Modulab is designed for low maintenance and hands-free operation, so there are no knobs or switches, as all adjustments are done automatically. The whole system is configured for a particular analysis using Windows-based software tools. A Microsoft Windows based program is used to perform laboratory type work, whilst an embedded system is used for unattended on-line analyses with facilities for generating alarms, telemetry and network connectivity. Modulab does not use a peristaltic pump. Liquid is moved around the system using electronically operated micro-pumps and one or more programmable syringe drives. Reagents are added using a novel technique. The system has a solid state colorimeter and a fluorimeter and there are modules for electro-chemical analyses using ion-selective electrodes. |