Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the BE2100

1. WHERE DO I MOUNT THE SENSOR?

The sensor must be mounted below the liquid level (note: some applications require starting with low liquid levels prior to inoculation. With SIP sight glass applications this could mean that the sensor reading is not valid until after inoculation.)

2. DOES GLASS THICKNESS MATTER OR WHAT IS IN FRONT OF THE SENSOR?

We have tested glass thicknesses up to 0.5" (12 mm) and have seen little or no effect on the sensor reading.

This can be an issue if you have a baffle or other sensor in the way. Be sure to mount the sensor in a clear place on the vessel.

3. WHAT WAVELENGTH DOES THE SENSOR MEASURE AT?

The sensor measures at 850 nm (near infrared).

4. I HAVE A LIGHT SOURCE IN MY VESSEL TO GROW PLANTS OR ALGAE, IS THIS AN ISSUE?

No, unless the light is shining with high intensity directly at the sensor. Already proven to work well in these types of applications.

5. WILL I SEE SENSITIVITY TO BUBBLING or HIGH AGITATION RATES LIKE I DO IN OTHER SENSORS?

You can, there is some sensitivity with very high bubbling; this is typically only at very low ODs up to about 3, then bubbles become negligible.

6. HOW IS THIS SENSOR BETTER THAN THE MORE EXPENSIVE IMMERSIBLE SENSORS?

The BE/2100 uses an array of source-detector pairs to measure in the low, mid and high OD ranges. Immersible sensors only have one source-detector pair and, therefore, are limited to a very short OD range to measure accurately.

7. HOW IS IT THAT THIS TECHNOLOGY SEEMS SO LOGICAL AND SIMPLE, YET NEVER BEEN SOLD BEFORE?

It's a mystery to us as well. We immediately put 3 different patents on it!

8. WHAT VESSEL MANUFACTURE WORKS BEST WITH THE BUGLAB UNIT?

The unit is used in most manufactured vessels or jars, glass, plastic or stainless steel with sight glass. These include major manufactureres such as Applikon, Broadley-James, New Brunswick Scientific, Sartorius and even the Nalgene Cell Cube.