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How useful is Autosampler for Foss XDS RCA

BenMoore's picture
Forums: 

Hi,

I'm after opinions as to how valuable the autosampler for a Foss XDS RCA is - does it speed up workflow enough to justify the price?

MikeConnellyFoss's picture

Ben,

The Foss XDS RCA Autosampler frees you up for other tasks while the instrument automatically analyzes up to 50 samples. The simply design fits directly onto a new or existing XDS RCA in seconds without modification to the instrument or its software. It can also be removed or replaced in seconds allowing the user to continue to use the full versatility of the XDS RCA.  We have provided these autosamplers to many companies and given the low cost of the module they were able to justify the cost based on the many hours a laboratory person saves having to load and run samples.  It pays for itself in no time.

Mike

 

<p>Michael Connelly</p>
<p>Sales Director</p>
<p>Customer Service: 1-800-547-6275</p>
<p>website: <a href="http://www.foss.dk/" title="http://www.foss.dk/">www.foss.dk</a></p>

ianm's picture

Ben, you need to figure out what daily throughput that you need, how many samples the automated system can process in a day, if it can be set up to process samples after the staff have left, and by how much will the extra testing affect your operation, e.g. in terms of revenue. Remember that a NIRS instrument can address several parameters simultaneously. For example, I have just finished working with a big laboratory which wanted to a) reduce staff engaged in "wet chemistry" analysis, and b) achieve a 750-per-day workload. They were able to achieve their aims very well, because by installing the appropriate calibrations they were able to process the required volume for all of the parameters that they were testing simultaneously. They were able to reduce the costs/per/test that they were previously charging their clients, and substantially improved their income, a win/win situation.

Pleased to discuss further, and good luck,

Phil.

 

Ben, as a corollary to my earlier comment, it is useful to record all spectra in duplicate, including re-loading sample cells between the duplicates, when scanning samples for calibration development. Calibrations are then developed using single or duplicate scans. The duplicate scans will likely give slightly better statistics, but if the calibrations developed on single scans are adequate this will double your throughput.

P.

(posted by Ian Michael on behalf of Phil Williams)

BenMoore's picture

Thanks for the feedback. I am a longtime user of FOSS machines in a university setting, and finding the poeple-hours to sit in front of the NIRS loading cups, waiting for scan, cleaning cells etc is a challenge for projects without students directly involved.  Being able to load up the machine and walk away would free up time for other tasks.  I have seen the autosampler in a colleague's lab, but it's new so he can't provide feeedback yet.  I routinely scan amples in duplicate (repacking cells).