The Rotating Disc Electrode (RDE)technique has a long history as an analytical method to analyzewear metals, contaminants and additives in new and used oils.Over the years it has been continuously improved, and today itis the standard used by the United States Depart~nent of Defenseand the world's largest independent laboratories. For most applications,it is the preferred method for the analysis of used oils, particularlyin high sample volume laboratories. In the past, the primary limitationof the RDE technique had been the fact that it is labor intensiveand a cost effective method for automation had yet to be developed.Finally, however, this argument is no longer true.

The Double Disc Rapid Robot (D2R2) is an innovative designto automation and consists of two parts, a robot to exchange consumables,and an automatic sample changer for fully automatic and unattendedoperation. It is a robotics system that mounts to the spectrometersample stand and fulfills all the functions of sequentially introducingand removing oil samples and exchanging graphite electrodes. Itis self contained and works independently of the spectrometeroperating software. Although operation is automatic, it also hasthe capability to manually sequence through each of the roboticsfunctions.

Robotic Auto Sampler Brochure

The Double Disc Rapid Robot (D2R2) was designed specificallyfor oil analysis using the RDE technique. Automation has beenmade possible with the innovative use of the double disc approach.The need for a sharpened rod electrode for each analysis has beeneliminated, and the requirement to change graphite electrodeshas been automated. The result is a simple and rapid roboticssystem for total automation of the Spectroil M Oil Analysis Spectrometer.

 

"The introduction of the Double Disc Rapid Robot (D2R2) makes it possible to provide automatic and unattended oil analysis with the RDE technique. "

 

The D2R2 eliminates the needfor continuous operator intervention by automatically performingall sample stand preparation and sample handling functions. Atray with 48 oil samples is placed into the robotic sample changerand two tubes of disc electrodes are loaded in the dispenser.After the door is closed, the start button initiates automaticoperation. Two disc electrodes are then automatically dispensedand mounted in the sample stand. The robotic arm in the samplechanger brings the first sample cap to the electrodes and raisesit for normal spark excitation. Thirty seconds later the analysisis terminated, the oil sample is removed and disposed of, andthe used disc electrodes are automatically discarded. The processrepeats with the introduction of new disc electrodes for the nextoil sample.

 

"Better precision is obtained with the D2R2 because the automatic routine is more repeatable and consistent than manual operation. "

 

 

 

 

 

"The D2R2 is fast and speeds up the time required to prepare the sample stand, leading to greater sample throughput. "

 

 

 

 

Specifications: Sample Tray: Indexed and numbered for 48 samples Speed of Analysis: 40 seconds total (30 sec. analysis time plus 10 sec. to change sample and consumables) Oil Sample Vessels: Disposable Size: 13.75 x 10.5 x 18 in (35 x 27 40 cm) Weight: 40 Ibs (18 kg) Power: Supplied by Spectroil M

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