METTLER TOLEDO QB5 Quantos Automated Dispensing System
| Brand | METTLER TOLEDO |
|---|---|
| Origin | Switzerland |
| Model | QB5 |
| Max Capacity | 81 g / 220 g |
| Readability | 0.005 mg / 0.01 mg |
| Repeatability (sd) | 0.005 mg |
| Minimum Weight (USP <41>) | 10 mg |
| Minimum Weight (1%, 2sd) | 1 mg |
Overview
The METTLER TOLEDO QB5 Quantos Automated Dispensing System is an integrated gravimetric dosing platform engineered for precision, traceability, and regulatory compliance in analytical and quality control laboratories. Unlike volumetric dispensers, Quantos operates on a closed-loop gravimetric principle: it dispenses solid material incrementally into a pre-weighed container while continuously monitoring mass gain in real time using a high-resolution microbalance. This ensures that each dispensed mass meets predefined tolerance limits—typically ±0.1% or tighter—without reliance on material density, flow characteristics, or calibration curves. The system is purpose-built for applications demanding strict adherence to pharmacopeial standards (e.g., USP , ) and is validated for use in GxP environments where data integrity, audit readiness, and process reproducibility are non-negotiable.
Key Features
- Gravimetric closed-loop dispensing with real-time mass feedback and automatic endpoint correction
- Dual-range high-precision balance core: 81 g / 220 g capacity with 0.005 mg / 0.01 mg readability and ≤0.005 mg standard deviation repeatability
- Automated solvent addition module with programmable delivery (volumetric or gravimetric) and integrated mixing
- Modular design supporting single- or multi-step protocols: direct dispensing, sequential dilution, standard solution preparation, and capsule fill weight verification
- Full GLP/GMP alignment: electronic signatures, 21 CFR Part 11–compliant audit trail, user access levels, and instrument qualification documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ templates available)
- ISO 17025–compatible uncertainty budgeting tools embedded in method setup
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The QB5 accommodates a wide range of solid materials—including powders, crystals, reference standards, APIs, excipients, and lyophilized compounds—across particle sizes from sub-micron to >500 µm. Its adaptive dispensing head minimizes static charge accumulation and bridging effects through controlled vibration and air-assisted release. All wetted parts comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility requirements. The system meets ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 6.4.3 (equipment suitability), ASTM E2656 (standard practice for gravimetric dispensing), and supports full compliance with ICH Q5C (stability testing), Q7 (GMP for APIs), and FDA guidance on analytical procedure validation. Each dispensing event generates a timestamped, tamper-evident record containing raw mass data, environmental metadata (temperature, humidity), and operator ID.
Software & Data Management
Quantos Control Software v3.x provides a validated, role-based interface for method development, execution, and review. Methods are stored as encrypted XML files with version control and change history. All data—including intermediate mass readings, solvent addition logs, and pass/fail flags—are written directly to a relational database (SQL Server or Oracle) with optional integration into LIMS or ELN systems via ASTM E1578-compliant APIs. Audit trails capture every action—including parameter edits, result overrides, and calibration events—with immutable timestamps and user attribution. Electronic signatures follow ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) and support multi-factor authentication.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical QC/QA: Preparation of certified reference standards, stability-indicating assay solutions, and batch release testing samples per USP/EP monographs
- Clinical trial support: Accurate dosing of investigational drugs for capsule fill studies and pre-formulation screening
- Regulatory submissions: Generation of auditable dispensing records required under FDA IND/NDA filings and EMA CTD Module 3
- Reference material labs: Certified value assignment for CRM production with documented measurement uncertainty
- Academic and contract research organizations: Reproducible sample preparation for HPLC, GC-MS, and ICP-MS workflows requiring sub-milligram accuracy
FAQ
Is the QB5 suitable for hygroscopic or electrostatic-prone materials?
Yes—the system includes optional desiccated weighing chamber integration and anti-static ionizing nozzles calibrated for low-charging dispensing.
Can Quantos be qualified according to GAMP 5 guidelines?
Yes—METTLER TOLEDO provides GAMP 5-aligned validation packages including risk assessments, URS, FRS, and test scripts for IQ/OQ/PQ.
Does the software support multi-language interfaces for global labs?
Yes—English, German, French, Spanish, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese are natively supported with locale-specific date, number, and unit formatting.
What is the typical throughput for a 5 mg standard preparation protocol?
Approximately 90 seconds per sample, including tare, dispensing, solvent addition, and homogenization—scalable to 24–48 samples per unattended shift.
How is calibration maintained across extended operation?
Internal motorized calibration weights perform automatic daily verification; external traceable calibrations follow ISO/IEC 17025–recommended intervals (typically every 3–6 months depending on usage intensity).
