Automated Product Analysis Robot
Labman has, during mid 2008, commissioned a fluid products analysis robot to perform multiple measurements on liquid samples. This is one of Labman's larger systems and was designed from the start to have the capacity for additional instruments. The first phase was to integrate an Anton Paar Automated Rheometer. The rheometer has its own carousel for storing samples and the Labman robot is used to prepare the samples and load/unload its carousel. The Labman robot controls the operations of the rheometer, this includes the indexing of the sample carousel, the measurement protocols and the washing/cleanup methods. All sample data and measurement details are received from the customers LIMS and then returned with the analysis data once the sample has been processed.
The robot can be used in one of two modes. In mode 1 the operator loads the robot with sample cups that are pre-filled with sample, the robot then loads and unloads them into the rheometer and performs the analysis. In mode 2 the operator loads the robot with empty samples cups and pre-filled disposable syringe barrels. The robot picks the syringe barrel, decaps it, dispenses the sample into a rheometer cup, recaps the syringe barrel and then loads/unloads the rheometer as in mode 1.
The reason for using the disposable syringe barrels was to enable the samples to be dispensed/measured on other analysers other than the rheometer. The 2nd phase of the project was to integrate a number of additional modules, these are:
- Sample particle sizer & associated autosampler
- Refractometer
- Spectrophotometer (dip probe)
- Metrohm pH and conductivety measurement
- Labman sample cup storage mechanism
