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Many chemistry lab processes involve the use of manual data recording – a time-consuming approach that is prone to human error.

A significant portion of these processes can benefit from the use of automatic data logging and automated instrument control. This is particularly beneficial for teams of chemists working across different sites, sharing data and aiming to reproduce experiments consistently.

In an ideal world, different pieces of equipment would be able to interact to ensure safe chemistry (including exothermic reactions), even when users are not present.

In all of these circumstances, the use of lab control software may provide an ideal solution.

Using appropriate lab control software enables data to be automatically recorded with scheduled recipes in place to enable unattended operation.

Devices can be linked together to enable additional functionality, share results, set triggers and safety alarms, automatically write reports and more. These features allow laboratories to save time and money while ensuring a safer and more productive working environment.

This article outlines the features and benefits of Radleys’ AVA Lab Control Software, showcasing how this innovative software package can help chemists address all these challenges.

The AVA lab control software has been designed to control a wide range of devices, allowing processes to be automated and streamlined. These include:

Custom configurations can be provided for almost any device with an RS232 interface - the AVA software is able to control and log up to 16 x RS232 devices simultaneously.

One of the most common setups involves performing ‘gravimetric additions’ with a peristaltic pump and a balance.

Tubing is run from the reagent bottle on the balance via a peristaltic pump and into the reaction vessel. The two devices can be linked together via the software, allowing users to add a specific mass in a pre-determined time.

AVA can also be used to link the addition step to a further sensor for added safety, for example, a temperature probe.

If the addition generates an exothermic reaction, the software can automatically pause the addition when the temperature rises and then restart it once a safe temperature has been restored.

This example setup enables safe, precise and controlled additions, even when the experiment is taking place unattended.

It is also possible to make automated additions by using a syringe pump to add a specified volume. The image below provides an example of how this could be displayed in the AVA control software.

The AVA software allows users to control a peristaltic pump based on readings from a pH sensor.

This is achieved by linking a peristaltic pump to a compatible pH meter and pH probe. The software enables the addition of acid or base to the vessel according to a specific pH profile.

A number of other safety feedback loops are possible in the AVA software, as well as those outlined already.

It is possible to provide user-determined device safety limits when setting up equipment in AVA; for example, when setting up a circulator, a user may opt to restrict the temperature range to protect the overall chemistry and/or thermofluid.

AVA also allows users to specify conditions that prompt all devices to enter a user-defined ‘safe state.’ For example, a circulator could be prompted to cool, and the pump may stop if the temperature rises above a defined value.

Potential users who may be curious about AVA are advised to download and explore the free demo version of the software.

This demo version is fully featured and offers full capabilities other than the ability to physically connect to devices. Users can explore the software’s features and run experiments using simulated data.

It is also possible to analyse real experimental data in the demo version, meaning that users are only required to obtain one license for an AVA laptop in the lab to review results or edit schedules on other computers.

AVA experiment files can be shared between different sites with ease.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Radleys.

For more information on this source, please visit Radleys.

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

Radleys. (2021, October 06). Using Lab Control Software to Streamline Chemistry Lab Processes. AZoM. Retrieved on December 23, 2021 from https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=20727.

Radleys. "Using Lab Control Software to Streamline Chemistry Lab Processes". AZoM. 23 December 2021. <https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=20727>.

Radleys. "Using Lab Control Software to Streamline Chemistry Lab Processes". AZoM. https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=20727. (accessed December 23, 2021).

Radleys. 2021. Using Lab Control Software to Streamline Chemistry Lab Processes. AZoM, viewed 23 December 2021, https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=20727.

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