Online monitoring of microbial contaminations

© PMT Particle Measurement Technology GmbH

The IMD-W stands for the detection of microbial contamination in real time. The range of application extends from continuous analysis in ultrapure water systems to the measurement of individual water samples. The counts of microbiological impurities in ultrapure water (Biocounts) are based on the already established detection method for fluorescence-based air microbial counts. The detection and analysis of biological autofluorescence have been successfully used for several years in GMP-compliant, aseptic manufacturing. However, the optical systems of the water analyzers are designed to meet the specific requirements of the sample matrix 'ultrapure water'. Discrimination of interferents (false positives) is actively performed through the analysis of multiple fluorescence bands. In addition to monitoring Biocounts, the system also measures conventional elastic Mie light scattering. As a 'side effect', the IMD-W also displays the non-biological particle count rate. Current data interfaces allow integration into overarching monitoring concepts (e.g., SCADA, PLC/SPS concepts).

Features of IMD-W:

- Detection and counting of germs in real time
- Detection of bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and other microorganisms
- Detection limit of 1 Biocount / 100ml of water
- Measurement method without sample preparation or reagents
- Real-time threshold alarm
- 21 CFR Part 11 compliant
- Built-in cleaning routines

Technical Contact:

Ricco Scheibel, r.scheibel@pmt.eu