The CTech™ FlowVPX® System is a next-generation, in-line measurement instrument designed for monitoring product concentration in various bioprocess applications. It is capable of providing concentration readings in excess of 250 mg/ml and adapts to various Flow Cell sizes for process volume adaptation. The system integrates with the CTech™ VIPER® ANLYTX Software platform, which offers data integrity and audit logging, making it a robust tool for in-line process analytics.
Function Description:
The FlowVPX System functions as a variable pathlength concentration meter. Its core components include the FlowVPX Head, Detector, and Flow Cells. The FlowVPX Head is the central component enabling variable pathlength technology, allowing dynamic adjustment of the optical pathlength between 0.001 mm (1 micron) and 8.000 mm. This adjustment is crucial for accurate absorbance spectroscopy measurements based on Beer-Lambert law. The FlowVPX Detector reads light transmitted from the Flow Fibrette, a removable module that adapts to Flow Cells of various sizes. Each Flow Cell is equipped with a memory device that stores its serial number, cycle life, and other critical parameters, facilitating smart integration with the ViPER platform. The system can be used with either an Agilent Technologies Cary 60 spectrophotometer or the CTech Beams System as its light source. The Cary 60 provides a broad wavelength range (190 nm–1100 nm), while the Beams System offers monochromatic LED light at specific wavelengths (260 nm, 272 nm, 280 nm, or 310 nm) for single-wavelength applications, making it suitable for manufacturing settings.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Weight (fully assembled with Head, Detector, Flow Cell, and connecting nuts): 4.08 kg (9 lbs)
- Dimensions (fully assembled): 120 x 100 x 230 mm (4.72 x 3.94 x 9.06 in)
- FlowVPX Instrument Mains Supply Voltage: 24 VDC
- Beams System Mains Supply Voltage: 24 VDC
- FlowVPX AC Power Supply Input Ratings: 100 VAC–240 VAC and 47 Hz–63 Hz
- Beams System AC Power Supply Input Ratings: 100 VAC–240 VAC and 47 Hz–63 Hz
- Beams Instrument Max Rated Current Draw: 1.0 A
- FlowVPX Instrument Max Rated Current Draw (24 VDC Including FlowVPX): 600 mA
- Max Instrument Input Power: 20 W
- Operating Temperature: 0°C–48°C (optimal 20°C–25°C, held constant ±2°C)
- Humidity: 15%–80% RH (non-condensing)
- Altitude: up to 2000 meters
- Ingress Protection (IP) Rating: IP65 (highest level of dust protection, withstands low-pressure water jets)
- Hazardous Locations Compliance: Class 1, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, and D; 0°C ≤ Tamb ≤ 48°C
- Measurement Category: I (IEC 61010-1)
- Pollution Degree: 2 (IEC 61010-1)
- Flow Cell Compatibility: Flow path diameters from 3 mm to 22 mm.
- Delivery Fiber Length: 3 m (longer available upon request).
- Beams Source Wavelengths: 260 nm, 272 nm, 280 nm, or 310 nm.
Usage Features:
- User Interface: Controlled by CTech™ VIPER® ANLYTX Software, which runs on a dedicated computer (laptop supplied with the system). The software provides applications for Quick Kinetics, System Suitability Tests, and other functions.
- Status Indicator Lights:
- FlowVPX Head: Green (steady) indicates power, green and blue (blinking) indicates movement/reading.
- Beams Source: Green (steady) indicates power, green (blinking) indicates emitting light.
- Beams Controller: Green (blinking) indicates powered on and connected to software; green and blue (blinking) indicates on and waiting to connect; white indicates preparing for initialization.
- Flow Smart Input: Electrical contacts on the FlowVPX instrument read flash memory on each Flow Cell to track serial numbers, cycle life, and other critical parameters for smart integration.
- I/O Communications: The FlowVPX System can connect to process automation systems via an I/O splitter cable, providing signal output in the range of 0-5 VDC and/or 4-20 mA, configurable in ViPER.
- Standard Mount: Designed to hold the FlowVPX Head at angles between 0° (upright) and 110° for easy loading and unloading of Flow Cells.
- System Suitability Adapter (XSA): Couples with the Detector Validation Adapter (DVA) to allow certified standards to be measured, ensuring overall system function prior to use.
- Detector Validation Adapter (DVA): Enables raw transmission readings to the Detector and CPV validation with NIST traceable filters and cuvette adapters.
- Transmission Tool: Snaps onto the DVA to couple the Delivery Fiber or Beams source directly to the Detector for transmission checks.
- Cabling: A range of specific cables are provided for power, USB communication, and I/O connections, including extender cables for flexible placement.
- Software-Guided Procedures: The ViPER software guides users through loading/unloading Flow Cells, running transmission checks, quick checks, and system suitability tests with on-screen prompts and instructions.
Maintenance Features:
- Cleaning the Optical Path: Weekly cleaning of optical surfaces (Delivery Fiber end faces, Fibrette Optical Component connection, Flow Cell internal surfaces, Flow Cell Window, Detector Window) using a lint-free wipe soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol, followed by a dry wipe.
- Electrical Contacts: Flow Cell Smart Pins electrical contacts are gold-plated and susceptible to damage from cleaners. Recommended cleaning with dry canned air or a cotton swab, and covering them during spray cleaning operations.
- Flow Cell Cleaning: Running 0.5 M NaOH through the Flow Cell for 30 minutes after a process run.
- Gasket/Seal Pad Replacement: Replace gaskets/seal pads between the Detector and Flow Cell, and between the Flow Cell and Head, every time a Flow Cell is loaded.
- Transmission Check: Perform a transmission check after each Flow Cell loading.
- System Suitability Test: Run monthly using the transmission tool and ConfiRM slope reference materials UV standards.
- Cary 60 Restart: Restart the Cary 60 spectrophotometer weekly or between every process run.
- Optical Surface Protection: Protect optical surfaces when not in use by capping and bagging the Delivery Fiber, returning Flow Cells to shipment cartons, and storing the Detector in the DVA with the Transmission Tool attached.
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual provides a troubleshooting section for common issues like Flow Cell not fitting, no Flow Cell detected, poor/no transmission, VIPER errors, Beams Source power indicator not lit, "hockey stick" data plot, inconsistent readings, and plateau at the upper end of the section curve.
- Service Contracts: Repligen offers service contracts for on-site instrument qualification and preventative maintenance.
- Restricted Disassembly: Operators are explicitly warned not to disassemble or open individual instrument components, as only Repligen analytical specialists or qualified agents are authorized to perform corrective and preventative maintenance.
- Temperature Sensitivity: Caution against exposing the FlowVPX Head and Detector to temperatures of 80°C or more to prevent damage to critical components.
- Condensation Prevention: Awareness of sample temperatures relative to environmental humidity to prevent condensation on critical optical surfaces.
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