INRS currently has a platform for the development and scaling up of a wide variety of bioprocesses, including among other things bioreactors from 5L to 2000L. In recent years, the operation of the laboratory has highlighted the need of the various partners for larger capacity bioreactors allowing the implementation of an intermediate scale between the 2 m 3 reactor and the industrial level fermentations of 200 to 600 m 3.
The project provides for the addition to the current platform of a 20 m 3 bioreactor and a 10 m 3 bioreactor , both cleanable and sterilizable in place, and equipped with complete instrumentation. Substantial related equipment is also planned (mixing and storage tank, interception/neutralization/sterilization tank before discharge into the sewer ( killer tank ) in order to be able to handle, store and dispose of the substrates produced in the bioreactors 10 and 20 m 3 . Downstream processing equipment is also planned for the project: a centrifugal decanter type centrifuge, a disk centrifuge, as well as a spray dryer.
INRS therefore wishes to develop a laboratory space inside the LISTE building located at 2605, boulevard du Parc Technologique in Quebec City, in order to accommodate this new infrastructure.
This space is partially occupied and must be arranged according to the needs of the future laboratory.
An office space and a laboratory space adjacent to the project are already occupied by the researchers and must remain functional throughout the work.
The rest of the spaces will remain occupied by the researchers during the work.
The area to be developed is approximately 325 m 2 .
The project will be carried out in 2 distinct phases:
The first phase includes the development of a space and the necessary services for the installation of the spray dryer and the associated equipment (supply tank, dust collector, etc.). The first phase also includes the purchase and installation of the centrifugal decanter and the high pressure homogenizer. The mechanical and electrical fittings (heating/ventilation/air conditioning/control) to serve the spaces where the equipment will be installed are also planned in the first phase.
The second phase includes the development of the spaces and services necessary for setting up the 10 m 3 bioreactor and related equipment (reception/preparation/storage tanks, buffer tanks, effluent neutralization system and sterilization tank before disposal to the sewer) as well as the disc centrifuge. Its realization is uncertain. Depending on obtaining funding, this second phase could take place. If necessary, the latter could be added to your mandate.
The construction budget for the overall project is approximately $15M.
More specifically, the budget planned for the first phase is detailed as follows:
Direct construction costs of approximately $2M.
Approximate cost of acquiring scientific equipment and processes: $3M.
The budget planned for the 2nd phase , the completion of which remains to be confirmed, is as follows:
Direct construction costs approximately $4M.
Approximate cost of acquiring scientific equipment and processes: $6M. TIMELINE:
Engineering part has not started. Project development timelines are undetermined at this time.
Initially, Phase 1 was scheduled to start in 2026. Schedules for Phase 2 were subject to the funding approvals.
Further update in fall, 2024.
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