Features
- integrated with automatic sample transport system (automatic Sample ID) or
- manual sample introduction (Sample ID from nearby QCX terminal) or pushbuttons or via bar code scanning
- Sample splitting & dosing
- any incoming sample may be split into one or more sub-samples (individual quantity)
- volumetric dosing is standard; gravimetric dosing available as option
- sub-samples may be routed to integrated sample prep/analysis equipment units or dosed into a larger sample container in a composite sample magazine or routed to a position for operator pick-up
- Individual preparation recipes
- Priority management
- Integrated control and dynamic supervision of
- sample prep equipment
- analysis equipment
(- sample transport system PLC)
Functionality
Samples can be entered manually at any equipment unit but normally arrive automatically via the automatic sample transport system. Samples entered may be divided into more individual sample portions with individual preparation specifications; e.g. as an example one portion for X-ray analysis and another portion for a shift composite sample container for the specific material.
Control of the individual components are normally undertaken via serial communication links, which supports download of individual preparation parameters for various types of material. Via the same interfaces detailed operational status of the individual equipment units are picked up for display on the QCX system monitors. The QCX/AutoPrep software provides a uniform and intuitive graphics based operator interface for all equipment units. Pending the interfacing specifications the configuration may include a small PLC for parallel signal interfacing . To the extent supported by the individual pieces of equipment, local operation can easily be established via built-in operator panels.
Overall sequencing, priority handling and supervisory control is taken care of by the QCX/AutoPrep software accessible from one or more QCX terminals (PC or workstation). Mimic diagrams are provided for detailed monitoring of the system operation.
The QCX/AutoPrep software is delivered integrated in the project specific overall QCX system structure. At one end the easy integration with the QCX/AutoSampling module facilitates for instance automatic transfer of sample ID and thereby automatic set-up of relevant sample preparation parameters for the incoming sample. At the analysis instrument end, two main integration principles exists : if QCX/AutoPrep is integrated with a QCX/Laboratory module including the full range of LIMS and reporting functionality, then the software will control the analysis instrument and store the acquired
Analysis results in the QCX data base, eventually followed by automatic initiation of associated control calculations such as blending control. As a lower cost alternative QCX/Laboratory can be delivered without the full LIMS functionality ('SampleAdmin' layer only) : in this integration set-up the generated analysis data are not stored in the QCX database, but passed on to external systems. The data passed on are either routed directly from the analysis instrument or via the QCX system.
