A Hyperbaric, Constant-Temperature Growth System Suitable for Cultivation of Microorganisms in Gaseous Environments Pressurized to 1000 psig.

摘要

A description with general construction specifications is given for a system that allows the cultivation of microorganisms in a hyperbaric environment. Although designed primarily for use with helium-oxygen gas mixtures at a maximum pressure of 1,000 psig, other gas mixtures can be utilized at the maximum or at a lower pressure. The system incorporates water bath temperature control for maintaining the internal environment of a pressure vessel at any selected temperature within the range from -5 to 50C. A number of safety features have been incorporated for protection of the system and the system operator in the event of an inadvertent operpressurization. The system has built-in flexibility to allow use of various types and sizes of microbial culture vessels, and has the capability for being easily modified to accept probes to monitor internal temperature, pH of cultivation medium, concentrations of specific gases, and other factors.