Title
DESIGN EVALUATION OF AN ANAEROBIC CHAMBER PROTOTYPE
Date of Award
6-2009
Degree Name
MS in Engineering - Biomedical Engineering
Department
Biomedical and General Engineering
Advisor
Lanny Griffin
Abstract
Within the field of microbiology there is a group of bacteria termed, anaerobic, because of their aversion to oxygen. Clinical and industrial interest in these bacteria has made the use of anaerobic systems necessary for widespread testing and research. The glove-less anaerobic chamber has become the premier method for successful cultivation of anaerobic isolates. A prototype anaerobic chamber design, the AS-580, contains new features and different anaerobic techniques formed around additional specifications given by microbiologists. Through testing and discussion of the anaerobic systems of the AS-580, the design is evaluated based on its anaerobic performance. The three chamber systems that maintain the anaerobic environment are: the circulation system, the passbox, and the operator access armports. The AS-580 techniques for these three systems are compared to a previous model chambers. The AS-580 successfully meets the microbiologist’s specifications but in doing so has reduced chamber efficiency and created potential areas for oxygen entry. This evaluation has shown that while this chamber’s unique systems successfully maintain anaerobic conditions, their design still has room for improvement.
URL: http://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/133
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