Automated sample preparation system FTA-2000

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Overview

Our patented FTA-2000 glass-bead fusion system integrates advanced automation, dual high-precision balances (0.1 mg) and thermogravimetric functionality to produce glass beads for XRF while measuring Loss-On-Ignition (LOI)/Loss-On-Fusion (LOF) on the same sample. The instrument is tabletop-sized for cement, mining and materials laboratories and designed for largely unattended operation.

Key capabilities

• Performs glass-bead fusion with simultaneous LOI/LOF using configurable 12- or 16-position carousels for 40 mm or 35 mm beads (configurable overall for 4–16 crucibles).
• Operates as a multi-step, multi-sample thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) with fully configurable temperatures, gases, times and analytical parameters.
• Dedicated LOI mode: processes up to 16 samples in 15–20 minutes at user-configurable LOI temperatures (typically 1000 °C).
• Fully automated sample handling with optional autoloader (12- or 16-crucible capacity) and optional robotic integration for end-to-end hands-free workflows.

Operational overview

• Two digital balances (external and internal) with 0.1 mg sensitivity directly connected to PC for automatic weight recording.
• External balance for initial weighing of crucibles, samples and flux; internal balance beneath the furnace measures crucible weight at high temperature during fusion (balance pedestal passes through furnace orifice).
• Furnace carousel (configurable 4–16 crucibles) raises, rotates, lowers, tilts and agitates crucibles for accurate positioning, mixing and weight measurement.
• Automated flux LOI calibration: software can fuse a flux-only bead to determine flux LOI and optionally include a flux-only crucible per batch for per-batch correction.
• Configurable automatic bead cooling after transfer to the autoloader.

Design innovations and user benefits

• Peristaltic pump delivers a controlled, highly diluted non-wetting agent after final bead weight measurement to eliminate unpredictable evaporation and fusion-weight variability.
• Reduced operator weighing tolerance (±30 mg) compared with manual methods by using automated flux LOI determination and integrated balances.
• Energy-efficient electric furnace: a 16-crucible configuration can operate on approximately 2 kW, lowering lab energy and HVAC requirements.
• Eliminates the need for manual glass-bead pouring, reduces platinum-ware usage and decreases crucible cleaning frequency, saving time and consumables.
• Minimizes toxic gas exposure through precise peristaltic dosing of diluted non-wetting agent.

Automation and software

• Supports overnight unattended operation and full automation when integrated with optional collaborative robotic arm and conveyor/tray system containing pre-weighed vials.
• Windows-based software with ribbon bar, customizable panels, themes, a database, real-time bead weight charts and robust export to TXT, CSV and XLS for LIMS integration.

Analytical performance and productivity

• Simultaneous bead production and LOI/LOF measurement reduces bias by using the same sample for both processes.
• Electric furnace fuses 4–16 beads in approximately 20–30 minutes, increasing throughput versus manual methods.
• Detailed sample weights and real-time charts enable precise determination of fusion completion and shorter cycle times.

Repeatability Results of Cement Samples
Sample ID | Na2O (%) | MgO (%) | Al2O3 (%) | SiO2 (%) | P2O5 (%) | SO3 (%) | K2O (%) | CaO (%) | TiO2 (%) | Mn2O3 (%) | Fe2O3 (%) | SrO (%) | ZnO (%) | CO2 (%) | Cl (%) | Flux (g) | LOI (%) | Sample (g) | Sum (%)
Cement A1 | 0.06 | 2.58 | 4.38 | 18.46 | 0.14 | 2.94 | 0.56 | 58.58 | 0.25 | 0.14 | 3.14 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 8.38 | 0.02 | 6.1858 | 8.38 | 1.017 | 99.6961
Cement A2 | 0.09 | 2.6 | 4.34 | 18.43 | 0.13 | 2.96 | 0.57 | 58.54 | 0.25 | 0.14 | 3.15 | 0.04 | 0.03 | 8.34 | 0.01 | 5.8407 | 8.34 | 0.974 | 99.6246
Cement A3 | 0.07 | 2.62 | 4.44 | 18.45 | 0.13 | 2.96 | 0.56 | 58.51 | 0.26 | 0.14 | 3.16 | 0.04 | 0.03 | 8.46 | 0.01 | 5.7274 | 8.46 | 0.983 | 99.8466
Cement A4 | 0.06 | 2.6 | 4.33 | 18.46 | 0.14 | 2.97 | 0.56 | 58.73 | 0.25 | 0.14 | 3.14 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 8.43 | 0.01 | 6.3705 | 8.43 | 1.059 | 99.9068
Cement A5 | 0.09 | 2.56 | 4.33 | 18.34 | 0.14 | 2.94 | 0.56 | 58.45 | 0.25 | 0.14 | 3.14 | 0.04 | 0.03 | 8.35 | 0.01 | 5.7313 | 8.35 | 0.971 | 99.3861

Technical specifications

• Model: FTA-2000 (Fusion Thermogravimetric Analyzer).
• Number of beads: configurable for 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 or 16 beads; supports 35 mm and 40 mm beads.
• Balance sensitivity: 0.1 mg (internal and external).
• LOI/LOF range: 0–100% (weight loss/gain).
• Temperature range: 200–1150 °C, ±1 °C accuracy.
• Instrument control: operable via desktop/laptop PC with USB; Windows-based software.
• Dimensions: Width 55.4 cm x Length 60 cm x Height 57 cm; autoloader height 33 cm.
• Weight: 60 kg.
• Power requirements: 220 V AC, ~2 kW.
• Safety/environment: peristaltic dosing of diluted non-wetting agent to minimize emissions.