Fermentation system and failure-detection probe holder

A system for the preparation of biological agents, comprising a vessel in which biological agents are prepared by fermentation and in which the fermentation process is monitored by a probe detection means, probe support means adapted to fasten to the wall of a vessel and to support the probe detection means with its operative end exposed to the material being fermented within the tank and to provide access from outside the tank to the output of the probe detection means, a seal seated on the probe detection means forwardly of probe support means, said probe support means having a cylindrical threaded portion and a seal-engaging surface at its end within the tank, and a seal compression member threadedly engaging the cylindrical threaded portion of the probe support means to compress the seal against the seal-engaging surface of the probe support means and the outer surface of the probe detection means to limit the collection of fermentation material to the exposed outer surfaces of the system and permit sterilization of the system inside of the vessel, said probe support means also providing an open passageway leading from rearwardly of said seal to a portion of its outer surface outside of the vessel to permit detection of failure of the system.

A detector support for systems for the preparation of biological agents, comprising

• detector support means adapted to engage the wall of a fermentation vessel to support the operative portion of a probe detector within the vessel and to provide access to the output of the detector outside of the vessel;
• said detector support means having an inner bore adapted to receive and support a probe detector and a seal-engaging surface at its end to be inserted within the vessel, and further having a portion adapted to engage the vessel wall, and an opening leading from the inner bore to the outer surface of the detector support means at its other end, said portion adapted to engage the vessel wall lying between the opening and the end to be inserted within the tank.