CYTOMAIA utilises a closed culture vessel to enclose biological material suspended in a culture medium above which is a gaseous headspace. A sensitive pressure sensor is linked to the culture headspace via a flexible transfer diaphragm to form a non-invasive yet sensitive detection system capable of measuring increases or decreases in pressure. If the biological material respires, dissolved gases in the culture medium exchange with the headspace gases and the pressure sensing mechanism detects the change. Activity of the biological suspension is therefore translated into pressure readings and the sensor converts these to electrical signals which are digitised for further interrogation by a microprocessor. In addition to logging values over time the chip constantly applies an algorithm to assess whether or not significant events are taking place. Culture vessels and microprocessor are housed in an instrument which monitors pressure, maintains optimum growth and gas exchange conditions, and communicates results. 

Based on Bactest’s patented CYTOMAIA technology platform, Shepherd comprises a combination of a robust test chamber, sensors and a data logger as well as algorithms and curve stabilizing software which monitors the chamber, processes the information, and converts it into a visual output.

The test chamber is a sealed unit of 2 litre working volume which resides in a buoyancy collar and floats in the activated sludge lane. The sample is drawn directly from the activated sludge lane, analysed and returned on a programmable cycle of approximately one hour. The test chamber houses an air re-circulation and exchange system that converts the biomass’ respiratory gas exchange, and hence its activity, into a headspace pressure variable. The absence of pumping for sample loading and unloading prevents fouling of the system. Barrier-protected sensors monitor sensitive pressure changes within the test chamber headspace and data loggers convert them into a near real time BOD5 proxy suitable for managing and optimizing plant processes.

Based on Bactest’s patented CYTOMAIA technology platform, Shepherd comprises a combination of a robust test chamber, sensors and a data logger as well as algorithms and curve stabilizing software which monitors the chamber, processes the information, and converts it into a visual output.

The test chamber is a sealed unit of 2 litre working volume which resides in a buoyancy collar and floats in the activated sludge lane. The sample is drawn directly from the activated sludge lane, analysed and returned on a programmable cycle of approximately one hour. The test chamber houses an air re-circulation and exchange system that converts the biomass’ respiratory gas exchange, and hence its activity, into a headspace pressure variable. The absence of pumping for sample loading and unloading prevents fouling of the system. Barrier-protected sensors monitor sensitive pressure changes within the test chamber headspace and data loggers convert them into a near real time BOD5 proxy suitable for managing and optimizing plant processes.

Ballast water monitoring system for IMO-D2 

 Speedy Breedy is designed for both industrial and laboratory applications.