Nymotion LLC

Linear Devices & Systems - Since 1986
PS2X Autosampler - Case Study
Background:

Global FIA is an innovative technology company offering products, expertise and system design for flow-based analysis techniques.  Global FIA has taken this technology to a new level with a fluidics concept which greatly enhances functionality in sample manipulation and processing called "Zone Fluidics" (ZF).  ZF is about moving zones of sample and reagents around by fluidics in narrow bore tubing to system devices where unit operations are carried out on sample to transform it into a measurable species followed by an analytical finish.  Global FIA's end product is a ZF "fluidics robot". With the capability of performing complex sample processing operations and analytical measurements, it is much more versatile than its predecessors. A detailed description of ZF can be found in Global FIA's Tutorial (Chapter 8).  The key element in Global FIA's ZF systems is their milliGAT pump. 

Global FIA turned to Nymotion LLC for a high quality, RoHS subassembly that could be ordered in low volumes and shipped internationally with 3 - 4 week lead times.   

Global FIA's finished design is shown below.
Microfluid Plate Sampler 2
Plate Sampler 2 (PS2) Picture Compliments of Global FIA, Fox Island, WA www.globalfia.com
PS2

Design Overview:

  • The wellplate(s) or sample tubes are mounted in the work area.  The ZF dispensing needle is moved to and into the correct cell.  The NYT-AP command syntax allows straight forward integration into Global FIA's National Instrument's LabView based program called "FloZF".  

    • An embedded Nymotion microcontroller called "NYT-AP" front-ends an advanced digital signal processor (dsp) based motion controller.   

    • The NYT-AP hosts a command language that is simple and concise and this is exactly what Global FIA needed in their FloZF code.  Examples:  (Case Insensitive) Address_Command_Variable.

      • 1Home     // All axis find home limits then move Cell A1.  A user teach position ("off-set-home"). 

      • 1Down     // Move the needle into the cell.  Another user teach position.  As each well plate manufacturer has different cell depths simply teach the depth and it is flashed to memory. 

      • 1Adv      // Advance one cell

      • 1Cell B5 or 1Cell 17  // Move absolute to Cell 17

      • 1Wash, 1Washdown, 1UserDefinedName (30) ......  // Move absolute to user named and taught locations.  (Test tubes, wash and flush stations).

    • As many of Global FIA's ZF applications involve multi vendor subsystems including syringe pumps, valves, temperature controls as well as milliGATs;  The NYT-AP listens "quietly" on a multi vendor RS485 daisy chain for properly format PS commands.  When a valid command is received and executed the NYT-AP responds with an "OK". 

  • Motion Mechanics.  Global FIA needed a maintenance-free 3 axis slide system capable of surviving a myriad of environments.  Nymotion's plane bearing slides are the ideal solution for long life, high duty cycle applications.

    • XAxis:  NYT-ELS14

    • YAxis:  NYT-MMS11

    • Z(needle)Axis:  NYT-PST08

    • Permanently Lubricated Lead screws, precision ground 303 or RC70 ceramic shafts, self lubricating bearings, stainless steel hardware, IP67 axis homes, anodized or electro less nickel finish components. 

    • Accuracy:  25 µm

    • Repeatability:  1-10 µm

    • MIC6 tooling plate mounting and base.  Drilled and Tapped 6-32 X 0.5 in mounting array
    • Travel:  170 X 110 X 56 mm

    • Optional Z Travel:  60 - 110 mm

    • Installed and Tested Flex Cable Assembly
  • Wellplate/Tray Insert

    • Standard:  Dual wellplates w/ customer defined wash station (s).

    • Option 1:  1 standard wellplate w/ customer defined wash station (s) and test tube array.

    • Option 2:  Customer defined test tube tray (s) and wash station array.

  • Integrated Drive/Controller

    • NYT3X-AP

    • RS485/RS232/CAN

    • Power Supply:  24Vdc X 2.1A

  • Application Software

    • NYT-AP // Mode = Wellplate (autosampler and wellplate scanning applications)

    • Nycomm Tools for Windows XP

    • NYT-AP and Nycomm Tools Updates:  Unlimited

To learn more about Global FIA's FloZF software and systems visit:  Global FIA, Fox Island, Washington.
FlowZF LabView
Global FIA FloZF Setup
FloZF Labview
Global FIA FloZF Sequencing
Plate Sampler
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