ez-Control
The ez-Control is an easy to use system for bioreactors and
fermentors. The system accurately controls pH, Temperature,
Dissolved Oxygen, Foam/Level and Agitation. The color touch screen
interface guides the user through the operation. The adaptive
control features allow the user to focus on the process while the
controller keeps tight control on the important process
parameters.
What makes this controller unique are its ease of use, its small
footprint, its flexibility and its accurate control.
The system can control:
- autoclavable bioreactors,
- steam in place bioreactors,
- Appliflex single use bioreactors
- Millipore CellReady single use bioreactors
- HyClone SUB bioreactors
Although the system has a very small footprint, the capabilities
are beyond any other laboratory process control system.
Some of the ez-Control highlights are:
- Simple operation through the color touch screen guides the
operator and prevents errors
- Adaptive PID control guarantees the most accurate control of
your process parameters
- OPC compliance eases integration in a computer network for
process data handling
- User definable control loop configuration offers unique
flexibility in adding other sensors to your process
- Define, store, copy and reload process configurations to reduce
your experiment setup time
- Local data storage and display up to 72 hours offers complete
process overview on the lab bench
- Synoptic, trending and bargraph displays supply all relevant
process information in a glance
- Multiple user s levels for secure access to the process
- Can be used with classic and with fluorofor sensors (pH and
oxygen) to match changing process demands
- Can integrate viable biomass sensor for measurement and control
to maximize process information
- Due to the GAMP compliant development documentation the system
can be used in validated processes
Features
Easy operation
The intuitive color touch screen display gives a clear overview
of all process parameters and guides the operator. Data is
presented numerically, in line graphs and bar charts.
Security
The system has three user levels: Viewer, Operator and Engineer
all have their own access rights.
Using the touch screen interface the user can alter the
configuration of the system. This enables the system to be
used for different cultures without adding or removing
hardware. Just select the desired operation mode from the
display and start the next culture.
Enhanced documentation and validation
The ez-Control was developed and documented in compliance with
the GAMP 4 guidelines to enable users to fully validate the system
for their process.
The system can be operated in a 21CFR part 11 compliant
environment. The validation documentation package is available as
an option.
Easy updates
Software updates are easy when functionality is developed.
Just connect the USB key with the software update to the USB port
and system will automatically load the latest firmware.
Configuration storage and retrieval
Process specific configurations of the controller can be defined
by the user. Multiple configurations can be stored and retrieved
via a USB stick. This allows the user to easily reload
configurations and copy these configurations to other ez-Control
units without having to reprogram anything.
Advanced computer interface
The computer interface uses the well-proven Ethernet
communication and complies with the OPC standard. This means
that you can plug it into a network and collect the data from
anywhere in the network using one of Applikon's BioXpert software
programs or any other industry standard SCADA programs.
Easy communication
The integrated web server allows access to the machine using
standard internet browsers. Via the browser the machine can
be operated and actual process data can be viewed. Your
standard software can be used to view or control the system in the
laboratory while you are at your desk.
Expandibility
The optional ADDA board offers an additional 8 analog inputs, 4
analog outputs, 8 digital inputs and 8 digital outputs.
This enormous amount of additional I/O power can be used to
connect Biomass monitors, balances, gas analyzers, variable speed
pumps, fixed speed pumps valves and other equipment to the
ez-Control.
Virtually any bioprocess can be controlled through the standard 5
control loops and the control 14 outputs. With the ADDA card the
total I/O count even reaches an impressive 21 inputs and 26 control
outputs. This is in addition to the 2 integrated alarm outputs
(process alarm and device alarm).
Other options include bottle racks for liquid additions and a set
of lifting brackets for transport of the ez-Control.
Affordable
The ez-Control can be ordered as part of Applikon's BioBundle
Family, therefore making this advanced system very
affordable.
Adaptive control
What makes this controller smart is its capability to use
adaptive control technology to automatically set the PID
values. This results in shorter development times and reduced
time to market for your new products.
The adaptive process control can determine the optimal process
conditions while the process is running. This is particularly
useful when viscosity of the culture increases during the process
or when other physical properties of the process change. The
adaptive mode guarantees the best process control performance
without the need to be a control specialist.