In 2015 LIC were confirming the order for a new industrial washer/drier system for cleaning trays of both sample collection flasks, and sample vials. The infeed and outfeed conveyor systems offered by the manufacturer were not going to fit into the floorspace available, so we were asked to create a concept that would fit. We went beyond that and proposed a system that would reduce the labour required through use of a large industrial robot for loading trays into the washer.
Samples are mapped and moved from the trays to the sample carousel
Samples heated to desired temperature, submerged in temperature-control warm water and moved from tray to sample carousel
For an accurate result, robot mixes samples prior to analysis
Samples de-capped
Samples identified by bar-code or RFID (optional)
Samples presented to the analyser stirrer/pipette
Sample vials returned to tray
Operator Savings
Easy to use
Robot takes over all the monotonous manual tasks
Easy to operate
Reduces operator costs by >50%. One operator can handle up to 3 lines
Automation helps increase throughput per line with stricter procedures
Efficient output
Quality Assurance
Consistent measurements with reliable results with repeatable automated processes
Pilot samples stored in separate compartment
Option of random pilot sample testing (depending on laboratory rules)
ILAS3000 presents the optional capability of alerting operators if check results are outside the user defined range
Productivity
Two drawers for sample trays allows for continuous operation
Drawers independent of one another; allows for operator to use one tray while other is being tested by the robot
Can run at speed of up to 600 samples/ hour
Adaptability
Adaptable and adjustable to most commonly used vials
Drawers set up at the factory to suit many styles of trays
Can be used with or without barcode ID or RFID
System Features
Fully integrated with the following analysis solutions:
Bentley FTS/FCM
Delta CombiScope FTIR
CombiFoss 5000
CombiFoss 6000 FC
MilkoScan 4000
MilkoScan FT6000
Fossomatic 5000
Technical Specifications
Item
Specification
Capacity/speed
Up to 600 samples can be processed per hour. Up to 480 samples + 24 pilot samples can be loaded into the robot at one time. The first sample is measured approx. 10 minutes after the samples are placed in the first drawer.
Dimensions
1300H x 1850W x 1250D mm (not including monitor)
Floor space requirements
200 x 250 x 220 cm – including analyser. If using a FOSS analyser, it must be placed on an 855 mm high table (for instance FOSS standard table)
Compressed air supply
> 6 bar, clean and oil-free
Air consumption
Average 25 litres/minute, peak 50 litres/minute
Power supply
220 – 240 VAC± 10%, 50 – 60 Hz
Power consumption
Max 2400 VA
Space for trays, each drawer
Max. 78H x 419W x 666D mm
Max. tray height 65 mm
Ambient humidity
< 93% RH
Ambient temperature
15 – 33°C
Weight, operating
650 kg including full water bath and full sample capacity
Vials
Min. 78H x 27W mm. Max. 115H x 32W mm
Other vials subject to customisation
Standards
ILAS3000 is CE certified to the applicable Electromagnetic Compatibility, Machinery Safety and Low Voltage directives.
When a milk sample is taken from a herd of cows at both the morning and evening milking, each sample can be separately analysed, or the two samples can be combined proportionally (according to AM and PM milking volumes). Having staff fetch each sample, shake them, proportion the volumes and then manually combine them is labour intensive, and this is made even more difficult when the samples are randomly located in the trays.
The ILAS2000 sample pairing robot is designed to automate this task. One of the challenges of performing this pairing operation is to do this quickly despite randomly placed samples, and the distance the pickup gripper has to travel between the input and output tray locations. Intellitech now hold patents covering the innovative designs that enabled them to solve this task, and produce a robust and reliable machine that can efficiently perform this task whilst maintaining sample integrity.
