Chemglass M18 Blind Stopper for Bioreactor

Chemglass M18 Blind Plug Stopper for Bioreactor Head Plates - 316L Stainless Steel, Autoclavable (MPN: CLS-1380-25)

The Chemglass CLS-1380-25 is a premium, precision-machined M18 threaded blind stopper designed specifically for sealing unused accessory ports on benchtop bioreactor head plates. Engineered as a like-for-like, drop-in replacement part for Applikon Biotechnology and Broadley-James brand bioreactor systems, this plug ensures a perfect, leak-proof closure for 1 to 15 liter culture vessels. Machined from ultra-durable 316L stainless steel, it provides exceptional resistance to chemical degradation and is completely safe for repeated high-temperature steam sterilization cycles. Threaded directly from the outside of the head plate, it securely caps M18 ports that are not actively holding sensors, addition pipes, or sampling tubes.

Technical Performance and Design

• 316L Stainless Steel Construction: Manufactured entirely from heavy-duty 316L grade stainless steel, ensuring maximum durability against corrosive media, acidic buffers, and high-pressure steam environments without rusting or pitting.

• Electropolished Surface Finish: Features a high-purity electropolished surface finish of 20Ra or better. This ultra-smooth profile prevents bacterial biofilm accumulation, protein adhesion, and cross-contamination around the port threading.

• Universal Brand Compatibility: Precision-threaded to serve as a direct, seamless replacement component for industry-standard Applikon and Broadley-James bioreactor head plates, eliminating the need for expensive proprietary OEM stoppers.

• Airtight O-Ring Sealing: Designed to sit flush and compress an orange silicone O-ring against the head plate, establishing a hermetic, pressure-safe seal that defends the internal culture from ambient airborne contaminants.

Product Specifications

• Catalog Number / MPN: CLS-1380-25

• Manufacturer / Brand: Chemglass Life Sciences

• Thread Size: M18 (Threaded from the outside of the port)

• Material Composition: 316L Stainless Steel (Electropolished to 20Ra or better)

• Sterilization Compatibility: Fully Autoclave Safe

• Compatible O-Ring Profile: 20.0 x 2.00 mm (O-ring generally sold separately)

Key Benefits and Applications

• Head Plate Customization: Allows technicians to securely block off large M18 ports when oversized sensors, addition pipes, or spargers are temporarily removed for specific microbial or mammalian cell culture runs.

• Steam-in-Place (SIP) Durability: Maintains structural integrity and thread tolerance even after hundreds of extreme-heat autoclave sterilization cycles, preventing dangerous pressure blowouts.

• Bypassed Proprietary Costs: Serves as a highly economical alternative to purchasing replacement plugs directly through original bioreactor manufacturers while matching exact technical specifications.

• Ergonomic Installation: The top profile allows for secure, fast tightening and removal from the exterior of the head assembly, making setup and teardown highly efficient.

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