2020/01/21
ID: 2557

Precisely dispensed

Modular dosing system from Festo optimises liquid handling

Diagnostics laboratories are currently faced with the challenge of managing ever greater volumes of samples. The media separated solenoid valve VYKA, the valve control module VAEM and the modular dispense head VTOE from Festo simplify and speed up the processing of samples. When combined with compact kinematics, extremely precise, functional system solutions are easy to implement.

From preanalytics and analytics to postanalytics, the requirements for sample processing are increasing. This requires flexibility and high levels of precision even with very small dosing volumes, as well as maximum reliability and reproducibility. By using modern, automated dispensing systems, clinical and medical laboratories can increase their efficiency for the long term. This is where modularity plays a decisive role.

 

Depending on requirements, either individual valves or a complete dispense head, which is adapted for microwell plates, are used. Standardised yet highly flexible solutions, such as the combination of the dispense head VTOE and the planar surface gantry EXCM from Festo, enable samples to be processed in line with the individual needs of the laboratories.

 

Media separated solenoid valve

The media separated solenoid valve VYKA from Festo allows the precise dispensing of fluids and the control of liquid flows in manifold duct plates for continuous flow applications. With a width of just 7 mm, this compact powerhouse doses small quantities very precisely. Thanks to a separating diaphragm made of high-performance polymers FPM and FFPM, it is also suitable for aggressive media. The small internal volume makes the valve easy to clean. The combination with FDA listed materials makes the VYKA ideal for highly sensitive applications.

 

The current control ensures the switching behaviour is highly reproducible. The holding current reduction of the plug-in electronics prevents sensitive media from heating up. The excellent performance of this valve makes it suitable not only for laboratory applications, but also for the perfume and flavour industry as well as for packaging contact lenses. There is an extensive range of accessories, including sub-bases, fittings, nozzles and the valve control module VAEM, an 8-channel holding current reduction with an extremely precise time resolution of just 0.2 ms.

 

Flexible, precise liquid handling

With up to eight dispense heads, the dispense head VTOE from Festo permits a broad range of applications for precision dispensing of various liquids and filling volumes. Innumerable specific dosing quantities can be achieved thanks to the flexible and reproducible pressure and opening times. The 8-channel dispense head VTOE is perfectly tailored to dispensing liquids in microwell plates thanks to its compact stacking dimension. The dispense head VTOE achieves a high level of integration density with manifold duct plates in either polycarbonate (PC) or sturdy PEEK.

 

Individually designed and delivered ready-to-install

The ready-to-install module solution with its high degree of individualised flexibility opens up a wide variety of possible system solutions. This applies in particular to combinations including other kinematic solutions from Festo, as well as to controlling gases and compressed air for the pressure-driven conveyance of liquids.

 

For customers looking for a ready-to-install complete solution for liquid handling, the EXCM provides a modular system with 2D or 3D kinematic system, in which various standard components interact perfectly with one another. This creates an electric and pneumatic kinematic system in combination with liquid handling.

Festo is a global player and an independent family-owned company with headquarters in Esslingen am Neckar, Germany. Festo has set standards in industrial automation technology and technical education ever since its establishment, thereby making a contribution to sustainable development of the environment, the economy and society. The company supplies pneumatic and electrical automation technology to 300,000 customers of factory and process automation in over 35 industries. Digitalization, AI and the LifeTech sector with medical technology and laboratory automation are becoming increasingly important. The products and services are available in 176 countries. With about 20,600 employees in over 250 branch offices in around 60 countries worldwide, Festo achieved a turnover of around €3.65 billion in 2023. Each year around 7% of this turnover is invested in research and development. In this learning company, 1.5 % of turnover is invested in basic and further training. Festo Didactic SE is a leading provider of technical education and training and offers its customers worldwide comprehensive digital and physical learning solutions in the industrial environment.

© Festo SE & Co. KG
VTOE
Contactless dispensing of very small volumes: the 8-channel dispense head VTOE is a configurable complete solution comprising manifold duct plate, dosing valves and nozzles.
© Festo SE & Co. KG
VAEM
The VAEM valve control module with holding current reduction is ideal for controlling dosing heads.  
© Festo SE & Co. KG
Planar surface gantry for laboratory automation
The best possible solution for system manufacturers: as well as its own components such as the planar surface gantry EXCM, Festo also integrates components from third-party manufacturers.
© Festo SE & Co. KG
Pipetting into microplates
The various process steps for adding different liquids to microplates are automated and linked in a very compact space.

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2020/03/25
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