A choice to be made

The choice of automation concept depends on the complexity of a particular laboratory method, the volume of sample throughput, the cycle time requirements, the quality control objectives and of course the cost of a given solution. In general the automated equipment solution is to be preferred for high sample throughput and/or low complexity. F.ex for a low complexity “X-ray powder preparation only” configuration this means in that a linear type arrangement is the more cost effective of the two concepts.

Robotics solutions are preferable if the procedures are more complex or if more tests are to be made on the same sample. This is because the robotics approach requires less adaptation of the requirement serviced and less expensive automation of a wider range of standard laboratory components. Another factor in favour of the flexible robotics concept is its high flexibility in terms of future modification. In the past, robotics solutions were recommended, when several equipment units were to be operated or there was a higher preparation complexity. However, over the years robots have become steadily less expensive, making the robotics concept more attractive economically also for smaller project configurations.

QCX/RoboLab and QCX/AutoPrep

FLSmidth’s QCX/RoboLab and the QCX/AutoPrep products provide the automated preparation solutions for cement & minerals & base metals production laboratories as well as for general service laboratories. The automation concepts are based on sample preparation and laboratory equipment arranged in suitable linear or circular configurations. Analytical instruments are located in an adjoining room, separated by a glass wall or integrated in the same room next to the preparation units. FLSmidth group companies produce a wide range of the sample preparation equipment integrated in a specific QCX/RoboLab or QCX/AutoPrep project, but both concepts allow for integration of other preparation equipment brands. Analysis instrumentation (XRF, XRD, OE, particle sizing …..) is typically sourced from leading instrumentation suppliers. FLSmidth is the system integrator and designs and engineer the overall automation solution and produces the appropriate QCX software modules, integrated and engineered to the project specific configuration. Pending the automation specifications existing equipment may be integrated in the set-up. The system is software wise delivered as a completely integrated system, with efficient commissioning in mind.

Samples arrive either via the connected automatic sample transport system or via manual/semi-automatic transfer points from the outside to the robot cell/linear equipment arrangement. Bar code or RFID tag scanning for identification of incoming samples are available options. A wide range of sample preparation and analysis tasks can be automated by the QCX/RoboLab or QCX/AutoPrep concepts.

Often applied preparation & analysis disciplines are: