Automated Powder Dispensing using SWILE technology

FLEX SWILE

Pick and Decision Dispense – Step Change in Catalyst Screening
The ligand, catalyst precursor and catalyst distribution from the libraries into the reaction screening plates is often still done manually and binds highly qualified resources to very time-consuming, tedious, and error-prone tasks. The SWILE technology is the first fully automated true one-to-one gravimetric “pick & decision dispense” of catalysts. The technology backbone follows Chemspeed’s proprietary overhead gravimetric dispensing tool design for automated powder dispensing, in combination with a second analytical on-deck balance.

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SWILE DISPENSING SOLUTIONS

Facing challenges in catalyst screening such as:

  • Tedious and error prone weighing
  • Having your highly educated, valuable lab staff tied to balances and mundane tasks
  • The need to distribute very small (sub-mg) quantities of powders & solids such as API’s, catalysts, ligands, reagents, pigments, etc.
  • Time-consuming weighing processes

Solution to overcome these challenges:

SWILE: Automated Gravimetric Pick & Decision Dispensing Tool for solid dosing

Chemspeed’ s fully automated, integrated FLEX SWILE provides a flexible, modular, and uncompromising  solution for automated powder dispensing that:

  • Enables fully automated one-to-one distribution from the library into the screening plates
  • Offers fully automated “pick & decision dispense” from almost any source into any destination (matrix-to-matrix)
  • Allows for unattended operation which liberates resources and removes potential human error
  • Features a dispensing range from <100 μg to about 5-10 mg with 10 μg resolution
  • Provides revolutionary accuracy & precision due to “decision dispensing”
  • Is operated using disposable positive displacement glass tips (SWINs)
  • Eliminates cross-contamination
  • Provides a recovery rate equal to or higher than manual techniques
  • Provides the option of compensation dispensing in combination with overhead gravimetric solid dispensing
  • Features a proprietary robotic tool exchange interface
  • Comprises ventilated hood for safety and conditioned operation, trolley
  • Features an optimized footprint (3×3 ft., 90×90 cm) versus capacity … all while reducing costs / maximizing return on investment

 

The following diagram displays the simplified SWILE workflow, including a precision “pick & decision dispense” step. The technology backbone follows Chemspeed’s proprietary overhead gravimetric dispensing tool design in combination with a second analytical on-deck balance.

SWILE Pick and Decision Dispense process

In order to exclude any risk of cross-contamination, disposable glass tips are used which are stored and provided by a SWIN dispenser. The SWINS are available in different diametric sizes and can be adjusted according to the desired target amount to be dispensed. Additionally, a tilt / shake rack is used, loosening up and tilting the powder prior to the pick-up.