Lightning PQ

AUTONOMA’s Lightning PQ is one of the fastest automated systems on the market today for measuring PQ index across a wide variety of sample types. Featuring a high-speed XYZ transport system, it can analyze up to 4 samples per minute, equating to a throughput of over 5,700 samples per day, making it well suited to high-volume laboratory operations.

The system accommodates a wide variety of bottle types and orientations, automatically detecting each bottle’s type and position before selecting the appropriate adaptor without operator input. Sample trays are lightweight and designed to fit only one way, eliminating the risk of sample mix-ups during loading. An integrated priority tray also allows urgent samples to be inserted and analyzed immediately, bypassing the standard queue when needed. Drawers are hot-swappable, meaning trays can be inserted and removed at any time without interrupting the analysis of samples already in process.

The Lightning PQ can be integrated with industry-standard PQ analyzers, such as Parker’s ANALEXpql, providing added confidence in the accuracy and precision of results. Prior to running each new batch of samples, the system performs an automatic calibration using the included 0 and 750 PQ standards, ensuring measurement reliability is maintained from batch to batch.

Safety is a core design priority, with all access doors mechanically interlocked while the machine is in operation to protect personnel at all times. The system’s modular design also allows for straightforward expansion, enabling future interfacing with AUTONOMA’s full range of NextGen laboratory automation as laboratory needs evolve.

• 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, the Lightning PQ can analyze up to 4 samples per minute, translating to a throughput of 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 analyzers, such as Parker’s ANALEXpql or Yateks YTD, ensuring reliable accuracy and precision across every batch. It also performs automatic calibration using the included 0 and 750 PQ standards before processing each new batch, maintaining consistent measurement reliability over time.

User-friendly and ergonomic, the Lightning PQ is operated via a built-in touchscreen and networked PC, or through a server-based virtual machine running HF Innovation’s LabDroid software. This advanced interface gives operators complete control over the system’s high-throughput capabilities, ensuring a smooth, efficient workflow from sample intake through to results. The system is engineered for continuous operation, with hot-swappable drawers that allow trays to be inserted and removed without ever stopping the analysis of the current batch, maximizing overall productivity.

For ultimate connectivity, the Lightning PQ supports full integration with popular LIMS platforms, including CCLAS, Starlims, LabWare, and SampleManager, simplifying sample registration and eliminating manual data entry errors. Results can be exported in standard CSV, XLS, or TXT formats, with layouts that are easily customizable to meet specific laboratory reporting requirements. For laboratories requiring more advanced connectivity, API interfaces to LIMS are also available, ensuring the Lightning PQ fits seamlessly into your existing digital ecosystem.