Tanks and Drums for Bioprocessing

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Optimize performance with production tanks and drums

Managing large volumes of process liquids reliably is challenging. Key risks include contamination, variable hold times, and inconsistent transfers across unit operations. Production tanks and drums help improve efficiency and consistency through controlled fluid handling, optional mixing capabilities, robust containment systems supported by quality documentation, sanitary connections, and streamlined fluid logistics—helping enable stable, repeatable performance from preparation and storage through distribution and downstream processing.


Benefits of tanks and drums

Tanks and drums enable large volume fluid handling with:

  • Durable construction using materials characterized for low extractables
  • Broad chemical compatibility across process fluids
  • Ergonomic handling and mobility features (e.g., grips, carts, drain ports)
  • Configurable fittings, venting, and sealing options
  • Design features such as clear graduations for volume visibility
  • Quality documentation to support regulated and cGMP-aligned applications

Storage solutions by application

The following table breaks down each tank or drum type to specific bioprocessing needs, helping you select the right vessel that is appropriate for your workflow.

Carboys and Tanks

Tanks offer stable, contamination‑resistant storage with compatible materials, venting, and sanitary ports. Integrated mixing, graduated volumes, and temperature‑tolerant designs enable controlled preparation of reagents, buffers, and media, facilitating consistency across your workflow.

Closed-system liquid handling

Tanks and drums integrate with closed systems via sanitary ports, welded tubing, aseptic connectors, and vent filters, protecting sterility during transfers, holds, and in‑process steps like buffer staging, media distribution, and intermediate storage.

Transport and movement

Drums with sealed, vented caps and robust construction, plus tanks on carts with sanitary ports, are suited for internal movement. Qualified transport uses validated containers with closures, secondary containment, and labeling for transfers between rooms or facilities.

Waste collection and management

Strongly constructed drums and tanks with sealed, vented caps, wide mouths, and drain ports are well-suited for capturing upstream/downstream waste streams. Options with secondary containment, clear labeling, and compatibility for chemical/biological waste support safe, compliant handling.


Storage solutions by shape

Vessel shape impacts capacity, footprint, and handling. Tall cylinders maximize volume in tight spaces, while wide formats enhance stability and access. Shape also affects integration with mixers, carts, and manifolds, enabling optimized flow, ergonomics, and closed‑system connections.

Closed-dome tanks

Sealed, closed‑dome tanks are preferred for aseptic workflows and contamination control. Their secure lids, sanitary ports, and vent filters protect contents during sterile holds, transfers, and mixing, supporting closed systems, cleanroom use, and validated fluid management

Rectangular tanks

Rectangular tanks maximize space efficiency with flat sides that fit tight floor plans, shelves, or carts. Their geometry supports stable stacking, organized storage, and optimized footprint while maintaining access to ports, drains, and lids for streamlined handling and integration.

Cylindrical tanks

Cylindrical tanks excel for mixing (uniform shear, no dead zones), storage stability (even wall stress, robust under pressure/vacuum), and in‑process staging. Their geometry supports consistent agitation, predictable drain/cleaning, and reliable closed‑system connections.

Cylindrical drums

Cylindrical drums are well-suited for rugged handling, mobility, and qualified transport. Their durable construction, sealed/vented closures, and compatibility with dollies, pallets, and secondary containment support safe internal moves and validated transfers between rooms, suites, or facilities.

Enable flexible containment with tank liners

Tank liners create a clean, disposable barrier that protects containers and speeds changeover; no CIP needed. They are designed to reduce cross‑contamination risk, preserve tank surfaces, and support sterile workflows. Available for closed‑dome, cylindrical, and rectangular tanks, liners add containment flexibility, enable rapid product switches, and simplify validation by standardizing contact materials across batches and vessels.

Ordering information

Closed-dome tanks

Rectangular tanks

货号 产品名称 规格 Price 数量
14200-0045 Each
13,568.04

Cylindrical drums

Cylindrical tanks

Tank liners

货号 产品名称 规格 Price 数量
SH3064701 -
SH3064702 -
SH3064703 -
SH3064601 -
SH3064602 -
SH3064603 -
SH3064704 -
SH3064705 -
SH3064706 -
SH3064707 -
B100037I 200 L -
B100038I 130 L -
B100048I 50 L -
B100049I Each -
B100050I Each -
B100051I Each -
B100364I 50 L -
B100373I 100 L -
B100363I 200 L -
B101459I Each -
B101460I Each -


Frequently asked questions

Choose based on required volume, fluid type, and sterility needs, and match the vessel material to your chemicals and temperature resistance. Decide between a tank for fixed setups or a drum for mobility, ensure closed‑system ports and connectors fit your equipment, and confirm compliance with your environment’s validation and documentation requirements.

Yes. Add single-use liners, presterilized bottle/carboy manifolds, and sterile quick-connects. Use tri‑clamp ports with gasket materials matched to your process. Validate vent filtration, integrity (leak/pressure), and aseptic connection steps. Standardize tubing sizes and connectors to unify closed paths across units.

Choose film type (PE, EVA, multilayer) for extractables and strength. Ensure liner fit for tank shape/ports, and compatibility with chemicals, temperature, and sterilization. Consider aseptic handling, changeover speed, mixing needs, and documentation (CoA/CoC, validation data) when selecting a tank liner.

Nalgene tanks have been used by top labs for decades. They are made from robust, low‑extractable polymers with clear graduations and sanitary ports for reliable mixing, storage, and transfer. Their validated construction, venting options, and ergonomic designs support closed‑system workflows, help reduce variability, and aid in streamlining buffer/media prep, staging, and distribution. 

Evaluate chemical compatibility, temperature limits, and sterilization method: PP for autoclavable, higher temp; HDPE/LLDPE for broad chemical resistance and low extractables; PETG for clarity and gamma irradiation; fluoropolymers for aggressive solvents. Confirm extractables data, mechanical needs, and regulatory documentation with what is needed for your application.

They use common port standards, tubing sizes, and connectors to mirror lab, pilot, and production setups. Select materials validated across scales, align hold volumes and mixing geometry, and apply single-use assemblies for sterility. Document parameters to preserve transferability and batch‑to‑batch consistency.

Integrate within your bioprocessing workflow

Tanks and drums connect to mixers, pumps, filters, and manifolds via sanitary ports, welded tubing, and aseptic connectors to create continuous, closed liquid paths. This integration enables sterile prep, storage, transfer, and distribution between upstream and downstream unit operations.

Single-use mixers

Single‑use mixers streamline reagent prep with presterilized bags, integrated impellers, and sanitary connectors. They connect to tanks via welded tubing and tri‑clamp ports, enabling closed, sterile mixing, rapid changeover, and consistent buffer/media production across scales.

HyPerforma Single-Use Mixer

The Thermo Scientific HyPerforma Single-Use Mixer enables controlled, scalable mixing for higher‑volume liquid prep. Integrated closed‑system ports, precise agitation, and sanitary connections support sterile buffer/media formulation, homogenization, and holds, improving consistency and throughput.

Single-use bioprocessing equipment

Efficiently grow and harvest your cells with equipment specially designed for your application like DynaSpin Single-Use Centrifuge for bioprocessing. It features a unique single use rotor and can replace primary filtration and help reduce burden on secondary filtration.


Complementary solutions include single‑use bottle assemblies, carboys, tubing/manifolds, aseptic connectors, vent filters, and tank liners that unify sterile flow paths. These components support prep, storage, transfer, and waste handling.
 

Bioprocess bags

Bioprocess bags are ready-to-use fluid containers engineered for sterile liquid handling. Many chamber options are available such as 2D, 3D, and tank liners made from films, including our flagship Aegis5-14, to address demanding bioprocessing challenges. 

Fluid transfer solutions

Minimize leaks and contamination risk with sterile tubing and adaptors, secured at connection points by the BioTitan Retention Device.  Our standard fluid transfer assembly products help with time and cost efficiency.



 

Bioprocess bottles and carboys

Low and ultra-low particulate bottles and carboys are designed for optimal storage and transportation of biological and chemical solutions. Made from high-quality materials and available in various sizes, these containers are well-suited for laboratory and industrial applications. Also available in standard or custom assembly systems.

Explore BioProcess Insights


The Bioprocess Insights Hub by Thermo Fisher Scientific is designed for biomanufacturing professionals, offering educational resources to optimize single-use bioprocessing workflows. It features articles, guides, and case studies on topics such as assembly design, contamination mitigation, and technology transfer. Resources include application notes, brochures, white papers, videos, and webinars, covering areas like process optimization, scalability, quality, and sustainability.


For research use or further manufacturing. Not for diagnostic use or direct administration into humans or animals.