METTLER TOLEDO Quantos QB Series Automated Powder and Liquid Dispensing System
| Brand | METTLER TOLEDO |
|---|---|
| Origin | Switzerland |
| Model | Quantos QB |
| Maximum Capacity | 100 g |
| Readability | 0.1 mg, 0.01 mg, 5 µg, 1 µg |
| Repeatability | 1 mg |
| Compliance | Designed for GLP/GMP environments, compatible with FDA 21 CFR Part 11–enabled software workflows |
| Integration | Modular upgrade for XP/XPE analytical balances |
| Application Scope | Gravimetric preparation of standards, stock solutions, multi-component reference materials, and final concentration dilutions |
Overview
The METTLER TOLEDO Quantos QB Series is a fully automated, gravimetric powder and liquid dispensing system engineered for high-precision formulation in regulated laboratory environments. Unlike volumetric dispensers, the Quantos QB operates on the principle of real-time mass-based feedback control: it dispenses material directly onto an integrated or externally coupled analytical balance (e.g., XP/XPE series), continuously monitoring mass gain until the target weight is achieved with sub-milligram resolution. This closed-loop gravimetric approach eliminates cumulative errors from density variation, temperature-induced solvent expansion, or pipette calibration drift—making it the method of choice for preparing certified reference materials, pharmacopeial standards (USP , EP 2.2.46), and multi-analyte calibration sets where traceability and uncertainty budgeting are critical.
Key Features
- Gravimetric dispensing architecture with dynamic mass feedback—ensures accuracy independent of material density or viscosity
- Four selectable readability modes: 0.1 mg, 0.01 mg, 5 µg, and 1 µg—enabling flexibility across routine QC and ultra-trace research applications
- Electrostatically neutralized powder handling: patented anti-static dispensing head minimizes adhesion and bridging for cohesive APIs, excipients, and nanomaterials
- Sealed, glove-box-compatible enclosure options available—meets containment requirements for OEL ≤ 10 µg/m³ (ICH Q5C, ISPE APQ)
- Modular integration with XP/XPE analytical balances—retains full balance certification (ISO/IEC 17025) while adding automated sample introduction
- Touchscreen HMI with context-aware workflow guidance—supports SOP-driven operation without scripting or external PC dependency
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Quantos QB accommodates powders ranging from free-flowing sodium chloride to highly cohesive lactose monohydrate and micronized active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), with minimum dispensing increments down to 1 mg. For liquids, it handles solvents including water, methanol, acetonitrile, DMSO, and low-volatility oils—without requiring syringe pre-wetting or air-gap compensation. All contact surfaces are constructed from electropolished 316L stainless steel and PTFE-coated components, compliant with USP extractables testing. The system supports audit trails, electronic signatures, and role-based access control when operated under METTLER TOLEDO LabX software—fully aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, and ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements.
Software & Data Management
Quantos QB systems operate natively within METTLER TOLEDO LabX software, providing full data integrity throughout the preparation lifecycle: from method creation (with configurable uncertainty propagation per component) to raw mass logs, deviation alerts, and PDF-certified reports. All weighing events, dispensing cycles, and environmental metadata (e.g., balance internal temperature, draft shield status) are time-stamped and cryptographically hashed. Audit trail review functions support retrospective analysis during regulatory inspections, and method templates can be locked, version-controlled, and exported for cross-site harmonization. Raw data export adheres to ASTM E2500-13 and ISO 10012:2003 traceability frameworks.
Applications
- Preparation of certified reference standards for HPLC, GC-MS, and ICP-MS quantification
- Multi-component standard blends for elemental analysis (e.g., CRM matrix matching)
- Stability-indicating assay preparations per ICH Q5C guidelines
- High-potency API dosing in early-phase formulation development
- Automated dilution series for ELISA and immunoassay calibration curves
- Reproducible synthesis reagent dispensing in combinatorial chemistry workflows
FAQ
Can the Quantos QB be validated for GMP manufacturing environments?
Yes—the system supports IQ/OQ/PQ protocols delivered by METTLER TOLEDO’s qualified service engineers, with documented evidence meeting Annex 15 and ASTM E2500-13 requirements.
Is calibration of the integrated balance required before each dispensing run?
No—internal balance diagnostics and automatic recalibration triggers (e.g., temperature shift >0.5°C) ensure continuous metrological integrity without manual intervention.
Does the system support non-aqueous solvents with high vapor pressure?
Yes—vapor-tight dispensing nozzles and programmable dwell times minimize evaporation artifacts; mass gain rate thresholds automatically adjust for volatile solvents like ether or acetone.
Can legacy XP/XPE balances be retrofitted with Quantos QB modules?
Yes—provided the balance firmware is ≥ v3.20 and equipped with RS232/USB host interface; hardware retrofit kits include mechanical mounting brackets and communication adapters.
How is powder cross-contamination prevented between runs?
The system performs automated nozzle purging with inert gas (N₂ or Ar), followed by vacuum-assisted residue evacuation and optical endpoint detection prior to next dispensing cycle.
