How Often Have You Felt Stretched Thin by Your Busy Schedule?

There simply aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done, right? While you can't magically extend the length of your day, you can maximize the efficiency of the time you do have. One powerful way to do this is through the use of lab automation software. Such tools can help you accomplish more in less time, boosting productivity without requiring additional hours spent in the lab.

In this article, we'll explore how automation is transforming workflows for two companies utilizing Radleys' AVA Control Software. Their experiences highlight the transformative power of automation in scientific research and development.

Take Lubrizol, a global leader in specialty chemicals, as an example. Before implementing AVA, the company faced significant challenges in monitoring exothermic reactions using traditional methods. This process was labor-intensive and required constant attention, making it both time-consuming and prone to oversight.

Emma Playfoot, a scientist at Lubrizol, recalls, "Previously, we struggled to track exothermic events accurately and consistently. There was no guarantee that we'd detect them, let alone understand their scale."

Efficiency Gains Through Automation

With AVA, Lubrizol achieved remarkable improvements in efficiency. "AVA allows us to create automated programs that adjust the reaction temperature dynamically," Emma notes. "This feature is invaluable when dealing with reactions that span multiple days or require uninterrupted monitoring during busy schedules."

She continues, "We can now run reactions overnight without interruption, maintaining consistency and avoiding deviations from optimal manufacturing conditions. What once took a full week can now be completed in a single day."

Ravi Hosein, Radleys' product manager, emphasizes the broader implications of such efficiencies. "Manually managing several connected devices is mentally exhausting and time-consuming," he explains. "AVA alleviates these burdens by automating tasks, allowing researchers to focus on higher-level activities while ensuring smooth operation around the clock."

Data Management Made Simple

Beyond temperature regulation, AVA also streamlines data collection and presentation. At Lubrizol, the software meticulously logs exothermic events, records temperature fluctuations, and generates detailed reports showing how reaction temperatures evolve over time. These visualizations provide actionable insights into reaction dynamics.

Emma highlights her appreciation for AVA's graphical outputs: "The software's ability to produce clear, accurate graphs—especially those depicting reaction temperature trends—is invaluable when discussing process specifics with manufacturers. It gives us concrete evidence straight from the source."

She adds, "These visuals help clarify complex reaction stages, identify critical points where exotherms occur, and quantify their magnitude. Such precision is essential for optimizing future iterations."

Traditionally, data capture involves tedious manual steps that often introduce inaccuracies. By automating this process and presenting findings in an accessible format, AVA enables deeper analysis. Scientists can uncover subtle patterns they might overlook otherwise and derive actionable intelligence to refine production techniques moving forward. Furthermore, the software facilitates seamless data sharing among team members, fostering collaboration across departments.

Consistency and Error Reduction

Automation brings additional advantages beyond enhanced efficiency and data management. For instance, it ensures greater precision when operating multiple instruments simultaneously. Ravi elaborates, "Managing devices like stirrers, circulators, peristaltic pumps, and pH meters becomes straightforward with AVA."

Graphenea, a cutting-edge technology firm specializing in graphene production, discovered the value of AVA in handling intricate multi-step procedures. Dr. Beatriz Alonso, one of their research scientists, remarks, "All relevant equipment linked to our synthesis reactions connects directly to the computer. Whether it's a balance, mechanical stirrer, temperature controller, or peristaltic pump, everything integrates seamlessly into the workflow."

She goes on to say, "Once you've established a recipe within the software, fine-tuning parameters to optimize performance becomes effortless. And thanks to AVA's user-friendly interface, even non-experts can operate it effectively."

The decision to adopt AVA arose during Graphenea's expansion phase. As they scaled up graphene oxide manufacturing, they recognized the necessity of automating their operations for improved control and reliability.

Dr. Alonso reflects, "In any chemical reaction, numerous factors influence outcomes: raw materials, temperature, duration, timing of additions, and sequence of reagent introductions. With AVA, all these elements come under centralized control via a single program—a simple yet effective solution."

She concludes, "Our experiments now yield more predictable results. Every detail from each run gets recorded, enabling us to trace back issues related to batch-to-batch variability promptly. Enhanced repeatability saves both time and resources while minimizing costly mistakes caused by human error."

Similar gains in consistency and safety have benefited Lubrizol as well. Emma shares, "Introducing the Gravimetric Addition Module alongside AVA gave us unparalleled command over monomer feed rates. No longer do we face recalibration hassles since everything comes pre-configured. Additionally, tighter controls on ingredient dispensing reduced defective samples significantly."

Ravi underscores the significance of precise dosing over extended periods: "Such accuracy is challenging to achieve manually without introducing inconsistencies."

Increased uniformity not only accelerates progress but also simplifies quality assurance efforts. By empowering researchers with greater control over their experiments, AVA promotes safer practices overall.

Dr. Alonso further illustrates how AVA's customizable safeguards protect workers handling sensitive substances: "For example, we can configure the system to halt reagent addition or terminate the entire reaction if the internal temperature exceeds predetermined thresholds. Parameters like time intervals or temperature limits play crucial roles in safeguarding our processes."

Another notable advantage lies in AVA's compatibility with existing setups. Emma affirms, "Setting up AVA proved straightforward. Currently, we utilize it across three distinct reactor configurations, encountering minimal complications after initial installation. Training new users quickly reveals the tangible benefits of adopting this platform."

 

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