August 4, 2021
Probe Failure in Fermenter
Problem
•A probe is used in a fermenter to detect various process values to ensure an effective fermentation process. The probe is calibrated externally and then mounted in the fermentation vessel.
•SAM GUARD detected a problem with dissolved oxygen probe which delivered false values.
•An alert was generated on 08/02 when there was change in the behavior of the oxygen profile.
Impact
If left undetected, incorrect oxygen values could affect the quality of the fermentation.
Countermeasure
The probe was then replaced with a redundant probe to regulate the oxygen flow.
Value
Product loss was prevented.
