Rosemount 550pH sensor and 550DW dissolved oxygen sensor

The anticipated rapid shift in the life sciences arena from traditional stainless steel bioreactors to disposable gamma-irradiated plastic bags used for single-batch processing has been delayed by the problem of finding reliable, efficient sensors required for vital liquid analysis.

Emerson has developed single-use sensor technology that it claims provides up to 10 times greater sensor stability, reducing risk in process quality and yield for biopharmaceutical manufacturers. The Rosemount 550pH single-use sensor and the Rosemount 550DW dissolved oxygen single-use sensor adapter are designed to deliver the same stability and performance as Emerson’s stainless steel sensors.

The Rosemount 550pH sensor is an electrochemical, fully disposable device with sensor stability of less than 0.005 pH change per day verified by extensive testing. It is stored wet and is packaged with its own calibration fluid, giving it a two-year shelf life.

The Rosemount 550DW dissolved oxygen (DO) sensor adapter is compatible with standard stainless steel DO sensors and enables placement into the bioreactor single-use bag. Only the gamma-irradiated adapter touches the process solution, meaning the sensor can be re-used for multiple batches. The sensor can be air-calibrated prior to start-up to verify functionality with no fill product needed in the bioreactor.

Both the Rosemount 550pH sensor and the Rosemount 550DW dissolved oxygen sensor adapter operate with the Rosemount 56 liquid analytical transmitter. In addition, the new sensor technologies and the Rosemount 56 transmitter are fully compatible with the Emerson DeltaV control system, which is widely used in the life sciences industry.