The em-tec Flow Measurement Systems – BioProTT™ – non-invasively monitors flow rates in laboratory and industrial bioprocesses.
The function is based on the ultrasonic transit-time method and works non-invasively, meaning there is no direct contact with the medium, the flow transducer simply clamps onto the outside of flexible tubing making it particularly suitable for processes with strict hygienic requirements and single use flow paths.
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em-tec has been a specialist for developing and manufacturing of flow measurement devices in the medical and bioprocessing technology sector for over 30 years. The company’s core competence is the non-invasive flow measurement using the ultrasonic transit-time method. The corresponding product portfolio is used for applications in extracorporeal life-sustaining systems as well as in biopharmaceutical systems that incorporate flexible tubes.
Sean’s take on this product
Effortless: The BioproTT flowmeters by em tec are installed effortlessly while at the same time offering highly precise and recordable flow measurements.
Ecofriendly: The biopharma and biotech industries unfortunately but obligatorily produce a great deal of plastic waste every year due to the necessity of single-use technology in producing safe and clean products. Em tec’s BioproTT system provides a non-invasive solution for flow measurement which avoids product contact and can therefore be multi-use.
Did you know?
Em-tec transducers use transit-time differences of ultrasonic waves to accurately calculate flow without any product contact.
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BioProTT™ FlowTrack Plus
The benchtop version consisting of the evaluation device BioProTT™ FlowTrack plus and the corresponding BioProTT™ Clamp-On Transducer is ideally geared for the independent monitoring of flows within the laboratory suite.
The easily readable display of the BioProTT FlowTrack plus shows the current flow rate, while a direct data transfer to the computer is possible through the RS-232 interface as well as through an analog interface.
- Flow measurement on flexible tubes
- Flow monitoring during chromatographies or filtrations on a laboratory scale
- Control of the upstream feed
- Fillings
- Evaluation and upscaling of processes
- Control of process equipment such as pumps or valves
- Monitoring of the volume flow rate in real time through the integrated display
- Compact, space-saving design – ideal for applications within laboratories
- Digital (RS-232) and analog interface for the data transfer to a computer
- Dust-tight and protected on all sides from spray (IP 65)
- Linear adjustment of the pre-installed sensor calibration by using a factor
- Totalisation function
BioProTT™ FlowMCP
em-tec offer a system platform for multiple and simultaneous flow measurement for GMP-oriented and industrial bioprocess technology in the form of the BioProTT™ FlowMCP.
Depending on the version, it is possible to measure and monitor up to eight flow channels at the same time. Every BioProTT FlowMCP works in combination with our BioProTT Clamp-On Transducers. With its space-saving design and convenient top hat rail mounting, the BioProTT FlowMCPs can be optimally integrated into the switch cabinet.
Their full compatibility with all BioProTT Clamp-On Transducers also ensures that the BioProTT FlowMCPs can be used in existing systems and equipment within the industrial field. Through the MCPs and a Modbus-TCP log, the measured data of up to eight sensors is fed into the customer-specific process control system. This ensures, for instance, that, depending on the programming, the pump speed or the valves are controlled.
For industrial applications within a switch cabinet:
- Flow measurement on single-use equipment
- Chromatographies
- Adding media at bioreactors
- Filtrations
- Fillings
- Process evaluation
- Upscaling
- Research
- Control of process equipment (depending on the incorporation of data)
- Space-saving switch cabinet design
- Seamless integration into existing systems
- Full compatibility with all sizes of the BioProTT Clamp-On Transducers
- Modbus-TCP log to feed data into the customer specific process control system (coming soon: analog interface)
- Different BioProTT FlowMCP variants ranging from one to eight flow channels
- Web interface to check sensor calibration and to zero the flow value
- Linear adjustment of the pre-installed sensor calibration through a calibration factor
BioProTT™ Clamp-On Transducer
In combination with the BioProTT™ FlowTrack plus or a BioProTT™ MCP, the BioProTT™ Clamp-On Transducer ensures a reliable monitoring of the volume flow rate within the laboratory suite.
Using a click-fastening, the transducer can be easily and quickly connected to flexible tubes, making it unnecessary to splice the product line. This avoids both contamination as well as a drop in pressure. The non-invasive, functional design without movable parts prevents additional shear stress on the medium, which is an essential advantage compared to invasive methods when it comes to handling shear-sensitive organisms and molecules.
The applied ultrasonic transit-time method, combined with a customer-specific calibration with regard to the respective process parameters, allows for a highly accurate measurement in addition to flexible application opportunities.
For the flow measurement on flexible tubes on upstream and downstream applications such as:
- Chromatographies
- Adding media at bioreactors
- Filtration
- Fillings
- Process evaluation
- Upscaling
- Research
- Easy installation, non-invasive flow measurement
- Different sensor sizes for all commonly used tube sizes ranging from ¼” to 1-5/8” outer diameter
- No additional shear stress on cells through the non-invasive design
- Re-usable and longlasting
- Customer specific calibration to tube, medium, temperature, and maximum flow rate
- Up to seven calibration tables storable on one sensor—for maximum flexibility
- Easily cleaned with commonly available disinfectants
Through the operating principle of the ultrasonic transit time difference method, the flow measurement is non-invasive, meaning without direct contact to the medium
When sending ultrasonic sound signals through the measuring section, the transit time difference depends on the flow direction of the medium:
- If the ultrasonic sound signals are sent along the flow direction, the downstream signal needs less time.
- If the ultrasonic sound signals are sent against the flow direction, the upstream signal needs more time
- The evaluation of the received ultrasonic signals is based on the upstream and the downstream measuring section.
Consequently, the transit time difference is measured for every pulse. The difference between upstream and downstream measurements is proportional to the volumetric flow rate.