CONSTANT

T T
SYSTEMS
E
L

Cell Disruption, its in our Genes

TD

Cell Disruption

DNA Extraction

Enzyme Release

DNA Manipulation

Selective Breakage

Single Cell Isolation

Tissue Disruption

Protein Extraction

"Very simple and easy to use. Simplest machine in the world!"

Seoul National University

3 - About Constant Systems

4 - Centres of Excellence

5 - Customer Comments

6 & 7 - Small Scale Models

8 & 9 - TS Series Continuous
Flow Models
10 - Variant Continuous Flow
Models
11 - Your Application & Cell
Success
12 - Aftermarket Support
Contents Page 2
Cont

13 - Delivery, Training &

Installation
14 & 15 - Machine Dimensions

About Constant Systems

"
""Brilliant
piece of equipment, from a brilliant company with great support in all
areas. We can not ask for better. We use our Constant System's cell disrupter
a
to break 10-100L batches of bacterial and yeast cells grown in our
fermentation facility."
fe
Cancer Research UK Fermentation Services
C

Constant Systems Limited is a UK company, operating with its headquarters in Daventry,

England with a subsidiary Constant Systems Incorporated working out of Atlanta,
Georgia in the US.
Working direct and alongside our working partners, Constant Systems provides niche
bio-technical products and services to a global client base where the design,
development, manufacture and aftermarket support of high-pressure cell disruption
equipment has been our passion and focus since 1989. It is this dedication and hard work
that is quickly making Constant Systems the first choice supplier for Pharmaceutical and
Biotech companies, Research Institutes, Universities and Schools. Our only aim is to
create products that provide you the opportunity to disrupt cells in the simplest and most
controlled way.
Constant Systems derives its name from our products ability to provide continuous and
constant results in a controlled and safe environment. Whether you are processing
samples of 1ml or 100 litres, we can give you the same control, process after process
enabling you to have confidence in results. Whether you are using our One Shot model
or one of our Continuous Flow models, our unique hydraulic control ensures full
repeatability and consistency giving you assurance of hassle-free scale up of your
process.
We also have our Centres of Excellence positioned around North America, Europe and
Australia. These centres can be used for meetings, trials and demonstrations relating to
Constant Systems products, which we are more than happy to arrange for you.

About Constant Systems Page 3

Centres of Excellence
Constant's Centres of Excellence are situated throughout North
America, Europe and Australia. These centres can be used for
meetings and demonstrations for Constant products. If you would
like to arrange a meeting or demonstration at a centre then
please contact us specifying which centre you would like to use
and we will make the arrangements.

Denmark

Canada

UK

Ireland
Spain

USA

Portugal

Italy

Australia

Page 4

Customer Comments
Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc
Plant Protection Group. Discovery of Novel Insecticidal
We replaced our French Press with a Constant Systems homogenizer about two years ago. It was one
of the best acquisitions we have ever made. The instrument is used on an almost daily basis and works
well for a variety of microbes. It has saved us time to process large sample volumes in a single pass and
added more consistency to our preparations, because the temperature is much better controlled
compared to the chilled French Press cell weve used before. Overall a very reliable and trouble-free
experience

Bioneer A/S - Microbiology Department

We have had our Cell Disrupter (TS Series Bench Top) for less than a year, and we cannot understand how
we were managing without it. The reproducibility of the process is an important advantage compared to the
systems we worked with before. We use it for releasing heterologous proteins from E. coli as soluble product
as wells in inclusion bodies. With the One Shot Head Adapter we can disrupt cells from small scale flask
experiments, and in continuous mode we have used the machine for processing material from high density
fermentations in 10 liter scale. The support from Constant Systems has been fast and efficient whenever we
needed advice on technical matters.

UCB Celltech - UCB Celltech Antibody Centre

"We are very happy with the disrupter and routinely use it for lysis of bacterial cells. Compared with our
previous French press method there is a 75% reduction in processing time. We would recommend this
product."

Wageningen University
The cell disruptor from Constant Systems is an easy to use and simple piece of equipment. It proved a
very useful tool for the fast and efficient lysis of gram positive as well as gram negative bacterial cells. It
has become an important instrument in our daily experimental routines.

Russian Cardiology Research and Production Complex

Department of Genetic Engineering
Constant Systems cell disrupters are successfully used at our Experimental plant mainly for bacterial cells.
These efficient machines became an important part of our enzyme purification unit. We are very satisfied
with the quality and reliability of Constant Systems disruption equipment. The disrupters are easy to operate
and do maintenance. We thank you for friendly after sale support, information interchange and service.

Scripps Research Institute

The Constant Systems cell disrupter allows us to process 10L of yeast in an hour with a single pass, while
retaining a cool temperature. This technology enables us to produce more recombinant protein and address
complex biological problems.

IRB - Department of Chemical and Environmental

Engineering
"We have been using our 1.1kW model for the last three years to disrupt E.coli, Mammalian, Insect and
Yeast cells and we are very pleased with it. The disrupter handles all of these cell types with ease and
delivers efficient and reproducible lysis results that allow us to prepare high quality proteins. It has been so
successful, even with membrane protein preparations, that researchers from almost every other lab in the
institute come to use it."

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Department of Molecular Biology
The Constant Systems cell disruptor gives the best results in breaking bacteria cells for isolation of
membrane fractions compared to other methods. The system is easy to operate, the technical supports are
extremely effective and friendly.

Flinders University - Paton Laboratory

"We use the Constant Systems Cell Disrupter on an almost daily basis and found it to be by far the best,
easiest to use and time efficient way to crack open bacterial cells."

We are extremely pleased with our Cell Disrupter. We have used different systems in the past but none of
them comes close to this system with regard to :1) User friendliness : a) --set pressure and press the button b)
-very easy to clean and sanitize 2) Flexibility and Effectiveness: a) --provides a wide range of pressures for
lysing different cell types b) --a single pass is all that is needed to lyse 100% of suspended E.coli cells 3)
Robustness. This is a well engineered sytstem--we have not experienced any break down or down time 4)
Service (maintenance) is excellent

To view further comments please visit www.constantsystems.com and click on customer comments,
specfic references can also be arranged by request.

Customer Comments Page 5

Sanofi Aventis - Department of Functional Genomics

Small Scale Models

One Shot - The One Shot Model offers great versatility and its strongest attribute is the ability to quickly and efficiently
process all sample types including solid, frozen, re-suspended samples and even cell paste meaning re-suspension
is not always required.
Multi Shot - The Multi Shot system is a newly modified model that has been designed around the One Shot. Using
this model you can achieve all you can on the One Shot Model with the additional capability of processing up to 40mls
for fluid samples.

One Shot Model

Will process 1-20mls per shot (dependent
on pressure). Ideal for samples between
1-20mls.

Multi Shot Model

Will process 1-40mls per process. Ideal for
samples between 1-80mls.

N
O
O

NG

I
M
O

This is one piece of equipment that every structural biology lab got to have! Cell lysis is thorough, easy, clean, quick and humane.
The service staffs are highly professional and responsive. Andy and Kaylee make sure my cell disruptor is working all the time. Some
of insoluble samples prepared by other cell lysis methods turned out to be fine once we process them using the cell disrupter. We also
o
kknow that this method of cell lysis does not compromise protein's native fold because our group obtained several protein crystals and
ssolved five crystal structures using the sample processed by the cell disrupter!
Baylor College of Medicine - Department of Pharmacology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
B

Page 6

Small Scale Models

Small Scale Models - Specification
Quick and easy to use.
No need for compressed air or connection to gas bottles, just plug in and switch on.
No problem with having air in the disruption path, therefore no need to prime before use unlike other
systems.
Disruption pressure displayed digitally and is easily and accurately set between 1KPSI through to
40KPSI as standard.
Can process solid, frozen and fluid samples.
Minimal dead loss volume of less than 1ml (One Shot only).
Collection cups provided can be transferred to and from ice or a freezer for temperature control.
The precise hydraulic control ensures that the pressure is consistent and stable during disruption cycle.
The unique disruption head design ensures that consistency is maintained process after process giving
you confidence in repeatability.
Full containment during operation. Secondary containment parts offer total safety during the disruption
process.
Following the disruption process, you can simply pipette or pour your sample from the collection cup.
Cleaning is simple and easy, the procedure is just the same as processing a sample. If you are looking
for a more intense clean, the disruption head can be easily dismantled for manual cleaning and/or
autoclaving.
Disrupter head mounted on stainless steel tray to capture accidental spillages and spills.
Materials in product path, 316L and F51 duplex stainless steel or equivalent, synthetic sapphire, EPDM,
GLFPTFE & PEEK 450G.

Optional Extras
Cart
Placing your machine on a cart ensures that it is safely supported at an ideal working height at all times.
The cart is fitted with four castors (two lockable) which enables you to safely move the One Shot around
your lab with ease. This is an essential tool for those who find bench space a premium and/or those
who share equipment between labs and user groups. Highly recommended.
Collection Cups
Having additional collection cups enables you to run several individual samples before cleaning and
re-using them. Ideal for those who wish to run multiple samples and keep the processed sample
contained in the collection cup. Additionally, user groups can have their own collection cups.
Alternative Pressure Head
These models can be supplied with maximum working pressures of 40kpsi, 30KPSI, 20KPSI and
15KPSI. The One Shot & Multi Shot has been designed so that you can have more than one maximum
pressure head enabling you to easily change the pressure heads so that you can adapt these models to
give you the most efficient process when processing more than one sample type. Therefore, users that
process many different sample types find this option reduces the number of sample runs needed as the
process volume increases with lower pressure heads.

Small Scale Models Page 7

TS Series Continuous Flow

w Models
Our Continuous Flow models offer full automation of
sample processing. Offered in four power ratings, this
range of Cell Disrupters ideally covers sample
volumes from 20mls up to 100 litres plus and are
versatile enough to adapt as your needs change.

TS Series 0.75kW
Will process 40-115mls per minute (dependent on pressure),
Ideal for samples between 20mls to 200mls.

TS Series 1.1kW
Will process 100-255mls per minute (dependent on pressure),
Ideal for samples between 200mls to 5 ltr.

TS Series 2.2kW
Will process 190-310mls per minute (dependent on pressure),
Ideal for samples of 5 ltr plus.

TS Series 4kW
Will process between 405-565mls per minute (dependent on
pressure), Ideal for samples of 10 ltr plus.

TS Series Models - Specification

Quick and easy to use.
No need for compressed air or connection to gas bottles, just plug in and switch on.
No problem with having air in the disruption path, our continuous flow systems are unaffected therefore no need
to prime before use unlike other systems.
Touch screen control, simple operation means that you can be processing your sample in under one minute.
Disruption pressure displayed and is easily and accurately set between 1KPSI through to 40KPSI as standard.
The precise hydraulic control ensures that the pressure is consistent and stable during disruption cycle.
Our unique cooling jacket surrounds the disruption head; simply fit your cooling medium to the disruption head
to ensure that your sample is kept cool throughout the process.
Automatic shut down when your sample has been fully processed, giving you the opportunity to carry on with
other tasks.
The unique disruption head design ensures that consistency is maintained process after process giving you
confidence in repeatability.
Secondary containment parts offer total safety during the disruption process.
Full Bio-containment options are available for sample inlet and sample outlet.
IQ and OQ available on request.
Cleaning is simple and easy using forward flow method and internal relief valve is fitted so reverse
flow cleaning can be achieved too. Alternatively the disruption head can be easily dismantled for
manual cleaning and/or autoclaving if needed.
Disrupter head mounted on stainless steel tray to capture accidental spillages and spills.
Materials in product path, 316L and F51 duplex stainless steel or equivalent, synthetic sapphire,
EPDM, GLFPTFE & PEEK 450G and WC.
Page 8

TS Series Continuous Flow Models

Some Optional Extras
Cart - Offered on all 0.75kw and 1.1kw models
Placing your Cell Disrupter on a cart ensures that it is safely supported at an ideal working height at all times. The cell disrupter
is fitted with four castors (two lockable) which enables you to safely move the TS Series around your lab with ease. This is an
essential tool for those who find bench space a premium and/or those who share equipment between labs and user groups.
Highly recommended.
Auto Fill system (Process Pump) - Offered for use on 1.1kw, 2.2kw and 4kw power rated models
The Auto Fill system can be provided for 1.1kw, 2,2kw and 4kw power rated models. This system enables you to process
larger volumes of sample in one process without having to stand by the cell disrupter to add more of your sample. The cell
disrupter controls a peristaltic pump that will continue to pump your sample into the cell disrupter inlet each time the inlet
becomes empty. Once your sample has been processed, the cell disrupter will recognise that there is no sample left and
automatically stop. This option can be beneficial for sample volumes over 200mls right through to 100 litres plus.
Alternative Pressure Head - Offered for use on all Continuous Flow models
Alternative Pressure Heads are offered on all Continuous Flow models and can be used to fully utilise the
flexibility of our systems. When working at lower pressures, an alternative pressure head will increase the
flow rate of your process and enable you to process your sample more quickly. Alternative Pressure Heads
are designed so that users can easily change them to suit their requirements and users that have different
sample types find that using a lower pressure head can reduce cycle times. Pressure heads are offered at
40KPSI, 30KPSI, 20KPSI and 15KPSI maximum working pressures.

One Shot Head Adaptor

Available for use on the TS Series, B Series & HAIVA models.
TS Series Models Page 9

This option allows you to process multiple small volume samples quickly and efficiently on a continuous flow system,
this enables you to change your continuous flow machine to a One Shot system and back again with ease. Volumes
as low as 1mls can be processed this way and the One Shot Head incorporates all the benefits of a One Shot system
in that you can process solid, frozen, re-suspended samples and even cell paste. The One Shot Head offers total
versatility to users. This option is utilised most by user groups that have small and large volume samples.

Variant Continuous Flow Models

Variations and Options for the TS Continuous Flow Range
HAIVA Variant (High Area Inlet Valve Arrangement)
The HAIVA variation allows you to process thicker and more viscous samples; our design includes an inlet area
that is five times larger than the standard. This is advantageous for sample types such as filamentous fungi and
other samples that have hard viscous particles in suspension. All other attributes are as per the standard TS
Series.

HAIVA are offered in the following power ratings 0.75kW, 1.1kW and 2.2kW
Not sure if the HAIVA variant is what you need? If in doubt, speak with one of our team who will go through your
details and advise you on how to proceed.

B & C Series Variant

B Series The B Series variation has all the attributes of the TS Series with the added ability to connect to CIP
and SIP units. The B Series allows the CIP and SIP to be manually operated.
C Series The C Series variation has all the attributes of the TS Series with the added ability to connect to CIP
and SIP units. This model is supplied with all ports and Tri-clamp connections ready to be connected to your
independent cleaning unit. The C Series allows the CIP and SIP to be automatically operated.
Both models are offered in all power ratings

Page 8
Page 10

Your Application and Cell Success

Constant Cell Disrupter Systems are extremely versatile and have been used for the
following range of applications:

Cell Disruption, Protein & DNA Extraction, Enzyme Release,

DNA Manipulation, Selective Breakage, Single Cell Isolation,
Tissue Disruption
Individual organisms and samples processed by Constant Cell Disrupter Systems
are too numerous to mention them all, however the following lists examples:
Algae
Animal Cells
Bacteria

Disruption of ascorphyllum nodosum

Selective breakage of chicken sperm
Good enzyme activity from recombinant e.coli. High protein recovery from
mycobacterium smegmatis

Fungi

High specific activity of enzyme from Aspergillus nidulans

Yeasts

99% protein release from saccharomyces cerevisiae

99% Recombinant protein release from pichia pastoris

Mammalian
Disruption of cellular and intracellular plasma membranes from horse liver Isolation of
Cells and tissue viable single cells from calf spleen and lymph node
Viruses

Breakage of cytomegalovirus in nucleus of human cells

Plant Cells
& Tissue

Pectin extraction from banana fruit. Strawberry leaf DNA extraction

Parasites

Isolation of membrane antigens from toxoplasma gondi. Separation of nucleus and

membrane in amniotic cells

Environmental
Samples

Extraction of DNA from soil bacteria

E.coli Disruption & Guidance List

Constant Systems Cell Disrupters experience
with E.coli is vast and breakage depends on
the cell culture conditions, length of growth
cycle and pressure utilised. We state the
following as a guide to users for pressure
compared to breakage with E.coli:

Release of DNA Below 15,000 psi (1000 Bar)

Other Species
Please find below a list of some common species of
yeast with pressure vs. breakage:
- 40 KPSI

Candida Albicans

- 25 - 40 KPSI

Candida Utilis

- 15 - 40 KPSI

Inclusion Bodies -

Hansenula Polymorpha

- 25 - 40 KPSI

20,000 psi - 27,000 psi (1900 Bar)

Pichia Augusta

- 40 KPSI

Pichia Capsulatus

- 40 KPSI

Membrane Protein -

Pichia Picorna

- 25 - 35 KPSI

27,000 psi - 35,000 psi (2400 Bar)

Pichia Pastoris

- 35 - 40 KPSI

Kluyveromyces Fragilis

- 05 - 40 KPSI

Rhodotorula Glutinis

- 40 KPSI

Schizosaccharomyces Pombe

- 15 - 40 KPSI

Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

- 27 - 35 KPSI

15,000 psi - 20,000 psi (1350 Bar)

Your Application And Cell Success Page 11

Candida Cloacae

Cytoplasmic Protein -

Inside Back Cover

After Market Support

Here at Constant Systems we are very committed to our product and customers. Our priority is to ensure you are satisfied with
your purchase, therefore we provide 12 months warranty on our machines from Installation. This covers you for all parts and
call out visits. In the unlikely event that you should experience an issue, a technician will be on hand to assist with your needs.
It is important to Constant Systems that you are completely satisfied with your machine, by having regular service maintenance
visits you will be contributing towards the lifetime of your system. Speak to your local representative today to see what they can
offer.

"Our TS 0.75kW model is reliable, robust, easy to use and clean. Results are
reproducible. Customer service is excellent. Problems are solved professionally and in
due time. Students, technical personnel and PIs are happy with the purchase of this
instrument and appreciate the investment every day. What more can you ask for in a
scientific setting.
University of Saskatchewan Department of Biochemistry

Page 12

Delivery, Training and Installation

For every machine that is purchased, we will ensure that it is installed by a Constant Systems
qualified technician. Either ourselves or our working partners will contact you to arrange a
suitable installation date.
Will I need to contact you to arrange my installation?
No, we will monitor when your machine is due to arrive, we will then contact you to set the date.

Q:
A:

Will I need to prepare anything for the installation?

On the day of the installation, our technician will unpack your machine & install it in your designated
area. All we require is users for training and a power socket for the equipment to be plugged into
(hardwiring required on certain models)

Q:
A:

How will I know how to operate the machine?

Once our technicians have installed the machine, they will invite you and your colleagues to carry out
user training on the machine. Once group training has been given, our technician will provide further
intensive training to the main users.

Q:
A:

What happens if I forget part of the training?

Our technician will ensure that enough training is given to ensure you are comfortable using the
machine. Following the installation, you will receive a certificate to certify that you have been given
adequate training. However should you need further advice following the installation, our technicians
are always happy to speak with you. We will also offer refresher training on future visits.

Q:
A:

If I need any advice in the future, will I be able to contact you direct?
Yes, although our technicians are travelling regularly you will always be able to discuss any issues you
feel necessary with them. If we are unable to connect you via phone, we would offer a call back or direct
email assistance.

"
"We
have the Constant Systems One Shot machine and in our opinion there is nothing to equal it on the market for cell
disruption. We use it to break E. coli cells for recombinant protein production and it gives us quick, reproducible disruption.
d
Everything from the initial machine demonstration through to ordering and delivery was easy and efficient (our machine was
E
delivered ahead of schedule). We couldnt fault their customer service, they even made us a custom part to improve our
d
process! We cannot recommend it highly enough." Dr Lisa Capron - Touchlight Genetics Ltd
p

Training, Delivery & Installation Page 13

Q:
A:

Machine Dimensions
One Shot 0.75kW

Small Scale Models

Footprint: 475mm x 510mm x

455mm (DxWxH)
Weight: 90kgs

475.00

455.00

Power: Standard single-phase

electricity

510.00

Multi Shot 0.75kW

Footprint: 475mm x 510mm x
500mm (DxWxH)
Weight: 110kgs

475.00

500.00

Power: Standard single-phase

electricity

510.00

Page 14

Machine Specifications
TS Series 0.75kW and
1.1kw models (Benchtop)

Continuous Flow Models

Footprint: 625mm x 700mm x 740mm (DxWxH)

Weight: 110 130 kgs dependent on specification
Power: Single-phase electricity supply required. (3
phase supply in some countries)

740.00

625.00

700.00

TS Series 2.2kW
and 4kw models
(Cabinet)
Footprint: 725mm x 700mm x 1320mm
(DxWxH).
Weight: 220 240 kgs dependent on
specification.
Power: 2.2 kw Single-phase electricity
supply required (3 phase supply in some
countries) 4kw 3 phase supply.

1320.00

725.00

*The dimensions, weight and power are for reference only.

Constant Systems have the right to change these at any given time.

Machine Specifications Page 15

700.00

CONSTANT
T T
SYSTEMS
E
L

TD

UK Headquarters

US Headquarters

Constant Systems Limited,

Low March, Daventry, Northants
NN11 4SD
ENGLAND
UK

Constant Systems Incorporated

975 Cobb Place Blvd, Suite 202,
Kennesaw,
Georgia 30144
USA

Tel: +44 (0) 1327 314146

Fax: +44 (0) 1327 314147
Email: [email protected]

Tel: +1 (0) 770 428 4814

Fax: +1 (0) 770 428 4845
Email: [email protected]

www.constantsystems.com

Constant Systems Limited, 2013