HACH GM9410 UNIQ High-Temperature Sterilizable Dissolved Oxygen Electrode for Fermentation
| Brand | HACH |
|---|---|
| Origin | Imported |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Model | UNIQ Fermentation DO Electrode |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The HACH GM9410 UNIQ High-Temperature Sterilizable Dissolved Oxygen Electrode is an industrial-grade polarographic sensor engineered for continuous, real-time measurement of dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration in sterile bioprocess environments. Based on the Clark-type amperometric principle, the electrode employs a noble metal cathode and silver/silver chloride reference system immersed in a proprietary electrolyte solution, separated from the sample by a gas-permeable polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane. This configuration enables selective diffusion of molecular oxygen while rejecting interfering ions and particulates—critical for maintaining signal stability during extended fermentation cycles. Designed specifically for integration into stainless-steel bioreactors and single-use systems, the GM9410 withstands repeated autoclaving at 130 °C for up to 60 minutes without recalibration or performance degradation, meeting ASME BPE 2023 standards for biopharmaceutical process equipment.
Key Features
- Autoclave-rated construction: Validated for ≥50 cycles of steam sterilization at 130 °C, 2 bar gauge pressure
- IP68-rated VP connector: Hermetically sealed, moisture-resistant interface with integrated O-ring seal and locking mechanism for vibration-prone installations
- Optimized membrane assembly: Low-drift PTFE membrane with controlled oxygen permeability, minimizing response time (t90 < 15 s in aqueous media at 37 °C)
- Robust mechanical design: 12-mm diameter stainless-steel body (316L grade), threaded M12 × 0.5 mounting, compatible with standard bioreactor ports and sanitary clamp fittings
- Electrolyte retention system: Gelified KCl-based electrolyte with thermal expansion compensation, eliminating leakage risks during thermal cycling
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The GM9410 is validated for use in non-corrosive aqueous media across pH 4–10 and conductivity ranges of 100 µS/cm to 20 mS/cm—covering typical microbial fermentation broths (e.g., E. coli, CHO, yeast cultivations), mammalian cell culture media, and beverage fermentation tanks. It complies with IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (emissions) for industrial electromagnetic compatibility. While not intrinsically safe, it meets ATEX Category 3G (Zone 2) requirements when used with approved barrier systems. For regulated biomanufacturing, the electrode supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant data integrity workflows when paired with HACH SC200/SC1000 controllers featuring audit-trail-enabled firmware.
Software & Data Management
The GM9410 interfaces natively with HACH’s SC Series transmitters via analog 4–20 mA output or digital HART® 7 protocol. When connected to SC200 controllers, users access full calibration history, temperature-compensated DO reporting (0–20 mg/L range, ±0.1 mg/L accuracy at 25 °C), and automatic temperature compensation using integrated Pt1000 RTD. Firmware v3.2+ enables configurable alarm thresholds, drift diagnostics, and event logging synchronized to PLC timestamps. Raw sensor outputs are exportable as CSV via USB or Modbus TCP for integration into MES (e.g., Siemens Opcenter, Rockwell FactoryTalk) and LIMS platforms supporting ASTM E1384 and ISO/IEC 17025 traceability frameworks.
Applications
- Real-time DO control in aerobic fed-batch and continuous bioreactors (1–20,000 L scale)
- In-process monitoring of oxygen transfer rate (OTR) and volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa) studies
- Validation of sparging efficiency and agitation optimization in upstream processing
- Quality-by-Design (QbD) parameter tracking for FDA-submitted biologics manufacturing dossiers
- Process analytical technology (PAT) deployment per ICH Q8(R2) and Q9 guidelines
FAQ
What sterilization protocols is the GM9410 rated for?
The electrode is qualified for saturated steam sterilization at 130 °C for 60 minutes, with validation data available per ISO 17665-1 Annex D.
Does the electrode require zero-point calibration in anaerobic conditions?
Yes—a two-point calibration (zero in nitrogen-saturated water and span in air-saturated water) is recommended prior to first use and after membrane replacement.
Can the GM9410 be used in high-viscosity fermentation broths?
It is suitable for viscosities up to 100 cP; above this, flow velocity >0.3 m/s across the membrane surface is advised to minimize boundary layer effects.
Is the VP connector compatible with third-party transmitter housings?
The VP interface conforms to DIN 43650 Form C specifications and mates with standard industrial junction boxes equipped with IP67-rated female connectors.
How often should the membrane and electrolyte be replaced?
Under continuous operation at 37 °C, membrane/electrolyte service life exceeds 6 months; replacement intervals should be aligned with facility preventive maintenance schedules and verified via daily zero/span checks.
