Key features
Overview
The Automated Liquid and Powder Dispensing System is a bespoke piece of equipment designed to produce formulations in uncapped 50ml centrifuge vials. Vials are loaded into the system in a rack with a capacity of 45 vials. The system is equipped with an array of dispensing hardware that dispense a range of materials in both powder and liquid forms. Wireless dispensing units allow formulation ingredients to be added to vials, which are being mixed by a magnetic stirrer. This helps disperse materials into the formulation as they are added. The weight of the dispenser is monitored using a balance to determine the amount of material being dispensed. The conductivity of completed formulations is monitored until it is stable. Once the conductivity of the formulation is considered stable the formulation pH is measured and acid/ base additions are made to adjust the formulation to meet the specified target pH. Upon completion of the pH adjustment process, formulations are returned to the output rack. The output rack is covered, and the formulation vials are sealed to prevent evaporation or pH drift of the completed formulations until they are collected by the operator. It is possible to complete a full process of 45 formulations and pH adjustment in less than 8 hours.