lab2lab: Increase the throughput of your analytical equipment
lab2lab has been developed from TTP Labtech’s proprietary pneumatic technology that has been successfully used in its comPOUND® sample storage system to maximize the use of your analytical equipment and to enhance lab automation. lab2lab provides a reliable, secure and rapid means of transporting samples around research facilities.
How does lab2lab work?
In its simplest configuration, lab2lab comprises a small bench top microtube Sender, connected by pneumatic tubes via a Router to a Buffer which then leads on to a Receiver unit. The flexible delivery tubing connecting the system together is used to transport microtubes by low pressure compressed air.
Secure and simple transportation for analysis
The scientist scans a bar code and assigns an ELN reference number alongside the analytical method or methods required. The microtube is then placed in the benchtop Sender which sends it to the analytical laboratory via the Router. Multiple samples can be sent for analysis simultaneously using a Bulk Sender which can take up to 96 microtubes from a SBS standard rack. The Router manages the flow of sample microtubes. When a microtube is received by the Router, its barcode is read and it is either transferred to an available instrument via the Reciever unit or to the Buffer for analysis at a later stage.
The Buffer unit provides a queuing station so that samples can be scheduled to visit more than one instrument or can be run overnight if it is not vital for the results to be returned rapidly. The Buffer unit also allows a full rack of 98 microtubes to be held for overnight analysis. The ability to schedule samples for analysis at times when analytical equipment is in less demand maximises the use of the most commonly used instruments and enhances lab automation in your research establishment.
The Receiver unit transfers the microtube directly to the autosampler of the requested analytical instrument. Once the sample has been processed, the results are sent to the network and the microtube is returned to the Router for disposal or storage.
Flexibility and versatility
The buffer can easily be connected to an integrated rack handling robot, such as a Hamilton SWAP, Twister II, etc. The Receiver units can be easily linked to a wide range of analytical equipment including HPLC, LC/MS, GC/MS, UPLC and NMR
lab2lab is easy to expand as each Router can connect up to 30 sender/receiver units and multiple Routers can be easily linked together. lab2lab's flexible transport pipes can be run within the superstructure of a building or on the surface of walls and ceilings, as determined by the end user. There is no theoretical limit to transport distance and a single 6 bar compressed air supply can easily transport sample microtubes up to 1000m. Longer distances can be achieved using intelligent boosters.
The flexibility of these units makes it possible to customise your lab2lab network across additional floors, buildings, to a central lab or even disparate rooms housing analytical equipment, thereby maximising lab automation throughout the research site.
lab2lab can be integrated into any laboratory management system in any research facility where rapid sample analysis is required.
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Benefits of lab2lab include:
- more efficient instrument use
- increased speed of data generation
- increased usage of analytical equipment (overnight running)
- simple to install in existing laboratories
- easy to expand the system as required
- easy to customise to your requirements
lab2lab multi-way bench top Sender