UM-07 UXS Automated Liquid Dispenser for Soil Testing and Fertilization Analysis
| Brand | UXS |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Region Classification | Domestic (China) |
| Model | UM-07 |
| Plate Capacity | 30 × 2 positions |
| Dispensing Accuracy | ±0.1 mL |
| Dispensing Volume Range | 0–100 mL per channel |
| Sample Throughput | 30 samples per batch |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 860 × 440 × 380 mm |
Overview
The UM-07 UXS Automated Liquid Dispenser is an application-specific liquid handling workstation engineered for high-reproducibility reagent delivery in soil nutrient analysis laboratories. Designed to replace manual pipetting during standardized soil extraction protocols, it operates on a fixed-volume positive-displacement dispensing principle—ensuring consistent volumetric delivery across variable viscosity and surface-tension profiles typical of soil extractants (e.g., Mehlich-3, Olsen, ammonium acetate, KCl, CaCl₂, and alkaline KMnO₄ solutions). Its architecture integrates dual 30-position plate carriers, enabling parallel processing of two sample sets or sequential loading of standards, blanks, and unknowns without interruption. The system supports method-driven operation: pre-programmed dispensing sequences align with widely adopted national and international soil testing standards—including NY/T 1121 (China), ISO 11260, ASTM D5129, and USDA-NRCS Soil Survey Laboratory Methods Manual protocols.
Key Features
- Dual 30-position plate carrier configuration (30 × 2) for flexible workflow staging—supports simultaneous loading of extraction plates and reagent reservoirs
- Fixed-volume positive-displacement dispensing mechanism with mechanical calibration traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China) standards
- Dispensing accuracy maintained at ±0.1 mL across full 0–100 mL range, validated using gravimetric verification per ISO 8655-6
- Onboard method library with editable dispensing templates for common soil extractants: deionized water, NaHCO₃ (pH 8.5), NH₄OAc (pH 7.0), BaCl₂–TEA, and acidic ammonium oxalate
- Touchscreen HMI with intuitive icon-based navigation; no external PC required for routine operation
- Modular design compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory infrastructure requirements—supports integration into GLP-aligned quality systems
- Chemical-resistant fluid path constructed from PTFE-coated stainless steel and borosilicate glass components, rated for repeated exposure to weak acids, chelating agents, and saline buffers
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The UM-07 accommodates standard 50 mL centrifuge tubes, 100 mL polypropylene extraction bottles, and 96-well deep-well plates (with optional adapter kit). It is compatible with all aqueous-based extractants used in agronomic soil testing—including those containing EDTA, DTPA, citrate, and phosphate buffers. All dispensing parameters are configurable to meet the volumetric tolerances specified in NY/T 1121.1–2021 (Soil Testing Part 1: General Requirements) and GB/T 22923–2008 (Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Agricultural Testing Laboratories). The instrument’s mechanical stability and thermal mass design minimize drift under ambient lab conditions (15–30 °C, ≤70% RH), ensuring long-term repeatability across multi-shift operations.
Software & Data Management
Operation is managed via embedded firmware with audit-trail capability: each dispensing event logs timestamp, operator ID (via optional RFID badge reader), method name, volume dispensed, and plate position. Raw log files export in CSV format for LIMS integration. While the system does not require FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance out-of-the-box, its logging architecture satisfies core ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate) and can be validated for GxP environments upon request. Firmware updates are delivered via USB flash drive with SHA-256 checksum verification.
Applications
- Automated preparation of extractant additions for determination of available phosphorus (Olsen, Bray-1), exchangeable cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, Na⁺), micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn), and nitrogen species (NH₄⁺-N, NO₃⁻-N)
- Standard curve preparation in ICP-OES, UV-Vis, and ion chromatography workflows following soil digestion or extraction
- Reproducible dilution series generation for method validation and recovery studies per ISO 5725
- Support for ISO 17025 internal quality control—e.g., duplicate sample processing, spike recovery, and reagent blank monitoring
- High-throughput preprocessing in regional soil testing centers serving agricultural extension programs and fertilizer recommendation services
FAQ
What types of soil extractants are validated for use with the UM-07?
The system has been verified for use with aqueous extractants up to 1.2 g/mL density and pH 2–12, including Mehlich-3, Morgan, Olsen, ammonium acetate (pH 7.0), and calcium chloride solutions.
Can the UM-07 be integrated with laboratory information management systems (LIMS)?
Yes—CSV-formatted dispensing logs support manual import or automated ingestion via scheduled file polling; API-level integration requires custom middleware development.
Is calibration documentation provided with the instrument?
Each unit ships with a factory calibration certificate referencing NIM-traceable standards, including gravimetric test data at 10 mL, 50 mL, and 100 mL points.
Does the UM-07 support variable-volume dispensing within a single run?
No—it operates in fixed-volume mode per channel; however, users may configure distinct volumes across different plate positions using the method editor.
What maintenance is required to sustain dispensing accuracy?
Biannual verification using certified weights and Class A volumetric cylinders is recommended; no user-serviceable fluid-path components require replacement under normal usage conditions.
