Laboratory glass biological fermentation tankIt is the core equipment for microbial cultivation and biological reaction research. Its glass material is fragile, and its internal pipelines and components are precise. Scientific maintenance can not only extend the service life of the equipment, but also ensure the accuracy of experimental data and the safety of the experimental process. The following practical maintenance techniques are shared from four dimensions: core component maintenance, daily maintenance, regular inspection, and storage protection.

1、 Targeted maintenance techniques for core components

1. Maintenance of glass tank body (core vulnerable components)

The glass tank body is the core of the fermentation tank, with a focus on protecting against breakage, scratches, and residual pollution

Soft tools (such as sponges and soft bristled brushes) should be used for cleaning, along with neutral detergents (such as detergent diluents). The use of hard steel wire balls, scrapers, etc. is strictly prohibited to avoid scratching the inner wall of the glass;

After the experiment, promptly empty the remaining fermentation broth from the tank and rinse it repeatedly with deionized water 3-5 times. If there are stubborn residues (such as scaling of the culture medium), soak it in dilute hydrochloric acid (5%) for 30 minutes, then rinse it with clean water, and finally wipe the inner wall with anhydrous ethanol for dehydration;

When handling and placing, handle with care to avoid collision with hard objects. The sealing surface of the can mouth flange needs to be protected separately, and a small amount of sterile Vaseline can be applied to prevent oxidation, while avoiding damage that may cause poor sealing.

2. Maintenance of sealing components (ensuring a sterile environment)

Seals (such as silicone seals and O-rings) are crucial for maintaining a sterile environment inside the tank, and special attention should be paid to aging and contamination

After each experiment, remove the sealing ring, soak it in 75% ethanol for 20 minutes for disinfection, rinse it clean with sterile water, air dry it, and store it to prevent residual fermentation broth from breeding bacteria and causing the sealing ring to deteriorate;

Regularly check the condition of the sealing ring. If there are aging phenomena such as cracking, deformation, or decreased elasticity, it should be replaced in a timely manner to prevent air and liquid leakage;

When storing, place the sealing ring separately in a dry, dark sealed box to avoid contact with oil stains and organic solvents and extend its service life.

3. Maintenance of mixing system (ensuring mixing uniformity)

The stirring blade and transmission shaft directly affect the fermentation effect, and it is necessary to focus on maintaining lubrication and cleaning:

After the experiment, disassemble the stirring blade and thoroughly clean it with deionized water and neutral detergent to remove bacterial film and residual culture medium on the blade. After drying, reinstall it and ensure that the blade is firmly fixed during installation to avoid shaking during rotation;

Regularly check the lubrication condition of the transmission shaft, add specialized lubricating oil according to the equipment manual to avoid shaft wear and rotation jamming;

If abnormal noise or shaking is found during operation, immediately stop the machine for inspection, check whether the blades are deformed, whether the transmission shaft is offset, and promptly correct or replace the components.

4. Maintenance of pipelines and valves (ensuring smooth flow of media)

The inlet and outlet pipes, ventilation pipes, and valves are prone to blockage or leakage and require regular cleaning and inspection

After the experiment, rinse all pipelines with deionized water. For ventilation pipelines, compressed air can be introduced to blow away residual moisture and prevent the accumulation of water and the growth of bacteria inside the pipes;

Regularly disassemble valves, clean valve cores and seats, remove residual impurities, check valve sealing performance, and replace valve cores or sealing rings in a timely manner if leaks occur;

When not in use for a long time, rinse the pipeline with anhydrous ethanol and seal the port to prevent dust from entering or pipeline aging.

2、 Daily use and maintenance skills

Pre startup inspection: Before each use, confirm that the glass tank body is not damaged, the sealing ring is installed in place, the pipeline connection is firm, and the valve switch status is correct. After powering on, test run the mixing system to check if it is operating normally;

Aseptic operating procedures: Strictly follow the aseptic operating procedures during the fermentation process to avoid contamination of the tank environment by miscellaneous bacteria and reduce cleaning difficulty; When adding culture medium and sampling, ensure that the operating tools are sterilized and avoid touching the sealing surface of the tank mouth;

Timely cleaning: Clean immediately after the experiment is completed, without delay, to prevent the fermentation broth from drying up and scaling, increase the difficulty of cleaning, and avoid residual substances from corroding glass and metal parts;

Environmental control: The equipment should be placed in a dry, ventilated, and sun free laboratory environment to avoid electrical component failures caused by humid conditions, and to prevent direct sunlight from accelerating glass aging and sealing ring deterioration.

3、 Regular maintenance and repair techniques

It is recommended to conduct a comprehensive maintenance once a month and a deep maintenance once a quarter

Monthly maintenance content: Check the glass tank for minor scratches and cracks; Test the speed stability of the mixing system; Check the sealing of all valves; Clean the dust and stains on the equipment casing;

Quarterly deep maintenance: Thoroughly disassemble all detachable components (mixing blades, transmission shafts, sealing rings, valves) for comprehensive cleaning and disinfection; Check the operation status of the mixing motor and add lubricating grease; Calibration temperature pH、 Dissolved oxygen and other sensors ensure detection accuracy; Check the electrical circuit for aging or looseness, and promptly reinforce or replace it.

4、 Special circumstances and storage and maintenance techniques

Fault handling: If there is contamination inside the tank, immediately stop the experiment, empty the material and sterilize it with high temperature and high pressure (if compatible with the equipment) or soak it in chlorine containing disinfectant for thorough cleaning before use; If glass damage occurs, immediately stop the equipment and recheck the sealing performance after replacing the tank body;

Long term storage: If not used for a long time, all components should be cleaned and dried before disassembly and storage. The glass tank should be placed upright on a dedicated bracket to avoid tipping over; Metal components should be stored separately from sealing rings, and a small amount of talcum powder should be applied to the sealing rings to prevent adhesion; The equipment is covered with a dust cover and placed in a dry, non corrosive gas environment.

Summary:Laboratory glass biological fermentation tankThe core of maintenance is "timely cleaning, precise maintenance, and regular inspection". Targeted measures are taken based on the characteristics of different components to ensure stable operation of the equipment and provide support for the reliability of experimental results.