Sundy SDASC Automated Sample Storage and Retrieval System
| Brand | Sundy |
|---|---|
| Origin | Hunan, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | SDASC Automated Sample Storage and Retrieval System |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
| Operating Relative Humidity | 5–95% RH (non-condensing, no dew formation) |
| Sample Storage/Retrieval Time | ≤60 seconds per sample |
| Maximum Gripping Weight | ≤5 kg |
| Vial Grip Diameter Range | Φ78–Φ128 mm (for Φ140 mm column), Φ98–Φ148 mm (for Φ160 mm column) |
| RFID Reader | High-frequency 13.56 MHz, ISO/IEC 14443 Type A compliant |
| Standard Vial Dimensions | Ø128 × 280 mm (screw-cap, bottom-embedded RFID chip), Ø128 × 160 mm (screw-cap, bottom-embedded RFID chip) |
| Standard Capacity | 1,200 vials (modularly expandable) |
| Footprint (Φ140 mm configuration) | 3.9 m (L) × 2.0 m (W) × 3.2 m (H) |
| (Φ160 mm configuration) | 4.0 m (L) × 1.94 m (W) × 3.2 m (H) |
| Power Supply | 380 V AC, 50/60 Hz |
| Max Power Consumption | 4 kW |
| Floor Load Requirement | ≥500 kg/m² (hardened concrete surface) |
Overview
The Sundy SDASC Automated Sample Storage and Retrieval System is an industrial-grade, modular automation solution engineered for high-integrity long-term archiving and on-demand retrieval of solid and liquid samples in coal, cement, mineral, and energy-related laboratories. Built upon a stackable vertical storage architecture and integrated pneumatic vacuum gripper technology, the SDASC system enables precise, non-contact handling of standardized sample vials—eliminating mechanical impact, slippage, or positional misalignment during transfer. Its core operation relies on deterministic robotic path planning, ISO/IEC 14443A-compliant RFID-based vial identification, and real-time inventory synchronization across distributed control nodes. Designed to meet stringent traceability requirements in regulated environments, the SDASC functions as both a standalone archival unit and a seamlessly interoperable node within end-to-end automated sample preparation workflows—including integration with Sundy’s SDFCS Fuel Control System and third-party pneumatic tube transport networks.
Key Features
- Stacked Vertical Storage Architecture: Achieves >25% higher volumetric density compared to conventional carousel- or drawer-based systems—maximizing floor-space efficiency without compromising accessibility.
- Pneumatic Vacuum Gripper Mechanism: Unique contactless lifting and placement system ensures zero sample drop risk—even under repeated cycle loads up to 5 kg—preserving vial integrity and label readability.
- Dual-Mode Operation: Supports fully automated retrieval via touchscreen HMI or manual override through authenticated physical access—ensuring continuity of operations during maintenance or system fault conditions.
- Modular Scalability: Configurable in both horizontal (column count) and vertical (tier count) dimensions; standard configurations support 1,200 vials, with expansion paths enabling capacities exceeding 5,000 units per installation footprint.
- Self-Diagnostic Firmware & Non-Volatile Memory: Maintains full inventory state and audit logs during unexpected power loss; automatic recovery resumes pending tasks without data corruption or position drift.
- Multi-Protocol Interface Support: Native RS-485 and Ethernet TCP/IP interfaces enable bidirectional communication with LIMS, MES, and laboratory automation platforms—compliant with OPC UA and Modbus TCP standards.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SDASC system accommodates a broad range of standardized sample containers used across ASTM D3172, ISO 18283, and GB/T 474-compliant workflows—including 3 mm archived samples, 6 mm and 13 mm total moisture specimens, and 0.2 mm analytical subsamples. All supported vials feature bottom-embedded ISO/IEC 14443A RFID tags, ensuring unambiguous identity resolution during storage and retrieval. The system meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements per IEC 61326-1 and operates safely within ambient humidity ranges of 5–95% RH (non-condensing), making it suitable for deployment in climate-controlled analytical labs and industrial sampling rooms. Structural design adheres to ISO 14122-3 for permanent means of access to machinery, with load-bearing specifications validated for ≥500 kg/m² floor loading—aligning with typical reinforced concrete laboratory slab standards.
Software & Data Management
The embedded control software provides role-based access control (RBAC), complete with operator login auditing, action timestamping, and immutable event logging—all stored locally in encrypted flash memory and exportable via USB or network transfer. Audit trails comply with GLP and GMP principles, supporting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when deployed with optional digital signature modules. The HMI features a 10.1-inch capacitive touchscreen with intuitive icon-driven navigation, multilingual UI support (English, Chinese, Spanish), and real-time status visualization—including vial occupancy heatmaps, robotic arm position feedback, and environmental sensor readouts (temperature/humidity). Remote monitoring and diagnostics are enabled via secure HTTPS web interface or SNMPv3-enabled network management.
Applications
- Coal Quality Assurance Laboratories: Long-term retention of certified reference materials (CRMs), archived ash-fusion samples, and regulatory compliance specimens per ISO 1988 and ASTM D3172.
- Cement & Mineral Processing Facilities: Secure interim storage of homogenized feedstock samples prior to XRF or ICP-OES analysis—interfacing directly with auto-sampling conveyors and jaw crushers.
- Power Plant Fuel Testing Centers: Integration with automated coal sampling trains and pneumatic tube networks for end-to-end traceability from yard receipt to calorific value determination.
- Research Institutions: High-throughput sample curation for multi-year geochemical or metallurgical studies requiring strict chain-of-custody documentation.
- Contract Testing Laboratories: Scalable deployment supporting ISO/IEC 17025-accredited workflows—including documented calibration records, uncertainty budgets, and inter-laboratory comparison tracking.
FAQ
What vial sizes and types does the SDASC system support?
The SDASC supports cylindrical screw-cap vials with diameters ranging from Φ78 mm to Φ148 mm and heights up to 280 mm—specifically optimized for Ø128 × 160 mm and Ø128 × 280 mm configurations featuring bottom-mounted ISO/IEC 14443A RFID chips.
Can the SDASC operate independently of other automation systems?
Yes—the system includes an integrated PLC and local HMI, enabling full functionality as a standalone unit. Optional fieldbus gateways allow plug-and-play integration with existing laboratory automation infrastructures.
How is data integrity maintained during power failure?
All operational states—including current vial positions, inventory mapping, and user activity logs—are written to non-volatile memory at sub-second intervals. Upon power restoration, the system performs hardware self-checks and resumes operation from its last known valid state.
Is remote system monitoring supported?
Yes—via embedded web server (HTTPS) and SNMPv3, enabling real-time status viewing, alarm notification, and firmware update scheduling from any authorized workstation on the local network or via secured VPN.
Does the SDASC meet international regulatory requirements for sample traceability?
The system supports GLP/GMP-aligned audit trails, RBAC enforcement, and electronic signature-ready logging. When paired with validated procedures and qualified infrastructure, it fulfills foundational requirements for ISO/IEC 17025, ASTM E2659, and EU Annex 11 compliance frameworks.
