HELUK

At HEL we have used stringent design criteria to develop Xplorer HT, an automated parallel small scale bioreactor platform that can be used for microbial expression systems. Central to the design for this application are the following factors: Fully automated, independent reactor system. The ability to independently control and monitor every variable to changes between reactors and the possibility to alter conditions, in real time, is key to reducing development time. Small scale reactors that closely mimic pilot scale reactors. Work done with University College London demonstrates that small highly instrumented HEL bioreactors are capable of providing results comparable to those seen in large scale in batch and fed batch modes. Compact footprint for bench use and integration. The XplorerHT unit is the most compact unit available, reducing the impact on the laboratory bench space. Furthermore, deck based liquid handling robots are routinely used in high throughput screening campaigns and their versatility and sample collection abilities are ideal for strain selection and development processes. The HEL XplorerHT unit can be integrated with any robot deck thereby combining proven screening technologies into one powerful development platform. Modular system with an extensive portfolio of process development tools. By combining blocks of 8 mini- reactors a high throughput parallel platform can be quickly established . The reactors themselves can be populated with a range of tools. Further to the traditional temperature, DO and pH probes we also offer optical density, FTIR and bio-calorimetry probes. Options are also available for multi-way feed pumps for substrate addition and pH control as well as DO feedback control and gas blending to maximise cell densities.

The Phi-TEC II is a low thermal inertia (low phi-factor) adiabatic calorimeter with the capability of producing the conditions in large-scale chemical reactors. This key to this is the low operation at low phi-factor (see below) which is not possible in standard "ARC-type" adiabatic calorimeters but this capablity opens up many new applications. The system can run samples in the range 1 to 100ml in volume, with the small size being used for screening of hazards (similar to conventional "ARC" testing) and the larger volume for the low phi-factor type tests. All samples can be stirred with magnetic flea as the system is fitted with this feature but in addition, overhead mechanical agitation is also possible where higher viscosity or multiphase samples is a concern. Standard Pre-programmed Tests make runs quick and efficient and simple standard test cells keep consumable costs to a minimum. The Phi-Factor Obviously, when it comes to safety, getting the right answers is a must. A second point to consider on calorimeters is the Phi-Factor. In any exothermic reaction, a proportion of the energy released is absorbed by the test cell in which the test is performed - this is expressed in terms of the Phi-Factor. In a test in which the phi-factor is high, means a large amount of heat is lost to the test cell and this effectively slows down the temperature rise RATE and reduces the final temperature. In a test allowing low phi-factor conditions, virtually all the energy of the reaction is retained in the sample, which is closer to the conditions of large scale plant and hence represents data that is ideal for scale up simulation. Phi-tec II can be run under both low and high phi-factor conditions, depending on the application. Only a low-phi factor calorimeter such as the Phi-TEC II can deliver the accurate, scalable safety vital for transferring processes from the lab to pilot or plant scale. For example, this low thermal inertia will enable vent sizing under runway conditions including situations where two phase venting is involved. Testing The system will allow tests that migh otherwise be performed in TSu & Phi-TEC I -type devices. Key data produced includes So-called "Onset" Temperatures for exotherms Runaway data, such as rates of pressure and temperature rise Enthaly of reaction reaction kinetics Applications of the data include: Determination of Venting behaviour (Gassy, tempered, hybrid) Determination of Flow Regime (Two-phase or sinlge-phase) Kinetic data (eg for TMR, or TNR calculations) Safe transport and storage predition

BTC-500 Calorimeter The BTC-500 Calorimeter is used for larger sample sizes. Steel cover plate (20mm thick) ensures safety. This Calorimeter will allow batteries up to 50cm x 50cm to be tested, and typically includes batteries for EV and HEV, military use, space aircraft and also large packs of smaller batteries. However, the system works equally well for small batteries and components. This is a safety calorimeter designed to test safety problems of thermal runaway initiated by high temperature, overdischarge (too high current) and overcharging (too high voltage). It can be used to test large and small Li-ion & similar other high energy batteries and components. The BTC is based on the same principle as "ARC-type" (TM) adiabatic calorimeters - which is proven to be the correct platform for more than 30 years in the chemical industry.

The HEL Battery Testing Calorimeter.A Compact design that can be used for battery sizes from 18650 to small pouch, prismatic etc. up to 12cm (4.8 inches), as well as all battery components and chemicals. Safe to use in a standard fume hood, confirmed by testing with explosives. This is a safety calorimeter designed to test safety problems of thermal runaway initiated by high temperature, overdischarge (too high current) and overcharging (too high voltage). It can be used to test large and small Li-ion & similar other high energy batteries and components. The BTC is based on the same principle as "ARC-type" (TM) adiabatic calorimeters - which is proven to be the correct platform for more than 30 years in the chemical industry.