Seed Tank
Fermentation Equipment
Seed Tank
Product Technical Specification
Model: SED Series
1. Product Overview
A Seed Tank is a critical pre-fermentation equipment used for stepwise scale-up cultivation of inoculum from laboratory shake flask to sufficient biomass, providing adequate quantities of highly active inoculum for production-scale fermenters. Seed tank volume is typically 5%–15% of the production fermenter, using a stepwise scale-up approach (primary seed tank → secondary seed tank → production fermenter) to ensure seed broth maintains good growth and metabolic activity at each stage. Process control requirements are similar to production fermenters, including precise control of temperature, pH, DO, and agitation.
Key Features
- Full aseptic design, SIP sterilization at 121°C/30min
- Stepwise scale-up ensuring seed viability and biomass
- Precise temperature control ±0.2°C, PID auto-regulation
- Online pH/DO monitoring with automatic control
- Sterile inoculation and transfer system, contamination prevention
- VFD agitation, speed 50–600rpm adjustable
- GMP compliant, supporting 21 CFR Part 11
2. Working Principle
Stepwise Seed Scale-up
Seed cultivation uses a stepwise scale-up strategy: slant spores → shake flask → primary seed tank → secondary seed tank → production fermenter. Inoculation volume at each transfer is typically 5%–15% (v/v), ensuring rapid adaptation and entry into logarithmic growth phase. Seed tank conditions should closely simulate production conditions for quick adaptation and reduced lag phase.
Sterile Inoculation and Transfer
The seed tank connects to the production fermenter via sterile piping. Transfer uses pressure differential. Transfer piping undergoes SIP sterilization before use. Inoculation ports use sterile diaphragm valves or aseptic connectors. Flame inoculation ports are used for shake flask inoculation.
3. System Classification
By Stage
1. Primary Seed Tank (flask → primary)
2. Secondary Seed Tank (primary → secondary)
3. Tertiary Seed Tank (secondary → tertiary)
By Volume
1. Small (5–50L)
2. Medium (50–500L)
3. Large (500–5000L)
By Application
1. Microbial Seed Tank
2. Cell Culture Seed Bioreactor
3. Yeast Seed Tank
4. Detailed Technical Parameters
Basic Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | SED-10 / SED-50 / SED-200 / SED-500 / SED-2000 |
| Working Volume | 5–1500 L |
| Working Pressure | 0.05–0.15 MPa (Design 0.3) |
| Working Temperature | 5–130°C |
| Agitation Speed | 50–600 rpm (VFD) |
| Aeration Rate | 0.5–2.0 VVM |
| pH Range | 2.0–12.0 |
| DO Range | 0–100% |
Seed Tank Parameters
| Model | Volume(L) | Speed(rpm) | Airflow(VVM) | Motor(kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SED-10 | 7 | 50–600 | 0.5–2.0 | 0.37 |
| SED-50 | 35 | 50–500 | 0.5–2.0 | 0.55 |
| SED-200 | 140 | 50–400 | 0.5–1.5 | 1.5 |
| SED-500 | 350 | 40–300 | 0.5–1.5 | 3.0 |
| SED-2000 | 1400 | 30–200 | 0.3–1.0 | 7.5 |
Dimensions
| Model | Diameter(mm) | Body Height(mm) | Total Height(mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SED-10 | 200 | 400 | 1000 |
| SED-50 | 350 | 700 | 1600 |
| SED-200 | 550 | 1100 | 2500 |
| SED-500 | 800 | 1600 | 3500 |
| SED-2000 | 1300 | 2600 | 5500 |
Material Properties
| Component | Material | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Vessel | SUS316L | Electropolished Ra≤0.4μm |
| Jacket | SUS304 | Full/half-pipe |
| Agitator Shaft | SUS316L | Double mechanical seal |
| Seals | Silicone/EPDM/PTFE | FDA certified |
5. Core Component Selection
Vessel
SUS316L, electropolished Ra≤0.4μm, H/D 2:1–2.5:1. Manway, sight glass, light port, sterile inoculation port, transfer port. SIP validated.
Agitation System
Dual-stage impellers (disc turbine + pitched blade), VFD 50–600rpm. Double mechanical seal for sterility.
Inoculation/Transfer System
Flame port for shake flask inoculation, diaphragm valve for pipe transfer. SIP connection on transfer piping. Pressure differential transfer.
Temperature Control
Jacket with cooling water/steam, PID ±0.2°C. PT100 sensor. Optional electric heating.
Control System
SIEMENS/AB PLC, 7–12 inch touchscreen HMI. Recipe management, 21 CFR Part 11.
6. Typical Application Fields
Pharmaceutical Seed Culture
Antibiotic seed, vaccine seed, recombinant protein seed, amino acid seed
Food Seed Culture
Yogurt starter culture, yeast seed, soy sauce koji spore
Chemical Seed Culture
Organic acid seed, enzyme seed, bioplastic seed
7. Design Standards & Certifications
Compliant with the following standards
1. GMP
2. FDA 21 CFR Part 210/211
3. ASME BPE
4. ISO 9001/14001
5. CE
6. GB 150-2011
8. Custom Optional Configurations
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Volume | 10/50/100/200/500/1000/2000L |
| Impeller | Disc turbine/Pitched blade/Marine |
| Inoculation | Flame/Aseptic connector/Pipe transfer |
| Temp Control | Jacket/Electric |
| pH/DO | Online + auto |
| CIP/SIP | Optional |
| Control | Manual/PLC |
| Explosion-proof | Ex d IIB T4 |
9. Warranty Terms
| Status | Warranty | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| New | 12 months | Vessel, agitation, temp control, control system |
| Refurbished | 6 months | Agitation, control system |
10. Packaging & Delivery
| Item | Packaging |
|---|---|
| Main Unit | Anti-rust, plastic film, wooden crate |
| Instruments | Shock-proof packaging |
| Electrical | Moisture-proof |
| Documents | Waterproof bag |
Lead time: New 60–120 working days; Refurbished 30–60 working days.
11. Information Required for Inquiry
For accurate quotation, please provide:
Seed type
Target product
Seed stage
Required volume
Production tank volume
Temperature and pressure
Agitation speed
Aeration
pH/DO control
Material
Inoculation/transfer method
CIP/SIP
Control mode
Voltage/frequency
New/Refurbished
Delivery terms