The 'Saturn' Automated Sampling System performs the following functions:

1. Takes time-scheduled samples from up to 5 fermenters.

2. Stores samples, of up to 4 ml volume, in a refrigerated carousel system.

3. Dilutes a portion of the sample to an accurate dilution ratio.

4. Passes the diluted sample to a spectrophotometer flow cell. The spectro. OD reading is stored in the Saturn's memory.

5. After the sampling process, the system is automatically cleaned, first with a cleaning fluid, then with distilled water.

6. The sample lines from the fermenter(s) are optionally backfilled with distilled water, to clean the sample lines and eliminate sample to sample cross contamination.

7. Sample times, volumes, dilutions and OD readings are stored in the Saturn's memory for later retrieval.

Features of the system:

Wetted parts are silicon tube, 316 stainless steel.

The sampling lines and inlet manifold can be detached from the system and autoclaved.

Up to 50x 4 ml samples may be stored at 4 degrees Celsius.

The system recovers from temporary power failures.