The Reaction controller and datalogger is primarily designed for use in chemistry and chemical engineering, also having applications in other scientific fields. The controlling and logging functions work together to automate experiments, record data, and control parameters e.g. stoichiometry, flow rate, temperature, pressure, and ensuring reproducible and consistent results.
Automate experiments and profit
Improving reaction control and enhancing the coverage and accuracy of data will directly impact the quality of reaction outcomes, improving safety, yield and throughput. Remotely control and log common laboratory devices and processes. Eliminate time-consuming, manual data recording. Visualise results for rapid analysis and reporting. Link devices to provide verification e.g. balances linked to pump. Specify, run, control and log multiple flow reactions in series.
Overview of the Reaction controller and datalogger
The Reaction controller and datalogger builds on the capabilities of Vapourtec’s industry-leading flow control software by providing enhanced flexibility through a hardware device providing more than sixty control and logging variables (expandable to 120 by connecting a second device via ethernet), including:
- Control of third-party pumps via serial or analogue (Isco, Milligat, Knauer…etc)
- Control of liquid or gas delivery via serial or analogue mass flow controllers (MFC)
- Control of fluid flow via switched low voltage connection to valves
- Measurement of gas or liquid flow through serial or analogue connection to mass flow meters (MFM)
- Measurement of mass via serial connection to industry leading laboratory balances
- Measurement of temperature using either PT100 and / or thermocouples
- Measurement of pressure via analogue devices
All the above provided in a compact hardware enclosure provided with an industry standard OPC UA interface to Vapourtec’s flow control software. Realtime control, data logging and data visualisation is all provided by Vapourtec’s flow control software which has been enhanced to provide graphing of a further 120 parameters.
Typical applications
Important applications for the Reaction controller and datalogger include:
- Interfacing with process or laboratory equipment from different suppliers
- Automation of a single reaction or a series of sequential reactions
- Logging key process parameters & data to facilitate process improvements
- Providing in process control and monitoring
- Quality assurance applications
Feature of the Reaction controller & datalogger
| Interface description | Quantity available | Signal type | Connector specification | Signal description | Example of hardware connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K-type thermocouple | 12 | Analogue input | IEC Type K miniature thermocouple connector - female | millivolt-level DC voltage, ~41 µV/°C at room temperature | K-type thermocouple |
| PT-100 (2 or 3-wire) | 8 | Analogue input | Lemo 1S series 4-contact - female | Resistance 100 Ω resistance at 0 °C, ~0.00385 Ω/Ω/°C (IEC 60751) | PT-100 2 or 3 wire temperature |
| Valve driver | 3 | ON or OFF output | Binder 712, 2-pin - female | 24V, 0.5 A max | Solvent / reagent switching valve |
| Generic I/O | 6 | Analogue input & output | Deltron 8-pin DIN 45326 lockable - female | Analogy 0-10V or 4-20mA input and output | Pressure sensor (analogue) or mass flow controller (analogue) |
| Mass flow controller (MFC) | 4 | Analogue input & output | Deltron 8-pin DIN 45326 lockable - female | Analogy 0-10V or 4-20mA input and output | Brooks quantum mass flow meter/controller |
| Mass flow meter (MFM) | 2 | Analogue input & output | Deltron 8-pin DIN 45326 lockable - female | Analogy 0-10V or 4-20mA input and output | Keyence FD-X Series MFS mass flow sensor |
| DC Power outlets (+24 VDC) | 6 | Power (24 VDC) | 2.5 mm DC power socket | 24V DC output, max 2A | Brooks Quantum MFM or Keyence FD-X series MFS |
| Pump-1 serial control (RS-422) | 1 | RS-422 | D-Sub 9-pin connector socket, 2.77 mm pitch - female | RS-422 5-wire | Pump MilliGAT MG-H1 or MG-H2. |
| Pump-2 serial control (RS-485) | 1 | RS-485 Modbus | D-Sub 9-pin connector socket, 2.77 mm pitch - female | RS-485 3-wire | Teledyne Isco 1000D pilot scale syringe pump |
| Balance serial data | 6 | RS-232 | D-Sub 9-pin connector socket, 2.77 mm pitch - female | RS-232 3-wire | Mettler Toledo XPR laboratory balance |
| RS-232 serial control | 2 | RS-232 | D-Sub 9-pin connector socket, 2.77 mm pitch - female | RS-232, 5-wire | External SF-10 pump or Hitech Zang syringe pump etc. |
| USB serial connection | 2 | USD 2.0 | USB – Type A - female | USB 2.0 protocol | Used for software update only |
| Network connection in/out | 2 | Digital electrical signals | RJ45 panel mount (EMI shielded) - female | 1000BASE-T ethernet | Connection to OPC server. Connection to secondary datalogger and controller |
| Earth Point | 2 | Earth connection | 4 mm banana socket - female | Earth connection | Earth connection |
| INPUT power (rear of box) | 1 | 24VDC power connection | Kycon, KPJX DC Socket - female | DC power connection | N/A |
