Specifications that decide fit
- Total and working volume, and whether the vessel is glass, stainless steel or a single-use bag system.
- Application: microbial fermentation needs high oxygen transfer, while cell culture needs gentle mixing and tight control.
- Sterilisation: autoclavable vessel or steam-in-place (SIP), plus clean-in-place (CIP) for production systems.
- Measurement and control: pH, DO, temperature, foam and gas flow, and whether the controller software is still supported.
Condition checks
- Vessel interior and welds free of pitting; surface finish suitable for your process.
- Agitator seals, ports, valves and jacket complete; pressure rating and vessel certification documented.
- Probes are consumables: budget for new pH and DO sensors.
Documents to ask for
Ask for the pressure vessel documentation, P&ID, material certificates, controller software and licences, and IQ/OQ records where available. Check what is included: controller, gas mixing, pumps and exhaust condensers are often separate items.
Questions buyers ask
What is the difference between a bioreactor and a fermenter?
The terms overlap. Fermenter is usually used for microbial processes and bioreactor for cell culture, but the equipment principles are the same.
Can a used stainless-steel fermenter be used for GMP production?
Yes, once it is requalified at your site. Complete vessel documentation, material certificates and a verified surface finish make that much easier.
Is the controller included with a used benchtop bioreactor?
Not always. Check whether the control unit, software licence and probes are part of the sale, since the vessel alone cannot run.
Brands in stock
Found a machine you are interested in? Ask us for photos, documents or a price with the stock number on the listing.