The post How Can Questron’s Automation of Digestion Procedures Improve Innovation and Efficiency in Your Lab? appeared first on Questron.

However, with limited resources, increasing demand, and the constant pressure to produce results, there is a pressing need to find different ways to improve lab productivity. Figuring out the right processes, resources, and people management strategies is the most effective way to maximize efficiency, enhance scientific value, and minimize wasted time and energy. Here are a few other tips to increase productivity in your lab:

Promote an Organized Workplace

The first step to increasing productivity in the lab is to organize the workplace. Implementing a 5S program can give you a better idea about where you’re going to place unmovable equipment, frequently used tools, electronics, samples, and waste. This will help you eliminate waste and reduce the amount of time spent searching for tools, supplies, and information.

Improve Stock Management

Nothing can interfere with lab productivity more than finding out that you ran out of important materials in the middle of an experiment. This is why inventory management is a crucial part of working in a lab. You need to have a process in place to ensure that there is a constant supply of required items and that team members can find them easily when needed. A well-planned stock management system will also make sure that there is no waste.

There are many systems out there that allow you to keep track of materials and will update you when they’re out of stock or need to be reordered. Finding the right one for your lab can take some time, depending on your specific requirements.

Better Information Management

Apart from keeping track of your supplies, you also need to have a system in place to organize data and maintain daily records. One way to stay on top of things and avoid missing out on important data is to enter the information immediately after the experiment. Incorporating templates and protocols into your process will also make it easier to both input and recover the data when needed.

Automate Your Processes

If you notice that your lab is performing a lot of the same routine tasks, it might be time to consider investing in automation systems. This could especially come in handy with the ever-increasing need for more reproducible data. Automation technology allows you to streamline your resources and research practices, increase productivity, save time and money, and reduce the rate of errors. Moreover, the safety features in automation systems will ensure safer working conditions for your staff.

However, it might be difficult to figure out the level of automation your laboratory needs—this is where Questron Technologies Corp can help you! Our Vulcan Platform is a fully modular, automated digestion system that is capable of carrying out 6 fully automated features in any Lab Sample Digestion process. You can even build your own Vulcan by customizing the software to suit your laboratory’s unique requirements. If you’re unsure about where to start, our automation experts can work with you to understand the needs of your lab and help you determine your ideal Vulcan configuration.

Some of the areas Questron Technologies can help automate include reagent dispensing, heating and cooling, dilution, stirring, and aliquot transfer.

QPump and Syringe Drive

It can be hard to find a peristaltic pump that can pump high purity acids without getting destroyed by acidic gas. This is why we invented the QPump—a 1/16” peristaltic acid dispensing tube with an accuracy of ±0.1 mL or ±0.2 mL.

On the other hand, our Syringe Accurate delivery system is not only equipped with acid-resistant 3-way valves but can also independently deliver highly pure acid from one valve to another in a highly precise manner.

And the best part is that you don’t have to worry about cross-contamination with both of these systems since their independent tubing feature guarantees that reagents don’t come in contact with each other until the time of delivery.

Hot Block Digestion Modules

You can integrate any of our QBlocks into the Vulcan to control the block seamlessly. In addition, the Pneumatic tray life system will ensure the smooth transfer of the vials being inserted into the block to heat the samples or taken out to cool them.

Post Digestion Modules

There are a lot of monotonous, repetitive tasks involved in lab work like diluting, stirring, and transferring volume. The Vulcan can automate all of these processes, allowing your scientists to focus on the things that actually need expert attention. 

Vulcan is equipped with an ultrasonic, contactless sensor that lets it fill your digestion vials to the specified volume at an accuracy of ± 0.2 mL. It also uses probes to gently stir the vials for as long as required. After the Vulcan is done with all the necessary processes, all you need to do is move the standard test tube rack from the Vulcan to the analyzer.

Apart from Vulcan, we also offer another Automated Workstation called QPrep, an integrated solution that is capable of precise sample dilutions, transfers, and other liquid handling functions. It is designed to handle a large number of samples in multiple rack configurations. Moreover, it is especially useful when dealing with expensive and hazardous chemicals, improving the profitability and safety of the lab.

Flexible Software

Not only does Vulcan come with some excellent automation features, but its software is also extremely easy to use. With just a simple double click, you can define what needs to be done in every step. This way, you don’t have to make any changes to the SOP guidelines you were using before incorporating Vulcan into your process.

At Questron Technologies Corp., we understand the complexity of laboratory work and want to assist you in making your processes simpler and more efficient. Our chemists and mechatronic engineers are dedicated to developing customized automated sample preparation systems to match your unique needs. To learn more about our products, visit our website. If you have questions for us, feel free to call us at 1 844-363-1223 or contact us online. 

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However, this also means that you are responsible for running your laboratory to a high standard. Without this, your results, research, and analysis could fall short.

This is where sample prep can make a big difference. So how can you improve sample prep for your lab tests, and what lab equipment will you need for this? Read on to find out everything you need to know about improving your lab’s automated sample prep.

Why is Sample Prep So Important?

As the name suggests, sample prep involves preparing each of your samples before analysis. This provides you with a sample in form suitable for analytical instruments 

Of course, you also have to clean your samples without compromising them. If you manage this, you will find that you get more accurate results. 

This helps to improve the integrity and progress of your lab’s research or analysis. It can also help to protect your lab from the legal ramifications of inaccurate results.

Automating your lab preparation can also have huge benefits for your bottom line.

This will reduce the amount of sample waste in your lab. It also means that you need fewer employees working on your sample prep. That way, you can focus your resources where you really need them.

What Does Sample Prep Involve?

Once your samples arrive at the lab, there are several things you need to do before analyzing them. This includes: 

• Releasing and extracting the analyte from its sample matrix
• Removing any interfering species from the sample 
• Pre-concentrating the analyte levels to improve the detection limits (or) 
• Diluting the analyte to improve the detection limits
• Mineralise sample to increase solubility
• Ash sample to eliminate matrix around analyte
• Storing your samples correctly to prevent cross-contamination

You may also need to derivate the analyte to improve the detection sensitivity.

This means you have a lot of work to do before you can start testing your samples. Fortunately, you can now automate a lot of these processes using state-of-the-art sample prep equipment. This ensures that your samples are prepped properly and deliver accurate results. 

So let’s take a closer look at some of the best lab sample prep equipment around at the moment.

The Vulcan Open Vessel Automated Acid Digestion System 

When it comes to prepping lab tests, The Vulcan is a vital piece of tech. This equipment can handle six automated steps of lab sample digestion. You can even customize it with the help of our experts to suit your lab’s needs. 

The Vulcan features:

• A QPump – a peristaltic acid dispensing pump capable of dispensing 1.3 mL/s
• A syringe accurate delivery system that offers 0.05 mL accuracy
• Hot block digestion modules that provides heat up to 230 C 
• A pneumatic tray to lift your vials in an out of the block smoothly
• Contactless sensors for filling your vials post-digestion
• Probes that will stir and mix your samples for as long as you need 
• Transfer probes that will organize samples that are ready for analysis

The digestion system also helps you to prevent cross-contamination between samples. You can use whichever type of acid you choose within it.

The Vulcan system also comes with steps of software you can use to make lab work simpler. This software features three intuitive steps: 

1. Recipe creation 
2. Batch creation 
3. Digestion 

So you can set up the lab tests you need in no time at all. This piece of equipment will truly transform your lab.

It also helps to protect you and anyone else working in your lab. The Vulcan  handles a range of hazardous materials so that you don’t have to. If you are interested in improving the safety of your lab, then it is also worth checking out The Scrubber.

The QWave Microwave Digestion System

You can use The QWave to digest, extract, evaporate, and synthesize samples in your lab. The machine is equipped with: 

• Temperature and pressure monitoring for each vessel
• Safety features to protect your samples
• A rotating antenna and 360° carousel to guarantee uniform sample heating
• A corrosion-proof, PTFE-coated cavity that will stand the test of time
• Multiple configurations to suit every sample’s needs

You can use The QWave as an open or closed vessel microwave. This makes it an extremely versatile piece of equipment for any lab.

You can also develop and store unlimited digestion recipes in The QWave. So over time, you will seriously speed up your sample prep.

The QPrep Automated Dilution System

If you have to handle a large number of samples on a regular basis then The QPrep Automated Dilution System can help.

This system can hold a large number of samples in different rack configurations. It also: 

• Performs multiple dilutions quickly 
• Spikes your samples to meet internal standards
• Calibrates and prepares QC standards
• Manages serial dilutions and aliquot transfers
• Provides consistent and precise reagent addition

This can seriously help to speed up the prep process with guaranteed accuracy for a large number of samples processing..

Make Lab Testing Easier With Automated Sample Prep Equipment Today

There is no denying that sample prep is a vital step in any lab testing process. In fact, this can impact the validity of your entire test, so it is worth investing time and money in this process. 

Thankfully, automated sample prep equipment can improve the accuracy of your results and make your life easier. So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with Questron today to find out how our products can help you!

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Personal Protective Equipment

Don’t try to handle chemicals in the lab without wearing the following personal protective equipment:

• Gloves: Always wear chemical-resistant gloves that can handle contact with the substances present in your lab. If you notice any discoloration in your gloves, it’s a sign that they may be losing their efficacy and need to be replaced. 

• Goggles: Don’t try to handle corrosive chemicals without appropriate eye protection. Wear safety glasses or goggles with side shields when you handle chemicals, especially if there is a possibility of particles splashing or flying. 

• Coat: Wear a coat, apron, or protective suit that is impervious to fire when handling chemicals in the lab. Never wear a coat without inspecting it for damages or tears. If you do find damages, dispose of them, and use a new one. 

• Shoes: You don’t always need to wear shoes that are specialized to protect your feet from corrosive liquids. However, we strongly advise against wearing open-toed footwear in the lab. Instead, opt for shoes that will provide a certain degree of protection if you spill something corrosive on them. 

We also advise that you thoroughly read the material safety data sheet (MSDS) before handling a specific substance. Properly follow the instructions mentioned there to ensure your personal safety around corrosive chemicals. 

Ventilated Fume Hoods

A ventilated fume hood is an enclosure used to channel gasses, nanoparticles, and vapors. It is a common exhaust ventilation system used in laboratories to provide a safe space to handle hazardous chemicals.

Our experts at Questron Technologies understand that it can be pretty challenging to handle various corrosive chemicals during the experiment. So, we strive to develop application-specific sample preparation systems that are high quality and customizable. Our products can be of immense value to your laboratory. Read on to learn more about our products and how they prevent exposure to hazardous substances and keep you safe.

Automated Hot Blocks

If you’re looking for a robust and long-lasting hot block, our Automated hot block Vulcan system might be of use to you. It is capable of handling temperatures up to 400 °C and can dispense corrosive liquids as per the requirements. It can even handle post-digestion dilutions. 

This system is working hood and saves the prime laboratory space. If you have a specific requirement, we will be glad to create a custom QBlock to meet your needs.

Microwave Digestor

Our QWave digestion system has an in-built temperature and pressure monitoring feature for each digestion vessel. If you’re looking for a product that is ideal for open or closed vessel microwave digestion, evaporation, extraction, and synthesis, QWave is your best choice.

All the reagent handling for Microwave digestions before and after the digestion can be handled in Automated sample Handling system, Vulcan. You can now have fast digestions without concerns for reagent handling and dilutions and save a lot of time for analyzing and understanding the results.

Automated Liquid Transfer and dilution

The QPrep Automated Workstation is the ultimate integrated solution for precise sample dilutions, transfers, and other liquid handling functions in your laboratory. Handling large number of samples can create physical fatigue and make chemists prone to mishandling of hazardous chemicals. However, automating this process can prove to be safer and more profitable for your lab. 

QPrep is capable of performing multiple dilutions and provides consistent and precise reagent addition. It can also prepare calibration and QC standards and perform serial dilutions and aliquot transfers.

We work with multiple industries that require highly accurate scientific sample digestion and can help you find what you’re looking for. If you’d like to learn more about the products we offer, head over to our website.

Other Precautions

Here are other instructions to bear in mind when handling corrosive substances in your lab. 

• Don’t store corrosive materials above eye level. It could lead to slips and accidents around the lab, resulting in exposure to hazardous substances. 
• For the same reasons, avoid overcrowding your shelves and try to segregate incompatible substances from each other. 
• Keep all your containers closed and ensure that their manufacturer’s labels are intact and legible. 
• Don’t store corrosive substances near water, heat sources or oxidizers. 
• Always ensure that you’re adding acids and bases to water, and not the other way around. 
• If your experiment will release a lot of dust, conduct your work within a fume hood. 
• For any experiment that will release hazardous gasses, ensure to work in a fume hood and wear appropriate respiratory protection. 
• If you have specific skin allergies that could be aggravated when your skin comes into contact with toxic gasses, you must take extra precautions to protect yourself. In such cases, cover any bits of exposed skin before starting your experiment.

We’ve covered some of the basic precautions you must follow when working with corrosive materials in your lab. These precautions can not only ensure the safety of your lab but also your own personal safety. If you’d like to learn more about these precautions, take a look at the CDC’s guidelines for safe chemical storage.

At Questron Technologies Corp., we work directly with the industry’s leading laboratories to co-create products that solve some of your common lab concerns. Our team of chemists and mechatronic engineers strive to design the world’s most advanced automated sample digestion equipment. To learn more about our products, visit our website. If you have questions for us, feel free to call us at 1 844-363-1223 or contact us online. 

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Angelo Grillo, a pioneer in Sample Analysis Marketing, after serving as President of Jobin-Yvon, a French  maker of spectrometric products, started Questron in the mid-80’s to develop the concept of using  microwave energy for sample digestions. Questron was the first company to add temperature profile regulated digestions feature to the microwave. At that time, Questron was based in Mercerville (near  Princeton), NJ, USA. 

In 1990, Manny Phull and Mark Schellenberg launched a startup corporation called Trulogic Systems Inc.  as a refurbisher and service provider for spark and ICP spectrometers. During this time, until 1999,  Trulogic provided electronic and computer upgrades for ICP and Spark instrumentation. Initially, these  were DOS products but, as permitted by time, these were updated to Windows. 

Why did we, the Questron entrepreneurs, want to get into sample prep? Samples analyzed on an ICP  often require sample preparation. So, having significantly garnered knowledge of the ICP instrument and  the applications thereof, it was a natural. ICPs require homogenous, liquid samples for analysis. So,  sample prep of diverse samples from mining, environmental, manufacturing, and food processing  applications is required for the analysis of the analyte. For this reason, initially, Manny decided to  distribute sample prep products manufactured by Questron, at that time located in New Jersey, as well  as a few other allied products from other suppliers. In time, this led to further developments and  opportunities that saw us becoming equity owners of Questron.  

In 1999, Manny and Mark acquired Questron Corp of NJ and relocated it to Mississauga, Canada, and  renamed it Questron Technologies Corp. The company expanded its sales network in the ensuing six  years. Until 2002, Questron sold the inherited (legacy) instrumentation of old Questron. Beginning in  

2002, the products were slowly updated to keep them current. However, serious new developments on  which our current products are based, were started in 2007. 

In the microwave boom around 2007, largely created by over-enthused players in the microwave  field, we did an unexpected about face and acted on the belief that microwave digestions, although  having many benefits, were not best suited for every digestion type, need and requirement. In fact, even  at that time and at present, most sample digestions were still carried out by the competing block  digestion and hot plates techniques in manual mode. In order to exploit the key advantages of block  digestion, namely safety due to open vessel digestion, and large throughput capability afforded by the  large number of digestion tubes that could fit on one block, Questron decided to automate block 

digestion process. Vulcan was thus developed around the block digestion concept but with automated  features. In fact, a rudimentary automation workstation called Autoprep was prototyped in 2004. It was  based on a heated water bath rather than heated blocks and was delivered to USEPA in Chicago. 

In 2007, the Autoprep station was re-built with heated blocks and syringe dispensing modules. It had  polycarbonate body with metal screws and bolts. It was a long, winding road from that rudimentary  design to the current Vulcan product. 

In 2009, QPrep, the automated dilution and transfer system, was introduced. Again, it was a design in its  infancy and hardly resembled the current product. That required another four years of refinements. In  2009, under Mark’s leadership, the all-plastic body using refined plastic welding technique was  introduced and was employed to create the new Autoprep, now renamed Vulcan. This System could  heat samples to 230 deg. C and was rated for use with most acids, including perchloric. At this time, the  first design of our 6-channel syringe pump driven by a single motor was also introduced. In the same  time frame, Ken Mehta, Questron’s then Marketing Manager, hired a young Suhas Narkhede. Both these  individuals contributed significantly to the refinements needed for the Vulcan, as gathered from the  short list of our customers and percolated in the collective mind of Questron staff. 

In 2010 the initial design of QBlock wireless system was introduced. In parallel with this, QLab Pro, a  redesigned Microwave digestion system with a newly designed oven cavity and our VHP vessel set, was  introduced. Needless to say, this initial design went through many changes in the subsequent five years  to make the QLab product, and ultimately to the recently launched QWave system. The non-metal  construction of a thermocouple with its working principle of a temperature-dependent optical signal  travelling in a fiberoptic cable was introduced in the then QLab. It can be generally stated that after  many innovations coming from Mark and after a few triumphs and many failures, we had to abandon  this device. In 2013 this was replaced by non-contact temperature sensing of all vessels through infrared  sensing technique that is in use today on our eVHP and LVHT microwave vessel types.  

In 2011, QLab Pro eVHP vessel set was introduced. It has continued its steady stream of improvements  in manufacturing and reliability-based design till today.  

In 2012, our dual syringe drive pump was introduced for its application on the QPrep, a liquid transfer  system for sample preparation. At this same time, we significantly refined the QAsh 1800 system,  originally purchased with the assets purchase of Questron (New Jersey). New electronics, new software  and many hardware pieces such as the microwave heating plates, a newly designed furnace, a  temperature bar graph, and a higher capacity air cooling system cavity were incorporated into the  design in the ensuing three years. 

In 2016, the QLab Pro, in order to increase its system throughput, was provided the LVHP close vessels.  The LVHP, later renamed LVHT, continued its design refinements. In 2022, LVHT vessel set is an integral  offering of the QWave Microwave digestion system.  

In 2017, Nitron, the high temperature automated digestion system was introduced, to process the high  temperature, open vessel digestions in an automated fashion, similar to its cousin, the Vulcan. These  high temperature digestions, requiring over 300 deg. C heating as well as use of high boiling-point acids  such as sulfuric acid, have some demanding challenges of exhaust fumes that tend to precipitate their acids content before the journey out of the instrument. This system was primarily designed to the 

specification of LG, a Korean maker of electronics products. Currently, this product is earmarked for  focus in our digital marketing efforts. 

The years 2019 to 2022 can be earmarked as “Covid” years and saw a time period of deep introspection  for Questron. In particular, our launch in conjunction with NRC-IRAP, a federal agency for promoting  Canadian innovations, of our Lambda product was approved and started in mid-2020. It is ongoing at the  time of this writing. We believe, this new product concept will infuse significant innovation into the microwave digestion technique and lead it into a Vulcan kind of automation for microwave assisted  digestions. 

Post Covid, we are entering interesting times. A non-ending stream of improvements in Internet, data  processing, and miniaturization of electrical and mechanical components is opening up so many disruptive possibilities in the way we do sample prep. New paradigms in the fields of economics, banking  and marketing are leaving many behind in the dust, but urging others to wake up and look soberly  internationally at the emerging future. New possibilities in the giants of human populations – China and  India, and others – are stirring after centuries of slumber. These giants are readying themselves for a  new world order. 

The senior management of Questron may be lacking in the physical energy that we had twenty years  ago. But that is amply made up in the benefits of hard gained experience and new young talent that is  coming in at a steady pace to Questron. The drive to innovate, help our clientele, achieve and succeed is  still strong. Questron is entering interesting times.  

Manjinder Phull, P.Eng. 

Mississauga, Ontario 

May 20, 2022

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