Leici SCH-01B Automatic Sample Changer

Overview

The Leici SCH-01B Automatic Sample Changer is an integrated electrochemical sample handling module engineered for high-throughput, reproducible titration and multi-parameter electrochemical analysis. Designed in strict compliance with laboratory automation principles, it operates on a modular tower-platform architecture that enables precise positional indexing, controlled fluid handling, and programmable mechanical agitation. Its core functionality centers on sequential sample presentation, sensor conditioning between measurements, and automated post-measurement cleaning—critical for minimizing carryover and ensuring measurement integrity in regulated environments. The SCH-01B does not perform analytical measurements independently; rather, it serves as a synchronized peripheral to Leici’s ZDJ-5B series automatic titrators, L-series benchtop electrochemical analyzers, and T-series intelligent instruments—enabling unattended operation across extended analytical batches.

Key Features

• Modular tower-based design with interchangeable upper trays—facilitates rapid adaptation to varying sample vessel geometries and volumes.
• Three standardized sample carrier options: 16-position 50 mL cup tray, 15-position 100 mL tray, and 14-position 200 mL tray—each engineered for secure cup retention and repeatable XY positioning accuracy.
• Dual-pump cleaning system: PUMP-1 (diaphragm type) delivers pressurized rinse solution via calibrated spray nozzles for electrode and cup surface decontamination; PUMP-2 (peristaltic type) evacuates spent reagents and rinse effluent into designated waste reservoirs.
• Configurable stirring mode—top-mounted magnetic stirrer or bottom-driven stir bar actuation—with 45 discrete speed steps enabling fine-tuned kinetic control during titration or potentiometric endpoint stabilization.
• Integrated self-diagnostic routines and hardware-level fault tolerance—including position encoder validation, pump stall detection, and interface handshake verification—to ensure operational continuity and traceable error logging.
• Dual communication interfaces (USB 2.0 and RS-232) support bidirectional command exchange and real-time status reporting under Leici’s proprietary instrument control protocol.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SCH-01B accommodates standard polypropylene or glass sample cups conforming to ISO 8573-1 dimensional tolerances for 50 mL, 100 mL, and 200 mL formats. Its mechanical alignment system ensures ±0.15 mm positional repeatability across all sample positions—essential for consistent electrode immersion depth and meniscus-level consistency. The unit meets IEC 61010-1:2010 safety requirements for laboratory electrical equipment and complies with electromagnetic compatibility standards per EN 61326-1:2013. When deployed in GLP/GMP workflows, its deterministic sample sequencing, audit-trail-capable command logs (via host software), and non-volatile error memory support regulatory traceability per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 requirements.

Software & Data Management

The SCH-01B operates exclusively under Leici’s validated instrument control suite (v3.2+), which provides full configuration of sample sequence tables, cleaning cycle parameters (rinse duration, volume, frequency), stirring profiles, and inter-device synchronization timing. All operational events—including sample indexing timestamps, pump activation cycles, stir speed changes, and diagnostic alerts—are timestamped and logged in ASCII-delimited format for export to LIMS or ELN systems. No local data storage resides on the changer itself; all metadata and state history are maintained by the host analyzer, ensuring centralized version control and backup integrity.

Applications

• High-volume acid-base, redox, precipitation, and complexometric titrations in QC laboratories supporting pharmaceutical raw material release testing (aligned with USP and EP 2.2.20).
• Multi-point pH, conductivity, ORP, and ion-selective electrode calibration verification requiring repeated immersion and standardized rinsing protocols.
• Long-duration stability studies involving periodic sampling from reaction vessels—enabled via scheduled auto-sampling intervals coordinated with external process controllers.
• Electrochemical method validation per ASTM E2081–22, where sensor reproducibility across ≥10 replicate samples must be demonstrated without manual intervention.
• Academic research workflows requiring unattended overnight titration series for kinetic modeling or thermodynamic parameter extraction.

FAQ

Can the SCH-01B operate independently without connection to a Leici host instrument?
No. It lacks onboard analytical firmware and requires real-time command input from a compatible Leici analyzer (ZDJ-5B, L-series, or T-series) via USB or RS-232.
Is third-party software integration supported?
Only through Leici’s documented API specification (available under NDA); no generic SCPI or Modbus implementation is provided.
What maintenance is required for the dual-pump system?
PUMP-1 diaphragm replacement every 12 months under continuous use; PUMP-2 tubing replacement recommended every 6 months or after 500 cycles—both procedures require no tools and are outlined in Section 4.2 of the Maintenance Manual.
Does the unit support custom cup geometries beyond the three standard trays?
Yes—custom tray CAD files may be submitted to Leici Engineering for validation and mechanical certification prior to fabrication.
How is positional accuracy verified during installation?
A factory-calibrated optical alignment jig and stepwise encoder verification routine are included in the Installation Qualification (IQ) package supplied with each unit.