Getinge Applikon 'We need motors that always run stably and deviate by a maximum of 0.1%'
Precision in bioreactor systems for the biopharmaceutical industry.
Who is Getinge Applikon?
Applikon was founded in 1973 as a subsidiary of Pieterman and has since grown into a specialist in bioreactor systems for the biopharmaceutical industry. In early 2020, the company was acquired by the Swedish firm Getinge and now develops bioreactor systems for both laboratory and production environments.
For these bioreactors, maintaining precise motor speed control is essential for the optimal growth of viruses or bacteria, particularly in vaccine development. The motors used in these systems must operate at an exact speed, with minimal allowed deviation.
Project Results
The collaboration with Eltrex Motion resulted in bioreactor systems that meet the strict speed requirements essential for effective virus cultivation. Achieving this level of precision is challenging due to the variable load within the reactor, which can cause fluctuations and requires motors that can absorb shocks. The ENGEL motors provided reliability and quality, reducing maintenance needs while also preventing contamination in sterile environments.
Eltrex introduced HBI motors from ENGEL Elektroantriebe, which feature integrated drives controllable via an RS-232 connection. These motors, combined with Boston Gear gearboxes and ABP Antriebtechnik couplings, delivered the necessary stability immediately after installation, although fine-tuning of the control system was still required. The motors were also chosen for their high torque and power capacity, brushless design, and aesthetically appealing black finish, which was preferred over the standard stainless steel grey.
Do you have a challenge that requires extreme precision? Get in touch!
A stable setpoint: RPM may deviate by a maximum of 0.1%
‘The reactor provides a safe environment in which a virus can grow, under optimal conditions and without external influences. By adding substances and stirring, the virus reaches its maximum strength,’ says Menno Vastenholt, Team Leader of Electro(Tech)nical Engineering, Product Development, and Customer Projects at Getinge Applikon. This stirring must occur with extreme precision and at a constant speed. Vastenholt: ‘A stable setpoint is a key requirement we impose on a motor. No matter what speed the motor needs to rotate at, it must always maintain that exact value. We only allow a deviation of 0.1%.’
For example, if a motor is set to run at 2,000 rotations per minute, its actual speed must remain between 1,998 and 2,002 RPM. ‘And that is quite challenging for many motor manufacturers to achieve.’
Getinge Applikon on Eltrex Motion
‘Eltrex Motion knows exactly which adjustments need to be made to achieve a stable setpoint, as well as the power or torque required for a reactor setup.’
Innovations and improvements in motor technology for new reactor concepts
Getinge Applikon does not exclusively use motors from ENGEL Elektroantriebe. For larger stainless steel reactors, they employ TC-e motors from Motor Power Company, paired with matching drives and cables. ‘We are constantly working on new reactor concepts, each requiring slightly different motors. Eltrex advises us on this. Over the years, I have learned a lot from Eltrex about how motors work.’
Feel free to contact us. You can reach us by phone at +31 (0)76 789 00 30 or +32 (0)3 328 07 60. You can also fill in the contact form. We will process your enquiry as soon as possible.
