Laboratory robotics: An automated tool for preparing ion chromatography calibration standards

Abstract

This article describes the use of a laboratory robot as a tool to prepare multilevel calibration standards for several on-line ion chromatograph (IC) systems. The multichannel on-line IC systems were configured to automate the sampling and analysis of the chemistry in the tests. Analytical channels in the ICs were set up for traditional anions and cations; therefore, calibration standards for anion and cation species would be required. The use of the robot as a means to prepare calibration standards has provided significant advantages and benefits to the testing environment. These advantages and benefits include the following: 1. accurate and precisely prepared calibration standards in individually capped containers along with calibration level identification, 2. automated and unattended multispecies preparation for both anion and cation analytical channels, 3. the ability to free up a test operator from a repetitive routine and reapply those efforts to test operations, and 4. enables tracking and verification of each calibration standard prepared to support laboratory QA/QC plans. System requirements and configuration, robotic operations, operational checks, work force requirements, analytical verification, accuracy and precision of prepared solutions, and robotic downtime are discussed in detail. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.