ePAT automated lab reactor for various reactions and processes

SYSTAG ePAT is a quick, easy and inexpensive solution for automating control of double jacketed reactors for research and development. It provides a cost-effective entry route into automation technology, allowing users to optimize their synthesis and processes for both scale-up and scale-down.

Combining Plug & Play interconnectability with exceptional ease of operation, SYSTAG ePAT can control an almost unlimited number of jacketed reactors in the chemical laboratory, with the option of integrating a wide array of laboratory devices.

ePAT’s integral safety concept guarantees uninterrupted monitoring, specially designed for unsupervised operation day and night.

The ePAT system does not need a conventional computer, handing over all regulation and protocol tasks to its integrated eController.

Features

The ePAT Starter Kit includes:

• FlexySys application software for controlling one reactor
• Monitor with backpack eController, US keyboard, and mouse
• Universal I/O module for connecting analog sensors/ actuators
• Cable-Set for the connecting sensors and actuators
• ePAT interface and manual operation
• Intuitive Interface

ePAT’s Plug & Play technology allows easy integration of all common laboratory equipment (including Huber, Julabo and Lauda thermostats, Sartorius or Mettler-Toledo laboratory balances, Metrohm Dosino volumetric dosing devices, Heidolph or IKA stirrer motors and additional peripherals like pumps or valves).

Functionality

The basic ePAT configuration offers a wide range of functions for performing routine tasks such as tempering, dosing, stirring, or adjusting pH with greater reliability and reproducibility.

The ePAT carries out time-consuming control functions for you – and will fully document all your experiments at the same time.

Built in software features include:

• Logging – online trend and data capture of all events
• Stirring with logging of torque measurement
• Five segment multi-stage temperature control
• Two dosages, temperature-monitored pH-measurement and control
• Safety monitoring
• Pt-100, RS232, analog input/output signals
• Automatic sensor detection

Operation

The monitor supplied with the backpack eController carries out all control functions. User can initialize all tasks from the intuitive and user-friendly graphic interface, which allows chosen process steps to be started, stopped or amended with a simple mouse click.

In operation, ePAT automates all other tasks including:

• Online trend and recording: permanent logging of all process-relevant data.
• Reaction tracking: Once the large online trend display is configured to suit individual preferences, it allows user to see even complex process correlations instantly at any time. Freely scalable axes and multi-stage zoom function allows easy tracking of reactions with all essential data displayed in real time.
• Automatic sensor/actuator detection:The intelligent automated Plug & Play technology of Fconnect takes care of most signal configurations and assignment, which can often prove complex. The intelligent ePAT hardware and software automatically detects sensors and actuators, assigning them to appropriate inputs.

The automatic lab-journal also accepts manual entries so that any interventions or visual observations are fully documented. This information is exported at the same time as essential process data, to become available as an ASCII file for integration and processing in external applications such as Excel or MSWord.

Configuration

It doesn’t matter which thermostat, balance, or pump you want to use – ePAT is familiar with them all. The integral SYSTAG Application Manager (SAM) guarantees easy connection of peripheral devices such as stirrer motors, thermostats, balances, and pumps, meaning that you can start the application without delay.

SAM lets user add new peripheral devices or adapt the existing configuration to suit individual needs with just a few clicks.
The new ePAT hardware includes an extensive signal list that caters for a very wide range of additional devices and peripherals. The ePAT concept allows automate of the majority of reactors without need for any extra modules.

The following interfaces are available with the ePAT:

• 4x Pt-100 (-150°C .+400°C)
• 6x RS-232 interface
• 8x analog input/output 0-10V or 8x analog input/output 4-20mA, or 8x digital input/output 24V DC

Options

ePAT can be adapted to individual user needs with a range of options that include:

• Pressure, vacuum and venting control
• Gas dosage
• Volumetric dosing (e.g. Metrohm Dosino)

As an integral component of SYSTAG’s FlexySys concept, ePAT can be upgraded to full FlexyPAT specification, complete with integrated recipe control and other customized functions.

Technical specifications

Note: Two measuring inputs for current and voltage and three control outputs for current, voltage and “digital On/Off” are available for each socket. Fewer inputs and outputs may be accessible when using recommended preassembled Fconnect cables.