BIORAD

Bio-Rad RSL is a Belgian manufacturing and research unit within the Bio-Rad Clinical Diagnostics group. RSL specializes in the production of HPLC accessories used in diagnostic kits for applications such as diabetes monitoring. The production of resins and HPLC cartridges is central to its operations.

The production of these cartridges is based on the filtration of suspensions under high pressure.

Until recently, these cartridges were manually loaded, filled, and dispensed, and then automatically pressed in 15 stations operated by 6 operators. Bio-Rad RSL has entrusted IMA with the task of fully automating this production process.

IMA has developed the following solution:

• The empty cartridges are manually placed on a conveyor belt, and the full cartridges are removed.

• A manipulator places empty cartridges into one of the seven filling stations, which fills the cartridges using a metering pump and then presses the filling into the cartridge.

• The filled cartridges are automatically removed from the pump station and returned to the feed conveyor

Due to the high operating pressure of 400 bar, the pump station is designed for high pressure and constructed of stainless steel. It also features a built-in automatic flushing cycle, complete with an end-of-day protocol, a startup module, and an ID scanner.

Mr. Chris Dewaele, general manager of Bio-Rad RSL, summarizes
:“Given the complexity of the project, the collaboration between IMA and Bio-Rad RSL went quite smoothly in terms of creativity and timeline. We are convinced that this will not only increase our productivity but also the quality of our products.”