Metrohm introduces capsule analysis system

According to Metrohm​ the system, which includes sample preparation, sample handling, filtration and liquid handling, handles these tasks to a degree previously possible with laboratory robots, but with the added advantage that such systems are off-the-shelf and are therefore price efficient.

With this system, basic operations such as pipetting, transferring, aliquoting, and dosing have become fully automated and tasks such as homogenisation and dispersion of the samples can be fully controlled - the homogeniser speed can be altered, held, or pulsed whenever required.

The unit can prepare solid dosage samples in minutes, and stage up to 999 samples without operator intervention, reducing risk of operator errors. The system also benefits from the Identical Sample Preparation feature, increasing the handling and reproducibility, as does optimal rinsing.

Reproducibility and accuracy are the two key requirements in analysis, and therefore one of the main demands placed on automation. Failure to adhere to these demands places questions not only on the experiment taking place but the system's reliability and consistency.

CTAS ensures constant dosing, exact pipetting, transferring and repeatability when dosing in the range comfortably from 1 microlitre up to 100 millilitres, i.e. over no less than four orders of magnitude.

The operation of this system takes place from a PC using Metrohm's Tiamo software, which gives the machine an extremely small footprint. The Tiamo software complies with the requirements set out by GMP or FDA 21 CFR Part 11.

All FDA regulations are complied with by the complete integration of the USB sample processor with the software. The software package also allows direct communications between the CTAS and third party instruments such as UV/VIS and HPLC instrumentation.