Bioprocessing

Precision Sensing for Efficient
and Safe Bioprocessing

Bioprocessing Equipment

Bioprocessing uses living cells or biological materials to develop and manufacture pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and specialty chemicals. This complex process involves multiple stages, including fermentation, cell culture, filtration, and purification. As industries such as biotechnology and pharmaceuticals continue to grow, bioprocessing plays a critical role in producing high-quality products in a scalable and efficient manner. Current trends in bioprocessing include adopting single-use technologies, continuous manufacturing processes, and integrating automation and real-time monitoring to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain strict quality control.
 
Bioprocesses are highly sensitive to variations in environmental conditions, such as temperature, pressure, and pH levels. Any deviations can compromise product quality, reduce yields, or lead to costly contamination. Equipment malfunction, human error, or insufficient monitoring can result in faulty batches, waste, and production delays. Given the high costs associated with biopharmaceuticals and stringent regulatory requirements, maintaining process control and consistency is essential.
 
Pressure sensors are crucial for ensuring the precision and reliability of bioprocessing operations. These sensors monitor critical variables such as pressure in filtration systems, bioreactors, and other process vessels, helping to maintain optimal conditions. By providing real-time feedback, pressure sensors enable continuous control over fluid flow, gas pressure, and system integrity, minimizing the risk of contamination or batch failure. Additionally, they help detect leaks, ensure proper sterilization, and monitor the performance of pumps and valves, further enhancing process safety and efficiency.
 
Incorporating pressure sensors into bioprocessing allows manufacturers to optimize production, maintain product quality, and ensure compliance with strict regulatory standards, all while reducing downtime and operational risks. As bioprocessing technologies evolve, the role of advanced sensors in driving precision and control will become more integral.

Unique Capabilities for Bioprocessing

The NimbleSense architecture was designed to maximize performance while also being flexible enough to easily insert application-specific capabilities. The result is a pressure sensor architecture with a very clear signal and practically no noise, leading to incredible accuracy, TEB, and long-term stability.  Specific to bioprocessing, we have implemented these additional capabilities:

Multi-Range technology

A single sensor can accommodate up to seven different pressure ranges to effectively measure pressure across a wide variety of bioprocessing processes

Advanced digital filtering

Multi-order filter that leverages advanced filtering capabilities at the front end to eradicate critical noise caused by fans, blowers, or other sources before they can impact system performance

Integrated closed loop control

Eliminates the need to design an external closed loop control system, which can reduce loop delays by up to 100x, resulting in faster response times

Integrated pressure switch

Triggers emergency measures when pressure levels exceed a certain threshold, preventing equipment damage and ensuring defect-free production

Integrated 50/60 Hz notch filter

Neutralizes any power grid spikes or noise coming from AC devices that could interfere with sensor accuracy or system performance

Superior’s NimbleSense architecture enables us to develop unique products optimized for different markets. For bioprocessing, we have created the following products. Our architecture is very flexible, so we can also develop custom solutions for your application.