Claisse LEDOSER-12™ Automated Sample and Flux Dispensing System

Overview

The Claisse LEDOSER-12™ Automated Sample and Flux Dispensing System is a purpose-built instrument designed to eliminate manual variability in the critical pre-fusion weighing step of X-ray fluorescence (XRF), inductively coupled plasma (ICP), and atomic absorption (AA) sample preparation workflows. Unlike conventional analytical balances or semi-automated dispensers, the LEDOSER-12 operates on a closed-loop gravimetric dispensing principle: it dynamically weighs both sample mass (whether pre-rough-weighed or directly loaded) and precisely dispenses stoichiometric quantities of lithium tetraborate, lithium metaborate, or mixed borate fluxes—ensuring consistent sample-to-flux ratios without operator intervention. Its architecture integrates an industrial-grade electromagnetic force compensation balance with a pneumatically actuated flux delivery system, synchronized via real-time feedback control. This eliminates the need for pre-weighed samples, mitigates human-induced error sources (e.g., parallax, inconsistent taring, manual transcription), and enforces strict traceability through barcode-driven sample identification. The system is engineered for robustness in high-throughput geochemical, metallurgical, cement, and environmental laboratories where reproducibility, audit readiness, and personnel ergonomics are governed by ISO/IEC 17025, ASTM E1361, and GLP-compliant operational frameworks.

Key Features

• 12-position dual rotating carousel (2 × 6 configuration) enabling concurrent sample loading, flux dispensing, and crucible handling with minimal operator interaction
• Three programmable weighing modes: fixed-ratio (sample:flux), fixed-mass (target sample mass), and variable-mass (user-defined tolerance-based dispensing)
• Integrated barcode reader for unambiguous sample identification and automatic LIMS data injection—eliminating manual entry errors and supporting 21 CFR Part 11–compliant audit trails
• Touchscreen GUI with multilingual support (English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese) and intuitive one-touch workflow execution
• Industrial-grade electromagnetic force compensation balance with sealed design and conformal-coated PCBs for resistance to corrosive flux vapors and particulate ingress
• Modular flux management: software-controlled flow rate adjustment per flux type, configurable dispensing steps (up to 4 sequential additions), and user-editable tolerance thresholds (±mg-level resolution)
• Automated safety interlocks including crucible presence detection, low-pressure alarm in furnace interface zone, and motorized sliding door with obstruction sensing
• Standalone balance functionality: may be used as a high-stability laboratory balance independent of dispensing operations

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LEDOSER-12 accommodates standard platinum or Pt–Au crucibles (typically 30–50 mL capacity) and supports all common alkali borate fusion reagents—including Li₂B₄O₇, LiBO₂, and proprietary mixed-flux formulations—without modification. It does not require external temperature control, as dispensing occurs at ambient lab conditions prior to transfer to a fusion furnace (e.g., Claisse M4 or LeNeo). All mechanical and electronic components comply with CE (2014/30/EU EMC Directive), CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1, UL 94 V-0 flammability rating, and RoHS 2011/65/EU material restrictions. Firmware includes configurable user access levels (administrator, technician, operator) with password protection, supporting laboratory quality management systems aligned with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Clause 7.7 (result reporting) and ASTM D7359–22 (fusion XRF sample prep). Optional IQ/OQ documentation packages are available for GMP-regulated environments.

Software & Data Management

Firmware resides on a 4 GB industrial CompactFlash module, supporting storage of >1,000 method templates with full parameter logging (timestamp, operator ID, sample ID, actual vs. target mass, flux type, dispensing sequence, and deviation metrics). Data export is native CSV/ASCII via USB or direct LIMS integration using configurable field mapping. The system logs all critical events—including door openings, balance calibration actions, error codes, and barcode scan failures—with time-stamped records retained for ≥12 months. Calibration routines (internal and external) are accessible via the touchscreen interface and support documented traceability to NIST-traceable mass standards. No cloud dependency or proprietary runtime environments are required; all diagnostics and updates are performed locally via encrypted USB stick.

Applications

The LEDOSER-12 is validated for routine use in geological survey labs (rock, soil, ore), cement and clinker analysis, ferrous and non-ferrous metal production QA/QC, environmental monitoring (sludge, fly ash), and regulatory testing (EPA Method 6010D, ISO 12677). It delivers statistically significant improvement in between-operator repeatability (RSD <0.3% for 10 g flux batches) and reduces manual labor time by up to 90% in the weighing phase of fused bead preparation. By decoupling sample introduction from flux addition, it enables true parallelization: while one set of crucibles undergoes fusion, the LEDOSER-12 prepares the next batch—optimizing furnace utilization and minimizing idle time. Its ergonomic design also reduces risk of repetitive strain injury (RSI) associated with prolonged manual weighing tasks, contributing to occupational health compliance under OSHA 1910.178 and EU Directive 90/269/EEC.

FAQ

Does the LEDOSER-12 require connection to a fusion furnace to operate?
No. It functions independently as a gravimetric dispensing station. Crucibles are manually transferred post-dispensing to a compatible fusion furnace (e.g., Claisse M4, LeNeo, or third-party models).
Can it handle hygroscopic or reactive fluxes?
Yes—provided the flux is supplied in sealed, moisture-resistant containers and loaded into the instrument’s flux reservoir under controlled humidity conditions. The dispensing nozzle design minimizes exposure time.
Is method validation support available?
Claisse provides application notes, IQ/OQ protocols, and on-site validation assistance compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 and FDA expectations for regulated laboratories.
What maintenance is required?
Annual verification of balance performance and flux delivery accuracy is recommended. No scheduled lubrication or consumable replacement is needed—the sealed balance and pneumatic system are designed for >5 years of continuous operation in typical lab environments.
Can existing LIMS systems integrate with the LEDOSER-12 without custom development?
Yes. Standard ASCII/CSV export and configurable field delimiters allow plug-and-play integration with most LIMS platforms (e.g., LabWare, STARLIMS, Thermo Fisher SampleManager) using built-in import utilities.