QCX /RoboLab

PP-7004.ROB.0001 www.fsmidth.com
a highly fexible robotics based laboratory automation
concept offering outstanding software functionality.
QCX /RoboLab

QCX /RoboLab

All supervisory sequence control, priority management, sample

tracking etc resides in the high level PC software. The kernel
QCX/RoboLab software is 100 % generic and all building of sam-
ple recipes and associated parameters takes place on the PC
software level. This makes it simple for the user (password protec-
tion) to add equipment or modify preparation recipes. The abil-
ity to modify programmed sequences has often been a problem-
atic limitiation of concepts with job scheduling programmed in a
PLC. The equipment specifc details such as I/O signals or control
commands and preparation parameters are encapsulated in
equipment communication drivers, which are either available as
already developed from FLSmidth Automations large catalogue
of existing drivers or will be developed for the actual project by
use of programming techniques, ensuring a high quality and ro-
bustness of the communication software. A particular strong and
unique functionality of the QCX/RoboLab software is:
Diagnostics
- advanced alarm/event monitoring
- equipment status monitorting
- equipment face plates, which on the PC monitor show
details of all controlled devices down to I/O signal level and
support step control of the devices, to the extent that the
remote interfaces allow for it
- communication logging, enabled for troubleshooting
These strong features are very effecient tools for error tracking
and troubleshooting. Combined with the general remote service
options of QCX they, effectivily minimizes system downtime.
FLSmidth Automation reserves the right to change specications without prior notice. Our brochure makes no
offers, representations or warranties (express or implied), and information and data contained in this brochure
are for general reference only and may change at any time. Please contact us for specic information or data that
may relate to your interests.
FLSmidth A/S Automation. All rights reserved.
ECS/ProcessExpert, ECS/CEMulator, ECS/PlantGuide, QCX/RoboLab, QCX/OnStream, ECS/CemScanner,
ECS/ACESYS, ECS/ControlCenter, ACE/Woodware, ECS/SmartStation, ECS/StackGuide, QCX/Laboratory,
QCX/AutoSampling, QCX/AutoPrep, QCX/BlendExpert, QCX/BlendMaster and Kilnloq are either registered
trademarks or trademarks of FLSmidth A/S Automation in the United States and /or other countries. All other trade-
marks are property of their respective owners.
QCX /RoboLab

General Decription
Application
QCX/RoboLab is a fully automated, robotics based laboratory
concept with a very high degree of fexibility for individual
solutions. The concept is based on sample preparation and anal-
ysis equipment arranged in a circular confguration around a
powerful industrial robot. Several arrangement alternatives for
solving the safety aspects of human access during operation are
available. Analytical instruments are either located in an
adjoining room, typically separated by a glass wall or integrated
in the robotics circle. For the frst mentioned set-up, sample load-
ing takes place via transport belts and special sample loaders.
These components may be eliminated when analytical equip-
ment units are directly placed in the robotics circle. Key selection
criteria for which lay-out to choose are available space, dust &
noise levels and to what extent activities like off-line analysis,
calibration, instrument check etc are best supported.
Sample preparation and analysis equipment is sub-supplied by
leading equipment suppliers, while FLSmidth Automation - or
partner companies - as the system integrator designs the total
automation solution and produces the QCX/RoboLab software,
engineered to the project specifc confguration. Depending on
the automation specifcations existing equipment may be
integrated. The system is software wise delivered as a complete-
ly integrated system, with effcient commissioning in mind.
Samples arrive either via the connected automatic sample trans-
port system or via manual/semi-automatic transfer points from
the outside to the robot cell. Bar code scanning for identifcation
of incoming samples is supported.
A wide range of sample preparation and analysis tasks can be
automated by the QCX/RoboLab concept. Multiple robot cells -
coordinated or individual - can be controlled from one system,
and there is no limitations as to the number of interfaced equp-
ment units. Typically applied automation tasks comprise:
other side robustness and reliability. One example of these
aspects is the easy-to-use defnition of sample preparation
methods, which at the same time is 100 % failsafe. As only legal
and sensible options and sequences are accepted, it is impossible
to defne nonsense recipes like as an example routing a pressed
powder tablet to a particle size analyzer.
The confguration normally also includes a small PLC for parallel
signal interfacing of devices with no built-in controller. To the
extent supported by individual equipment, local operation is pos-
sible via operator panels. Overall sequencing, priority handling
and supervisory control is taken care of by the QCX/RoboLab
software accessible from one or more QCX PCs. Mimic diagrams
are provided for detailed monitoring of the system operation.
The QCX/RoboLab software is delivered integrated in the project
specifc overall QCX system structure. At one end the integration
with the QCX/AutoSampling module or manual sample recep-
tion facilitates automatic transfer of sample ID and thereby
sample preparation parameters for the incoming sample. At the
analysis instrument end the QCX/Laboratory software - with the
full range of LIMS and reporting functionality - may control the
analysis instruments and store the acquired analysis results in the
QCX database, possibly followed by automatic initiation of
associated control calculations such as blending control.
Any sample preparation machine/analysis instrument, which by
its design can be automated and has a remote control option can
be controlled by the QCX/RoboLab software. With a develop-
ment history of +15 years, the QCX/RoboLab has become an
advanced and user friendly software package offering unique
software features. Selected higlights of the available software
features comprise:
Sample receipt
- integrated with automatic sample transport system
- manual sample introduction from sample racks or transport
belts with sample identifcation via barcode or a nearby QCX
PC/dedicated operator panel
Sample splitting & dosing
- incoming sample split into one or more sub-samples
- volumetric or gravimetric dosing solutions
- sub-samples routed to prep/analysis equipment or dosed
to composite sample containers or for operator pick-up
Individual preparation recipes
Priority management
Tracking
- of samples, of sample recipes, of sample containers
Redundant equipment handling
- route to a specifc equipment if vacant
- route to any vacant unit within an equipment class
Alternative preparation schemes
- select alternate job every nth sample, every odd/even hour or
on conditions fagged by digital/analog signals
Error disposition
- set aside spare sample
- park sample in waiting position until error resolved
- return sample to operator
Integrated control and dynamic supervision of
- sample reception, incl. aut sample transport systems
- sample prep equipment
- analysis equipment
Operation statistics
- load and sample cycle statistics
For automation of cement plant production laboratories the
standard robot model used has a load capacity of 5-7 kg and a
reach of 1.8 meters. Automation projects in other mineral indus-
tries such as mine exploration sample preparation and sample
preparation for ship loading/mining grade control etc. often in-
volve handling of large, bulky sample portions. This implies use
of robot models with load capacities in the range 30 - 200 kg and
a reach in the range 2.5 to 3.0 metre. Multiple robots with exclu-
sive or overlapping working areas are also possible.
Functionality and software features
Incoming samples may be divided into several individual sub-
samples with individual preparation specifcations; as an exam-
ple: one portion for X-ray analysis, another for particle sizing by
laser or traditional sieving and the 3rd for collection of a shift
composite sample. The only limitation to the number of subsam-
ples is the available incoming sample quantity.
Control of the individual components is normally undertaken via
serial or network communication links, which supports down-
load of individual preparation parameters for various types of
material. Via the same interfaces, detailed operational status of
the individual equipment units are picked up for display on the
QCX system PCs. The QCX/RoboLab software provides a uniform
and intuitive graphics & windows based user interface for all
equipment units. It is developed with emphasis on one side
simplicity and state-of-the-art software techniques, and on the
crushing (and drying)
splitting & dosing
pressed powder and/or fused
bead preparation for X-ray
analysis
specifc surface (Blaine)
particle sizing by laser or
traditional sieving
color analysis
combustion analysis for
Carbon / Sulphur / H2O -
determination
composite sample collection
Compact QCX/RoboLab
lay-out with X-ray analyzer in robot circle
Large QCX/RoboLab confguration with X-ray equipment in
adjoining room
QCX RoboLab at work at Holnam Midlothian, Texas, USA
In the fexible robotics
concept the robot acts as an
automated uman operator
bringing samples around
from one piece of
equipment to the next