An impeller, for example, a Rushton impeller for a bioreactor system is disclosed. The impeller includes a hub, optionally including a slot, a plurality of blades, and one or more turbulators. The plurality of blades is disposed along a circumferential direction of the hub and spaced apart from each other. Each of the plurality of blades is coupled to at least a portion of a circumference and/or a top surface of the hub. Each blade of the plurality of blades includes a pressure face and a suction face. The one or more turbulators is disposed on at least a portion of the suction face, the pressure face, or both, of a blade of the plurality of blades.

An algae cultivation system may include: a plurality of panels within a cultivation container, positioned along a first axis perpendicular to the gravitational force, wherein a cultivation volume is created between each pair of panels, and wherein the cultivation volumes are fluidly coupled so as to allow horizontal flow therebetween along the first axis; at least one first sparger, to distribute a first fluid into the container at a first operating flow rate; at least one second sparger, to distribute a second fluid into the container at a second operating flow rate; and at least one controller, to control the first operating flow rate and the second operating flow rate. The first operating flow rate may be adapted to allow turbulent mixing the algae in the cultivation container, and the second operating flow rate may be adapted to allow assimilation of materials in a liquid in the cultivation container.

The present disclosure provides a cell separation apparatus for a bioreactor, which comprises: a cell separation component, which is arranged in a tank and immersed below the liquid level of the mixture and includes a filter membrane and a liquid guiding groove; and a tangential flow driving component, which includes one or more blades. The cell separation apparatus implements a low shear force and the filter membrane is not blocked easily. The present disclosure also provides a stirring system including a central shaft and a multi-layer paddle component. The multi-layer paddle component includes an upper paddle component, an intermediate paddle component and a bottom paddle component arranged around the central shaft.

A method for operating a bioreactor includes passing a drive shaft into a first tubular connector and a second tubular connector projecting from the first tubular connector, the first tubular connector and the second tubular connector being at least partially disposed within a container, the first tubular connector being more flexible than the second tubular connector, the second tubular connector having a length that comprises at least 20% of a combined length of the first tubular connector and the second tubular connector. Rotating the drive shaft so as to rotate the first tubular connector and the second tubular connector within the container.

A mixing system (10) including a base module (12), a mixing unit (26), and an enclosure (14). The base module (12) includes a base support (16), a drive unit (18) disposed within the base support (16), a drive shaft (22) coupled to the drive unit (18), and a drive head (24) coupled to the drive unit (18) via the drive shaft (22) and disposed within the base support (16). The drive head (24) includes a first magnet (25). The mixing unit (26) includes a guide element (28) and an agitator (30) slidably coupled to the guide element (28). The agitator (30) includes a second magnet (32) and at least one vane (34). The enclosure (14) is coupled to the base support (16) encloses the guide element (28) and the agitator (30). The drive unit (18) and the drive head (24) are configured to generate a linear pulsating movement of the agitator (30) along the guide element (28) for mixing a fluid medium (47) within the enclosure (14).

Provided herein are apparatuses and systems for mixing liquids and suspensions that include vessels with structures that improve mixing while not contacting liquid delivery components. The apparatuses and systems can include a motor drive that allows speed and directional control of rotation of the vessel. The apparatuses and systems can include one or more magnets for separating magnetic beads in a suspension. Also provided are methods using said apparatuses and systems for mixing and separation processes.

A bioprocess vessel includes a flexible bag or substantially rigid container that defines an interior volume and having a bottom surface, the bottom surface being open or containing an aperture therein for the passage of fluid. A pump is secured to the bottom surface of the flexible bag or substantially rigid container. In some embodiments is secured directly to the flexible bag or substantially rigid container. In other embodiments, the pump is secured indirectly the flexible bag or substantially rigid container using, for example, a port that extends through the aperture on the bottom surface. The port or flanged surface may also be integrated into the pump, which is secured to the vessel. An optional mixing adaptor may be provided inside the interior volume of the flexible bag or substantially rigid container and at least partially covers the inlet that leads to the pump.

A device for the mixing fluid media. The device is a bladeless mixer. The device comprises a hollow body with at least a single inlet opening in its bottom and at least a single outflow region in its side. The device is rotated at a speed at which the media due to centrifugal forces enters the device's hollow cavity via the inflow opening or unit. The media is discharged from the cavity through one or more outlet units or openings in the sides or in the top of the device. During mixing the media does not rise above the level of the undisturbed media.

A mixing apparatus for mixing or stirring substances includes a mixing tank for receiving the substances, a rotor arranged in the mixing tank with which a vane for mixing or stirring the substances can be driven to rotate about an axial direction, and a stator arranged outside the mixing tank and with which the rotor can be driven contactlessly magnetically to rotate about the axial direction in the operating state and is supported magnetically with respect to the stator. A bar extends in the axial direction and is rotationally fixed to the rotor, and a limiting element fixed with respect to the mixing tank cooperates with the bar, with the limiting element being configured such that the bar rotates with respect to the limiting element and with a tilt of the rotor being limited by a physical contact between the bar and the limiting element.

A mixing system includes a container having an encircling sidewall bounding a chamber and extending between an upper end and an opposing lower end; a support plate disposed within the chamber and secured to the encircling sidewall; an inner wall secured to the support plate and projecting within the chamber toward the upper end, an open space being formed between the inner wall and the encircling sidewall; and a first aperture extending through the encircling sidewall so as to communicate with the open space. A mixing assembly is positioned within the container and is supported on the support plate, the mixing assembly including a pliable enclosure and a mixing device.