Robotic Analyzers Turnkey or custom-made automation solutions

Overview

Skalar's extensive range of Robotic Analyzers offers the routine analytical laboratories flexible and tailor-made automation solutions. Automation is available for e.g. BOD, COD, pH, Conductivity (EC), Alkalinity, Carbonate/Bicarbonate, Turbidity, Color, Ion Selective Electrodes (ISE) applications and Clay fraction analysis etc.. Combinations of analyses or custom-made applications are possible. All applied methods are in compliance with international regulations ISO, EPA, Standard Methods and DIN etc.

The Robotic line consists of four different models:

• SP10 (small sized batches)
• SP50 (Medium sized batches)
• SP1000 (Large sized batches)
• SP100 (Large sized batches)

Every model has their specific advantages, but all providing hands-free, walk-away automation. Each Robot has a different capacity, from small to large sample batches and from small to large sample volumes.

The design of the Robotic Analyzers allows the instruments to meet your exact requirements resulting in increased productivity and accuracy of results, while reducing the sample turn-around time, costs per sample and eliminating errors and operator/sample interaction.

The analyzers are equipped as standard with a probe and stirrer and optionally the analyzer can be extended with dispenser(s) and diluent pump(s). Some models have multiple probe(s) and automatic bottle (de)-capper possibilities. Various removable sample racks are available for both standard and customized sample containers. A range of detectors (up to 6) can be connected to the analyzer for multiple analyses either sequential or simultaneous depending on application and analyzer model. Standard commercially available meters and probes are used.

Optionally the system can be configured as a pipetting station that can dilute the original sample to different sized vials, which can be offered to different instruments for analysis. Even it is possible to prepare and analyze your samples fully automatically, from pipetting and dispensing the original sample into smaller containers up to automation of the actual sample analysis on an efficient and precise way.

The analyzers are supplied with software for data handling and instrument control. The versatility and flexibility of the analyzers and the software allows an easy integration into any laboratory environment.

BOD

The BOD analysis is one of the most common applications for water laboratories. The test is used as an indication of the organic quality of water. All Skalar Robotic Analyzers can provide the automation for BOD according to EPA 405.1/ISO 5815-1. Various possibilities are available based on the sample load, budget and the level of automation. From 32 up to 120 BOD bottles can be set as uninterrupted sample batches. Sample trays can be added during analysis runs to handle any required sample load.

The analyzers can hold all available standard BOD bottles, and a wide range of sample trays are provided for various incubators. The automation of the labor-intensive BOD application can save up to 85% of operator time and provides the required consistency for the application.

A typical BOD analysis sequence:

Samples are pipetted, either manual or automatically (option), into the BOD bottles and the identity and the dilutions are entered or downloaded from LIMS into the sample table. Bottles are placed in the racks and placed on the Robotic Analyzer. Analyzer is started by operator. The manipulator sets the Oxygen probe in position, bottle is capped and filled with Nitrification inhibitor (ATU) and/or seed (option) and dilution water. Sample is then stirred and the initial Oxygen value is measured. The bottle is capped and the Oxygen probe and stirrer are rinsed before going to the next sample. The same procedure is followed until a value is recorded for all samples. The sample racks are placed in a 20°C incubator for 5 days. After incubation the racks are placed on the Robotic analyzer. The operator starts the analyzer. The bottle is decapped. The sample is stirred and the final Oxygen value is measured. The BOD value is calculated. The bottle is capped or the cap is discarded in a collector (SP100 only). This procedure is repeated until all samples are measured. The data can be presented on screen, printed or converted to a file compatible with other software and LIMS's.

If there is a requirement for other analyses such as pH, conductivity, alkalinity and turbidity then these methods can be combined with BOD on the same robot.

Configuration examples

• SP10 BOD

• SP50 BOD

• SP1000 BOD

• SP100 BOD

COD

Skalar's robotic analyzers can be configured to automate Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) according to the classical method ISO 6060 or to the small scale sealed tube method ISO 15705 and EPA 410.4.

1. COD according to ISO 6060

COD analysis is commonly used to determine the amount of organic pollutants found in surface water and waste water. The COD value is a useful indicator for measuring the water quality.

All Skalar Robotic Analyzers can provide the automation for COD (according to ISO 6060/ EPA 410.1). This procedure includes a two-hour digestion with sulfuric acid, an oxidizing agent and a catalyst. After refluxing, the samples are cooled and are automatically titrated with iron-ammonium-sulfate to determine the excess of oxidizing agent.

SP5000 Automatic digestion system

The system is used for digestion during COD analysis (according to ISO 6060). It consists of a lift system, cooler rack, digestion block, tube rack and a controller with display. The controller sets the temperature and time for the heating and also takes care of all lift movements and the placing of the cooler rack. The samples are boiled for exactly 2 hours under reflux. The process runs completely automatically after the tube rack is loaded by the operator into the system. And after the digestion the tube rack is set ready to be rinsed.

2. COD according to ISO 15705

Typical analysis sequence for the small scale sealed tube method (st-COD), according to ISO 15705 and EPA 410.4, starts with pipetting either manually or automatically (option) the homogeneous sample into the reaction tubes. Tubes are placed in the sample racks and transferred to the analyzer. The analyzer picks-up the tubes, mixes them and automatically positioned them in the reactor where they are heated for two hours at 150 C. The analyzer keeps track of the reaction time. When the reaction is completed the analyzer places the tubes in a sample rack to cool down to 60 C, after which they are mixed whilst still being warm. When the samples are cooled down to ambient temperature they will be measured with a photometric detector at the required wavelength. The concentration is shown in the result screen of the software and the data can be transported to the LIMS system.

The analyzers can be used with commercial available or self-made COD reaction tubes and is compatible with several photometers. Skalar's SP10COD Robotic Analyzer (or for more capacity the SP50/SP1000) has been designed for the cost-effective automation of st-COD analysis

Configuration examples

• SP10 COD

• SP1000 COD

pH / EC / Titrations / Turbidity / Color

The Skalar Robotic Analyzers can handle the automation of these paramet ers combined into one system for sequential or simultaneous analysis. Custom-made configurations are available to meet the requirements of any laboratory. This includes the choice of various applications, the running sequence and the integration of a variety of sample racks and sample beakers. For instance, when the system is configured for the analysis of drinking water, pH, EC, Alkalinity and Turbidity, it can be user-defined whether the applications are required to run parallel or sequentially. The system also allows the selection of the analysis performed on each individual sample.

Depending on the application, calibration of the instrumentation can be performed automatically to ensure an accurate performance. Quality control checks and standards can be placed in between samples and probes can be re-calibrated automatically.

This flexible design of the Robotic Analyzers allows combinations of various applications like Alkalinity, Dissolved oxygen, Conductivity, Color, pH, Hardness, Turbidity, Titrations, Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) in one economical system.

Configuration examples

• SP10 pH/EC

• SP50 pH/EC

• SP1000 pH/EC/Turbidity

Soil-pH

The soil-pH influences the availability of minerals for the plant. Each plant has a certain pH at which it is optimally grown and produced. The pH analysis is the most common parameter carried out on soil samples. Specialized laboratories analyze the soil and provide farmers with the required information. Based on the analysis results, the best method can be selected to improve the soil quality resulting in increased crop quantities and cost reduction.

The Robotic Analyzer can be configured for measurement of soil-pH in water extracts as well as in KCl, CaCl2 or other extracts. The procedure includes the automatic calibration of the probe and addition of water, KCl or CaCl2 solution for extraction. Depending on the prescribed procedure, the samples are left to settle for a pre-defined time and / or stirred before the measurement continues. A multiple probe configuration is available to increase sample throughput.

After weighing the samples are placed in a rack. The racks are transferred to the analyzer. The analyzer adds extraction solution and stirs all the samples. Between each operation the analyzer rinses the probe. After a pre-defined settling period the samples are again stirred. The pH value of each sample is measured. The measured values of each sample is calculated and stored.

The SP10 and SP50 provide an economical solution for small sample loads. The SP100 and SP1000 models can be configured with up to eight probes for larger sample batches. Parameters, such as conductivity (EC), can be added.

Configuration examples

• SP1000 pH-Soil

Clay fraction

Classification of soil is important for environmental control and construction purposes. Soil classification is based on several factors such as absorption, the ability to shrink or swell, water retention and permeability. Most of these factors independently correlate with the particle size (clay fraction) of the soil. The clay fraction is measured according to for instance ISO 11277 and allows the soil to be categorized within stated classes.

The analysis is carried out in three steps:

1. Weighing the sample and separating the fractions
2. Removal of Organic Matter and Carbonates
3. Determination of the clay fraction

Skalar has developed a concept to automate the second and third step in this process using respectively a SP50 and SP1000 Robotic analyzer. Automation of the second and third step is of particular interest because the second step can now be carried out without any risk for the operator and the third step is carried out at an precise timing and pick up height involved in the procedure.

A typical Organic Matter/Carbonates removal sequence

After weighing, the samples are placed in a bottle. The bottles are placed in the SP50 and an amount of water is added. The bottles with sample are heated until the boiling point has been reached. A sample is boiled for 30 min. During heating and boiling every 30 min, 5 ml of hydrogen peroxide is added to remove the organic matter. Sample is cooled down. Same process is started but now with the addition of hydro chloric acid to remove the carbonates. During the complete process water is added in intervals to avoid excessive boiling of the sample.

A typical Clay fraction analysis sequence

The sample is transferred into a volumetric cylinder of 500/1000 ml. The system, a SP50 or SP1000, automatically adds Sodium pyrophosphate solution and brings the suspension to volume by adding distilled water. During a user-definable time, the sample is homogenized. After a settling period of several hours (up to 8 hours) a fraction of the suspension is taken at a predefined depth from the cylinder and this fraction is transferred to an evaporation dish by the system. After drying the remainder of the sample is weighed and the Clay fraction is calculated via the software.

This procedure can also be performed unattended allowing for overnight operation. In addition, it is also possible to measure different fractions, for example < 16 µm, or to measure directly after the cylinder is brought to volume.

The Skalar Robotic analyzers offer an economical and “walk-away” automation concept for the lengthy clay fraction analysis procedure, which modern advanced laboratories will find greatly beneficial.

Configuration examples

• SP50 Clay Fraction

• SP1000 Clay Fraction