Prima BT Bench Top Process Mass Spectrometer (Prima BT MS)

Prima BT is a process mass spectrometry platform designed for near real-time off-gas analysis from multiple bioreactors that fulfils the requirements specified in “Definition of Requirements”. It employs a magnetic sector mass spectrometer, providing high long-term stability and precision for the measurement of key gases (e.g., O₂, CO₂, N₂, Ar) across multiple streams, supporting scales from benchtop development to pilot studies. The system computes bioprocess performance indicators such as oxygen uptake rate (OUR), carbon dioxide evolution rate (CER), and respiratory quotient (RQ), providing continuous process insight without interrupting the culture. Each bioreactor stream is sampled independently through automated multiplexing, allowing customized timing, calibration factors, and data acquisition per reactor. Time-resolved gas compositions are recorded for every stream, facilitating robust mass balance calculations and volumetric mass transfer analysis. The BT MS software enables full instrument control, automated calibration and validation routines, secure data logging, and integration with laboratory and process control systems via standard protocols (e.g., OPC) for real-time monitoring, alarm management, and compliant data archival. In summary, the device is designed for comprehensive bioprocess monitoring, enabling precise, non-invasive analysis of gas exchange dynamics across multiple bioreactors simultaneously, with the magnetic sector MS providing unparalleled stability and reproducibility.

DEFINITION OF REQUIREMENTS INTRODUCTION Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems focuses on products derived from nature through green chemistry or biotechnological methods. Departments core competencies include synthetic biology, biochemical and biotechnical processing, the chemistry of lignocellulosic materials, pre-treatment and fractionation of biomass, downstream unit operations as well as the characterization and analysis of materials. The Bench Top Process Mass Spectrometer (later also “BTMS”) will be part of the Biodegradation Infrastructure of the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems in Aalto University. The intended use of the BTMS device is to enable real time screening and quantification of multiple gaseous process streams from reactors and separation units, including wet and dry off gas from heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis, fermentation, and general unit operations. The system supports multi stream connectivity and automated calibration, allowing rapid comparison of process configurations and operating conditions on a common analytical platform. The possibility for the researcher or operator to rapidly and easily reassign streams, adjust method parameters, and update calibration routines is essential for developing optimal configurations based on experimental evidence. Typical measurable species include permanent gases and light organics such as H2, He, Ar, N2, O2, CO, CO2, H2O, NH3, H2S, SO2, NO, NO2, N2O, CH4, C2H4, C2H6, and C3H8, as well as noble gases and selected solvent vapors (e.g., methanol, ethanol, acetone) and isotopologues (e.g., 13CO2, 13CO), generally over the 1–200 amu mass range. In addition to the core mass spectrometer, the following modules are required: stream selection valve, heated inlet/capillary, calibration gas kit, vacuum pumping, analyzer/detector, inlet pressure and temperature sensing, relief/bypass for safe start up, communications/I/O with control software, and an enclosure with base and clamps for stable mounting and connections. REQUIREMENTS - The system must provide continuous multi-gas monitoring with second-level cycle times, enabling near real-time tracking of process dynamics. - The analyzer must be a magnetic-sector MS with automated calibration and no GC columns or carrier gas, achieving <2% drift (N₂, Ar) over one month and ±0.001% at ~0.93% Ar over seven days. - The system must support up to 32 streams with rapid switching and independent timing, maintaining accuracy at ~10 mL/min with per-stream updates in tens of seconds. - The system must enable extended unattended operation with low consumable use and routine maintenance, without chromatographic columns or carrier gases. - The analyzer must quantify multiple gases and volatiles in a single method using appropriate calibration, without hardware changes (e.g. H2, N2, O2, CO, CO2, H2O, NH3, H2S, SO2, NO, CH4) - The system must measure target compounds in moist streams using appropriate sampling and conditioning to ensure stable results. (e.g., H₂O, H₂S, N₂O/NOx, siloxanes, oxygenates) - The analyzer must resolve overlapping mass fragments and quantify analytes accurately using multi-ion detection and calibrated deconvolution. - The analyzer must perform simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis without chromatographic separation. - The system must include automated stream handling, calibration, secure data workflows, and protected sampling with filtration and moisture control. -The system must support real-time OUR, CER, and RQ calculations, system integration, user access control, traceability, alarms, and modular expansion.

The procurement procedure is a ‘direct procurement’ as defined in the Act on Public Procurement and Concession Contracts (1397/2016) (not legally binding and unofficial translation available in English at https://www.finlex.fi/en/legislation/translations/2016/eng/1397) The ground for direct procurement is section 40, subsection 2, paragraph 2 of the Act on Public Procurement and Concession Contracts (1397/2016). According to section 40, subsection 2, paragraph 2, a contracting entity may opt for direct procurement if only a certain supplier can implement the procurement for a technical reason, or for a reason related to protecting an exclusive right, on the further condition that there are no reasonable alternatives or substitute solutions, and that the absence of competition is not due to an artificial narrowing of the terms and conditions of the procurement. The Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems of Aalto University needs the Prima BT MS for research purposes. It enables rapid, high-level experimental throughput with minimal sample handling and reduced researcher time, while providing continuous, quantitative insight into culture performance. These properties of the Prima BT MS have enabled the widespread practical application of the instrument in both academic and industrial bioprocessing. According to our market survey, there is only one equipment supplier on the market with the requirements specified in “Definition of Requirements”. In this regard, the following features are unique for the Prima BT MS sold by CultiXcell A/S: • Continuous tracking of at least 10 gases with updates every few seconds for near real-time process visibility. • Magnetic-sector mass spectrometer with automatic calibration, no GC columns or carrier gases; proven stability of <2% drift (N2, Ar) over one month and ±0.001% at ~0.93% Ar over seven days. • Connects to up to 32 sampling points; switches quickly with independent timing; accurate even at low flow (~10 mL/min). • Built for long unattended operation with low consumable use; no chromatographic columns or carrier gases needed as in GC-MS (gas chromatography – mass spectrometer) systems that depend on expensive Helium as carrier gas. • Measures at least 10 gases in one run without hardware changes. • Delivers stable measurements even with moist or challenging gas streams. • Accurately distinguishes and quantifies compounds that share same mass signals (such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide) using multi-ion detection and calibrated deconvolution. • Provides both identification and precise quantification at the same time, without chromatographic separation. • Includes automated stream switching, automatic calibration, and secure data handling. • Supports real-time Oxygen uptake rate (OUR), Carbon dioxide evolution rate (CER), and Respiratory quotient (RQ = CER/OUR) calculations; integrates with plant/lab systems; includes access control, full traceability, alarms, and options to expand.