Precise Filling – One Tube at a Time

Accurate and reproducible dispensing for laboratory tube workflows.

Automated Filling of Laboratory Tubes

Precision and efficiency are essential when filling liquids into laboratory tubes, especially when large numbers of tubes must be processed in a consistent and reproducible manner. In manual workflows, filling steps are often time-consuming and prone to variability, particularly when opening, dispensing and closing tubes repeatedly.

Automated liquid filling standardizes the dispensing process by accurately transferring defined volumes into each tube while minimizing manual intervention. Integrated handling, controlled liquid delivery and optional capping operations enable reliable filling results and seamless integration into automated laboratory workflows.

How Automated Filling Works

Tube Positioning and Application

The LABOTIQ Lab-Bot multifunction unit integrates a peristaltic pump supplied by Watson-Marlow and a compact, height-adjustable swivel arm designed for precise liquid dispensing. The dispensing cannula is connected via a short, flexible tube with a length of approximately 70 cm, resulting in a very small dead volume and enabling efficient handling of liquids.

For filling, the tube or vial is positioned and opened within the multifunction unit. The swivel arm moves the cannula above the vessel opening and inserts it into the tube to a defined depth. The peristaltic pump then dispenses the predefined liquid volume from the reservoir through the tubing and cannula directly into the tube or vial.

Once dispensing is complete, the swivel arm moves the cannula towards the inner vessel wall to remove any remaining droplets, reducing the risk of hanging drops and aerosol formation. The cannula is then retracted and returned to its parking position, allowing the tube to be closed and transported to the next process step.

Aerosol and Droplet Control

The height-adjustable swivel arm and controlled cannula movement significantly reduce the formation of aerosols and hanging droplets during dispensing. By inserting the cannula directly into the tube and removing residual drops along the vessel wall after dispensing, liquid transfer remains controlled and reproducible.

This approach is particularly important when filling small volumes or handling liquids with potential hazards, as it improves process safety and minimizes the risk of contamination and unintended exposure.

Liquid Classes for Accurate Dispensing

Accurate liquid dispensing depends on several parameters, including tubing diameter, pump speed and system calibration. These and additional dispensing parameters are defined and stored in so-called Liquid Class files.

Each Liquid Class represents a validated set of dispensing parameters optimized for a specific liquid or application. During operation, the user only needs to select the appropriate Liquid Class and specify the target volume. The dispensing process is then executed automatically using the predefined settings, ensuring consistent and reproducible filling results.

Key Benefits

Automated and Reproducible Liquid Filling

Automated liquid filling standardizes dispensing workflows and eliminates operator-dependent variability.

Liquid Classes for Method-Based Dispensing

Dispensing parameters such as tubing diameter, pump speed and calibration are defined in Liquid Class files, enabling validated and reproducible filling methods.

Controlled Cannula Positioning

Height-adjustable cannula insertion and controlled movement reduce aerosol formation and hanging droplets during dispensing.

Low Dead Volume Fluid Path

A short tubing path with minimal dead volume enables efficient liquid handling and reduces media loss.

Integrated Handling and Tube Closure

Automated tube opening, liquid filling and closing enable seamless integration into end-to-end laboratory workflows.

Integrated Hardware and Consumables

All components of the liquid path, including tubing, cannulas and ready-to-use liquid path sets, are available directly from LABOTIQ, ensuring validated compatibility and reliable operation.