Robotized synthesis platform AUTOPLANT PRECIP

high-throughput

Overview
End-to-end automated mixed-oxide synthesis system for pH-controlled precipitation, sol‑gel and ion‑exchange workflows. Covers reaction preparation, controlled dosing, synthesis, automated work-up (washing, drying, spray drying), and options for extrusion and calcination. Suitable for catalyst R&D, adsorbent development and battery/cathode material discovery.

Technology summary
Patented overhead gravimetric dispensing combined with modular reactor hardware and AUTOSUITE software enables standardized, high-throughput and traceable oxide syntheses. The platform supports precise continuous feeds, multi-step transfers and PAT-like monitoring for reproducible process development.

Workflow

• Design of experiments (DoE)
• Solution and reagent preparation
• Sequential feed of metal salts
• pH-controlled addition of precipitant (acid/base automated)
• Heating, controlled mixing and agitation
• Automated washing and work-up
• Drying and spray drying
• Optional extrusion and calcination workflows

Benefits

• Individually controlled tank reactors (100, 240, 1,000 mL) with independent temperature, stirring and feed control.
• High throughput: AUTOPLANT up to 12 or 24 syntheses per run (full automation incl. prep, execution, work-up, analysis); MULTIPLANT semi-automated up to 6 per run.
• Flexible feeding: multiple independent continuous liquid feeds per reactor, vessel-to-vessel transfers and precise gravimetric solid/viscous liquid dosing.
• Robust mixing options and stirrer interchangeability (anchor, twisted blade, gas-entrainment) enabling processing of high viscosities.
• Comprehensive monitoring: temperature, pressure, pH, particle size distribution and other PAT-like measurements per reactor.
• Integrated sampling under reaction conditions and 4-needle volumetric handling for feeding and sampling.
• Cleaning-in-place and ventilated hood for safe, high-throughput operation.
• Software integration: AUTOSUITE for drag & drop experiment design, Python custom devices, LIMS/ELN connectivity and AI/ML closed-loop workflows; ARKSUITE for lab orchestration.
• Optional online benchtop XRD integration (examples: Bruker D6 Phaser, Malvern Aeris) with sample handover and software/hardware integration.

Technical specifications

• Reactor volumes: 100 mL, 240 mL, 1,000 mL (tank reactors).
• Throughput: AUTOPLANT up to 12/24 syntheses per run; MULTIPLANT semi-automated up to 6 per run.
• Stirrer types: anchor, twisted blade, gas-entrainment; easily exchangeable.
• Mixing capability: up to 80 Pa·s at 300 rpm; up to 30 Pa·s at 900 rpm (anchor stirrer).
• Independent control per reactor: temperature, stirring, feeds, pH, pressure and PAT measurements (e.g., PSD).
• Temperature control: internal and/or jacket; active cooling supporting >130°C difference between adjacent reactors.
• Feeding: flexible precise continuous feeds; multiple independent liquid feeds per reactor; vessel-to-vessel transfer for multistep processes.
• Dispensing: patented overhead gravimetric solid and viscous liquid dispensing; 4-needle head for volumetric liquid handling and sampling under reaction conditions.
• Work-up: automated washing, drying, spray drying, extrusion and calcination steps supported.
• Maintenance and safety: cleaning-in-place (automated), insert options and ventilated hood.
• Software: AUTOSUITE for experiment design and automation; integration to LIMS/ELN and AI/ML closed-loop workflows; ARKSUITE for lab orchestration.
• Optional analytics: integrated online benchtop XRD solutions with device and sample-handling integration.