Life science labs rely on precision and efficiency to produce research that leads to innovation. These labs are often under pressure to handle large volumes of research – and they need robust systems to streamline processes without compromising accuracy.
That’s where automation comes in – more specifically, with conveyor systems.
Automated solutions can benefit life science laboratories by:
- Improving workflow management
- Reducing the potential for human error
- Increasing throughput and efficiency
- Maintaining a continuous flow without manual labor
In this post, we’re going to talk about one such automated solution- the conveyor diverter. Let’s introduce you to our Activ CDS Clean Diverter Station.
What is the Activ CDS Clean Diverter Station?
At BetterBuilt, our mission is to make life easier for lab technicians. Our Activ product catalog includes a non-robotic conveyer diverter designed specifically for the flow path in lab animal research facilities.
It is designed to easily integrate with our T200 Series Tunnel Washer and D200 Series Bedding Dispenser, making washing cages and handling non-cage items both simpler and safer.
The Activ CDS (Clean Diverter Station) is characterized by its:
- Stainless steel construction
- Error detection sensors
- Manual and automated modes
- Integrated heavy-duty design
Our conveyor diverter system enables lab techs to load items – like rodent cages and bottle baskets – into a tunnel washer batch by batch. Once they’re washed, the system conveys them automatically. The rodent cage bottoms automatically go to a bedding dispenser, while non-cage items are conveyed to an unloading station.
Curious to know how our laboratory diverter system can benefit your life science lab?
Let’s discuss everything you need to know.
1. Streamline Lab Processes
The Activ CDS streamlines lab processes by separating non-cage items from cages being conveyed toward the bedding dispenser.
Additionally, the streamlined nature of the diverter conveyor system cuts down on mistakes and makes sure each item goes to the right place after washing. The diverter stays consistently accurate in moving items to the desired location, making it a dependable part of maintaining high-quality work in the lab.
Cages get moved for new bedding, while other items go to different areas for more work or storage. Essentially, conveyor diverters help keep labs efficient and organized. With the monotonous tasks taken care of, lab staff can focus on more important research work.
2. Minimizes Cross-Contamination Risks
Cross-contamination is a significant concern in life science labs. It happens when clean components mix with soiled ones, potentially introducing unwanted elements into experiments, or worse, harming lab animals – in addition to compromising results.
Even a minimal amount of contamination can invalidate an entire experiment. For example, if a clean rodent cage accidentally touches an unclean non-cage item, it can affect the health of the rodent and the outcome of the study.
The Activ CDS helps avoid this by keeping freshly cleaned cages away from any unsanitary areas. With this organized approach to lab equipment handling, you can keep your research results accurate – and the lab in order.
3. Enhance Energy Efficiency
Most automated systems are designed to use energy more efficiently with proper diverting than manual processes. This is a big plus for labs looking to reduce their environmental impact. A diverting conveyor is engineered to improve production efficiency and with minimal energy use.
The Activ CDS conveyor diverter is designed to handle non-cage items during the cage-washing process using very little energy. Adding this efficient system to your lab helps keep it clean and organized, supports green practices, and helps cut down on energy use (and costs).
4. Improves Safety and Ergonomics of the Life Sciences Lab
Working in a life science lab can be dangerous. Technicians often face hazards such as lifting heavy items, repetitive motions, and the potential for accidents like slips and falls, all of which can lead to injuries and discomfort.
Implementing a laboratory diverter system helps minimize these risks. Since there’s less manual labor required, your staff is less likely to experience strain or injury from lifting and carrying heavy loads.
The improved ergonomics of diverting conveyors make the lab more comfortable for everyone by reducing the need to bend, strain, and stretch. This may sound trivial, but it’s a huge improvement for your workers – and can do a lot to reduce the risks of injury claims.
The advanced conveyor equipment means technicians don’t need to bend, reach, or stretch as much, reducing discomfort and fatigue. Besides enhancing safety, this can boost your lab staff’s morale and productivity.
How to Get Started
Animal research facilities thrive on efficiency.
Automated solutions, like conveyor diverter systems, have certain attributes that streamline operations, reduce manual labor, and improve overall productivity. By optimizing workflow processes and minimizing errors, laboratory diverter systems play a crucial role in maintaining high sanitation standards and advancing research outcomes in life science labs.
For 70 long years, BetterBuilt has combined its strong engineering abilities with its commitment to quality and durability to develop automated solutions for life science labs. As part of our Activ automation suite, the Activ CDS reflects our dedication to lab safety and sanitation. The conveyor diverter seamlessly diverts non-cage items into an unload station to facilitate an easier operation.
To learn more about the Activ CDS, as well as our other systems, please reach out to us online or call us at 888-553-0855.