Sampling from TFF and ATF Systems

Automated, Real-Time Sampling from TFF and ATF Harvest Lines

Discover the benefits of automated, cell-free sampling from TFF and ATF systems—improving data reliability, process control, and downstream efficiency.

Related products: FlowFrac™ 1000, Seg-Flow® PS, ASR

Description

Obtaining a cell-free sample from a tangential flow filtration (TFF) or alternating tangential flow (ATF) harvest line offers numerous advantages for bioprocessing efficiency and control.

By enabling real-time process monitoring and control, automated sampling ensures accurate measurement of key process parameters like titer, metabolites, and nutrients—without disrupting operations. The risk of contamination is minimized through direct, sterile sampling, eliminating manual errors and exposure to environmental contaminants.

This approach also improves sample consistency and quality, providing truly representative, cell-free samples that enhance data reliability. Additionally, automated sampling increases efficiency by reducing the need for centrifugation or filtration, streamlining downstream processing (DSP) and minimizing product loss.

Seamless integration with process analytical technology (PAT) and OPC software enables automated data transfer and process control, allowing for real-time insights and optimization. By enhancing process analytics and automation, this system supports advanced PAT tools—ensuring better yields, reduced deviations, and improved scalability in bioprocessing.

Product Specifications

Dimensions for 1/2" Tubing

1.5" W x 3.5" L x 2.25" H (3.81 cm W x 8.89 cm L x 5.715 cm H)

Dimensions for 3/16" Tubing

.75" W x 2.5" L x 2" H (1.905 cm W x 6.35 cm L x 5.08 cm H)

Features & Benefits

Enhanced Integration with Process Analytics & Automation

  1. Seamless Integration With Analyzers
    • Flexibility with various analyzers.
      • Directly connects with Agilent, Nova, Cedex, and other analytical instruments for automated sample analysis.
    • Eliminates the need for manual sample handling, reducing variability and improving data integrity.
  2. Automated Data Transfer and Optimized Process Control
    • Our system is fully compatible with OPC software, allowing real-time data transfer to SCADA, LIMS, or MES systems.
      • Allows for scalability from R&D to process development and manufacturing.
    • Enables automated feedback control for optimizing feeding strategies and bioprocess performance.
  3. Supports Advanced Process Analytical Technology (PAT)
    • Allows integration with PAT tools to monitor glucose, lactate, ammonia, and other critical metabolites in real time.
    • Enhances process optimization, leading to better yields, reduced deviations, and improved scalability.

Advantages of Direct Sampling

Advantages of Automated Sampling and Liquid Handling from TFF or ATF Harvest Lines

Fully automate your continuous and process optimization work stream with real-time process monitoring and control
  1. Achieve Return-On-Investment
    • Improves sample integrity, accuracy, precision and reproducibility, thereby reducing waste in sampling reagents and sample prep time.
    • Adjustable sample volumes allow for scalability with the same capital costs.
    • Adjustable sample times allow for increased throughput.
    • Software is programmable for changing user needs.
    • One time set-up and training reduces the need for repetitive training on manual sampling SOPs.
    • Reliable and proven technology.
  2. Minimized Contamination Risk
    • Direct sampling from a sterile harvest line reduces the risk of contamination compared to manual sampling.
    • Automated sampling eliminates human error and exposure to environmental contaminants.
  3. Improved Sample Consistency and Quality
    • Enables continuous sampling for key process parameters like titer, metabolites, and nutrients without the need of manual intervention.
    • Ensures accurate, real-time sampling without disrupting the process.
  4. Increased Efficiency and Reduced Downtime
    • Continuous, automated sampling allows for faster decision-making and process adjustments.
  5. Optimized Downstream Processing (DSP)
    • Early detection of metabolic events and deviations enables proactive adjustments, preventing costly DSP bottlenecks.
  6. Reduced Product Loss and Waste
    • Smaller, precise sample volumes minimize product loss.
    • Accurate, user-defined sampling, volumes and times allows for better process analytics without excessive material waste.
  7. Ease of User Training
    • Seamless integration with PAT & OPC software
      • Compatible with Process Analytical Technology (PAT) tools for real-time process insights.
      • Our system integrates with OPC software, enabling automated sampling and direct data transfer to SCADA or LIMS systems.
Quality Makes the Difference

Flownamics® has been creating innovative, high quality solutions for the biotechnology and bioprocess industry for over 27 years.

Our products provide our users with the tools that they need to improve their processes through automation. This results in higher quality data, more time, and a better work/life balance by requiring less off shift and weekend workloads. Contact Flownamics® to see how our products can make a difference for your process.

Read Our Publications

Our products have been featured in a variety of industry publications. Please visit our Publications page to learn more.