced probes on the market. Of course, easy recalibration, the ability to run probe diagnostics with software, and extended longevity are our standard for this critical bioreactor component.
Hardware Control Loops
Each control loop is managed independently in the RALF Bioreactor hardware, meaning setpoints are saved in the controllers themselves and not just in the software.
Free Inputs and Outputs for External Devices – such as scales, Exhalyzers, VOCs, probes, etc.
The I/O package also includes multiple free digital and analog inputs/outputs. Via standard input/output signals, connect external devices such as scales, additional probes, Exhalyzers for CO2/O2 concentration analysis, or any other tool capable of communicating with the RALF Bioreactor universal controller.
Specialized Customer Service
Our professional customer assistance is part of the package. Trust us and expect quick, specialized, and efficient service.
Service
After-Sales Service and Spare Parts
- Our after-sales specialists offer a variety of support services – including commissioning, training, first-level support, emergency repair, and spare parts.
- We guarantee quick delivery of spare parts, available in stock at nearby locations. Our multilingual team has in-depth knowledge of all our products and services and is always ready to help.
Local Support
- With over 40 years of experience, facilities in more than 70 countries, and over 100 authorized representatives worldwide, Bioengineering supports our professional equipment with fast and personal customer support.
- With several established locations around the world covering all time zones, we will be there for you when you need us.
Installation
- Each RALF Bioreactor comes with a straightforward yet comprehensive installation guide and user manual. We offer installation and training packages to help instruct your team and start using your RALF Bioreactor system to its full potential from day one.
- Contact your local representative to find out what is available in your area.
Summary of What the RALF Bioreactor Can Offer
Plug ‘n’ Play: Connectivity Within Your Reach
Scale-Up and Scale-Down
Bioengineering covers all possible demands, from laboratory to production. From software, measurement, and controls to probes, spargers, and agitators – the RALF Bioreactor is a true production bioreactor providing perfect scale-up conditions.
Connections for Multiple Systems
Using shared connections for multiple RALF Bioreactor systems (2 to 6 units), you reduce space and utility requirements, in addition to providing faster and easier assembly.
Cultivation Versatility
Due to its modular design and the wide variety of gas modules, each RALF Bioreactor is capable of providing high and low vvm rates. Thus, the same bioreactor can be used for both microbial fermentation and cell culture.
Temperature Control Options
The RALF Bioreactor's temperature control system offers options such as hollow baffles, double-walled vessels, and heating pads, ensuring uniform temperature distribution and shorter autoclaving times.
Scalability
The RALF Bioreactor covers all demands, from laboratory to production. The equipment is ideal for scalability, offering perfect conditions for scale-up and scale-down studies.
Quality and Reliability
Each RALF Bioreactor is carefully designed and manufactured to the highest standards, using only high-quality components from certified suppliers. Swiss manufacturing guarantees hygienic design and precision in details.
Easy Handling
The RALF Bioreactor design allows easy disconnection and reconnection of probes, hoses, and other components. The control system can be rotated and tilted for easy access and maintenance.
Complete Automation
The RALF BioSCADA software offers complete process automation, including advanced recipe functions, batch logging, user management, and report generation. The user-friendly interface allows easy access and total control of the process.
Service and Customer Support
Our after-sales support specialists offer commissioning, training, first-level support, emergency repairs, and spare parts services. With authorized representatives in over 70 countries, we guarantee fast and efficient support.
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