Lightning PQ

AUTONOMA’s Lightning Automated PQ (Particle Quantification) Analyser for Condition Monitoring is the fastest robotic system available today for measuring PQ index across various sample types. The system accommodates a wide range of bottle types and orientations. It automatically detects both and selects the appropriate adaptor accordingly. The trays are lightweight and designed to be inserted only one way, ensuring no sample mix-ups.

• 15-20 second analysis time.
• Multiple bottle/container types and orientations can be analysed at the same time in the Lightning PQ.
• The Lightning PQ can self-calibrate using a 750 PQ calibration disc and 0 PQ calibration disc. It can also run these calibration discs before each rack, verifying the results are within the specification.
• Samples that exceed a threshold based on the compartment type as supplied by the LIMS will be highlighted at the end of the run, and the operator will be prompted to clean the bottle and reanalyse the sample. Should the results fall outside of the limits again, an alarm and email can be sent to the operator and/or LIMS.
• This machine can be used manually in the case of maintenance/emergencies.

The Lightning PQ is also easily customizable, with the option to include additional analytical methods and sample preparation steps, such as:

• • Camera system to photograph side and/or bottom of sample bottles
  • Bottle decapping
  • FTIR
  • Viscometry
  • Sample aliquoting and dilution for ICP/IC
  • Aliquoting into test tubes
  • Turbidity
  • Colour Analysis
  • Crackle Test
  • TAN/TBN

Equipped with a high-speed XYZ transport, it can analyse up to 4 samples per minute, which translates to over 5,700 samples daily. An integrated priority tray allows for the immediate input and analysis of urgent samples, while hot-swappable drawers enable tray insertion or removal without interrupting ongoing analyses. 

This system seamlessly integrates with industry-standard PQ analysers, such as Parker’s ANALEXpql or Yateks YTD, ensuring accuracy and precision. It also performs automatic calibration using included 0 and 750 PQ standards before processing a new batch. 

User-friendly and ergonomic, the machine is operated via a built-in touchscreen and networked PC, or through a server-based virtual machine running HF Innovation’s LabDroid software. 

It supports full integration with popular LIMS (Laboratory Information Management) platforms such as CCLAS, Starlims, LabWare, SampleManager, simplifying sample registration. Results can be exported in CSV, XLS, or TXT formats, with customizable layouts. API interfaces to LIMS are also possible.