EP3646003A1

EP3646003A1 - Container having wall protrusion and sensor region

Info

Publication number: EP3646003A1
Application number: EP18773093.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Marek Hoehse; Thomas Regen
Original assignee: Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH
Current assignee: Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH
Priority date: 2017-11-16
Filing date: 2018-08-31
Publication date: 2020-05-06
Also published as: US11680240B2; WO2019096457A1; US20200362292A1; DE102017010629A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a container (1) having at least one wall protrusion (20) for mounting at least one sensor (21) from the outside (A) for sensing at least one variable of a medium (8) contained in a container interior (22), wherein: the wall protrusion (20) is arranged on a container wall (4) and is designed to at least partly extend around the container interior (22) and the medium (8); and the wall protrusion (20) comprises at least one sensor region (23), which is designed in such a way that the variable can be sensed through the sensor region (23) by means of the sensor (21).

Description

Container with wall projection and sensor area

description

The invention relates to a container comprising a Wandungsvorsprung, and a Wandungsvorsprung element comprising a Wandungsvorsprung for attachment, in particular by means of a sensor attachment device, a sensor or a plurality of sensors, preferably an optical sensor as a means for performing an optical method. By means of one or more sensors, one or more quantities or parameters, preferably one optical variable, can be detected. By means of a random or permanent detection or determination of variables, monitoring, in particular permanent monitoring, can take place via a biological and / or chemical and / or biochemical process in one or more media.

Furthermore, the invention relates to an attachable to a container and removable from a container sensor attachment device as means for attaching a sensor, a plurality of sensors, a sensor element or a light source, in particular a light guide relative to the container and the wall section. A light source may include a laser, a diode, a globar, a Nernst lamp, an arc lamp, an incandescent lamp, a phosphor, a light emitting diode (LED), and / or another light emitting means.

The invention can be used in particular in one or more of the following fields: biotechnology, food technology, beverage technology, chemical industry, chemical research, laboratory equipment, medical technology, process chemistry, industrial chemistry. The following one or more processes can take place, inter alia, within a container: chemical, biological and / or biochemical processes, in particular fermentation, fermentation, distillation, purification, decomposition, aerobic processes, anaerobic processes.

So far, chemical, biological and / or biochemical processes that i For example, within a container of a bioreactor or fermenter or midlife container, for example, monitored such that a size and / or a process stage is determined based on the periodic sampling of a sample. The analysis should be as representative as possible of a content of a container. Typical quantities which are determined for conventional monitoring of a process include, for example, the amount of dry substance or substance, the pH, the concentration of volatile fatty acids or the ratio of the concentration of volatile fatty acids to buffer capacity, and the concentration Trace elements, ammonia, acids, bases, proteins, lipids or other substances.

The dry substance or the organic rock substance, for example, provides an indirect measurement of other parameters or parameters, such as, for example, a concentration of nitrogen, protein, and / or trace element. The ratio of the concentration of volatile fatty acids to the buffer capacity provides information about the stage of a process, for example during a fermentation. The concentration of volatile fatty acids such as acetic acid or propionic acid also provides information about the stage of a process because volatile fatty acids are often intermediates in processes such as biogas processes. For example, if the concentrations are too high, volatile fatty acids can inhibit process biology. Different methods are usually used to determine the presence and concentration of fatty acids. Individual fatty acids can be determined, for example, by chromatography. The concentration of proteins, lipids and / or other substances, such as ammonia, for example, can also serve as an indicator of the stage of a process and be determined, for example, by chromatography.

The determination of sizes is typically carried out by suitable analysis method outside the container, for example by weighing, chromatographically, and / or electrochemically. For this purpose, samples are typically taken from the container and examined in an analytical laboratory. Often such samples are even sent by post to an analysis lab, so far as no on-site analysis can be made. The present invention has for its object to provide an improved container for monitoring sizes of the content or the medium contained. This object is solved by the independent claims. The subject matters of the dependent claims represent preferred embodiments.

The invention relates to a container having at least one wall projection for attaching or receiving or mounting or fixing at least one sensor, in particular an optical sensor or detector from an outside of the container for measuring or detecting at least one measured variable or one measuring or to be detected parameters, in particular a physical and / or chemical and / or biological size of one or more contained in a container interior medium or media, in particular of a biological medium, wherein the wall projection is disposed on a container wall of the container and is designed to at least partially surround the container interior and the medium, in particular a sample volume, preferably filled with a portion of the medium, and wherein the wall projection at least one sensor area, in particular comprising an optical element, eg a window, a prism, a pinhole and / or a diffusely reflecting and / or scattering surface and / or an access, which / which / which / is designed to /, that the measured variable, for example, the physical and / or chemical and / or biological Size can be detected by the sensor area by means of the sensor, in particular without removing a sample. Preferably, the size is detected such that there is no physical or physical contact or contact between the sensor and the medium. Alternatively, however, there may also be a physical contact between the sensor and the medium.

The term "measurand" or "magnitude" has essentially the same meaning as the term "parameter", in particular a "parameter to be measured". A quantity or measured variable can comprise a physical and / or a chemical and / or a biological variable.

Among physical quantities of the medium, which are detectable or measurable or detectable, in particular concentration (s) of on or several substances, pressure and / or partial pressure of gases (eg oxygen, carbon dioxide), concentration of a gas dissolved in a liquid, moisture,

Number of particles, turbidity, temperature, pH, electromagnetic radiation, fluorescence, electrical conductivity, capacitive resistances and / or electrical resistances understood. A physical measurand may also be a number, density and / or size of one or more biological cells.

A chemical and / or biological measurand can be, for example, the amount and / or concentration of a nutrient, for example glucose; or a titer, for example protein; or a metabolite, for example lactate. However, there is no clear distinction between the definitions of physical, chemical and biological quantities, which is why in case of doubt a biological quantity can also correspond to a physical and in particular a chemical quantity. Particularly preferably, measured variables can include variables which can be determined by optical and / or electrical methods.

The wall projection is designed to partially surround a part of the container interior of the container, in particular the sample volume and preferably a gap-shaped sample volume. The sample volume is correspondingly part of the container interior, which is in contact with the remaining container interior of the container. Although the sample volume is located on the inside of the container but in contrast to the rest of the container interior, it protrudes with the Wandungsvorsprung toward the outside. In other words, there is a connection between the sample volume, which is at least partially surrounded by the wall projection, and the remaining container interior of the container, so that a medium in the container interior of the container can also flow into the sample volume. In particular, there is a fluid connection between the sample volume and the remaining container interior of the container. Particularly preferably, for example, by means of stirring or mixing, it can be prevented that the medium, once it has entered the sample volume, remains or remains permanently there. In other words, the medium in the sample volume can be exchanged or replaced permanently or intermittently or sporadically by means of mixing by means of medium from the remaining container. Inner space. In particular, a sample volume is defined by a gap-like volume or by a gap.

A sensor, which may be attached to or relative to the wall projection of the container, may generally comprise any sensors or detectors which are adapted to measure, for example physical and / or chemical and / or biological quantities of a medium within the container capture. In particular, the sensor can be an optical sensor if a sensor region represents or comprises an optical access or an optical element, in particular a window, a prism, a pinhole and / or a diffusely reflecting and / or scattering surface to the container interior from the outside Thus, the sensor region is substantially transparent to light at least a spectral region or at least partially transparent. If the sensor region and / or the wall projection comprises an access in the form of an opening or a hole, then a sensor may also comprise a pH sensor, which must be in contact with the medium in the container interior for the purpose of detecting a pH value. Such a sensor is in particular a pH electrode. The at least one pH sensor can generally be attached permanently or only sporadically or temporarily to the wall projection.

In particular, the container may be designed to form a closed system at least temporarily. Therefore, it is preferred that the form of attachment of the sensor to the wall projection be adapted to provide a container substantially impermeable to the medium within the container. In other words, the contact point between a container wall and a wall projection or a wall projection element and between a sensor and a possible opening is preferably dense, so that mass transfer between the inside and the outside can be substantially prevented.

Quantities for monitoring a process which can be detected or recorded directly or indirectly by means of a sensor include optical quantities, in particular extinction, intensity of light scattering, Raman scattering, absorption, fluorescence and temperature, particle density, pH, concentration of volatile Fatty acids or the ratio of the concentration of volatile fatty acids to the buffer capacity, and the concentration of trace elements, ammonia, acids, bases, proteins, lipids or other substances such as dissolved gases.

Through the container, a monitoring of sizes can be carried out randomly or sporadically or permanently from the outside, without the need for a sampling of the container contents from the container. Therefore, the risk of contamination from the outside during the removal of a sample by a removal device, such as a pipette or a syringe and / or by the person who takes the sample, avoided or at least reduced.

It is particularly advantageous that in most cases the use of the container can essentially be dispensed with by opening the container for taking a sample, as is required in most cases for conventional process monitoring. This reduces the susceptibility to disturbances of the process, since, for example, a temperature and / or pressure and / or a gas atmosphere and / or a sensitive and / or unstable material and / or an exposure state can be impaired by opening. For example, a process that requires anaerobic conditions may be disturbed by external contact with oxygen. Also, a photosensitive process can be disturbed by the opening of the container and the light incident therewith. This circumstance can complicate the sporadic monitoring of a process and make permanent monitoring from the outside impossible.

In particular, the container or the wall projection of the container and in particular a sensor attachment device, that an exact alignment of electromagnetic radiation or light, for example of excitation radiation or sample radiation, can be ensured by a medium, as well as an exact alignment of a detection channel. This results in reliably reproducible and comparable results can be achieved.

In addition, the container allows monitoring of sample volume within the container to be particularly representative from the outside. By avoiding sampling, for example, a dehydration, a Oxidation, denaturation and / or degradation of the sample material can be reduced or even prevented. It may also be waived to transport or send a sample to an analysis laboratory, which may be associated with saving time between sampling and analysis, especially with instantaneous control and / or regulation and / or control the process would be advantageous. This is particularly advantageous if the process within the sample taken was inhibited or even suppressed by the removal and / or the sample would change with respect to the medium within the container. To "freeze" a size so that it does not change in the sample material relative to the remaining medium in the container at the time of collection, a sample taken is often frozen for conventional process monitoring. As a result, sensitive components of the sample regularly denature and / or degrade. By the container can be dispensed in particular to the freezing of a sample and its consequences.

In that the removal of sample material or medium can be avoided, there is also no likelihood of confusion among removed samples or sample containers, which are removed at different times and / or from different containers.

The effects mentioned can be particularly advantageous if a particularly expensive and / or rare starting material and / or product is present in the container. Contamination and / or malfunction of a process and / or faulty control and / or faulty regulation can have a fatal effect on the quality of the content, in particular of the medium in the container. Furthermore, there is the possibility in a preferably permanent or at least temporary monitoring that a process can be controlled and / or regulated. In other words, in the observation of unfavorable process processes or parameter changes, it is possible to introduce essentially immediate or prompt adjustments, for example by adjusting variables, which can prevent, for example, the degradation and / or denaturation of valuable products and / or educts.

Thus, based on a determination of quantities, processes can not only be monitored, but also controlled and / or regulated by adding substances and / or removed and / or changes made to variables or parameters, such as temperature and / or pressure.

In one aspect, the wall projection extends along one

Longitudinal axis of the Wandungsvorsprungs, which includes an angle a of about 30 ° to about 150 °, in particular from about 45 ° to about 135 ° with a longitudinal axis of the container and / or a contour line of the container wall of the container. Particularly preferably, the longitudinal axis encloses an angle β of about -45 ° to about 45 ° with a normal of an imaginary contour line for defining the sample volume. In particular, the longitudinal axis encloses an angle β of about -45 ° to about 45 with a normal of a longitudinal axis of the container. In particular, a width axis of the wall projection with a width axis of the container encloses an angle g of about -45 ° to about 45 °.

In other words, the longitudinal axis of the wall projection may be inclined "upwardly" or "downwardly" with respect to the longitudinal axis of a container, which angle may be from about -45 ° to about 45 °, said angle β between the longitudinal axis of the wall projection In this case, the normal or perpendicular corresponds to an imaginary contour line of the normal or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container, the angle β being equal to the value resulting from 90 °. The angle β can also result from a bulging of the container wall or bag film, which may be the case in particular if a filled single-use bag has a bulbous shape, ie has a larger cross-section in a lower region than Then, the medium can deform the container wall so that the wall projection is inclined "upwards" or ge The angle β between the longitudinal axis of the Wandungsvorsprungs and a normal or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container would then not equal to 0 °, in particular greater than 0 ° and less than 45 °, assuming that positive angle for a Incidence of the wall projection "up" and negative angle for a slope of the wall projection "down" result. In other words, the wall projection may also be inclined with respect to the width axis of a container. In particular, a width axis of the container may include an angle of about 45 to about 45 ° with a width axis of the wall projection or gap.

An angle g of about -45 ° to about 45 ° promotes the material flow of the medium into or through the sample volume of the wall projection. An inclination of the wall projection relative to the longitudinal axis of the container, however, may favor the attachment of a sensor device. The angle g of about 45 to about 45 allows the flow of the port to be optimized.

The advantage of an inclined arrangement of the wall projection is that an attachment device for attaching optical elements is particularly easy to attach and / or arrange.

In one aspect, the container or at least elements of the container are sterilizable. This has the advantage that a medium which is to be filled into the container is not contaminated, for example by unwanted or harmful bio-organisms.

According to one aspect, the container comprises a stirring element which is designed to substantially mix the medium or material inside the container or on the container inner side of the container.

An optional mixing or stirring of the container contents may be advantageous for a particularly representative medium at least partially surrounded by the wall projection within a sample volume. The sample volume is the volume which is at least partially and in particular essentially surrounded by the container inner side surface of the wall projection, ie by the surface of the wall projection on the container inner side of the container. The sample volume is preferably defined by a gap. The mixing may, for example, allow a process within a container to proceed as homogeneously as possible and / or that a part of the medium may be discharged, for example, from the bottom and / or from a central portion of the container Container reaches the area of the sample volume. Preferably, it is possible to avoid that a medium is within the sample volume, in particular within the gap or is substantially not in exchange with the rest of the medium.

According to one aspect, the sensor region or the wall projection or an optical element, in particular a window, is designed such that the size, for example the physical and / or chemical and / or biological size, can be detected by means of an optical method, in particular an optical spectroscopy ,

An optical method or an optical method is an analytical method and can be carried out or applied with the aid of an optical sensor. An optical method may preferably include optical spectroscopy. In particular, an optical method may include, for example, optical imaging, microscopy, confocal microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, light scattering, UV / Vis spectroscopy, laser spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, terahertz spectroscopy, ellipsometry, refractometry, surface plasmon spectroscopy. Resonance spectroscopy, and / or in general a molecular spectroscopy. It can also be determined by means of an optical method, for example, an oxygen concentration or a concentration of other (dissolved in a liquid) gases. Alternatively or additionally, other optical methods for determining sizes may also be considered.

Optical spectroscopy, such as molecular spectroscopy, such as infrared spectroscopy, can give a quantitative and essentially non-invasive direct insight into a substantial molecular composition of the medium or at least give an indication of the presence of substances. An infrared radiation, ie an electromagnetic radiation in a spectral range, which at least partially comprises an infrared spectrum, which is for example sent in or through a medium of a sample volume, can cause the molecules contained therein to vibrate, so that certain wavelengths of the sample depending on the composition of the medium are at least partially absorbed. Absorbed due to individual absorbed wavelengths or a pattern Wavelengths or wavelength ranges comprising a plurality of absorbed wavelengths can be qualitatively and in particular quantitatively identified molecular compounds, without the affected molecules being destroyed. In this way, concentrations of, for example, molecular components of a medium can be determined directly. It can therefore be dispensed with indirect and in particular error-prone methods. For example, an optical method may essentially replace a method in which a dry substance must be weighed to determine a concentration of a substance.

Furthermore, an optical method, in particular a substantially noninvasive optical spectroscopy, is suitable for permanent or permanent monitoring of variables, since the state of the medium or of the process stage in which the medium is located is essentially not determined by the monitoring of outside is impaired. In addition, usually a change in size or the process or a process can be tracked or monitored immediately. In this way, as a result of an observed change, a measure can be taken immediately to control and / or regulate the process. For example, increasing scattering of light may indicate that a substance unintentionally precipitates into a solid phase and forms particles, whereupon, as a countermeasure, a substance which may prevent particle formation may be added immediately.

In one aspect, the wall protrusion comprises two protrusion walls of a protrusion length substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart by a sample layer thickness, and the protrusion length is at least about twice the sample layer thickness, such that the wall protrusion is substantially a gap-shaped volume surrounds or the wall projection is formed in the form of a gap or in the form of a gap, wherein at least one of the projection walls preferably each comprise the sensor region and in particular an optical element, preferably a window. In other words, a projection wall of a wall projection or a plurality of projection walls can each comprise or even represent a sensor region. In particular, a projection wall of a wall projection or a plurality of projection walls may each be an optical element, preferably include or even display a window.

In other words, the wall projection can be a gap-like

Volume at least partially surrounded. Two projection walls substantially parallel to one another and spaced apart by a sample layer thickness can ensure, at a constant spacing and in particular a stable and substantially rigid formation, that a multiplicity of measurements can be made under the same conditions, since the sample layer thickness and thus the sample layer thickness examined volume essentially does not change. This is particularly advantageous for calibration measurements since the same sample layer thickness is present for each individual measurement and therefore changes in the measurement results do not have to be attributed to changes in the sample layer thickness. In this way, particularly reliable and precise calibration measurements can be made.

Due to the pronounced projection length of the wall projection, the attachment or fixing or storage of light sources, sensors and / or a sensor attachment device can also be favored, since there is sufficient space for positioning the sensors on the wall projection can be provided. The projection walls of a wall projection can each comprise a sensor region, in particular in each case an optical element that is essentially transparent to a wavelength range, in particular a window. Preferably, both sensor areas are also aligned parallel to each other. In particular, the sensor regions are designed to provide or favor a defined and stable beam path in or through part of the medium or sample volume. However, it can also be only a sensor area of a Wandungsvorsprung, in particular for a reflective beam path arrangement to be included. Alternatively, two substantially opposing protrusion walls may not be formed in parallel.

According to one aspect, the wall projection comprises a diffusely reflecting surface, for example a white surface, and / or a reflective element, for example a mirror. The at least one sensor area comprises the optical element, in particular the window and the wall projection is designed so that the measured variable, in particular the physical and / or chemical and / or biological quantity by means of a sensor device, which preferably comprises an optical fiber, by a reflective beam path arrangement, for example a reflective optics arrangement, can be detected. In other words, the wall projection comprises a reflective element and / or a reflective optical arrangement. For example, a reflective element may be a mirror, at which light is reflected back substantially in the direction of the optical element, in particular the window and the sensor. In this way, for example, an optical fiber or a light guide or a light source can couple or emit light through the sensor region, in particular the optical element, preferably the window into a container interior and a reflective optical path arrangement, which is then illuminated by a reflective and / or a scattering element is at least partially reflected back and / or scattered and emerges through the sensor area from the container interior or propagated out and is collected or detected by the same light guide or other optical fiber.

The combination of transmission through the medium and reflection on the mirror and / or a diffusely reflecting and / or scattering surface is called transflection. In other words, a part of a light beam is partly reflected / scattered on a reflective and / or scattering surface, with another part of the light beam passing through a transmissive surface. This may be the case if a surface has transmissive and reflective and / or scattering properties. An example of such a surface is a beam splitter. Transflection also occurs when one part of a beam hits a reflective and / or scattering surface, while another part of the beam strikes and passes through a transmissive surface. Such a combination of a transmission and a reflection corresponds to a "transflective beam path arrangement".

The case is also included in that a wall projection comprises two optical elements, in particular two windows, wherein a diffusely scattering surface and / or a reflector and / or a mirror is arranged in front of or behind one of the optical elements. In another case, one of the two optical elements, for example a window, be replaced by a diffusely scattering surface and / or a reflector and / or a mirror. In general, optical elements may simultaneously serve as walls of the wall projection, or be inserted into a holder in front of or behind a sensor area and / or be.

A diffusely reflecting and / or scattering surface is characterized in that it reflects and / or diffuses light substantially diffusely. A diffusely reflecting and / or scattering surface may for example be a white surface and comprise a diffusely reflecting and / or scattering material, for example a ceramic and / or a steel plate. When a light hits the diffusely reflecting and / or scattering surface, it is diffused, ie scattered at different angles (backwards). At least a portion of the light is scattered at such an angle that it passes through the optical element, in particular the window again to the outside, the optical element thus passes twice.

According to one aspect, the wall projection on the inside of the container comprises a mirror or reflector which is designed such that the measured variable, in particular the physical and / or chemical and / or biological variable, is detected by means of a reflective beam path arrangement.

A reflective beam path arrangement usually requires only the provision of a sensor region, preferably comprising an optical element, in particular a window or an optical element representing, and possibly a mirror or a reflector and / or a reflective or scattering element or Medium on the container inner side of the wall projection, which reflect back the incident light against the direction of incidence. In this way, the light, which has previously traveled a distance on the container inside of the wall projection, can emerge again through the same sensor area and be captured or detected by a sensor or a light conductor or coupled into a sensor.

For example, a light, in particular a laser light, can be radiated through the sensor region into the part of the container interior in the area of the wall projection, where it can be exposed, for example, to the medium contained therein and / or to particles, is scattered, for example, on mesoscopic and / or nanoscopic particles of the medium. The scattering could include, for example, a Mie, a Raileigh, a Raman or another light scattering. This may be the case in particular with Raman scattering and / or with static or dynamic light scattering. The scattered light can at least partially pass through the one sensor region or alternatively through a plurality of sensor regions out of the container interior, where it is detected, for example, by a sensor. Such a sensor, in particular an optical sensor, may for example comprise a spectrometer, in particular a Raman spectrometer and / or a CCD camera and / or a photomultiplier or photomultiplier.

Alternatively or additionally, the sunken light may also be scattered back or reflected by a mirror or a substantially reflective optical element on the opposite inside of the container sensor area, so that it emerges from the container interior through one or more sensor areas and outside of a sensor can be detected. In other words, light can essentially propagate from a first direction through a sensor region, in particular through an optical element, preferably a window into a container interior or into a sample volume of a wall projection, at least partially on the container interior substantially opposite to the first direction or scattered or mirrored back so that at least a portion of the light from the container interior exits through the sensor area through which it has entered. After emergence, the light can be at least partially detected or captured by a light guide.

The effective path length of a reflective beam path arrangement within which incident light can interact with the medium, for example, the molecules contained in the medium corresponds substantially to twice the sample layer thickness or substantially twice the distance between sensor area and mirror or between sensor area and scattering medium, wherein a scattering medium may be, for example, a particle or nanoparticles or droplets of an emulsion contained in the medium.

It may also be that just one light coming out of the container interior through a sensor area outwards occurs is detected by a sensor.

For example, a fluorescence can be detected. This means that a medium or constituents of a medium in the container interior at least partially fluoresce and at least partially emit light that leaves the container interior through a sensor region, for example a window. A light guide or a sensor or an element of a sensor device can then capture and / or detect and / or detect and / or record the photons or the light emerging from the container interior.

According to one aspect, the wall projection comprises a shutter, which is designed to reduce or prevent, at least temporarily, an entry of light substantially into the container interior through a sensor area, in particular an optical element, preferably a window. The shutter or the aperture can be attached from the outside or on the inside of the container ungsvorsprung relative to the wall. Preferably, the shutter is operable or operable from the outside, such that a light incident on the inside of the container can be controlled, regulated, controlled or changed.

It may be advantageous for a shutter to at least temporarily reduce or prevent the entry and, for example, the interaction of the medium in the container interior with light. The shutter or shutter can substantially completely block the incidence of light of all wavelengths. For example, one step of a process may be sensitive to light, such as UV light and / or visible light, whereas another step in the process may be light insensitive. In that case, a shutter may optionally be opened or closed as needed. The shutter may also include a filter such that only a spectral range of incident light is substantially blocked. The said possibilities exist not only for incident light from the outside, but also for light which could leak out and is produced, for example, on the inside of the container and / or propagated through parts of the container interior and / or from a medium in the container interior is emitted.

Depending on whether a shutter the sensor area, in particular the window in the Substantially closes or blocks or seals against incidence of the entire light or parts or frequency ranges of the light, or if a shutter is at least partially in an open position, which is designed so that at least partially light or at least frequency ranges of the light through the As a result of this, it can be decided whether detection of a measured quantity, in particular of a physical and / or chemical and / or biological value, is to be initiated from the inside of the container or from the inside of the container to the outside and / or from the outside to the inside Size should take place from outside by means of a sensor through the sensor area or not. For example, a measurement may be recorded while a shutter is in an open position. If a shutter or a diaphragm is essentially in a position which at least partially prevents at least parts of a light from entering and / or propagating from outside to inside and / or from inside to outside, then a measurement or acquisition of quantities may take place paused or paused or stopped.

According to one aspect, the wall projection comprises at least two sensor regions, in particular two optical elements and preferably two windows, particularly preferably two windows oriented parallel to one another, wherein the wall projection is designed for this purpose or the two sensor regions are designed such that the size is determined by means of a Sensor device, which preferably comprises an optical fiber can be detected by a transmissive beam path arrangement. Alternatively, two optical elements, preferably two windows, may also not be aligned or arranged substantially parallel to one another. It may be that the sensor regions each comprise or represent an optical element, in particular a window.

A transmissive beam path arrangement may, for example, allow light or electromagnetic radiation from a light source, for example a laser beam from outside through a first sensor region, in particular through an optical element, preferably a window into the container interior or onto the container inside of the wall projection is blasted or sent. The light can at least partially pass through the medium of the sample volume or the sample volume layer thickness and at least partially interact with the medium before it passes through a second sensor region, in particular an optical element, preferably passes through a window and is detected by a detector. For example, an absorption can be determined or recorded by means of infrared spectroscopy and / or UV / Vis spectroscopy. The absorption can in turn be a measure of the concentration of a substance.

The effective path length of a transmissive beam path arrangement, within which incident light can interact at least partially with the medium, for example with the molecules contained in the medium, essentially corresponds to the sample layer thickness or the path length from the first to the second sensor region.

Explicitly, it is also possible that a Wandungsvorsprung is designed such that either a transmissive beam path arrangement, a transmissive beam path arrangement can be used, for example, at the same time or alternately in succession.

According to one aspect, a container comprises a sensor attachment device for mounting the sensor and / or a light source relative to and / or on the wall projection.

A sensor attachment device may, for example, be in the form of a frame and preferably rigid. The sensor attachment device allows one or more sensors to be mounted and / or affixed and / or stored and / or fixed relative to the wall projection in such a manner that the attached sensor has a size or size; a parameter can be detected by a sensor area, in particular by an optical element, preferably a window.

The sensor attachment device can in particular serve to attach and / or fix and / or store and / or fix one or more light guides to the wall projection. Thus, for example, in particular in the case of a transmissive beam path arrangement, a light guide can also be attached by means of a sensor attachment, wherein the light guide represents a light source and light or electromagnetic radiation by a first Sensor area radiates into the container interior of the container, in particular the Wandungsvorsprungs. In the case of a transmissive beam path arrangement, a sensor and / or a light guide of a sensor can also be attached to the wall projection element by means of the sensor mounting device, wherein the sensor at least partially detects or captures the incident light of the light source, for example through a second sensor area. Upon knowledge or detection of the spectrum of the incident light and detection of the spectrum of the light, which at least partially passes through the medium, for example, an absorption can be determined.

The sensor attachment device can also be used to attach other elements than a light source and / or a light guide and / or a sensor, for example optical elements relative to the wall projection and the container. The sensor attachment device can also be used to attach and / or fasten and / or store and / or fix one or more pH sensors relative to the wall projection.

In accordance with one aspect, a container comprises a sensor attachment device that can be attached to the container and that can be attached to the wall projection, in particular reversibly attachable and removable from the container or wall projection, for attaching the sensor relative to the wall projection. In other words, the sensor attachment device can be attached and detached relative to the wall projection as needed. For example, attaching a sensor to the sensor attachment device may require that the sensor attachment device be removed from the container.

A sensor attachment device detachable from a container may serve or be adapted to be attached to and detached from the wall projections of different containers. In particular, when the detachable sensor mounting apparatus is rigidly formed, and the sensor attaching apparatus, for example, predetermines and maintains an optical beam path, sizes for the media within different tanks can be directly compared with each other. For example, can be determined by a transmission and / or an absorbance and / or absorption, whether the processes that take place within two containers, differ from each other and / or run against each other in time.

A sensor attachment device which can be removed from a container can also be used to perform a calibration measurement or a background measurement prior to attachment to a wall projection of a container. For example, the light from a light source mounted on the sensor attachment device may pass through an air layer that is substantially relative to the sensor attachment device where, in a situation attached to the container, a media would be positioned relative to the sensor attachment device and detected by a sensor attached to the sensor mounting device. In essence, therefore, the spectrum of a light irradiated by a light source, for example a light in an infrared spectrum and / or a UV / Vis spectrum can be determined or detected and / or determined. After the sensor attachment device has then been attached to the wall projection or in a situation attached relative to the wall projection, a light with a specific spectrum which has passed through the medium in the container interior of the wall projection or in the sample volume can be used with the same optical geometry be detected by means of the detector or sensor. By a mathematical operation, for example, by a subtraction and / or by a division of both spectra, an absorption of light with certain frequencies or frequency ranges can be determined by the medium.

Alternatively, the sensor attachment device can also be fixed permanently or at least temporarily to the container or to a wall projection element. In particular, a sensor attachment device can be integrated on a container and / or a wall projection element and / or integrally formed therewith.

Therefore, in one aspect, a container alternatively includes a sensor attachment device fixed to the container for attaching the sensor to the wall projection. A sensor attachment device fixed to the container may serve to easily attach an optical sensor and / or a pH electrode relative to the wall projection. In particular, a sensor attachment device fixed to the container may be formed integrally with a wall projection element and / or with the container itself.

According to one aspect, the sensor attachment device comprises at least one receiving device which is designed to have a further optical element, in addition to the optical element which serves as a sensor region, in particular as a window, preferably a lens and / or a mirror and / or a prism and / or a pinhole and / or at least one further optical element, in particular a Lochblendefpin hole "and / or an iris and / or a reflector or a mirror or a reflective element and / or a lens and / or a diaphragm and / or a filter, such as a notch filter.

A sensor-attachment device with an optical element can serve to influence an optical beam path or a light path by means of the optical element. For example, a notch filter can substantially completely or at least partially block out an incident light from a laser having a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, whereas light of a slightly different wavelength can essentially pass the filter. This may be advantageous when determining quantities by Raman spectroscopy. In the case, a so-called Raman shift causes a shift in the wavelength of a scattered light to be detected separately from the irradiated electromagnetic radiation, whereas the irradiated electromagnetic radiation is substantially filtered out or blocked by means of a Notch filter.

The sensor attachment device can, for example, also comprise receiving compartments into which optical elements, in particular modular and / or interchangeable and / or reversible, can be inserted. This allows a beam path to be adapted to the conditions or the method in a particularly flexible and yet reversible manner. Alternatively, the sensor attachment device may also be permanently inserted comprise further optical element in addition to serving as a sensor area optical element, which is glued and / or welded and / or screwed, for example, with the sensor attachment device.

According to one aspect, the wall projection, in particular the wall projection, comprises at least one further optical element, in particular a pinhole and / or a reflector and / or a filter, for example a notch filter.

In one aspect, the container is configured to be part of a disposable bioreactor.

In particular, according to one aspect, the container essentially constitutes a disposable bioreactor, such that the wall projection is arranged on a container wall of the container, that is to say of the disposable bioreactor.

In one aspect, the container is a disposable container.

A disposable element, such as a disposable container, especially a disposable bioreactor, has the general advantage that it can be provided sterile and, after use and contamination with contents, does not need to be re-cleaned or autoclaved, but can be disposed of. By using inexpensive materials for the production of disposable bioreactors processes can be carried out or implemented particularly cost-effective. It can be formed as disposable elements all components of a container, in particular a bioreactor, and all accessories. Alternatively, partial components of a container, in particular a bioreactor, as well as partial components of an accessory may be designed as disposable elements, whereas other components may be multi-way elements.

In particular, on the container wall of a disposable bioreactor a Wandungsvorsprung element with a Wandungsvorsprung at least partially made of a plastic and / or metal, in particular steel attached and / or fixed and / or glued and / or welded. You can Wandungsvorsprung element and container or disposable bioreactor mehrstückig, in particular two-piece or be formed in two pieces and connected by a composite material. Alternatively, wall projection element and container or disposable bioreactor may be integrally formed.

In one aspect, the container is configured to be part of a reusable bioreactor.

According to one aspect, the container constitutes a reusable container, in particular a reusable bioreactor, such that the wall projection is arranged on a container wall of the container, that is to say of the reusable bioreactor.

In cases in which a particularly large amount of a medium, for example more than 500 l, in particular more than 5000 l, is to be processed and / or stored and / or transported in a container, it is advantageous to use a particularly large container, for example a steel tank use. Such containers prove to be particularly cost effective in reusable use, for example, as reusable bioreactors and / or reusable fermenters and / or reusable mixing systems and / or reusable brewing vessels and / or reusable fermentation systems.

In particular, relative to and / or on the container wall of a reusable container or reusable bioreactor a Wandungsvorsprung element with a Wandungsvorsprung, at least partially formed from a metal, in particular made of steel, and / or screwed and / or fixed and / or glued and / or welded. Thus Wandungsvorsprung element and container or reusable bioreactor can be made in several pieces, in particular two-piece and connected via a Verbuhdstoff and / or other means. Alternatively, wall projection element and container or reusable bioreactor can be formed in one piece.

According to one aspect, a wall projection element, which comprises the wall projection and optionally a wall recess, in particular the wall projection and / or a wall recess, comprises at least one access which is designed to have, in particular, a pH can be detected by the access by means of a pH electrode. The pH electrode can be in physical or physical contact with the sample volume and determine a size or a parameter of the sample volume. The pH electrode can protrude into the container interior, in particular into the sample volume and be in physical contact with a medium. In other words, a wall projection element comprises a sensor area. In particular, a wall projection and / or an optional wall recess comprises a sensor area. The sensor area represents an access, for example an opening for mounting or holding or holding a pH electrode.

It may, for example, be advantageous to use an optical method and a pH measurement simultaneously for monitoring processes in a complementary manner, in order to detect quantities that are as precise and, in particular, complementary or non-redundant, and to obtain information about the course of a process.

In one aspect, a container includes a wall protuberance element that includes the wall protuberance and, optionally, a wall sill. It may therefore be that a Wandungsvorsprung is disposed on a separate Wandungsvorsprung element, which in turn is attached to a container or attached or can be attached. Further, the Wandungsvorsprung element in addition to the Wandungsvorsprung also include a Wandungsausbuchtung. It may be that a Wandungsvorsprung- element can be retrofitted to a container or can be replaced on a container.

A Wandungsausbuchtung can give the Wandungs projection element by its shape increased stability. Furthermore, a Wandungsausbuchtung provide additional space for access and / or opening and / or a sensor area through which or through which a sensor, such as an optical sensor, but in particular a pH sensor, for example, with the container interior or in Container interior contained medium can come into contact. For example, a pH electrode can be attached to a wall bulge. In the container interior of the container, the sensor learns because of Wandungsausbuchtung, depending on how long this protrudes into the container interior, at least partially protection, for example against swirling parts or stirring elements.

According to one aspect, a container comprises a wall projection element which comprises the wall projection and is formed integrally with the container. In other words, a container with a Wandungsvorsprung element and a Wandungsvorsprung be formed in one piece, for example by means of a casting technique or by means of a 3D printing method.

According to one aspect, a container comprises a wall projection element, which comprises the wall projection and is formed in several parts with the container. In other words, the container may comprise a Wandungsvorsprung element and in particular a Wandungsvorsprung, wherein the Wandungsvorsprung- element was attached to the container subsequently, for example by means of gluing, welding, screwing, (mounting or-) plugging or fusing.

The invention also relates to a Wandungsvorsprung element for attachment to a container wall of a container ^' comprising a Wandungsvorsprung, in particular also a Wandungsausbuchtung, for attaching the Wandungsvorsprungs to a container wall of a container, wherein the Wandungsvorsprung

- Is designed for the attachment of at least one sensor from the outside of the container for detecting at least one size or measured variable or a parameter, in particular a physical and / or chemical and / or biological size of a medium contained in a container interior;

- Is formed at least partially surrounding the container interior; and

- At least one sensor area comprises, which is designed so that the size or the parameter can be detected by the sensor area by means of the sensor.

Thus, a wall projection element can also be provided for attaching a wall projection to a container as a single element, wherein the Wandungsvorsprung element the Wandungsvorsprung for attaching or receiving at least one sensor or detector, in particular an optical sensor for measuring at least one size of media contained in a container interior. This may be particularly advantageous if containers are to be retrofitted such that they are provided with a wall projection element, as well as a wall projection. In the separate production of container wall and Wandungsvorsprung element then in a (last) step, both elements can be preferably positively and densely assembled or attached to each other.

In a state attached to a container, the wall projection at least partially surrounds the container interior, in particular at least partially a sample volume. The wall projection preferably comprises at least one sensor area, in particular at least one optical element, preferably a window and / or at least one access, wherein the sensor area or access is designed such that the size through the sensor area or access by means of the sensor, in particular and can be detected substantially without taking a sample volume.

The attachment of the wall projection element to the container wall can be reversible in one aspect, which has the advantage that the wall projection element can be used for various containers.

However, the attachment of the Wandungsvorsprung element to the container wall can also be irreversible in one aspect, which has the advantage that the Wandungs projection element can be formed with a single-use container and used once.

In one aspect, the wall protuberance element is sterilizable or designed to be autoclaved or ultra-heated, respectively.

In particular, the wall projection element is formed from one or more materials which can be sterilized or autoclaved. For example, the wall projection element made of a steel and / or plastic, be formed in particular of a polymer. This has the advantage that the container together with the wall projection element can be sterilized before use, so that a medium which is filled, for example, into the container interior of the container and can partially flow into the sample volume partially surrounded by the wall projection, in particular not contaminated with microbiological material. Sterilization may be done prior to the first and last use of a disposable container, particularly a disposable bioreactor, or sterilization may be performed before and after or between each use of a reusable bioreactor.

The invention also relates to a sensor attachment device for attaching at least one sensor or a sensor device or an element of a sensor device relative to a sensor region of a wall projection of a container from an outer side of the container wherein the sensor attachment device

a receiving device or holder or fixing comprises for receiving or for holding or fixing the sensor or the detector or the sensor device or the element of a sensor device for detecting at least one variable or a parameter of one in a container -Interior of the container contained medium; and

- Can be mounted by means of a recess or bulge relative to or on the Wandungsvorsprung, such that at least a portion of the Wandungsvorsprungs and at least a portion of the medium, and a portion of the sample volume for the detection or measurement of the size by the sensor area , In particular the optical element, preferably the window is positioned by means of the sensor within the recess.

For example, a sensor attachment device may be used universally for affixing or fixing or mounting at least one sensor or a plurality of sensors or a detector or a sensor device or an element of a sensor device to sensor areas of wall projections of a plurality of containers. For example, at the sensor attachment device, a sensor may be permanently attached or at least fixed for a period of time, wherein the sensor attachment device is first for detecting a variable, in particular a physical and / or chemical and / or biological size is attached to a wall projection of a first container and then attached after the detection for re-detection of a size on a wall projection of a second container. Thus, successively by means of a sensor attachment device with a sensor and a measuring system, a size of a series of containers or processes or media can be monitored.

According to one aspect, the sensor attachment device is designed to attach at least one optical sensor or detector and / or a light guide relative to a sensor region, such that the size is determined by means of an optical method, in particular an optical spectroscopy can be detected.

According to one aspect, the sensor attachment device is designed to arrange light guides and / or sensors, for example two light guides or a light guide and a sensor, relative to one another in such a way that a transmissive and / or a reflective beam path arrangement arises or arises.

It has a particularly advantageous effect if optical fibers and / or sensors on the sensor attachment device are fixed relative to one another in such a way that a pre-aligned or permanently fixed beam path is provided and measurements are carried out under the same conditions or adjustment conditions over a relatively long period of time can. This is particularly advantageous for background measurements and comparisons of measurement data and calibrations. In addition, it may also be that such a beam path, in particular a transmissive and / or reflective, is also finely adjustable, such that beam paths can be adapted substantially reversibly.

For the case in which a reflective beam path arrangement is provided, it is possible, for example, to transmit or radiate a light from a light source, for example, through a light guide, into the medium by a single sensor area, in particular an optical element. On a reflective and / or scattering element, the light in the container interior of the container can then be reflected back and / or scattered back, pass the sensor area and be detected by a detector and / or a light guide of a detector.

For the case in which there is a transmissive beam path arrangement, for example by a first sensor area, in particular a first optical element, preferably a first window light from a light source can be transmitted into the medium, for example through a light guide, and after passing through a part the medium in the container interior of the container, a second sensor region, in particular a second optical element, preferably a second window pass and are detected by a detector and / or a light guide of a detector.

Alternatively, one beam path may be transmissive with respect to a part of the beam or with respect to a part of the cross-sectional area of the light beam and be reflective with respect to the other part of the beam. For example, a second sensor region for a transmissive beam path arrangement may be half covered by a mirror, so that a part of the beam or with respect to a part of the cross-sectional surface of the light beam follows a reflective beam path arrangement.

In particular, absorption measurements can be carried out by means of a transmissive or a reflective beam path arrangement. The reflective beam path arrangement makes it possible that the optical path is extended by the medium substantially opposite to the transmissive beam path arrangement.

In one aspect, the sensor attachment device is configured to be mounted relative to a flow cell or a bypass, such that by means of a sensor attached to the sensor attachment device by a sensor region, in particular by an optical element, preferably a window of the flow cell, a (physical and / or chemical and / or biological) variables of a medium flowing therein or stored therein or can be detected or measured.

In particular, the sensor mounting device is universally and modularly usable such that the sensor mounting device is designed to be relatively to be attached to or attached to wall projections of various containers and / or different flow cells or stored or fixed. In particular, a plurality of wall projections and wall projection elements are formed uniformly, such that, for example, wall projections on different containers have the same shape and / or the same shape as a portion of a flow cell, which has a sensor area, in particular an optical element, preferably a window. In this way, a universal plug connection between sensor attachment device and wall projection and / or flow cell can be formed. It can be assumed that a wall projection can accommodate a sensor attachment device. Alternatively, it can also be assumed that a sensor attachment device can accommodate a wall projection or a flow cell.

It may be that the container with the wall projection is not moved substantially at the step of attaching the sensor attachment device relative to the Wandungsvorsprung, whereas the sensor attachment device, for example, plugged onto the Wandungsvorsprung or infected to the Wandungsvorsprung. This is the case in particular or preferred when the container is particularly large and / or heavy and / or fixed in place. Then, the case may be considered where it is assumed that a wall projection receives a sensor mounting device. Alternatively, in the attachment step, a sensor attachment device is substantially not moved relative to the wall projection or the flow cell or the bypass, whereas the container with the wall projection or the bypass has to be moved relative to the sensor attachment device. Then, the case may be applicable where a sensor attachment device receives a wall projection or a bypass.

It may be that a sensor is first picked up by a sensor attachment device or a sensor is first attached to a sensor attachment device and subsequently the sensor attachment device with the sensor relative to or on the wall projection attached or stored or fixed. Alternatively, the sensor attachment device may first be mounted without a sensor relative to or on the wall projection and then the sensor is received by the sensor attachment device or the sensor is attached to the sensor attachment device is stored or fixed. It may also be in this case that the sensor attachment device is permanently stored relative to or on the wall projection in order to repeatedly store and / or fix or attach different or multiple sensors.

The invention also relates to a method for detecting or measuring or detecting at least one size, in particular a physical and / or chemical and / or biological size; or a parameter; or a state of a medium contained in a container interior of a container comprising the steps:

Arranging or attaching, in particular by gluing or welding on or integrally forming a wall projection on a container wall of the container;

- At least partially surrounding or enclosing the container interior and the medium through the Wandungsvorsprung;

Providing or arranging or attaching at least one sensor region, in particular at least one optical element, preferably a window and / or access to the wall projection;

- Attachment of an outer side of the container, in particular by means of a sensor-attachment device, at least one sensor or a detector or a sensor device, in particular an optical sensor relative to at least one wall projection; and

- Detecting the size, in particular the physical and / or chemical and / or biological size of the medium, in particular by means of an optical method, preferably by means of an optical spectroscopy, through the sensor region by means of the sensor.

In the context of the present invention, containers are in particular containers for mixing, storing and / or transporting, as well as bioreactors or Container as part of bioreactors and fermenters, but also understood vessels, canisters and containers for storage of buffer solutions. A bioreactor or fermenter may comprise or constitute a container. The container may also be, for example, a mixing tank or container, a storage container, a bottle, a canister or a food tank. The container may also be containers in which chemical material is stored, transported and / or processed, and a container may also be a laboratory chemical apparatus such as a column vessel for column chromatography, a vessel or an element such as a still. Such a container may be disposable or reusable. A container may in particular be formed at least partially from plastic. Alternatively, a container may also be formed at least partially from a metal, in particular steel. Furthermore, a container may be formed at least partially of glass.

Containers, such as bioreactors, mixing systems and pellet tanks, essentially serve to receive, store and mix biological media, e.g. Fluids and / or solids and / or gases. Biological media may be stored in containers such as e.g. Be bags, in particular provided in plastic bags, which may comprise a volume of several hundred liters. The biological media can preferably be introduced into the bioreactor within such a bag, in which they can be stored, tempered and / or mixed. In such a bioreactor, different studies can be made on the biological medium.

In the context of the present invention, in particular liquids, gases, suspensions, dispersions, buffers and / or cell culture broths are considered as medium or media. Media may also include solids such as powders, pressed pellets, particles, granules, and mixtures thereof. A medium may accordingly comprise different constituents with the same or different state of aggregation, for example an emulsion or a dispersion. A wall projection element may comprise a wall recess but at least one wall projection. The wall projection may be attached to a container wall, or may be configured to be attached to a container wall. The Wandungsvorsprung element forms with the container wall an outer shell, which surrounds the enclosed volume or the container inner volume or the container interior of the container, which may be filled with the medium, at least partially and in particular completely surrounds or includes. It may also be that the wall projection with the container wall forms a shell. The shell or wall formed by the container wall and the Wandungsvorsprung element or the Wandungsvorsprung separates or isolates the container interior, which corresponds to the container inner volume and the container inside of an outside, so in that a medium or a content which is located on the container interior or in the container interior is at least partially substantially isolated or separated from the outside.

The volume substantially surrounded by the wall projection element, in particular the sample volume, is in contact or fluid or fluid exchange with the volume substantially surrounded by the container wall, for example by means of an opening. For example, a gap partially surrounded by the wall projection opens toward the container interior. Alternatively, the volume substantially surrounded by the wall projection element, in particular the sample volume, can be temporarily isolated from the volume essentially surrounded by the container wall, for example by means of an externally operable shutter or a flap.

The wall projection may comprise two substantially mutually parallel projection walls. A protrusion wall may include a sensor region, resulting in the protrusion wall being divided into a sensor region portion that substantially represents the sensor region and a wall portion that is substantially a wall that does not include the sensor region. The wall projection can, for example, essentially and at least partially be formed from a plastic, glass or metal. The wall projection further comprises one or more sensor regions, wherein a sensor region represents an access, in particular an optical access for an optical sensor, preferably an optical element, such as a window, a prism, a pinhole and / or a diffusely reflecting and / or scattering surface , In other words, a sensor area may initially be generally understood as an access. In particular, a sensor region provides access for an optical sensor. Preferably, a sensor region, in particular an optical element, preferably a window, is characterized in that it is essentially or at least partially transparent to a spectral region or wavelength range of an electromagnetic radiation. In particular, a sensor area is designed to seal the inside of the container or the inside volume of a container, which corresponds to the container interior, from the outside in a sealed manner. Alternatively, a sensor area may also include or depict an opening between the container interior and exterior.

For example, a sensor region may be substantially or at least partially formed of a plastic or glass or other material which is substantially transparent or transparent to a spectral region. Preferably, a sensor region is transparent or transparent for a light of a broad, in particular at least partially visible, wavelength or frequency spectrum. However, alternatively or additionally, the sensor region may also be transparent for light having wavelengths and / or a wavelength range in the invisible wavelength spectrum, for example for infrared and / or ultraviolet light. For example, a sensor region of silicon would be substantially transparent to light of infrared wavelengths, but not light of visible wavelengths. For example, a glass sensor area would be transparent to visible light but not parts of the ultraviolet light. The wall projection can therefore for example be formed from a plastic and comprise a sensor region made of glass, in particular of quartz glass. Alternatively, however, the wall projection and the sensor area may also be formed entirely of glass so that the material of the wall projection does not differ from the material of the sensor area. In other words, one can Sensor region, in particular an optical element, preferably a window, for example, at least partially transparent to light in the infrared, visible, and / or ultraviolet spectral range, in particular for thermal radiation.

The term "visible wavelength range" refers to the wavelengths of light that are substantially visible to a human, particularly between about 380 nm to 780 nm. The term invisible wavelength range refers to the wavelengths of light that are substantially invisible to a human, for example Wavelengths shorter than about 380 nm or longer than 780 nm. The term light used here is not limited to the visible spectral range, but rather relates to electromagnetic radiation in general.

Therefore, according to one aspect, the wall projection comprises at least one sensor area, which is in particular designed to be exchanged on the wall projection.

This is particularly advantageous when a sensor area is damaged or is damaged, so that the damaged sensor area can be replaced by a new sensor area, or if a measurement would require a transparency of a sensor area in another predetermined wavelength range compared to a previous other measurement.

According to one aspect, a wall projection comprises projection walls which, at least in sections, have an extension which projects in the direction of the inside of the container, that is to say into the container or into the interior of the container. The extensions protrude into the container interior and jump from the inside of the Wandungsvorsprungs out. A wall projection thus comprises projecting walls which project onto the container inner side or into the container interior. Alternatively, a protrusion of the container wall can also protrude in the direction of the inside.

By means of an extension of a projection wall, a material flow or a flow of the medium, in particular triggered by stirring or stirring of the Medium within the container, preferably on the inside of the container wall influenced, in particular slowed down and / or distracted. The flow into the sample volume of the gap-shaped wall projection can thus be reduced or calmed. In particular, a medium within the sample volume may substantially come to a standstill, although a stirrer stirs most of the medium within the container.

The material of the wall projection may be designed such that ambient light is shielded or attenuated. This can be done, for example, for the UV-Vis range by choosing a dark material. The shielding can be influenced by increasing the material wall thickness.

A container may be a component of a bioreactor and / or a fermenter. For example, a container may also be part of a food tank or food keg or a silo or a store. Monitoring may be used to check the quality of the medium contained in the tank. For example, cow's milk may be in a tank whose quality is to be monitored during storage and / or transportation. Also, the container may be part of a beer or wine barrel or a wine or sparkling wine bottle for bottle fermentation. The container may be configured to monitor the fermentation process of the beverage.

A container may also be part of a laboratory device, in particular a chemical laboratory device. For example, a container may be a column for column chromatography. -

According to one aspect, the wall projection, in particular the gap and / or the sample volume, comprises a channel or a channel-shaped volume, which is enclosed or surrounded at least partially by a channel guide and / or a guide plate or guide section. The channel is configured to guide a moving medium from a channel input to a channel output in a current direction. The medium can flow through the sample volume, for example when the medium is stirred or mixed. In other words, a wall projection comprises a flow channel or channel projecting into the container or bioreactor interior space for collecting medium from the container interior and for conducting the medium through the channel and substantially through the sample volume. In particular, a medium flows through the channel when the medium is mixed or agitated or agitated by a stirring device in the container interior.

The advantage of a channel is that at least part of a medium, which is moved in particular by means of a stirring device through the container, can be "captured" by a channel opening and guided in a predetermined flow direction through the channel. In this way, the medium in the sample volume can be efficiently exchanged, which is desirable, for example, when a process is taking place within the container and a representative sample in the sample volume is to be examined.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments shown in FIGS. Individual features shown in the figures may be combined with other embodiments unless they are mutually exclusive. The same reference numerals designate the same or similar components of the embodiments. Show it:

1 shows a schematic side view of a bioreactor with a wall projection and optical measuring device according to an embodiment; 2a is a schematic side view of the cross section of a bioreactor with Wandungsvorsprung and optical measuring device according to another embodiment;

2b is a schematic enlarged side detail view of the cross section of the Wandungsvorsprungs on a container wall according to the Fig. 2a;

3a is a schematic detail view of a Wandungsvorsprungs with two sensor areas and transmissive beam path arrangement.

3b is a schematic detail view of a Wandungsvorsprungs with a sensor area and reflective beam path arrangement.

3c is a schematic detail view of a Wandungsvorsprungs with a sensor area, a reflective beam path arrangement, an access and a pH sensor;

4 shows a schematic cross-section of a bioreactor with stirring element, wall projection, Wandungsausbuchtung and optical measuring device according to one embodiment.

5 shows a schematic cross section of a disposable bag or bioreactor with a wall projection, a wall bulge and an optical measuring device according to one embodiment;

6 shows a schematic cross section of a disposable bag or bioreactor with stirring element, wall projection, Wandungsausbuchtung and optical measuring device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 7a is a detail of a side view of a Wandungsvorsprungelementes with Wandungsvorsprung, Wan ungsausbuchtung and sensor attachment device according to an embodiment;

7b shows a schematic cross section of a side view of a wall projection with Wandungsvorsprungelement, Wandungsausbuchtung and sensor attachment device according to one embodiment, and a connection point between a Behäiterwandung and a Wandungsvorsprung- element according to an embodiment;

8 shows a schematic frontal view of a bioreactor with a wall projection and wall recess inclined with respect to the width axis of the container, according to an embodiment;

9 shows a schematic detail view of a wall projection with two sensor areas and transmissive beam path arrangement, as well as an extension of the projection walls of the wall projection according to an embodiment;

10a is a perspective view of a Wandungsvorsprung element with a baffle according to an embodiment;

10b is a view from the inside of Wandungsvorsprung-element of Fig. 10a with a baffle according to one embodiment.

Fig. 10c is a sectional view taken along line A-A through the wall projection member with a baffle of Fig. 10b according to one embodiment from above;

11a is a perspective view of a Wandungsvorsprung element with a channel guide according to an embodiment; Fig. 11b is a view from the inside of the wall projection element of Fig. 11a with a channel guide according to one embodiment;

Fig. 11c is a view of a section along the line A-A through the

Wandungsvorsprung element with a channel guide of Fig. 11 b according to one embodiment from above.

1 is a side view of a container 1 forming part of a bioreactor according to one embodiment (as an exemplary embodiment of a container having at least one wall projection for the attachment of at least one sensor) to a mixing system or a stirring element 3. Preferably, at least the container 1 is designed for disposable use and, in particular, the container is a disposable bag. Alternatively, the container 1 may also be a reusable container, for example a steel tank. In addition, the container does not necessarily have to be part of a bioreactor.

The bioreactor comprises in addition to the container 1 and the stirring element 3, which can be understood as a mixing system or stirring, also a three-phase motor 10 as a three-phase machine for the stirring element 3. The stirring element 3 is adapted to mix a medium 8 in the container 1 and stir , The medium 8 may comprise a fluid, in particular a liquid and / or a solid and / or a gas and may in particular be formed as a fluid mixture and / or a solid mixture, or as a mixture of at least one fluid and at least a solid.

The container 1 according to the embodiment shown is penetrated by a stirring shaft 9 of the stirring element 3, which is arranged on the container inside I of the container 1 and the container 1 from one end to an opposite end, that of a container cover 1 "to a Container bottom 1 ', completely penetrated along the longitudinal axis LA2 of the container 1. The longitudinal axis LA2 of the container 1 extends substantially along or parallel to the height of the container from the container bottom V to the container ceiling 1 "and parallel to the z-axis of the coordinate system shown , The bioreactor further has a drive device 2, which is arranged outside of the container 1. The stirring element 3 or the stirring shaft 9 is coupled to the drive device 2. The stirring shaft 9 of the stirring element 3 is substantially rod-shaped. The stirring shaft 9 is arranged substantially completely inside (on the container inner side I) of the container 1. In the embodiment, the stirring shaft 9 is mounted on a drive-side support 6 and on an abutment 7. The drive-side bearing 6 is arranged directly adjacent to the drive device 2, while the counter bearing 7 is arranged on the opposite side of the drive device 2 of the container 1. A plurality of stirring extensions 5, which are designed to move about an axis of rotation of the stirring element 3 when the stirring shaft 9 rotates, and when the container 1 is filled with a medium 8, mix the medium 8 during mixing. The container interior 22 on the inside I of the container 1 may be completely or partially filled with a medium 8. In particular, the container 1 can be at least partially filled with a medium 8 at the time of a measurement.

The container 1 of a bioreactor 1 and / or the bioreactor may alternatively be without stirring element 3, agitator shaft 9, drive device 2, drive-side mounting 6 and counter-bearing 7, in particular without any element, which can serve for mixing of the medium 8, be designed.

On the container wall 4 of the container 1 is a Wandungsvorsprung 20, which extends over a length L. The length L of the wall projection 20 extends essentially along a longitudinal axis LAi of the wall projection 20, which in the embodiment essentially has an angle a of 90 ° to the longitudinal axis LA2 of the container 1. The longitudinal axis LA1 also extends substantially parallel to the y-axis of the coordinate system shown.

Preferably, the container 1 is formed with the wall projection 20 in two combined or glued or welded pieces of container 1 and wall projection member 20 '. In the case, the two pieces are respectively comprising the container 1 and the wall projection 20 or the Wandungsvorsprung element 20 'with the Wandungsvorsprung 20 combined, assembled, glued and / or -schweißbar if they have not been combined to form an object. The wall projection member 20 'includes the wall projection 20, and a portion 20b for attaching the wall projection member 20' to the container 1. The wall projection member 20 'is formed by the portion 20b for attaching the wall projection member 20' to the container 1 or arranged on the container wall 4 of the container 1 or attached or attachable. The container wall 4 has an opening or a hole which is sealed and covered by the attachment of the Wandungsvorsprung- element 20 'or the Wandungsvorsprungs 20. The opening in the container wall 4 allows the entire container interior 22, that is to say the sample volume V, to be connected to the remaining container interior 22 and to be in contact. Thus, a material exchange or exchange of a medium 8 in both subspaces of the container interior 22 take place.

The wall projection 20 may be formed, for example, in the same thickness or layer thickness as the container wall 4 and at least partially surround at least part of the container interior 22. The wall projection 20 may also be formed in a different thickness or wall thickness or layer thickness than the remaining container wall 4. For example, the wall projection 20 may substantially at least partially have a thinner wall thickness or thickness than the remaining container wall 4, for example half or a third less. Alternatively, the wall projection 20 can substantially also at least partially have a thicker wall thickness or thickness than the remaining container wall 4, for example half or one third more. Also, the wall projection 20 'comprising the wall projection 20 may substantially have at least partially or partially reinforced and / or thicker wall than the container wall 4th

The wall ungsvorsprung 20 at least partially surrounds a sample volume. In the embodiment shown, the sample volume V is formed as a gap S or a gap-shaped volume. The wall projection 20 projects from the container wall 4 in the direction of the outside A away. The stand out Wall projection 20 and its two projection walls 28 substantially at a right angle to the container wall 4 and also at a right angle to the walls of the portion 20b for attaching the Wandungsvorsprung- element 20 on the container 1 from. The two projection walls 28 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis LAi of Wandungsvorsprungs 20, wherein the container wall 4 extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis LA2 of the container 1.

A curved arrow on the wall projection 20 on the inside of the container I indicates that a medium 8 can at least partially flow or run through the sample volume V, in particular the gap S. In other words, the concrete embodiment ensures that a medium 8 (in particular liquid and / or gas) located in the container 1 can flow into or out of the sample volume V and / or out of it.

The container interior 22 comprises the sample volume V and is connected to this in particular via an opening. The container interior 22 without the sample volume V is referred to as the remaining container interior 22. If the container interior 22 is sufficiently filled with the medium 8, the medium 8 is also located in the sample volume V, in particular in the gap-shaped sample volume V, in such a way that the wall projection 20 also at least partly surrounds a part of the medium 8 or at least partially. In other words, the medium 8 can fill a sample volume V, in particular a gap S, or flow into a gap S. In particular, in the case where the medium 8 is substantially mixed, for example, by means of the stirring element 3 in the container interior 22, a flow or a flow of the medium 8 can also flow or run through the sample volume V. Thus, a medium 8 in the sample volume V, in particular in the gap S, can be exchanged essentially temporarily or constantly or permanently with a medium 8 from the remaining container space 22. If a process, in particular a chemical, a biological and / or biochemical process takes place within the container 1, it can therefore be ensured that a representative part of the medium 8 from the container interior 22 is located within the sample volume V and a spatially inhomogeneous one -flowing process can be substantially avoided. The wall projection 20 illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises two sensor regions 23, each sensor region 23 being attached to one of the two parallel long projection walls 28, so that the sensor regions 23 also face each other in a substantially parallel manner. From at least one of the two sides of the projection walls 28, a measuring access (in particular optical access) can thus be provided by means of the sensor regions 23 to the medium 8 in the container interior 22, in particular in the sample volume V and preferably a gap-shaped sample volume V. The sensor area 23 or measuring access (eg an optical access) is or comprises an optical element, preferably a window 23 '. Alternatively, in general, a window 23 'could also be replaced by another optical element, such as a lens, a prism, a filter, an iris, and / or a pinhole. The window 23 'is essentially given by its at least partial transparency for light or electromagnetic waves with a certain or determinable wavelength spectrum and is essentially not limited to the transparency for visible light. It is also possible that a sensor area 23 is transparent not to visible light but substantially to a light of another invisible wavelength (eg in the infrared range). This may be advantageous, for example, if the process or the medium 8 in the container 1 is sensitive to visible light but nevertheless quantities, in particular physical and / or chemical and / or biological quantities of the medium 8 are to be detected by optical measurements. For example, in this case, a sensor region / 23 may be formed at least partially from silicon, which is transparent to infrared radiation, but substantially intransparent for visible radiation or has a significantly reduced transparency or permeability (eg less than approximately 10%). However, it is also possible for the sensor region 23, in particular the window 23 ', to be at least partially substantially transparent to light of a substantially visible spectrum and at least partially to light of a substantially invisible spectrum. The term window 23 'accordingly comprises a substantially translucent planar element with a correspondingly transparent surface. Two, in particular, opposite windows 23 'can be designed and / or manufactured as two separate elements. Alternatively, two windows 23 'may also be integrally formed, that is to say manufactured in a coherent element. In other words For example, two or more windows 23 'need not be made separately, but may be one piece. In particular, the wall projection 20 may be formed essentially of a transparent material and thus naturally have the properties of the windows.

Preferably, as previously mentioned, the term "sensor area 23" means a window 23 'if it is a sensor area 23 for detecting optical magnitudes by means of an optical sensor device 21. Alternatively or additionally, a sensor region 23 may also include or represent an access and / or an opening.

Relative to the wall projection 20 shown in FIG. 1, a sensor or a sensor device 21 can be attached or attached from the outside A or from the outside. In the embodiment, the sensor device 21 comprises a light guide 24 or an optical fiber, an optical fiber coupling-in section 24a, as well as a sensor unit, which is represented by a spectrometer 25 in FIG. In this regard, it can be assumed that a light guide 24 or optical waveguide substantially corresponds to an optical fiber. An optical beam path or a light path or a path followed by a light through the sensor regions 23 and the sample volume filled with at least part of the medium 8 is shown in FIG. 1 as a transmissive beam path arrangement T. On an opposite side of the sensor device 21, according to the embodiment corresponding to the drawing, an optical fiber coupling-out section 24b is shown with a further optical fiber 24, which is also referred to as an optical waveguide. This optical fiber coupling-out section 24b can serve, for example, as a light source, by which a light of a predetermined or predeterminable spectrum is coupled out and sent into or through the sensor region 23 and the sample volume. For example, the light may at least partially interact with the medium 8 in the sample volume V in such a way that it is at least partially absorbed, in particular by excitation of the molecules of the medium 8.

Preferably, a light or a (preferably collinear) light bundle runs essentially along or at least partially parallel to a beam path axis SG through the sample volume V, as indicated in FIG. A Beam path axis SG can be defined by the course of a light beam, wherein the beam path axis SG extends substantially centrally or centrally within the cross-sectional area of the light beam substantially along the propagation direction of the light beam. By way of example, such a beam path axis SG is depicted in FIG. 1 in order to indicate the possible course or the propagation axis or directions of a light beam. For this purpose, the optical fiber coupling-in and coupling-out sections 24a, 24b are arranged on the wall projection 20 such that a light beam emerging from the optical fiber coupling-out section 24b substantially along or at least parallel to the beam path axis SG through the sample volume V and the Gap S and the sensor regions 23 or window 23 'propagates or runs, in order then to be at least partially detected or captured by the optical fiber coupling-in section 24a or to be coupled into the optical fiber coupling-in section 24a. In essence, the beam path axis SG, and thus the propagation direction of a light beam, runs essentially parallel on the outside A to an adjacent container wall 4 of the container 1.

Instead of a bioreactor as shown in FIG. 1, it could also be a food tank, pellet tank, storage tank, mixing tank or other container.

Fig. 2a shows in a side view an embodiment of a bioreactor with its container 1, wherein the bioreactor is a disposable bioreactor and the container 1 is a "single use" or disposable container. The bioreactor thus comprises a container 1 and a mixing system for at least partial disposable use. The bioreactor comprises a stirring element 3, a stirring shaft 9 and a stirring extension 5. In this case, the stirring device or the stirring element 3 may for example be at least partially also suitable for reusable use, whereas the container 1 and essentially the outer skin or the skin Container wall 4 suitable for disposable use and / or provided. It is also possible that the stirring device or the stirring element 3 is completely designed for disposable use or use. The disposable container 1 may essentially be a plastic bag, for example, stored and / or suspended within another rigid container, for example a tank and / or a scaffold can be.

In other words, at least the outer skin or the container wall 4 of the bioreactor, which at least partially shields or separates the container inner space I from the outer side A, can at least partially shield a plastic, in particular a soft one Plastic or "soft plastic" or a particularly flexible plastic include. Particularly conceivable are flexible PVC, polyolefin, polyethylene, polycarbonate, cyclo-olefin copolymer, co-polyester and / or polystyrene. Furthermore, the container 1 may be formed of a single-layer or multi-layered plastic, which is in particular resistant or stable against beta or gamma radiation. In general, the container interior 22 of a container 1 may represent a closed system, which may be preferred in particular in anaerobic processes and / or in the absence of light irradiation. In the absence of light radiation, furthermore, the container wall 4 may be partially and substantially non-transparent (eg with less than about 10% transmission) for light in all spectral regions or at least for light of a certain spectral range and at least part of the wavelength spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, in particular of the filter out or absorb visible spectrum.

A disposable container 1 may be quite sensitive or sensitive to mechanical influences under certain circumstances. For example, attempting to remove a sample and / or monitor a process by means of a measurement may cause the disposable container 1 to be damaged, for example, by accidental crushing and / or piercing. A, as shown schematically in Fig. 2a wall projection 20 for mounting a sensor or detector, a sensor device 21 or more sensor devices 21 may be particularly advantageous for dealing with a disposable container 1 and its contained in the container interior 22 medium 8 when sizes, in particular physical and / or chemical and / or biological quantities of the medium 8 are to be detected. In particular, the essentially non-invasive process control which is made possible results in that the medium 8 in the container interior 22 is essentially not contaminated, for example with materials harmful to the process flow from the outside, in particular microbiological substances and / or oxygen.

A disposable container or bag 1 schematically illustrated in FIG. 2 a may be designed such that the outer skin or the container wall 4 bulges at least partially outwards or towards the outer side A when the container interior 22 is at least partially is filled with a medium 8. At least the container wall 4 can behave flexibly and / or stretchably and / or bag-like when filling and / or emptying the contained medium 8. This property makes it particularly difficult to handle in monitoring a running in the container interior 22 process by detecting sizes of the medium 8. For this reason, it is particularly preferred that a rigid or dimensionally stable wall projection 20 attached to the container wall 4 or arranged or is attached. The wall projection 20 may, for example, be part of a wall projection element 20 ', and / or be mounted on a wall projection element 20'. The wall projection element 20 'is preferably designed rigidly or dimensionally stable. The wall projection element 20 ', which comprises the wall projection 20, can therefore be attached or arranged, in particular glued and / or welded, to the container wall 4 of a disposable container. For this purpose, the wall projection element 20 'may comprise a section which at least partially mimics or predetermines a shape of the container wall 4 so that a shape-continuous transition between the container wall 4 and the wall projection element 20' results after the attachment. It is preferred that the wall projection 21 'is integrally formed with the wall projection 20, for example by welding, casting and / or 3D printing techniques. The disposable container 1 may alternatively also be formed integrally with the wall projection 20 as a whole.

The Wandungsvorsprung element 20 'and in particular the Wandungsvorsprung 20 is preferably at least partially made of a so-called "hard plastic" or a stiffer or more dimensionally stable plastic, in particular a (fusible) thermoplastic or from a (non-meltable) thermoset, such as a synthetic resin formed. In particular, the plastic can be sterilized, for example by means of beta or gamma radiation. In general, the material used for the production a container 1 or for producing a reusable or disposable bioreactor by means of thermal sterilization, by steam sterilization, by means of hot air sterilization, by means of chemical and / or physical sterilization (eg beta or gamma irradiation) be sterilized.

The dimensionally stable design of the wall projection 20 can ensure that a sample volume V, which can be filled with the medium 8 from the container interior 22, always maintains a substantially constant value. This favors the comparison of quantities or parameters which are measured continuously or sporadically over a longer period of time, since no corrections due to a (possibly unknown) layer thickness change must be taken into account. In this way, especially at the beginning of the recording of data or the acquisition of quantities, a background measurement or a calibration can take place, which can be regarded as valid over the entire period of the data acquisition.

As shown schematically in FIG. 2 a in accordance with the embodiment shown, the disposable container or bag 1 has a non-strictly predefined shape curved outwards or towards the outside A, whereas the wall projection 20 has an at least partially well-defined contour or Form has. It is easy to imagine how cumbersome handling of such a container 1 without a wall projection 20 can make when acquiring sizes of the content or the medium 8. In particular, an exact reproducible alignment of optical elements can be cumbersome or even impossible for a disposable container 1 without Wandungsvorsprung 20 but with a mounted in a welding port optics, since weight forces would act through the medium contained 8 on such Einschweißport. Such a weld-in port could, for example, comprise a curvature directed towards the container inner side I, which comprises an opening or an access for a sensor or for a sampling. This would lead to a bulge of the weld-in, which in turn can affect a beam path. For this reason, the wall projection 20 has many advantages over a weld-in port with optical elements. As has already been described for the container 1 in FIG. 1 and not described further here, an identical one is present on the wall projection 20 on the outside A. Sensor device 21 as shown in Fig. 1, wherein by means of a transmissive beam path arrangement T by two sensor areas 23, a process monitoring can be carried out by means of an optical method. Thus, the proposed embodiment with an outwardly extending wall projection 20 is advantageous because they are particularly stable, in particular dimensionally stable

Weight forces of the medium 8 may be formed within a container 1. In this way it can essentially be prevented that a volume or sample volume V to be examined changes, in particular with regard to its size and / or shape, or bulges and / or deforms by forces. For this reason, the embodiment described can essentially ensure or enable a sample volume V to be examined repeatedly under particularly constant conditions, in particular optically. This can for example presuppose and in particular be ensured by the embodiment that an optical beam path or an optical path or a path that a light, for example a laser beam, in particular along the beam path axis SG through the

Sample volume V decreases, is particularly stable or constant. Furthermore, it is ensured in particular by the outward curvature that the (direct or indirect) coupling or attachment of the sensor device 21 is simply ensured. In particular, by the one or more sensor regions 23 accessible from the outside or from the side, which are windows 23 'in the embodiment, a corresponding measurement is ensured in a particularly simple manner.

Wall protrusion element 20 'may be broadly understood as a port, or include a port, wherein a port is characterized by comprising elements which are suitable as means for mounting a sensor attachment device 30 relative to wall protrusion 20 to store or fasten. Preferably, a Wandungsvorsprung 20 in an attached state has a bearing clearance. The optical path or optical beam geometry is thus essentially defined only by the sensor attachment device 30, as well as by the geometry and composition of the wall projection 20 and almost independent of forces acting on the port. This can be an advantage for convenient, easy and proper use if a manufacturer already makes the adjustment can make the sale of a sensor attachment device 30 and the user needs to attach the sensor attachment device 30 only to the wall projection element 20 'or relative to the wall projection 20 in order to carry out a measurement or make.

In particular, in this case, the process of attaching the sensor attachment device 30 to the wall projection 20 'may prove to be particularly straightforward and simple. The adjustment of the optics or the beam geometry on the sensor attachment device 30 can be done before attachment. In particular, an optical fiber coupling-in or coupling-out section 24a, 24b can simply be clipped or clamped to the port or the wall projection element 20 ', preferably by means of the sensor attachment device 30. The attachment of the optical fibers 24 or the optical fiber coupling-in or coupling-out sections 24a, 24b to the sensor attachment device 30 can also be carried out before or after the attachment of the sensor attachment device 30 to the container 1.

Also in FIG. 2a, a beam path axis SG, along which substantially a light bundle propagates, is indicated. Preferably, this beam path axis SG extends substantially parallel on or to the outside A to the adjacent container wall 4, but it may also be that the container wall 4, as indicated in Fig. 2a, has a curvature to the outside, which leads to the beam path axis SG at least partially not parallel to the container wall 4 runs. Nevertheless, it is preferred that the beam path axis SG and thus the propagation direction of a light beam extend substantially perpendicular to and / or through the gap S, the projection walls 28 and the sensor regions 23 or windows 23 '. As already mentioned, an advantage of this embodiment is therefore in particular that a wall projection 20 is formed particularly dimensionally stable, whereas the container wall 4 can deform and / or buckle. This causes that a beam path axis SG can be set stable and / or reversible and can be given particularly stable measurement conditions.

Fig. 2b is an enlarged detail view of the wall projection 20. The wall projection member 20 'includes the wall projection 20 and a portion 20b for attaching the wall projection member 20' to the container 1. The portion 20b may preferably conform to the shape of the container wall 4 or has a substantially rigid shape, which is already adapted to the container wall 4. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2a and 2b, the wall projection 20 comprises two sensor regions 23, which are windows 23 '.

The wall projection 20 with the sample volume V lies substantially outside the radius of curvature of the disposable bag or the curved disposable container 1. In other words, the sample volume V or the gap S and thus the wall projection 20 project from the container wall 4 to the outside , The wall projection 20 at least partially surrounds the sample volume V, which is configured in the form of a gap S. The sample volume V is the volume or space of the container interior 22, which is largely surrounded by the wall projection 20. The sample volume V is separated from the other part of the container interior 22, which is substantially surrounded by the container wall 4, by an imaginary contour line IKi (dotted line in Fig. 2b). The imaginary contour line IKi is essentially the extension of the container wall contour or the connecting line between the lines of the container wall contour, wherein the container wall contour is the contour of the container wall without wall ungsvorsprung 20. Thus, the container wall contour does not include the contour of the wall projection 20. As previously mentioned, this defines the sample volume V, which is located outside the imaginary contour line IKi.

If a wall projection element 20 'comprises a wall recess 20a, on the other hand, the imaginary contour line IKi is defined by the contour of the wall recess 20a. The imaginary contour line IKi is then essentially the extension of the contour of the wall bulge 20a or the connecting line between the contour lines of the wall bulge 20a, wherein the contour of the wall bulge 20a does not include the contour of the wall projection 20.

A wall projection element 20 'in each case comprises a wall projection 20. Wall projection element 20' may further comprise a wall recess 20a. In addition, wall projection Element 20 'comprise a portion 20b for attaching the wall projection element 20 to the container 1. In particular, a wall projection element 20 'and preferably a mounting section 20b may also comprise part of an element connection EV. For example, a portion of the element connection EV may be a thread that can be screwed into a compatible thread on the container wall 4.

In other words, the sample volume V is that volume of the container interior 22 which extends from the imaginary contour line IKi (dotted line in FIG. 2b) of the contour or imaginary contour line of the container wall 4 or the contour or imaginary contour line of the wall bulge 20a a length L extends along the longitudinal axis LAi with the sample layer thickness Di of the wall projection 20.

An alternative embodiment to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, which is not explicitly shown here, comprises a window 23 'instead of two opposing windows 23' and, opposite, a combination of a window 23 'and a mirror Reflector. For example, the upper wall of the wall projection 20, in particular with respect to the z-direction shown, or the upper projection wall 28 may comprise a window 23 and the lower projection wall 28 may comprise a window 23 'and a mirror and / or reflector. For example, the surface of a window 23 'could at least partially be superimposed by the surface of a reflector, with the reflective side of the reflector pointing in the direction of the opposite window 23'. In this case, measurements under transmission and reflection can be made simultaneously. That is, it can be both a transmissive T and a reflective beam path arrangement. R can be used at the same time. This allows, in particular, that several types of spectroscopy with different optical geometries can be used.

Preferably, the longitudinal axis LAi of a Wandungsvorsprungs 20, as indicated in Fig. 2b, a substantially right angle to the beam path axis SG. This is true for a transmissive T geleichermaßen, as for a reflective beam path arrangement R. Preferably, the longitudinal axis LAi of Wandungsvorsprungs 20, as indicated in Fig. 2b, also at a substantially right angle to the imaginary contour line IKi on. Thus, the imaginary contour line IKi is substantially at least in places parallel to the beam path axis SG.

In FIGS. 3 a to 3 c, three different embodiments of wall projections 20, which are attached to a container wall 4, are shown schematically and in detail in side views. Individual features of different embodiments can be combined with each other unless they are mutually exclusive. Such wall projections 20 may be attached to any container 1, for example to the container wall 4 of a reusable container 1 of a reusable bioreactor or to the container wall 4 of a disposable container 1 of a disposable bioreactor or to the container wall 4 of a drum, a canister , a tank, a food tank, a transport container and / or other than the already mentioned container.

The wall projection 20 of all embodiments surrounds, as is already the case for other embodiments, at least partially a sample volume V, which is defined inter alia by a sample layer thickness Di and a projection length L and with the remaining container interior 22 in contact or Fluid exchange is or is a part of it. In this way, a medium 8 can flow into the sample volume V during filling into the gap S and, in particular, be exchanged with the medium 8 from other positions of the container interior 22. However, there may also be a shutter device (not shown here) which can be operated from the outside and, by operation, isolates and / or separates the sample volume from the remaining container interior 22. This can be advantageous in particular if a measurement or acquisition of variables should not be disturbed by processes within the container 1, for example by a stirring process. It can also be prevented that a process on the inside of the container I beyond the sample volume V is disturbed by the incidence of light through the window 23.

The wall projection 20 shown in FIG. 3a comprises two sensor regions 23, which are likewise designed as windows 23 'and which are at least partially permeable or transparent for electromagnetic radiation. In the Examples of FIGS. 3b and 3c, the wall projection 20 comprises only a single window 23 '. The wall projection 20 illustrated in FIG. 3 a comprises in each case two projection walls 28 which are substantially parallel to one another and have a length which corresponds to the projection length L, if the layer thickness of the wall of the wall projection 20 is disregarded.

The two projection walls 28 and / or sensor regions 23 and / or windows 23 may alternatively also be aligned in a manner not arranged parallel to one another. The advantage of a substantially parallel alignment, in particular of the windows 23 ', is the avoidance of stray light or the reduction of stray light that would result from a non-perpendicular passage of light, i. If the beam path axis SG would include a (substantially) smaller angle than 90 ° with the surface of at least one window 23b.

Fig. 3a shows a schematic detail side view of a particular embodiment of a Wandungsvorsprungs 20, on which from the outer side A by means of a sensor attachment device 30, an optical sensor device 21, in particular an optical fiber coupling-in section 24a and a Lichtleiter- Auskoppelabschnitt 24b for application of optical method are appropriate.

The sensor attachment device 30 preferably has a dimensionally rigid frame or an attachment device body, which is in particular formed at least partially from a metal and / or a dimensionally stable plastic. The sensor attachment device 30 may preferably be reversibly attached to or removed from the wall projection 20, such that the same sensor attachment device 30 is repeatedly or reusably attached to a wall projection 20 and / or wall projections 20 and / or container walls 4 of different containers 1 can be.

Alternatively, the sensor attachment device 30 may be permanently attached to and / or relative to a portion of the wall projection 20 and / or relative to the container wall 4. In particular, in this case, the sensor attachment device 30 may preferably be formed by means of a composite and / or be fixed by means of a screw connection and / or by means of a weld with the container wall 4 or firmly connected.

The sensor attachment device 30 preferably comprises the optical elements of the sensor device 21, in particular comprising optical lenses and / or prisms and / or mirrors and / or particularly preferably optical fibers and / or other beam-guiding elements. If the sensor mounting device 30 does not comprise the said optical elements, it may at least be designed to store such optical elements. The sensor mounting device 30, as well as the optical elements, if included or mounted, essentially define the beam geometry of optical elements of the sensor device 21. In particular, the sensor mounting device 30, as well as the optical elements, defines the beam path axis SA and the geometry of the light beam, respectively the sample volume.

The sensor attachment device 30 can, in particular, support a sensor or a sensor device 21, in particular an optical measuring device, relative to a wall projection 20 such that, as shown in FIG. 3 a, one or more variables can be detected by means of a transmissive beam path arrangement T , For example, by means of an optical fiber outcoupling section 24b or by means of another light source, a light or an electromagnetic radiation, for example in a wavelength spectrum comprising infrared radiation, from the outside through a sensor region 23 in the container interior 22, in particular at least in a portion of Sample volume V sent or blasted.

The sensor attachment device 30 has a recess 33 which, when the sensor attachment device 30 is mounted on the container 1 and / or the wall projection 20, at least partially filled with the Wandungsvorsprung 20 and the sample volume V. In other words, the Sensor attachment device 30 may be mounted relative to the wall projection 20 such that at least a portion of the wall projection 20 and the sample volume V, which may be at least partially filled with a medium 8, within a recess 33 of the sensor Attachment device 30 may be located. In other words, a wall projection 20 and a sample volume V may be at least partially surrounded by a wall of a recess 33 of a sensor attachment device 30.

If the sample volume V is at least partially filled with a medium 8, the electromagnetic radiation in the sample volume V can at least partially substantially interact with the medium 8, in particular the molecules and / or atoms of the medium 8. In this way, for example, the electromagnetic radiation (or the incident light) can at least partially be absorbed and / or scattered by the medium 8. By means of an optical fiber coupling-in section 24a, in turn, the light can be detected, which has passed through the medium 8 or has passed through the medium 8. For example, in the case of infrared spectroscopy, it can be determined by means of an absorption of light or electromagnetic radiation of specific wavelengths, in particular in the infrared spectrum, how high a concentration of a specific molecular species is. This may in turn give an indication of a stage of a process in which the medium 8 is at the time of acquisition of the data or of the quantities or the parameters. Furthermore, it is possible that the at least one sensor region 23 has at least two electrical electrodes which can come into contact with the medium 8 in the container 1, so that a resistance measurement between these electrodes can be carried out in order to determine at least one property of the medium 8 ,

3b shows a schematic detail side view of a particular embodiment of a wall projection 20 with only a single sensor region 23, on which from the outside A by means of a sensor attachment device 30 a (in particular optical) sensor device 21, in particular an optical fiber coupling-in section 24a can be attached. This is in particular a transmissive beam path arrangement T. In addition to the optical fiber coupling-in section 24a, a light source (not shown here) can also be attached to the winding projection 20 or the optical fiber coupling section 24a can be used for coupling and coupling in light serve. In this way, electromagnetic radiation can be irradiated through the sensor region 23 from the outside into at least one section of the sample volume V. Alternatively or additionally, only one sensor of a sensor device 21 or a light guide 24 of a sensor of a sensor device 21 can be mounted relative to the sensor region 23, wherein the sensor of a sensor device 21 is designed, for example, to detect a fluorescence of the medium 8. In that case, the irradiation of light may not be essentially necessary, since fluorescence may have been triggered, for example, by a chemical reaction in the container 1. The light of a fluorescence reaction can then at least partially pass through a window 23 'from the container interior 22 to the outside A, where it can be detected by a sensor of a sensor device 21.

By reflection and / or scattering on at least one reflector 23b and / or scattering elements and / or scattering particles, light, unless it is absorbed by the medium 8, can pass through the sensor region 23 from the container interior 22 or from the sample volume V emerge again and be detected by the optical fiber coupling-in section 24a. For example, on the opposite side of the sensor region 23 on the opposite projection wall 28, a mirror or a reflector 23b or a scattering element may be mounted on the container inner side I, which can reflect back light incident thereon. By means of a light guide 24, the detected light can then be forwarded, for example, to a spectrometer 25, where it can be broken down into its spectral components and analyzed by a computing unit and / or a user, for example. A diffusing element may be a white surface or a diffractive element, such as a grid or other element that can scatter light.

Also in Fig. 3b, a beam path axis SG is indicated. It ^'may be that an incident light or light beam substantially along or parallel to the optical path axis SG or propagated. It may also be that, in particular, a (reflected) light or light bundle runs or propagates substantially along or parallel on its way to a sensor of a sensor device 21 to this beam path axis SG. Also, at least part of a (back) scattered light or light beam can be substantially along or parallel on its way to a sensor of a sensor device 21 to this

Beam path axis SG run or propagate.

Similar to FIG. 3b, FIG. 3c schematically illustrates an embodiment of the wall projection 20 with only one sensor area 23, one reflector 23b and one reflective beam path arrangement R. An optical fiber coupling section 24a is relative to the wall projection 20 and in particular according to this schematic representation the sensor area 23 is arranged. In this depiction, it remains unclear how the attachment is made since no sensor attachment device 30 is shown, yet attachment may be by means of sensor attachment device 30. In addition to the sensor region 23, the wall projection 20 comprises an access 26, which is designed so that a detection of a pH value of the medium 8 from the outside can take place by means of a pH electrode. In particular, the pH electrode 27 may be dependent thereon or may be designed such that a contact must be present between at least one section of the pH electrode 27 and the medium 8 in the container interior 22. This would be the case if at least a portion of the pH electrode 27 passes through the access 26, in particular in the form of an opening from the outside A to the inside of the container I, in particular into the sample volume V. In this way, the pH electrode 27 can be temporarily or permanently attached to the wall projection 20 for detecting quantities, in particular physical quantities, of the medium 8. The pH electrode 27 may include a line 29 or be connected to a line 29, for example, a power line and / or a data line.

Alternatively, a wall projection 20 may also comprise more than two sensor regions 23 and / or more than one access 26. By means of a sensor attachment device 30, only one or a plurality of sensors 21 and / or sections of sensor devices 21 can be mounted relative to the wall projection 20.

A further embodiment, which is not explicitly shown here, essentially comprises a combination of the embodiments according to FIG. 3 a and FIG. 3 b or 3 a and 3 c. According to one embodiment, the Wall projection 20, a reflective element and / or a reflector and / or a mirror 23b and two sensor regions 23, each comprising a window 23 '. The wall projection 20 is designed in the case that a first size or a first parameter can be detected by a first sensor device, which preferably comprises at least one first optical fiber 24, by a reflective beam path arrangement R and a second size or a second parameter by means of a second sensor device, which preferably comprises a second optical fiber 24, can be detected by a transmissive beam path arrangement T. The first size may also be or include the second size. This could be achieved by either one window 23 'being slightly smaller than the other window 23' and instead a reflector 23b occupying the space that the window 23 'would occupy. In addition, the surface of a window from the outside or from the inside with the surface of a mirror and / or a reflector can be superimposed or spatially overlap.

Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-section of a substantially dimensionally stable! trained container 1, for example, a bioreactor. This is a container with stirrer and attached or fiber mounting device or sensor attachment device 30, wherein the fibers or optical fibers 24 are aligned with respect to the Wandungsvorsprungs 20 by means of the sensor attachment device 30 so that sizes of the sample volume V through the Sensor device 21 can be added. Also in this embodiment, a container 1, in particular a disposable container, for example, be formed of a material comprising PVC. However, the container 1 may alternatively be a reusable container, in particular a fermenter, for example formed of a material comprising steel and / or PVC. The bioreactor further comprises a stirring device or a stirring element 3 m | t components, which have already been described in detail for other embodiments. An agitator shaft 9 extends from the container ceiling 1 "to the container bottom V substantially along the longitudinal axis LA2 of the container 1.

The container 1 comprises a Wandungsvorsprung element 20 'which a Wandungsausbuchtung 20 a with a height D 2 and a depth D 3, and a Wandungsvorsprung 20, which extends over a length L to the outside, has. The height D2 of the wall bulge 20a extends substantially along an imaginary contour line IK2 as an extension of the container wall 4 and for delimitation from the wall bulge 20a. The depth D3 of the wall bulge 20a, on the other hand, essentially extends from the imaginary contour line IK2 as an extension of the container wall 4 to the imaginary contour line IK1 for defining the sample volume V of the wall projection 20.

The wall projection 20 further comprises two windows 23, which are arranged parallel to one another substantially with the spacing of the gap-like sample layer thickness Di relative to one another.

On the wall projection 20, a sensor mounting device 30 is mounted by means of an attaching device web 32 and a receiving element 30 'for a sensor mounting device 30. The attachment web 32 comprises a guide groove through which a rail, which corresponds to the receiving element 30 ', of the Wandungsvorsprungs 20 can be performed. As mentioned above, however, the type of connection or storage may also comprise a clamping, a press or a pressure, a clip and / or a screw connection.

In the embodiment, the longitudinal axis LA1 of the wall projection 20 includes a substantially right angle a with the longitudinal axis LA2 of the container 1. However, the angle a may alternatively be an angle that deviates substantially from 90 °. The imaginary contour line IK1 for defining the sample volume V runs essentially parallel to the imaginary contour line IK2 as an extension of the container wall 4 and as a boundary to the wall bulge 20. Alternatively, the two imaginary contour lines IK1, IK2 also can not run parallel to one another. This would be the case, for example, if the angle a is not 90 °.

In Fig. 4 is further indicated that the Wandungsvorsprung element 20 'via an element connection EV or a connection between the portion 20b for attaching the Wandungsvorsprung element 20' to the container 1 and the container wall 4 are connected or attached to each other. The wall projection element 20 'and in particular the section 20b for attaching the wall projection element 20 to the container 1 may comprise a part of an element connection EV, whereas another compatible part of the element connection EV may be located on the container wall 4. This element connection EV can, for example, comprise two threads which can be screwed into each other.

Via the element connection EV, the wall projection element 20 'can be attached or attached directly or indirectly to the container wall 4. The illustration of the embodiment of Fig. 4 indicates a wall portion 4 ', which in turn is also attached to the container wall 4 and on which the element connection EV is positioned, which corresponds to an indirect attachment or connection. The wall section 4 'for connection or attachment between wall projection element 20' and container wall 4 may essentially be a reinforced section comprising a plastic and / or a metal. For example, the wall portion 4 'for connection or attachment between Wandungsvorsprung element 20' and 4 container wall adhered to the container wall and / or clamped and / or ver-or. be welded. In this case, one can understand the wall projection element 20 'and the wall section 4 as a two-part port. For example, an outer ring which is welded to the container wall 4 (also to be understood as a bag wall) with an inner core corresponding to the Wandungsvorsprung- element 20, permanently and / or temporarily combined or connected or attached to each other , The connection Wandungsvorsprung element 20 'to the ring or the wall portion 4' to the connection may include a bayonet, screws, clips, clamps, press or pressure connections and / or adhesive joints. In particular, the Wandungsvorsprung- element 20 of the container wall 4 and can be removed.

Alternatively, the wall projection element 20 'can also be attached directly to the container wall 4, which corresponds to a direct connection or attachment. In this case, it is accordingly a one-part or one-piece port. The nature of the element connection EV between the wall projection element 20 'and the container wall 4 will be described in more detail below in FIG. 7b.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-section of a substantially non-dimensionally stable container 1, for example a bioreactor and / or a bag or a bag without agitator, with port or wall projection element 20 '. This embodiment particularly relates to a disposable container or a disposable bag. The bioreactor does not comprise a stirring device or a stirring element 3 with the corresponding components. Between the container ceiling 1 "and the container bottom V extends substantially a longitudinal axis LA2 of the container 1. The container 1 may in particular be a so-called" rocking motion bag ", which on a shaker or a shaking bench or a laboratory shaker or a fluctuating and / or shaking pad can be arranged or placed or fixed.

Other features relating to the wall projection member 20 'and the sensor mounting apparatus 30 correspond to the corresponding features of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-section of a container 1 of a bioreactor which is essentially not dimensionally stable. It is a bag or bag with stirrer and attached or fiber mounting device or sensor attachment device 30, wherein the fibers or optical fibers 24 are aligned with respect to the Wandungsvorsprungs 20 by means of the sensor attachment device 30 so that sizes of the sample volume V can be received by the sensor device 21. This embodiment particularly relates to a disposable container or a disposable bag. The bioreactor further comprises a stirring device or a stirring element 3 with components which have already been described in detail for other embodiments. An agitator shaft 9 extends from the container ceiling 1 "to the container bottom V substantially along the longitudinal axis LA2 of the container 1.

Other features with respect to the wall projection element 20 ', as well as the Sensor attachment devices 30 correspond to the corresponding features of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

Fig. 7a is a schematic side view (from the outside) of an embodiment of a wall projection element 20 'on a container wall 4 of a container 1 shown here only cut. Fig. 7b corresponds to a gate of the article shown in Fig. 7a. Further, Fig. 7b shows a detail view of a portion 20b for attaching the wall projection member 20 'to the container 1 and the container wall 4 and a connection or element connection EV between the wall projection element 20' and the container wall 4th

FIGS. 7a and 7b are schematic representations of an embodiment of a wall projection element 20 ', which is attached to a container wall 4 of a container 1. More specifically, the wall projection 20 'is attached to the container 1 by means of an element connection EV shown in the detail view of FIG. 7b. This element connection EV can be designed to connect the wall projection element 20 'permanently or for a longer time with the container 1. The element connection EV may, for example, comprise a part or portion located on the wall projection element 20 'and a part or portion located on the container wall 4.

As shown in the detail view of the region x, the connection EV can be designed such that the container wall 4 has a serrated structure or contour over the wall thickness or the thickness of the container wall 4 at a section jagged structure or contour, in particular fits precisely into a corresponding complementary toothed or serrated structure or contour over the wall thickness of Wandungsvorsprung- element 20 'engages. In that case, at least the mating surfaces of the toothed structures of the wall projection element 20 'and the container wall 4 may be glued and / or welded and / or sealed. For example, an adhesive and / or a resin and / or a two-component polymer blend or other means for permanent or at least temporary bonding can be used. Alternatively, the connection EV may be designed so that the wall projection element 20 'can be easily taken up and removed from the container wall 4. In that case, for example, a Teflon or silicone grease and / or another inert lubricant may be used for the seal. Additionally or alternatively, a Teflon tape or a Teflon film for sealing the interior 22 of the container 1 between the adjacent surfaces of the complementary toothed structures of both elements clamped or placed or placed.

However, as mentioned above, the connection or storage mode of the element connection EV may also include a clamping and / or a press and / or a clip and / or a screw connection, wherein a connecting piece to the attachment portion 20 b the Wandungsvorsprung element 20 'is positioned on the container 1 and to the container wall 4 and a complementary connection counterpart is positioned on the container wall 4. It may, for example, also be possible that the entire wall projection element 20 'can be screwed by means of a thread along the circumference of the wall projection element 20' into a threaded counterpart of the container wall 4.

The wall projection element 20 'comprises a substantially spherical wall recess 20a. In particular, the wall bulge 20a has substantially a shape of a hemisphere characterized by a depth D2, a height D3 and a width Ü4 (not shown here). The depth D2 corresponds in particular to the radius of the ball and the height D3 and the width D4 correspond in particular to the diameter of the ball. Accordingly, the volume bounded by the wall bulge 20a and the two imaginary contour lines has, in particular, and substantially the volume of one-half sphere of the radius corresponding to the depth D2. The wall bulge 20a may alternatively comprise other shapes, for example a gate of an ellipsoid, or a non-hemispherical gate.

The wall projection element 20 'further comprises a wall projection 20 which extends outward along the longitudinal axis LA1 of the wall projection 20 extends. Unlike in the other embodiments, the longitudinal axis LAi is inclined in a direction "upwards" to the container wall 4. This means that the angle a, which is enclosed by the longitudinal axis LAi or its linear extension and the longitudinal axis LA2 of the container 1, is substantially smaller than 90 °. For example, the angle a may be in a range between about 20 ° and about 80 °, in particular between about 30 ° and about 70 °, and preferably between about 40 ° and about 60 °. Particularly preferred would be the case in which the angle a assumes a value of about 45 °. The angle a lies in the plane which is represented in the indicated coordinate system by the y- and the z-axis. Alternatively, it is also possible that the longitudinal axis LAi is inclined in a direction "downwards" to the container wall 4. In this case, the angle a would be in a range between about 160 ° and about 100 °, in particular between about 150 ° and about 1 10 ° and preferably between about 140 ° and about 120 °. Particularly preferred would be the case in which the angle a assumes a value of about 135 °.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 7a and 7b, the longitudinal axis LA2 runs substantially parallel to the container wall 4 and the imaginary contour line IK2 (as an extension of the container wall 4 along the z-axis) along the direction indicated in the indicated coordinate system of the z-axis. Axis corresponds.

The imaginary contour line IK2 (as an extension of the container wall 4 along the z axis) has a normal N2, which is an axis aligned within the yz planes (corresponding to the indicated coordinate system) perpendicular to the imaginary contour line IK2. If the angle a enclosed by the longitudinal axis LAi or its linear extension and the longitudinal axis LA2 of the container 1 is 90 °, then the normal N2 of the imaginary contour line IK2 is at or at least parallel to a normal Ni of the imaginary contour line IK1 Definition of the sample volume V. The normal Ni of the imaginary contour line IK1 for defining the sample volume V corresponds in the embodiment shown to the longitudinal axis LAi of the wall projection 20. If the angle a deviates from 90 °, then the two normals Ni and N2 enclose the angle β which corresponds to a value of (90 ° - a). The wall projection 20 may extend at least in sections along the circumference of the wall recess 20a in a direction which lies or runs perpendicular to the yz plane. In particular, the wall projection may extend in a direction perpendicular to the yz plane completely along the circumference or "transversely" over the circumference of the wall recess 20a. The length L of the wall projection 20, which extends over the longitudinal axis LAi, may in particular be constant. Alternatively, the length L of the wall projection 20 may also vary at different positions along the circumference of the wall recess 20a.

A sensor attachment device 30 is arranged or mounted on the wall projection 20 in such a way that a beam path axis SA of an incident light runs perpendicular to the window surface of a window 23, in particular two windows 23 '. Accordingly, the sensor attachment device 30 is mounted in a tilted manner on the wall projection 20.

The sensor attachment device 30 in this embodiment comprises no attachment web 32, but a guide groove or a groove or groove through which a receiving element 30 of the Wandungsvorsprungs 20, in particular an elongated web or a projection, can be performed. In this way, the sensor attachment device 30 can essentially be secured to the wall projection 20, in particular with a small bearing play. The position of the sensor attachment device 30 with respect to the elements of the wall projection 20 is reversibly after each removal and attachment ingestible. In particular, the beam path and the beam path axis, for example with respect to the window 23 can be reversibly taken. For example, a position can be taken reversibly when providing a magnetic alignment system. Furthermore, a precision bearing can ensure precise alignment.

The Wandungsvorsprung element 20 ', also called Port, may be one or more parts. If the Wandungsvorsprung element 20 'is in one piece, as indicated in Fig. 7b, in particular in the detail cutout x, so the Wandungsvorsprung element 20' directly to the container wall 4 of the container first arranged. If the wall projection element 20 'is in two parts (not shown), the wall projection element 20' is arranged indirectly on the container wall 4 of the container 1 by means of a wall section 4 for connection between wall projection element 20 and container wall 4. The wall section 4 for connection may preferably be considered as a part of the wall projection 20 ', so that the wall projection 20' is considered to be in two parts. On the other hand, the wall section 4 'for connection can alternatively also be regarded as a component of the container wall 4.

In addition to the longitudinal axis LA2 of the container 1, the contour of the container wall 4, which directly adjoins the wall projection element 20 ', can also serve as a reference line for the inclination of the longitudinal axis LA1 of the wall projection 20. In this case, the contour of the container wall 4 replaces the longitudinal axis LA2 of the container 1 such that the angle α between the contour line of the container wall 4 and the longitudinal axis LA1 of the wall projection 20 is enclosed.

FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of a bioreactor and its container 1 with a wall projection 20 and a wall recess 20a inclined with respect to a width axis BA2 of the container 1 according to an embodiment.

The container 1 according to a Ausführüngsform is now shown in Fig. 8 in a front view, so that the gate is located in accordance with the x-z plane of the indicated coordinate system. The container 1 has a width B2, and a length L2.

The bioreactor comprises the container 1 and a stirring element. A direction of a possible flow of a medium 8 is indicated by means of a file in the illustration.

Furthermore, the container 1 has a longitudinal axis LA2 and a width axis BA2, along which a width B2 of the container can be measured. The container 1 also comprises a wall projection element 20 'comprising a Wandungsvorsprung 20 and a Wandungsausbuchtung 20 a, which has the shape of a truncated ellipsoid. The wall projection 20 essentially has a width Bi and a width axis BAi, along which the wall projection 20 extends. In the embodiment, the wall projection 20 is inclined such that the width axis BAi subtends an angle g with the width axis BA2 of the container 1, which is substantially a nonzero value.

The wall projection element 20 'may be in one or two parts in this embodiment. In FIG. 8, an arrow on the inside I of the container 1 indicates a possible direction of rotation of the agitator, by means of which the medium 8 is set into a rotary motion. Triggered by the rotational movement, an upward movement of the medium can take place substantially along the wall.

A double arrow on the outside A indicates a flow angle at which the medium 8 flows through the slot, in particular without great losses.

9 is a schematic side view of a section of a container 1 with a wall projection 20, whose projection walls 28 each comprise an extension 28 ', which on the inside of the container 1 in the inner volume or the container interior beyond the imaginary contour line IK2 protrude to define the sample volume V or protrude into the medium 8 in a filled state. The extension 28 'has a length Li which can vary. For example, the length Li of the extension 28 'may be about 1 cm to 20 cm, in particular the length Li of the extension 28' may be about 2 cm to 10 cm, and preferably the length Li of the extension 28 'may be about 3 cm to 8 cm , For example, the length Li of the extension 28 'may be about 1/2 to about 1/20 of the length L of the wall projection 20. In particular, the length Li of the extension 28 'may be about 1/3 to about 1/10 of the length L of the wall projection 20. Preferably, the length Li of the extension 28 'may be about 1/4 to about 1/8 of the length L of the wall projection 20.

The wall projection 20, whose projection walls 28 each include an extension 28 'is part of a Wandungsvorsprung element 20' and a port. The wall projection member 20 'includes a portion 20b for Attachment of the wall projection element 20 'to the container 1. By the

Extension 28 'of the projection walls 28, the flow of the medium 8, in particular substantially along the inner side of the container wall 4 influence. In other words, the wall flow through the respective extension 28 'of the projection walls 28 can be braked and / or deflected. As a result, for example, turbulent flows at the edges of the extensions 28 'arise. In Fig. 9 is a possible flow profile of the medium 8 indicated by three lines with arrows. The courses initially indicate a deflected laminar flow of the medium 8 along the container wall 4. However, as already mentioned, turbulent flows can occur, in particular near the extensions 28 '.

In particular, it can be avoided that an excessive flow of the medium 8 is produced in the sample volume V or in the gap or gap-shaped sample volume. In other words, by the respective extension 28 ', a volume of the medium 8 per unit time, which flows through the Probenvoiumen at least partially, reduced or reduced. In this way, in particular almost a flow arrest within the sample volume V can be achieved. At least a flow of a medium through the sample volume V can be slowed down considerably.

The embodiment of the wall projection 20 comprising the extension 28 'of the wall projection 20 can also be understood such that the wall projection projects into the interior space beyond the imaginary contour line IK2 for defining the sample volume V per se.

In the event that the wall projection element 20 'comprises a wall recess 20a, it may also be that, in particular, an edge of the wall recess 20a comprises an extension 28' which extends on the inside of the container 1 into the container interior beyond the imaginary contour line IK2 for defining the sample volume V protrudes or projects into a filled state in the medium 8.

The respective extension 28 'of the projection walls 28 may have the shape, which is predetermined by the projection walls 28. Alternatively, the extension 28 'can also deviate from a shape which is predetermined by a projection wall 28. For example, the respective extensions 28 'of the protrusion walls 28 may also face each other and / or against each other so that they are bent or inclined relative to the protrusion walls 28. In this way, for example, a flow of the medium 8 can be influenced particularly well, for example, be braked in the vicinity of the sample volume V. The area in the sample volume V is therefore "calm" in relation to other areas in the container interior 22 of the container 1.

In particular, the features relating to the orientation of the wall projection 20 can be combined, for example, from FIGS. 7a, 7b and 8. In general, all features of different embodiments can be explicitly combined unless they are mutually exclusive.

10a is a side perspective view of a wall projection 20 'according to a particular embodiment. The side view relates essentially to a view from the inside I of the container 1 to the gap-like volume S of the wall bulge 20. At the gap S of the wall bulge 20, a guide plate or a guide portion 34 is arranged, which is adapted to a medium, in particular one Liquid in a channel K or a channel-like volume K within the gap S to lead. In other words, the guide section 34 at least partially forms a channel which is designed to guide a medium substantially through the gap S and in particular the sample volume V.

Fig. 10b is a front view of the wall projection 20 'according to the embodiment of Fig. 10a from the inside of a container 1. On the left side of the gap S, the baffle or the guide portion 34 is arranged. The baffle 34 substantially encloses a part of the gap-shaped volume S and extends along the width axis Bi of the gap S from the left side LS to about the middle of the gap S. Alternatively, the baffle 34 may be formed also do not extend all the way to the center along the width axis Bi of the gap S from the right RS and / or from the left LS. 10 c is a view of a section through the wall projection element 20 'along the section line BB of FIG. 10 b, which substantially corresponds to the width axis Bi of the gap S. The guide portion 34 extends along the gap S from the left side LS to about the middle of the gap S, in the direction of the right side RS. Furthermore, a flow of a medium 8 along a direction of rotation 36 and along a flow direction 37 through the channel K and out of the channel K is indicated by arrows. The medium 8 flows, for example, driven by a stirring element 3 in a substantially clockwise direction through the container 1. A portion of the medium 8 is guided into a channel input KE through the guide section 34 in the channel K and in the direction of the channel output KA. The channel K essentially runs in such a way that it guides the medium 8 through the sample volume V and in particular through the section between two windows 23 'of the wall projection 20. In this way, new medium 8 can always be flushed into the sample volume V. During a measurement, the flow of the medium 8 can be stopped to ensure a stable measurement.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 10a-10c, the channel K terminates in the sample volume V or in the gap S approximately at the center of the width axis Bi of the gap S, so that the medium 8, which is guided through the channel K, comes out of the channel again K, and possibly causing turbulent flows in the gap S, substantially outside the channel K.

Fig. 11a is also a side perspective view of a wall projection 20 'according to another particular embodiment. The side view relates essentially to a view from the inside I of the container 1 to the gap-like volume S of Wandungsausbuchtung 20. At the gap S of Wandungsausbuchtung 20, a channel guide 35 is arranged, which is adapted to a medium 8, in particular a liquid in one Channel K or a channel-like volume K within the gap S to lead. In contrast to the embodiment of FIGS. 10a-10c, the channel K according to this embodiment extends substantially over the entire width of the wall projection 20 or the gap, along the width axis Bi of the gap S. In other words, the sample volume V and / or the gap S a channel K, which has an opening substantially on both sides along the width axis Bi. The channel K is trapped between the openings substantially through the channel guide 35.

Fig. 11b is a frontal view of the wall projection 20 'according to the embodiment of Fig. 11a from the inside of a container 1. On both sides of the wall projection 20' is a channel inlet and outlet KE, KA of the channel K arranged. The channel guide 35 substantially encloses a part of the gap-shaped volume S and extends along the width axis Bi of the gap S from the left side LS to the right side RS of the gap S.

Fig. 11c is a sectional view of the wall projection 20 'taken along the section line A-A of Fig. 11b, which substantially corresponds to the width axis Bi of the gap S and extends along the width axis Bi, respectively. The channel guide 35 extends along the gap S or along the width axis Bi of the gap S from the left side LS to the right side RS of the gap S. Further, a flow of a medium 8 along a direction of rotation 36 and along a flow direction 37 through the Channel K and out of the channel K indicated by arrows. The medium 8 also flows in this case, for example, driven by a stirring element 3 in a substantially clockwise direction through the container 1. A portion of the medium 8 is in the channel input KE, which is here for example on the left side LS through the channel guide 35th in the channel K and in the direction of the channel exit KA, here on the right side RS led. If the direction of rotation 36 is reversed, the channel input KE would lie on the right RS and the channel output KA on the left side LS. The channel K essentially runs in such a way that it guides the medium 8 through the sample volume V and in particular through the section between two windows 23 'of the wall projection 20. In this way, new medium 8 can always be flushed into the sample volume V.

The channel K can generally have a round or angled cross-section, expand or narrow in one direction.

Hereinafter, general dimensions that may apply to various embodiments and / or combined may be mentioned. The Information is general, exemplary and not limiting.

The depth D2 of the wall bulge 20a may generally assume, for example, values between about 5 mm to about 30 cm, in particular between about 2 cm and about 10 cm, and preferably between about 3 cm and about 5 cm. The height D3 of the wall bulge 20a may generally, for example, assume values between about 1 cm to about 100 cm, in particular between about 2 cm and about 20 cm, and preferably between about 3 cm and about 10 cm. The width D4 of the wall bulge 20a may generally assume, for example, values between about 1 cm to about 100 cm, in particular between about 2 cm and about 20 cm, and preferably between about 3 cm and about 10 cm. The sample layer thickness Di or the internal distance between the two substantially parallel projection walls 28 may generally be, for example, between about 20 pm and about 10 cm, in particular between about 500 pm and about 2 cm, preferably between about 1 mm and about 1 cm be fat. The protrusion length L may generally be, for example, between about 5 mm and about 20 cm, in particular between about 1 cm and about 10 cm, and preferably between about 3 cm and about 8 cm long. For example, the protrusion length L is at least about twice, more preferably at least about five times, and preferably at least about eight times as long as the sample layer thickness Di.

In particular, the ratio of height to width, D3 / D4 may correspond to a value of about 1. In this case, for example, the wall bulge 20a would be substantially circular as viewed from a frontal view. It may also be that the height to width ratio, D3 / D4, assumes values between about 0.2 and about 1, more preferably between about 0.33 and about 0.8, and preferably between about 0.5 and about 0.75 , Further, the inverse width to height ratio may also assume D4 / D3 values between about 0.2 and about 1, more preferably between about 0.33 and about 0.8, and preferably between about 0.5 and about 0.75. For example, the depth to height ratio, D2 / D3, may be about 0.5. In this case, for example, the wall bulge 20a could emerge circularly from the container inner side I to the outer side A. It may also be that the depth to height ratio D2 / D3 values are between about 0.05 and about 0.5, more preferably between about 0.07 and about 0.4, and preferably between about 0.1 and about about 0.3. Further, the depth to height ratio, D2 / D3, for example, may also assume a value greater than about 0.5. In this case, the wall bulge 20a would be particularly exposed and close to the shape of a gap. It may be that the ratio of depth to protrusion length, D 2 / L values, is between about 0.1 and about 1, more preferably between about 0.3 and about 0.9, and preferably between about 0.33 and about 0.75 accepts. Furthermore, the ratio of depth to protrusion length, D2 / L, for example, may also assume a value which is greater than about 1 and in particular between about 1, 2 and about 1.5.

The sample volume V which is at least partially surrounded by the wall projection 20 may, for example, assume values between about 100 μl and about 500 ml, in particular between about 200 μl and about 200 ml, and preferably between about 300 ml and about 100 ml. The total internal volume or the container interior 22 of a container 1 including the sample volume may for example assume values between about 500 ml and about 2000 l, in particular between about l l and about 1000 l and preferably between about 2 l and about 500 l. The total internal volume or the container interior 22 may for example be about 10 to about 25 * 10 ⁷ , in particular about 10 ⁶ to about 1, 5 * 10 ⁷ and preferably about 15 * 10 ⁶ to about 1 * 10 ⁷ times as large like the sample volume V.

It should be noted in particular that a longitudinal axis LA2 of the container 1 can also be replaced by the width axis BA2 of the container 1, so that, for example, in the definition of the angle a instead of the longitudinal axis LA2 of the container 1, the width axis BA2 or a width axis of the container 1 is used becomes. This is the case, for example, when the container 1 is a bag which rests on a surface and whose longitudinal axis LA2 runs substantially parallel to the surface on which the bag lies. This would be a similar case if the container 1 of Figure 8 were rotated 90 ° assuming that the z-axis of the indicated coordinate system corresponds to the opposite direction of gravity. Then, the height of the bag 1 extends along the width axis BA2. Accordingly, it is also possible that a Wandungsvorsprung on the ceiling T 'of the container 1 or at the bottom T of the container 1 is arranged. The cover T 'of the container 1 and the bottom T of the container 1 are defined by their position relative to gravity. This means that in the Earth's frame of reference Container cover 1 "" top "and a container bottom V" bottom "in a container 1 are to be found.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 container in particular disposable container

1 'container bottom

1 "container cover

2 drive device

3 stirring element

4 container wall

4 'wall section for connection between Wandungsvorsprung element and container wall

5 stirring extension

6 Drive-side storage

7 counter bearing

8 medium, in particular biological medium

9 stirrer shaft

10 Axial three-phase machine

20 wall projection

20 'wall projection element

20a Wandungsausbuchtung

20b section for attaching the wall projection element to the container

21 Sensor or sensor device or optical measuring device

22 Container interior or container interior volume

23 sensor area

23 'window

23b Reflective element and / or diffuse reflecting surface and / or mirror

24 optical fiber or optical fiber

24a optical fiber coupling section

24b optical fiber coupling-out section

25 spectrometers

26 access

27 pH electrode or pH sensor

28 projection walls

28 'extension of the ledge walls of the wall ledge 29 line

30 sensor attachment device

30 'receiving element for a sensor attachment device

32 Attachment bar

33 recess

34 baffle or guide section

35 channel guide

36 Direction of rotation of the medium

37 Flow direction of the medium

A outside

a angle between the longitudinal axis of the Wandungsvorsprungs and the longitudinal axis of the container

ß angle between the longitudinal axis of Wandungsvorsprungs and normal N2 of the imaginary contour line IK2

Bi width of the wall ledge

B2 width of the container

g angle between the width axis of the Wandungsvorsprungs and width axis of the container

BA1 width axis of the wall projection

BA2 width axis of the container

Di sample layer thickness

D2 Depth of the wall bulge

D3 Height of the wall bulge

D4 Width of the wall bulge

EV Connection between the section for attaching the wall projection element to the container wall

I container inside

IK1 Imaginary contour line for defining the sample volume

IK2 Imaginary contour line as an extension of the container wall and delimitation from the wall bulge

K channel

KE channel input

KA channel output

L Length of the wall projection Li length of the extension of the projection wall of the wall projection L2 length of the tank

LA1 longitudinal axis of the wall projection

LA2 longitudinal axis of the container

LS left side

Ni normal of the imaginary contour line IK1

N2 normal of the imaginary contour line IK2

O Upper edge of the container

R Reflective beam path arrangement

RS right side

S gap or gap-shaped volume

SG beam axis

T Transmissive beam path arrangement

V sample volume

AV volume of the wall bulge

Claims

claims

A container (1) having at least one wall projection (20; 20a) for attaching at least one sensor (21) from an outside (A) of the container (1) to detect at least one size of one in a container interior (22). wherein the wall projection (20) is arranged on a container wall (4) and adapted to at least partially surround the container interior (22) and the medium (8) and wherein the wall projection (20) at least one Sensor area (23) which is designed so that the size can be detected by the sensor area (23) by means of the sensor (21).

A container according to claim 1, wherein the wall projection (20) extends along the longitudinal axis (LAi) of the wall projection (20), the longitudinal axis (LAi) forming an angle (β) with a normal (N2) of an imaginary contour line (IK2). for defining the sample volume (V) from -45 ° to 45 ° and / or a width axis (Bi) of the wall projection (20) having a width axis (BA2) of the container (1) an angle (g) of -45 ° to 45 ° ° includes.

3. Container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one sensor region (23) comprises an optical element, in particular a window (23 ') and is adapted to the size by means of an optical method, in particular an optical spectroscopy the optical element, in particular the window can be detected.

A container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall projection (20) comprises two projection walls (28) having a projection length (L) spaced from each other and spaced by a sample layer thickness (Di) such that the wall projection (20) surrounds a gap-shaped volume (S), at least one of the protrusion walls (28) preferably in each case the sensor region (23) and in particular an optical element, preferably a window (23 ') comprises.

5. Container (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the wall projection (20) comprises a diffusely scattering surface and wherein the at least one sensor region (23) comprises the optical element, in particular the window (23 ') and wherein the wall projection (20 ) is designed so that the size can be detected by means of a sensor device, which preferably comprises an optical fiber, by transflection or double transmission by reflection at the diffusely scattering surface.

6. Container (1) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the Wandungsvorsprung (20) comprises at least two sensor areas (23) each comprising an optical element, in particular a window (23 '), which are designed so that the size means a sensor device, which preferably comprises an optical fiber, by a transmissive beam path arrangement (T) can be detected.

A guard (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a sensor attachment device (30) for mounting the sensor (21) relative to the wall projection (20).

8. A container (1) according to claim 7, wherein the sensor attachment device (30) comprises at least one receiving device which is adapted to receive a further optical element, preferably a lens, a mirror, a prism and / or a pinhole and / / or the sensor attachment device (30) comprises at least one further optical element, in particular a pinhole.

A container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (1) is adapted to constitute a component of a disposable bioreactor.

10. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a Wandungsvorsprung element (20 '), which the Wandungsvorsprung (20) and optionally a Wandungsausbuchtung (20a) comprises at least one access (26) which is designed so that a pH value can be detected by the access (26) by means of a pH electrode.

11. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the

Wall projection (20) projection walls (28), which at least partially each have an extension (28 ') which project into the container inside (I) or wherein the Wandungsvorsprung (20) projection walls (28), which into the container inside (I) protrude.

12. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the

Wandungsvorsprung (20) comprises a channel (K), which is at least partially surrounded by a channel guide (35) and / or a guide portion (34) and the channel (K) is adapted to a moving medium of a channel entrance (KE) to lead to a channel output (KA) in a current direction (37).

13. Wandungsvorsprung element (20 ') for attachment to a container wall (4) of a container (1), the Wandungsvorsprung element (20') comprising a Wandungsvorsprung (20), wherein the Wandungsvorsprung (20)

- For the attachment of at least one sensor (21) from the outside (A) of the container for detecting at least one size of a in a container interior (22) contained medium (8) is designed;

- Is designed to at least partially surround the container interior (22); and

- At least one sensor area (23) comprises, which is designed so that the size of the sensor area (23) by means of the sensor (21) can be detected.

14. Wandungsvorsprung element (20 ') according to claim 13, designed so that the Wandungsvorsprung element (20') on the container wall (4) is reversibly attachable.

15. Wandungsvorsprung element (20 ') according to claim 14, designed so that the Wandungsvorsprung element (20') on the container wall (4) is irreversibly attachable, preferably glued and / or weldable.

16. Wall projection (20 ') according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the Wandungsvorsprung (20) along a longitudinal axis (LAi) extends, wherein the longitudinal axis (LA-i) an angle (ß) with a normal (Ni ) of an imaginary contour line (IKi) for defining the sample volume (V) from -45 ° to 45 °.

17. Wall projection (20 ') according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the Wandungsvorsprung element (20') is sterilizable.

18. Wall projection (20 ') according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein a Wandungsvorsprung (20) projection walls (28) which at least partially an extension (28') which on the container inside (I ) or wherein a wall projection (20) comprises projection walls (28) which project onto the container inner side (I).

19. Wall projection (20 ') according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the Wandungsvorsprung (20), a channel (K) which is at least partially surrounded by a channel guide (35) and / or a guide portion (34) and the channel (K) is adapted to guide a moving medium from a channel entrance (KE) to a channel exit (KA) in a flow direction (37).

A sensor attaching device (30) for mounting at least one sensor (21) relative to a sensor portion (23) of a wall projection (20) of a container (1) from an outer side (A) of the container (1), wherein the sensor attaching device (30)

- A receiving device comprises for receiving the sensor (21) for detecting at least one size of a in a container interior (22) of the container (1) contained medium (8); and

- By means of a recess (33) relative to the Wandungsvorsprung (20) can be attached, such that at least a portion of the

Wall projection (20) and at least a portion of the medium (8) for detecting the size of the sensor area (23) by means of the sensor (21) within the recess (33) is positioned.

21. A sensor attachment device (30) according to claim 20, which is adapted to mount at least one optical sensor (21) and / or a light guide (24) relative to a sensor region (23) such that the size is determined by means of an optical method, in particular an optical spectroscopy can be detected.

22. A sensor attachment device (30) according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the sensor attachment device (30) comprises at least one receiving device which is adapted to another optical element, preferably a lens, a mirror, a prism and / or a Incorporate pinhole and / or the sensor attachment device (30) comprises at least one further optical element, in particular a pinhole.

23. Sensor attachment device (30) according to claim 22, which comprises a diffusely scattering surface and / or a reflective element, in particular a mirror and / or is adapted to receive a diffusely scattering surface and / or a reflective element and wherein the sensor -Anbringungsvorrichtung (30) is designed so that the at least one size can be detected by a sensor device by a reflective beam path arrangement (R).

24. Sensor attachment device (30) according to any one of claims 20 to 23, which is adapted to arrange light guides (24) and / or sensors (21) relative to each other such that a transmissive (T) and / or a reflective (R ) and / or a trans-flex optical path arrangement (R) exists or exist.

25. A method for providing detection of at least one size of a medium (8) contained in a container interior (22) of a container (1), comprising the steps of:

- placing a Wandungsvorsprungs (20) on a container wall (4) of the container (1);

- At least partially surrounding the container interior (22) and the medium (8) by the Wandungsvorsprung (20);

- Providing at least one sensor portion (23) on the Wandungsvorsprung (20);

- Attachment of an outer side (A) of the container (1) at least one Sensor (21) relative to at least one wall projection (20); and detecting the size of the medium (8) through the sensor area (23) by means of the sensor (21).