KR20240040442A - Automated system designed to evaluate the performance of a catalyst - Google Patents

Abstract

An automated system for catalyst performance evaluation is disclosed. The automated system for catalyst performance evaluation according to the present invention includes a work table divided into a first zone, a second zone, and a central third zone where the first and second zones overlap; a first robot installed in the first zone and operating in the first and third zones; a second robot installed in the second zone and operating in the second and third zones; A shaker for stirring the catalyst and test solution stored in the container in the third zone; a first supply unit provided in the first zone and dispensing a reaction initiator into the container according to the operation of the first robot; a second supply unit provided in the second zone to collect the reaction liquid from the container into which the reaction initiator is added according to the operation of the second robot, and to dispense the reaction liquid into a cuvette provided in the second zone; a measuring unit installed in the second zone to receive the cuvette according to the operation of the second robot and measure the absorption spectrum of the reaction solution; and a control unit that receives the data measured by the measurement unit and analyzes the performance of the catalyst.

Description

Catalyst performance evaluation automation system {AUTOMATED SYSTEM DESIGNED TO EVALUATE THE PERFORMANCE OF A CATALYST}

The present invention relates to an automated system for catalyst performance evaluation, and more specifically, to an automated system that quickly and reliably automatically performs catalyst performance evaluation, which was previously conducted through long-term repetitive tests by skilled research personnel. .

In accordance with the rapid development of medical, bio, and chemical technologies and the convergence trend of these technologies, research groups are producing a variety of results through experiments and active research, such as the synthesis of pharmaceuticals or organic substances or catalytic reactions.

However, unlike other technological fields, experiments such as the synthesis of pharmaceuticals or organic substances or catalytic reactions, which cannot be easily automated, are mainly carried out through long-term repetitive efforts by skilled research personnel.

In particular, the evaluation of synthetic catalysts used in gas phase reactions has been mainly conducted using gas chromatography (GC). In this case, the experimental period required for evaluation is long, and the professional experience and diverse knowledge of the research personnel is necessary. Automation is not easy to achieve because complex operations are required.

In addition, the evaluation of synthetic catalysts used in liquid phase reactions can be relatively easy to obtain results using UV-Vis spectroscopy, but it is limited depending on the type of reaction, and it is necessary to measure the reaction rate to determine the characteristics of the catalyst. There were difficulties with automation because it required long-term, repetitive work in which researchers had to take and analyze reactants one by one for each time period.

However, due to the recent rapid development of miniaturized and precise robot technology and the emergence of various platforms that can be universally applied to robot technology, since 2010, various research and studies have been conducted to automate the synthesis of pharmaceuticals or organic substances and catalytic reaction experiments. Development is in progress.

In particular, with regard to catalytic reaction experiments that require skilled labor, researchers at the University of Liverpool in the UK recently conducted autonomous experiments that allowed them to perform 688 catalyst-related experiments (solids measurement, liquid injection, catalytic reaction, reactant analysis, etc.) over 8 days. A robot system was developed and the related results were published in Nature.

However, this British prior art does not integrate all test configurations on a single work table, but the robot itself moves around the existing laboratory on behalf of research personnel and is configured to perform only set tasks, so there is no need to change test conditions, etc. When adjustments are necessary, the system settings must be completely reset, which makes it difficult to use it universally for catalyst performance evaluation work, and it is difficult to immediately perform three-dimensional performance evaluation of the catalyst.

In addition, Japanese Patent No. 4504552 (registration date: 2010.04.30) provides a reaction vessel (2) capable of responding to reaction conditions, a reaction gas supply pipe (3), a catalyst charging hole (23), and an XYZ 3-axis movable robot (6). , technology is being disclosed for a device that is composed of a control device (7), a suction device (8), and an analyzer (9) that can quickly and efficiently automatically evaluate catalyst performance for a large number of catalysts.

However, this Japanese prior art is a device limited to gas phase reactions, and there are limitations in utilization that make it difficult to use it as is for liquid reactions, so improvement or supplementation is needed.

Japanese Patent No. 4504552 (registration date: 2010.04.30)

The purpose of the present invention is to integrate all test configurations on one work table, so that test conditions for catalysts can be easily changed or adjusted, and catalyst performance evaluation specialized for liquid phase reactions can be performed three-dimensionally and universally without skilled research personnel. The goal is to provide an automated catalyst performance evaluation system that can be performed quickly and reliably.

The purpose is to include a work table divided into a first zone, a second zone, and a central third zone where the first and second zones overlap; a first robot installed in the first zone and operating in the first and third zones; a second robot installed in the second zone and operating in the second and third zones; A shaker for stirring the catalyst and test solution stored in the container in the third zone; a first supply unit provided in the first zone and dispensing a reaction initiator into the container according to the operation of the first robot; a second supply unit provided in the second zone to collect the reaction liquid from the container into which the reaction initiator is added according to the operation of the second robot, and to dispense the reaction liquid into a cuvette provided in the second zone; a measuring unit installed in the second zone to receive the cuvette according to the operation of the second robot and measure the absorption spectrum of the reaction solution; and a control unit that receives the data measured by the measurement unit and analyzes the performance of the catalyst.

The first supply unit includes a storage tank provided in the first zone to accommodate the reaction initiator; And it may include a first pipette provided in the first area to fractionate the reaction initiator from the storage tank according to the operation of the first robot, and to dispense the fractionated reaction initiator into the container.

The first supply unit may further include a first pipette tip that is detachably coupled to the first pipette by operation of the first robot and is used as a replacement.

The first robot includes a first gripper that grips or releases the first pipette and presses or releases a plunger button of the first pipette; And an operating end including a container gripper that grips or releases the container so that the container in which the reaction solution is aliquoted is recovered and loaded on one side of the first zone may be mounted.

The second supply unit includes a second pipette provided in the second zone to collect the reaction solution from the container into which the reaction initiator is added according to the operation of the second robot, and to dispense the reaction solution into the cuvette; and a third pipette provided in the second zone to dilute the reaction solution by dispensing distilled water into the cuvette according to the operation of the second robot.

The second supply unit includes a second pipette tip that is detachably coupled to the second pipette by operation of the second robot and is used interchangeably; And it may further include a third pipette tip that is replaced with the third pipette by operation of the second robot depending on the amount of distilled water dispensed.

The second robot includes a second gripper that selectively grips or releases the second and third pipettes and presses or releases a plunger button of the second pipette or the third pipette; and an operating end including a cuvette gripper that grips or releases the cuvette so that the cuvette in which the reaction solution is dispensed is transferred to the measuring unit and the cuvette in which the measurement has been completed is recovered and loaded on one side of the second zone. You can.

The control unit collects the reaction liquid from the container into which the reaction initiator is added at regular time intervals and dispenses it into a cuvette provided in the second zone, and then continuously measures the absorption spectrum of the reaction liquid by the measuring unit. Preferably, the second robot can be controlled to operate.

According to the present invention, there is a shaker for stirring the container in which the test solution containing the catalyst is stored, a first supply section for dispensing the reaction initiator into the container, and an agent for fractionating the reaction solution from the container into which the reaction initiator is added and dispensing the reaction solution into the cuvette. 2 The supply unit and the measurement unit that receives the cuvette and measures the absorption spectrum of the reaction solution are integrated on a work table divided into zones 1, 2, and 3, and are catalyzed by a series of operations of the first robot and the second robot. By continuously performing the work required for performance testing, various experiments on catalysts can be conducted quickly and with consistency and reliability without skilled research personnel, and large amounts of data for catalyst evaluation can be easily secured, making it possible to easily secure artificial intelligence in the future. A foundation or foundation that can be used in the development of intelligent catalyst synthesis technology can be laid.

1 is a perspective view of an automated catalyst performance evaluation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 2 and 3 are front and plan views of Figure 1, respectively.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view specifically showing the operating end of the first robot shown in FIG. 1.
FIGS. 5 and 6 are operational state diagrams sequentially showing tasks performed according to a series of operations by the first robot shown in FIG. 4.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view specifically showing the operating end of the second robot shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 8 is an operation state diagram sequentially showing tasks performed according to a series of operations by the second robot shown in FIG. 7.
FIGS. 9A and 9B are images showing data for evaluating catalyst performance obtained according to the operation of FIG. 1.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, in describing the present invention, descriptions of already known functions or configurations will be omitted to make the gist of the present invention clear.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an automated catalyst performance evaluation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figures 2 and 3 are each a front view and several plan views of Figure 1, and Figure 4 shows the operating end of the first robot shown in Figure 1. It is a perspective view showing specifically, and FIGS. 5 and 6 are operation state diagrams sequentially showing operations performed according to a series of operations by the first robot shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 7 is an operation of the second robot shown in FIG. 1. It is a perspective view showing the end in detail, and Figure 8 is an operating state diagram showing the work performed according to a series of operations by the second robot shown in Figure 7 in order, and Figures 9a and 9b are obtained according to the operation of Figure 1. This image shows data for evaluating catalyst performance.

In the description and claims of the invention, directions such as up (up), down (bottom), left and right (lateral or lateral), anterior (forward, front), posterior (belly, rear), etc. are not intended to limit rights. For convenience of explanation, it is determined based on the relative positions between drawings and configurations, and the three axes can be rotated and changed in correspondence with each other, and this will be followed unless specifically limited.

The automated catalyst performance evaluation system 100 according to the present invention not only quickly performs various experiments on catalysts with consistency and reliability without skilled research personnel, but can also be used in the development of artificial intelligence catalyst synthesis technology in the future. This invention was created to easily secure a large amount of data for catalyst evaluation.

In order to specifically implement the above-described functions and operations, the catalyst performance evaluation automation system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a work table 110, a first robot 120, and a second robot 130. , a shaker 140, a first supply unit 150, a second supply unit 160, a measurement unit 170, and a control unit 180, etc. to form an integrated work system.

Hereinafter, each of the above-described configurations will be described in detail.

First, the work table 110 is a component provided to provide a horizontal work space in which various test configurations used to evaluate the performance of the catalyst can be equipped or installed, and the first and second robots (to be described later) Based on the operating area of 120,130), it may be divided into a first zone (Z1), a second zone (Z2), and a third zone (Z3).

At this time, the first zone (Z1) is the main operation area of the first robot 120, which will be described later, and is located on the left with respect to FIG. 3, and the second zone (Z2) is the main operation area of the second robot 130, which will be described later. The area is located on the right side with respect to FIG. 3 , and the third zone Z3 is an operating area shared by the first and second robots 120 and 130 and may be located in the center with respect to FIG. 3 .

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the work table 110 is a table-shaped structure in which circular, oval, etc. plates as well as rectangular plates placed in the horizontal direction are supported while spaced apart from the ground. The shape or material can be used without any particular restrictions.

The first robot 120 is a robot installed in the above-described first zone (Z1) and set to operate in the first and third zones (Z1, Z3), etc., and can be implemented as a commercialized multi-joint robot product.

This first robot 120 can operate in the first and third zones (Z1, Z3) as well as one side of the second zone (Z2) as an operating range, and has two types of grippers as described later. Any product that includes a working end that is detachably mounted and can be freely driven can be used without any particular restrictions.

At this time, the operating end mounted on the first robot 120 and responsible for the daily process of catalyst performance testing includes the first gripper 122 and the container gripper 124, as specifically shown in FIG. 4. It can be configured.

Here, the first gripper 122 handles the first pipette 152, which fractionates, i.e., inhales, and dispenses, i.e., discharges a certain amount of reaction initiator (RI), as described later. It is a component designed to do this.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first gripper 122 operates to grip or release the first pipette 152, and uses a plunger button provided at the top of the first pipette 152. An operation of pressing or releasing 152a) and an operation of removing the first pipette tip 153 inserted into the first pipette 152 are performed.

At this time, the operation of gripping or releasing the first pipette 152 can be implemented by a known power device that linearly reciprocates a pair of pressure plates arranged left and right to face each other so that they are spaced apart or adjacent to each other.

In addition, the operation of pressing or releasing the plunger button 152a provided at the top of the first pipette 152 is a known power that reciprocates the first pressing plate 123 in the vertical direction according to the guidance of the guide bar. It can be implemented by a device.

And the container gripper 124 holds the container C in which the reaction liquid RS is collected or the container storage tray 142 in which the containers C are aligned and stored in the container recovery zone 112 of the first zone Z1. It is a component provided for recovery and loading, and forms an operating end integrally with the first gripper 122 described above.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the container gripper 124 is provided in the shaker 140 in the third zone Z3 to grip or hold the container C in which the reaction solution RS is fractionated. A release operation, etc. is performed.

At this time, the operation of gripping or releasing the container C or the container storage tray 142 is performed using a known power device that linearly reciprocates a pair of pressure plates disposed left and right to face each other so that they are spaced apart or adjacent to each other. It can be implemented by:

The power device as described above consists of a device that applies a ball screw to the rotation axis of the step motor for precise operation control, a rack gear installed long in the transfer direction, and a device that operates as a pinion gear of the step motor, etc. The first robot 120 The operation can be precisely controlled by the control unit 180, which will be described later.

The second robot 130 is a robot installed in the above-described second zone (Z2) and set to operate in the second and third zones (Z2, Z3), etc., and can be implemented as a commercialized multi-joint robot product.

This second robot 130 has an operating range that covers not only the second and third zones, but also one side of the first zone (Z1), and has an operating end that includes two types of grippers, as will be described later. If it is a product that is detachably mounted and can be driven freely, it can be used without any particular restrictions, like the first robot 120.

At this time, the operating end mounted on the second robot 130 and responsible for the remaining process of the catalyst performance test includes the second gripper 132 and the cuvette gripper 134, as specifically shown in FIG. 7. It can be configured.

Here, the second gripper 132 collects a certain amount of reaction liquid (RS) (a liquid in which a chemical reaction occurs when a reaction initiator (RI) is added to the test solution (TS)) or distilled water (W). In other words, it is a component provided to selectively handle the second pipette 162 or the third pipette 164, which inhales and discharges divided portions.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second gripper 132 operates to selectively grip or release the second pipette 162 or the third pipette 164 according to the conditions of the catalytic performance test. and pressing or releasing the plunger button 164a provided on the top of the second pipette 162 or the third pipette 164, and inserting the plunger button 164a into the second pipette 162 or the third pipette 164. An operation such as removing the second and third pipette tips is performed.

At this time, the operation of gripping or releasing the second pipette 162 or the third pipette 164 is a known power device that linearly reciprocates a pair of pressure plates spaced left and right to face each other so that they are spaced apart or adjacent to each other. It can be implemented by .

In addition, the operation of pressing or releasing the plunger button 164a provided at the top of the second pipette 162 or the third pipette 164 is performed by moving the second push plate 133 in the up and down direction according to the guidance of the guide bar. It can be implemented by a known power device that reciprocates in a straight line.

And the cuvette gripper 134 is used to transfer the cuvette (CV) into which the reaction solution (RS) is dispensed to the measurement unit 170 and to recover and load the measured cuvette (CV) to one side of the second zone (Z2). As a provided component, it forms the operating end of the second robot 130 integrally with the above-described second gripper 132.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the cuvette gripper 134 grips the unused cuvette (CV) loaded on one side of the second zone (Z2) and then moves to the standby position (116) in the second zone (Z2). ), an operation to release the cuvette (CV) from holding the cuvette (CV) in the standby position (116), and then an operation to transfer and release the cuvette (CV) into which the reaction solution (RS) has been dispensed to the measuring unit (170), etc. will be performed.

At this time, the operation of gripping or releasing the cuvette (CV) can be implemented by a known power device that linearly reciprocates a pair of pressure plates arranged left and right to face each other so that they are spaced apart or adjacent to each other.

The power device as described above also consists of a device that applies a ball screw to the rotation axis of the step motor for precise operation control, a rack gear installed long in the transfer direction, and a device that operates as a pinion gear of the step motor, etc. The second robot (130) It can be operated and controlled precisely by the control unit 180, which will be described later.

The shaker 140 is installed in the third zone (Z3) where the first and second zones (Z1, Z2) overlap each other and is a component that stirs the catalyst and the test solution (TS) stored in the container (C), Any commercialized product that can uniformly mix the substances in the container (C) by shaking the container (C) placed on the top at a speed of approximately 200 rpm can be used without any particular restrictions.

As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of such containers (C) are arranged in a row on a tray 142 detachably provided on the upper plate of the shaker 140, and are used in catalyst tests that are repeatedly carried out in succession, as described above. It can be loaded into the container recovery area 112 of the first zone Z1 by the container gripper 124 of the first robot 120 as described above.

The test solution (TS), prepared and stored in advance in the container (C) used in the present invention, consists of distilled water (W) (40 mL) and a reactant (4-nitrophenol) that participates in the chemical reaction, and is a catalyst powder that is the subject of the test. (Pd/C, 2 mg) and can be mixed uniformly by stirring.

This test solution (TS) causes a chemical reaction (hydrogenation reaction) by adding a reaction initiator (RI), that is, a reducing agent (NaBH4 aqueous solution) provided by the first supply unit 150, as will be described later.

At this time, the chemical reaction (hydrogenation reaction) of the test solution (TS) occurs in various aspects depending on the characteristics and conditions of the catalyst that is the test object added together, and is measured through the measuring unit 170, which will be described later, in FIGS. 9A and 9B. As shown, it can be quantified as data used to analyze the performance of the catalyst.

Here, a catalyst is a substance that quickly changes the reaction rate by lowering the activation energy required for a chemical reaction without being consumed in the chemical reaction process. The present invention provides a single catalyst under various chemical conditions set through automation technology. The performance of a catalyst or multiple catalysts is evaluated in large quantities.

The first supply unit 150 specifies the reaction initiator (RI) in the container (C) not used for the test so that a chemical reaction (hydrogenation reaction) is initiated in the container (C) in which the catalyst and the test solution (TS) are mixed. It is a component that is busy according to the operation of the first robot 120.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, this first supply unit 150 is composed of a storage tank 154, a first pipette 152, and a first pipette tip 153, and is located in the first zone (Z1). It can be provided in .

Here, the storage tank 154 is a component provided in the first zone (Z1) with the reducing agent (NaBH4 aqueous solution), which is the reaction initiator (RI), accommodated in the internal space.

The first pipette 152 collects the reaction initiator (RI) from the storage tank 154 described above according to the operation of the first robot 120, and dispenses the collected reaction initiator (RI) into the container (C). As a component that performs the operation, it may be a commercialized micropipette product equipped at the top with a piston-type plunger button 152a that suctions and discharges liquid, etc. through pressing and returning.

Specifically, the first pipette 152 is such that the plunger button 152a of the first pipette 152 is pressed according to the vertical lifting operation of the first pressing plate 123 described above, as in operation ③ of FIG. 5. During the return process, a fixed amount of reaction initiator (RI) is collected from the storage tank 154.

And the first pipette 152 collects a fixed amount in the process in which the plunger button 152a of the first pipette 152 is pressed according to the downward operation of the first pressing plate 123 described above, as in operation ④ of FIG. 5. The reaction initiator (RI) is dispensed into the container (C).

This first pipette 152 may be installed in a holder provided in the first zone (Z1), which is the operating area of the first robot 120, and can be held stably by the above-described first gripper 122. For this purpose, a predetermined bracket may be coupled to the outside.

The first pipette tip 153 provides an accurate volume of reaction initiator (RI) to the container (C), while preventing cross-contamination or volume errors caused by residues when the first pipette 152 is repeatedly used. As a component provided in the first zone Z1, it can be detachably coupled to the first pipette 152 each time it is used by the operation of the first robot 120 (first push plate 123).

This first pipette tip 153 can be replaced with a pipette tip of a different capacity depending on the amount of reaction initiator (RI) to be collected or dispensed, and a plurality of first pipette tips 153 are arranged in a tray and used for catalyst tests that are repeatedly performed in succession. Afterwards, it can be loaded into the tip recovery area 118 of the first zone Z1 by the container gripper 124 of the first robot 120.

The second supply unit 160 allows measurement by a measuring device to be performed after the chemical reaction (hydrogenation reaction) of the test solution (TS) is initiated through the introduction of the reaction initiator (RI) by the above-described first supply unit 150. It is a component that collects the reaction solution (RS) undergoing a chemical reaction from the container (C) according to the operation of the second robot 130 and dispenses it into the cuvette (CV).

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the second supply unit 160 includes a second pipette 162, a third pipette 164, a second pipette tip 163, a third pipette tip 165, and It may be composed of a distilled water tank 166, etc., and may be placed in the second zone Z2 opposite the first supply unit 150 described above.

At this time, the second pipette 162 is provided in the second zone Z2 and collects the reaction solution (RS) from the container C into which the reaction initiator (RI) is added according to the operation of the second robot 130, It is a component that performs the operation of dispensing the reaction solution (RS) into the cuvette (CV), and is a commercialized micropipette equipped at the top with a piston-type plunger button (162a) that suctions and discharges liquid, etc. through pressing and returning. It could be a product.

Specifically, the second pipette 162 is such that the plunger button 162a of the second pipette 162 is pressed according to the vertical lifting operation of the second pressing plate 133 described above, as in operation ⑧ of FIG. 8. In the process of returning, a fixed amount of the reaction solution (RS) is collected from the container (C) placed on the shaker (140).

And the second pipette 162 collects a fixed amount in the process in which the plunger button 162a of the second pipette 162 is pressed according to the downward operation of the second pressing plate 133 described above, as in operation ⑨ of FIG. 8. The reaction initiator (RI) is dispensed into the container (C).

The third pipette 164 increases the accuracy of measurement by allowing the measurement light emitted by the measurement unit 170, which will be described later, to more easily penetrate the cuvette (CV) made of a transparent material, and reduces the noise generated during optical measurement. It is a component provided to prevent or correct errors or errors, and is provided in the second zone (Z2) and dispenses distilled water (W) into the cuvette (CV) according to the operation of the second robot (130) to create a reaction solution (RS). The operation of diluting is performed.

Accordingly, the third pipette 164 can be selectively used by the second robot 130 when dilution of the reaction solution (RS) is necessary depending on the concentration or liquid state of the reaction solution (RS), which will be described above.

This third pipette 164, like the above-described second pipette 162, is a commercialized micropipette product equipped at the top with a piston-type plunger button 164a for sucking and discharging liquid, etc. through pressing and returning. It can be.

Specifically, the third pipette 164 is placed on the work table 110 in the process of returning after the plunger button 164a of the third pipette 164 is pressed according to the vertical lifting operation of the second pressing plate 133. Distilled water (W) is aliquoted in a set amount from the placed distilled water tank 166.

And the third pipette 164, in the process of pressing the plunger button 164a of the third pipette 164 according to the lowering operation of the second pressing plate 133, collects a fixed amount of distilled water (W) at the standby position 116. It becomes busy with the cuvette (CV).

The above-described second pipette 162 and third pipette 164 may be placed side by side with each other inserted into a holder provided in the second zone Z2, and may be stably maintained by the above-described second gripper 132. A predetermined bracket may be coupled to the outside for gripping, respectively.

The second pipette tip 163 provides an accurate volume of reaction solution (RS) to the cuvette (CV), while preventing cross-contamination or volume errors caused by residues when the second pipette 162 is repeatedly used. As a component provided in the second zone Z2, it can be detachably coupled to the second pipette 162 each time it is used by the operation of the second robot 130 (second pressing plate 133).

In addition, the third pipette tip 165 provides an accurate volume of distilled water (W) to the cuvette (CV), while preventing cross-contamination or volume errors generated from residues when the third pipette 164 is repeatedly used. As a component provided in the second zone (Z2) to prevent this, it can be detachably coupled to the third pipette 164 each time it is used by the operation of the second robot 130 (second pressing plate 133).

The above-described second pipette tip 163 and third pipette tip 165 can be replaced with pipette tips of different capacities depending on the amount to be collected or dispensed, and a plurality of them are arranged in a tray and repeatedly performed one after another for the catalyst test. After being used, it can be loaded into the tip recovery zone 118 of the second zone Z2 by the container gripper 124 of the first robot 120.

The measuring unit 170 is installed in the above-described second zone Z2 and receives the cuvette (CV) into which the reaction liquid (RS) is dispensed according to the operation of the second robot 130 and absorbs the reaction liquid (RS). As a component that measures the spectrum, it is a commercialized spectroscopic device that can measure various characteristics of chemical reactions by detecting ultraviolet or visible light absorbed in the reaction solution (RS) after passing through a cuvette (CV) made of transparent material. Spectrometer), it can be used without any particular restrictions.

As shown in FIG. 3, the measuring unit 170 may be provided with a cuvette measuring position 172 on one side, which is provided to measure the state of the reaction solution (RS) contained in the cuvette (CV).

The absorption spectrum detected and measured by the measurement unit 170 may be processed and stored in various data forms as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B through a data processing process of the control unit 180, which will be described later.

The control unit 180 is electrically connected to the first robot 120, the second robot 130, the shaker 140, and the measuring unit 170, etc. as described above, and controls their operations, respectively, and controls the generated data. It is a component provided on one side of the work table 110 to process information, such as an MCU (micro controller unit), microcomputer, Arduino, PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), PC (Personal Computer), etc. It may be an integrated information processing device in which calculation and sequence control can be programmed, or an independent information processing device for each device.

This control unit 180, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 8, respectively, allows the automated system 100 according to the present invention to continuously perform catalyst performance tests on behalf of skilled research personnel. controls the operation of the devices.

First, prior to a series of operational controls by the control unit 180, research personnel place a plurality of containers (C) or trays (142) containing the catalyst and test solution (TS) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. After preparation, the preparatory work of stirring the catalyst and test solution (TS) is preceded by fixing it on the shaker 140 at the set position. And the research personnel perform the preparatory work of placing the first, second, and third pipettes (152,162,164), the first, second, and third pipette tips (153,163,165), the storage tank (154), and the distilled water tank (166) at the set positions. takes precedence.

Next, after the preparation work for the catalyst performance test is preceded as above, the control unit 180 moves the operating end of the first robot 120 to the first pipette 152, as in operation ① shown in FIG. 5. After operating the control to position it on the holder, the first gripper 122 is controlled to grip the first pipette 152.

And, as in operation ② shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 180 controls the operation so that the operation end of the first robot 120 is located on the holder of the first pipette tip 153, and then operates the held first pipette ( The first robot 120 is operated and controlled so that the first pipette tip 153 is inserted into the 152).

And the control unit 180 controls the operation so that the operation end of the first robot 120 is located in the storage tank 154, as shown in operation ③ shown in FIG. 5, and then operates the first robot 120 through the first pipette tip 153. 1 The operation of the first push plate 123 is controlled so that a fixed amount of reaction initiator (RI) is dispensed into the pipette 152.

And the control unit 180 operates the first robot 120 so that the operating end of the first robot 120 is located in one of the containers C placed on the shaker 140, as shown in operation ④ shown in FIG. 5. After controlling the operation, the first pressing plate 123 is controlled to dispense a fixed amount of the reaction initiator (RI) into the container (C).

Through the above series of operations, a chemical reaction (hydrogenation reaction) of the test solution (TS) occurs inside one container (C).

At this time, the control unit 180 stores the time when the chemical reaction was initiated as data, and then controls the operation of each device so that the reaction solution (RS) in the corresponding container (C) is aliquoted at regular time intervals based on the initiated time. .

Meanwhile, when all of the reaction liquid (RS) is collected from the plurality of prepared containers (C) and used for the catalyst test, the control unit 180 determines whether the used container (C) or tray 142 is selected as shown in FIG. 6. The container gripper 124 of the first robot 120 is operated and controlled so that the container is loaded into the container recovery area 112 of the first zone Z1.

In addition, the control unit 180 allows the first, second, and third pipette tips 153, 163, and 165 or trays used in the catalyst test to be loaded in the tip recovery zone 118 of the second zone Z2, The container gripper 124 of the first robot 120 is operated and controlled.

Next, before or immediately after the chemical reaction (hydrogenation reaction) of the test solution (TS) occurs as described above, the control unit 180 is loaded on one side of the second zone (Z2), as in operation ⑤ shown in FIG. 8. The cuvette gripper 134 of the second robot 130 is operated and controlled so that the unused cuvette CV is held in the waiting position 116 in the second zone Z2.

And the control unit 180 controls the operation so that the operation end of the second robot 130 is located on the holder of the second pipette 162, as shown in operation ⑥ shown in FIG. 8, and then the second pipette 162 is operated. The second gripper 132 is operated and controlled to be gripped.

And the control unit 180 controls the operation so that the operation end of the second robot 130 is located on the holder of the second pipette tip 163, as shown in operation ⑦ shown in FIG. 8, and then controls the held second pipette ( The second robot 130 is operated and controlled so that the second pipette tip 163 is inserted into the 162).

And the control unit 180 controls the operation so that the operation end of the second robot 130 is located in the container C where the chemical reaction is initiated, as shown in operation ⑧ in FIG. 8, and then operates the second pipette tip 163. The operation of the second push plate 133 is controlled so that a fixed amount of the reaction solution (RS) is dispensed into the second pipette 162.

And the control unit 180 operates so that the operating end of the second robot 130 is located in the cuvette (CV) mounted at the standby position 116 in the second zone (Z2), as shown in operation ⑨ shown in FIG. 8. After controlling, the second push plate 133 is operated and controlled so that the quantitatively collected reaction solution (RS) is dispensed into the unused cuvette (CV).

At this time, the control unit 180 moves the distilled water (W) to the cuvette at the standby position (116) through the third pipette (164) depending on the concentration or liquid state of the reaction solution (RS) dispensed into the unused cuvette (CV). The operation of the second robot 130 can be controlled so that it is pre-dispensed to (CV).

Due to this diluting effect of distilled water (W), detection of the absorption spectrum of the reaction solution (RS) by the measuring unit 170 can be performed more easily and precisely.

And, as in operation ⑩ shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 180 controls the cuvette (CV) into which the reaction solution (RS) is dispensed to be held at the measuring position 172 provided on one side of the measuring unit 170 after being held. , the cuvette gripper 134 of the second robot 130 is operated and controlled.

Finally, the control unit 180 controls the operation of the measuring unit 170 so that the absorption spectrum of the reaction solution (RS) contained in the cuvette (CV) mounted at the measuring position 172 is measured, and the measured absorption spectrum is measured. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, it can be processed and stored in various data formats and displayed through a display device.

Meanwhile, the control unit 180 stores the time at which the chemical reaction was initiated as data, and then stores the reaction solution (RS) in the corresponding container (C) at regular time intervals (for example, as shown in FIG. 9B) based on the initiated time. , 3 minute intervals) and successively dispensed into a cuvette (CV) placed in the waiting position 116 of the second zone (Z2), and then the absorption spectrum for the reaction solution (RS) is measured by the measuring unit 170. To ensure continuous measurement, the second robot 130 and the measurement unit 170 can be individually controlled to operate.

In this way, the absorption spectrum of the reaction solution (RS) is measured by the control unit 180 at regular time intervals (for example, every 3 minutes), so that the performance of the catalyst can be evaluated in a more three-dimensional and multifaceted manner.

According to the present invention discussed above, not only can various experiments on catalysts be carried out quickly with consistency and reliability without skilled research personnel, but also a large amount of data for catalyst evaluation can be easily secured, and future artificial intelligence catalysts can be used. Basic data that can be useful in the development of synthetic technology can be prepared.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described and shown above, it is known in the art that the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. This is self-evident to those who have it. Accordingly, such modifications or variations should not be understood individually from the technical idea or viewpoint of the present invention, and the modified embodiments should be regarded as falling within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

TS: test solution
C: Courage
RI: reaction initiator
RS: reaction solution
CV: cuvette
W: distilled water
100: Catalyst performance evaluation automation system
110: work table
Z1,Z2,Z3: Zones 1, 2, and 3
112: Container recovery area
114: Cuvette recovery area
116: Standby position for cuvette
118: Tip collection area
120: first robot
122: first gripper
123: first pressing plate
124: container gripper
130: second robot
132: second gripper
133: second pressing plate
134: Cuvette gripper
140: shaker
142: Tray for container storage
150: first supply unit
152: first pipette
152a: Plunger button
153: first pipette tip
154: storage tank
160: second supply unit
162: second pipette
162a: Plunger button
163: second pipette tip
164: third pipette
164a: Plunger button
165: third pipette tip
166: distilled water tank
170: Measuring unit
172: Measuring position for cuvette
180: control unit

Claims (8)

A work table divided into a first zone, a second zone, and a central third zone where the first and second zones overlap;
a first robot installed in the first zone and operating in the first and third zones;
a second robot installed in the second zone and operating in the second and third zones;
A shaker for stirring the catalyst and test solution stored in the container in the third zone;
a first supply unit provided in the first zone and dispensing a reaction initiator into the container according to the operation of the first robot;
a second supply unit provided in the second zone to collect the reaction liquid from the container into which the reaction initiator is added according to the operation of the second robot, and to dispense the reaction liquid into a cuvette provided in the second zone;
a measuring unit installed in the second zone to receive the cuvette according to the operation of the second robot and measure the absorption spectrum of the reaction solution; and
An automated catalyst performance evaluation system comprising a control unit that receives the data measured by the measurement unit and analyzes the performance of the catalyst. According to paragraph 1,
The first supply unit,
a storage tank provided in the first zone to accommodate the reaction initiator; and
Catalyst performance evaluation, comprising a first pipette provided in the first zone to collect the reaction initiator from the storage tank according to the operation of the first robot, and to dispense the collected reaction initiator into the container. Automation system. According to paragraph 2,
The first supply unit,
An automated system for evaluating catalyst performance, further comprising a first pipette tip that is detachably coupled to the first pipette by operation of the first robot and is used for replacement. According to paragraph 2,
The first robot is,
a first gripper that grips or releases the first pipette and presses or releases a plunger button of the first pipette; and
An automated system for evaluating catalyst performance, characterized in that the operating end is equipped with a container gripper that grips or releases the container so that the container in which the reaction liquid is aliquoted is recovered and loaded on one side of the first zone. According to paragraph 1,
The second supply unit,
a second pipette provided in the second zone to collect the reaction solution from the container into which the reaction initiator is added according to the operation of the second robot and dispense the reaction solution into the cuvette; and
An automated system for evaluating catalyst performance, comprising a third pipette provided in the second zone and diluting the reaction solution by dispensing distilled water into the cuvette according to the operation of the second robot. According to clause 5,
The second supply unit,
a second pipette tip that is detachably coupled to the second pipette by operation of the second robot and is used as a replacement; and
An automated system for evaluating catalyst performance, further comprising a third pipette tip that is replaced with the third pipette by operation of the second robot according to the amount of distilled water dispensed. According to clause 5,
The second robot is,
a second gripper that selectively grips or releases the second and third pipettes and presses or releases the plunger button of the second or third pipette; and
An operating end including a cuvette gripper that grips or releases the cuvette is equipped so that the cuvette into which the reaction solution is dispensed is transferred to the measuring unit and the cuvette in which the measurement has been completed is recovered and loaded on one side of the second zone. Characterized by an automated catalyst performance evaluation system. According to clause 5,
The control unit,
After the reaction solution is aliquoted at regular time intervals from the container into which the reaction initiator is added and dispensed into a cuvette provided in the second zone, the absorption spectrum of the reaction solution is continuously measured by the measuring unit, 2. An automated system for evaluating catalyst performance, characterized in that it operates and controls a robot.

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