HL-RBU: Roller Bench Unit

Fully automated solution for continuous sample mixing

The HL-RBU is designed for continuous mixing of liquids and solids in closed bottles. The constant rotation of the bottle around the horizontal axis over a long period of time effectively homogenizes the samples.

The unit also allows a magnet to be placed in the bottle to separate magnetic substances and impurities during the mixing process. These features open up a wide range of applications for the HL-RBU in an automated laboratory environment.

Seamless integration into automated processes

The HL-RBU is fully automated and can optionally be combined with other HERZOG units. Bottles with powder samples can be opened by the Capping/Decapping Unit HL-CU. After that, the liquid is filled into the bottles by the Liquid Dosing Unit HL-DU. The bottles are then closed again fully automatically. An optional additional leak test ensures that no leaks have been caused by the bottle cap. Optionally, a gravimetric weight check is possible before and after the mixing process.

The portal system with the integrated double gripper ensures safe transfer of the bottles. The bottles can be placed on the roller banks and removed later without having to stop the rotating rollers. This ensures that the mixing process of the other bottles is not interrupted.
 

Reliable handling and monitoring

The drive rollers of the roller banks have grooves that ensure reliable handling of the bottles by the portal system. To prevent interactions with magnetic sample ingredients, the rollers are free of ferrous metals and magnetic components.

The PrepMaster Core software monitors the mixing process, controlling and monitoring the mixing time for each bottle. After the mixing process is complete, the bottle is automatically removed and can optionally be weighed again to prevent sample loss due to leakage. The bottle is then re-erected so that it is available for the subsequent process steps.
 

Flexibility and ease of maintenance

The HL-RBU is highly flexible and easy to maintain. The number of mixing positions can be configured according to the throughput of the laboratory. The size of the drive rollers can also be adapted to the bottle size used in the laboratory. The HL-RBU is suitable for use with chemicals such as hydrochloric acid and nitric acid.

The roller benches are integrated in pull-out drawers, so that maintenance and cleaning can be carried out easily and without complicated procedures. The drawers contain removable drip trays with leak sensors. This makes it possible to automatically detect liquid leaking from the bottles and to transmit this information to the PrepMaster software.

With its high efficiency, process reliability and flexibility, the HL-RBU is an indispensable unit for continuous sample mixing in automated laboratory processes.