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MiniLab Biochemical Oxygen Demand

Robotic precision and flexibility for reliable automated BOD analysis.

MiniLab Biochemical Oxygen Demand

Product Overview

SEAL Analytical’s MiniLab BOD series can automate every aspect of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) pre-treatment and analysis through streamlined software configuration and minimal user interaction. Precision robotics efficiently replicate traditional manual methods with speed, accuracy, and consistency, handling preparation steps like pH adjustment, chemical and seed additions, dilutions, and more. Simply add the samples and walk away with full confidence that the MiniLab will take care of it all.

The MiniLab BOD is available in a variety of footprint sizes to suit your space and capacity requirements.

MiniLab BOD

View the full specifications

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Why select the MiniLab BOD?

Automation

  • Seamless sample additions for 24/7 continuous operation and analysis
  • Sample prep including barcode scanning, conductivity, pH read & adjustment, homogenization, air purging, and pre-dilutions
  • BOD analysis including capping/decapping, dosing sample, addition of dilution water, ATU, and seed, and DO reading

Compliance

  • Precise, repeatable results free of human error
  • Fully audited sample management ensures total compliance with regulatory standards
  • Exportable results
  • Uses standard BOD bottles
  • Optional temperature-controlled enclosure

Efficiency

  • High throughput with multi-probe, multi-dispense options
  • Improved repeatability and reproducibility
  • Reduce lab process cycle times
  • High analytical capacity: from 15 to 300 samples per system (application and model dependent)
  • Free staff from repetitive, time-consuming man

Support

  • Visual manuals and descriptive checklists
  •  Immediate support available from SEAL chemists via email, phone, screenshare, or video call
  • In-depth training during installation
  • Guides and webinars available for continued learning

MiniLab BOD Highlights

Highlights MiniLab BOD Highlights
Reliable movement and alignment
Designed for large and small spaces
Configurable automation options
Inline sample preparation
Optical probes
Reliable movement and alignment

Experience trouble-free mechanical operation with SEAL’s signature encoded motors on the MiniLab ML platform. These motors provide real-time feedback and precision control to the system, ensuring greater accuracy in movement and positioning.

Designed for large and small spaces

The SEAL MiniLab Series offers a scalable approach to laboratory automation in both system size and automation level.

From a single-armed MiniLab AR2 (seen on upper-right) to a multi-armed MiniLab ML4000 (seen on bottom), or something in-between, SEAL offers a system to meet your throughput, capacity, and budgetary needs.

Configurable automation options

The level of automation and throughput in your MiniLab system can be configured to meet your individual needs.  Choose your automation steps including sample dosing & diluting, addition of dilution water/seed/ATU, mixing, DO read, capping/decapping and more!

Inline sample preparation

Automate your processes even further with sample prep modules, including barcode reading, conductivity reading, pH reading & adjusting, homogenizing with Ultra Turrax, air purging, and more!

Optical probes

Discover hassle-free DO readings with optical probes, eliminating the maintenance requirements of membrane probes. Employ up to six probes per arm for incredible throughput rates.

Environmental Express Eco-Conscious Single-Use BOD Bottles

Reduced Bottle Hassle with Environmental Express

SEAL's MiniLab platforms are designed to work with both traditional glass BOD bottles as well as Environmental Express Eco-Conscious Single-Use BOD Bottles. These bottles are lightweight, unbreakable, and recyclable, offering convenience while reducing labor costs. With a specialized carbon coating to prevent oxygen diffusion, individually numbered bottles arrive pre-cleaned and ready for use, ensuring more accurate BOD results.

Learn more at Environmental Express

MiniLab BOD Steps

Step 1

​BOD Bottles are placed on MiniLab platform

An analyst prepares samples for BOD testing and dispenses into BOD bottles loaded onto the MiniLab trays.  The trays are then placed on the MiniLab platform.

Alternatively, the MiniLab can also prepare samples: capping/decapping air purging, reading conductivity and pH, adjusting pH, homogenizing, and performing dilutions while transferring to BOD bottles.

Step 2

Worklist created in the BOD Software

Using SEAL’s BOD software, the analyst assigns positions and enters sample data into the software, or imports a work list from the LIMS.

Alternatively, the MiniLab can create work tables automatically using onboard barcode scanning.

Step 3

Analysis begins

Once the run is started, the MiniLab begins dispensing dilution water into the first two sample bottles using a calibrated peristaltic pump. While mixing, seed and ATU (if needed) are also added.

Step 4

Initial Dissolved Oxygen Read

Initial DO takes place via optical probes as the next two BOD bottles are prepared.  This process continues until all bottles assigned have been filled and analyzed.

Step 5

Bottle incubation

Once the run is complete, the analyst stores the BOD trays in an incubator for required incubation time.

Step 6

Final Dissolved Oxygen Read

When the incubation is complete, the analyst places the BOD trays back on the MiniLab.  The same run is opened in the BOD software and final dissolved oxygen reads take place.

Step 7

Data exported to LIMS

After the run is completed, sample data is exported to LIMS for further analysis and record keeping.

Note: Additional steps, such as decapping and capping bottles, may be required depending on the specific automation add-ons integrated into your robotic handling system.

​BOD Bottles are placed on MiniLab platform
Worklist created in the BOD Software
Analysis begins
Initial Dissolved Oxygen Read
Bottle incubation
Final Dissolved Oxygen Read
Data exported to LIMS
MiniLab BOD Software

Intuitive software for a tailored experience

SEAL’s intuitive BOD Analyzer software simplifies tracking and controls every step of the prep and analysis process. It offers real-time visualization of the run status, easy integration with your LIMS, and detailed reporting and tracking of all sample data. You have the flexibility to personalize aspects of the process, including the number of measurements, readings, stirring delays, measurement delay times, rinses, and more, allowing you to create methods that meet your specific laboratory requirements. 

Available features and capabilities of the software will vary depending on the automation options selected for the MiniLab robotic handling system.

BOD Methods

Explore a wide range of our most common methods for environmental, agricultural, industrial, and other markets.  Don’t see what you’re looking for?  Contact our team to review our full method options.

BOD Methods

Other models

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we’ve listed a few frequently asked questions that will help you better understand our MiniLab Series. If you don’t find the answer you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact our support team for further assistance.

Can information be exchanged with LIMS?

Yes, the MiniLab software includes seamless import functionality from LIMS. You can create an import file in LIMS to transfer specific data into the MiniLab software. The data fields to be imported can be defined via Settings > Import Settings

The MiniLab software also includes data export functionality to transfer data and results back to LIMS. Use the Export Settings to define the format of the export file.

Can the MiniLab BOD also be used for sample pre-treatment?

Yes, the MiniLab BOD Prep supports various sample pre-treatment tasks, including barcode scanning, conductivity reading, sample homogenization, air purging, and capping/decapping. It also allows for pH neutralization by automatically adding acid or base, providing an automated solution for BOD sample preparation.

What dilution liquid should be used in the MiniLab BOD?

It is recommended to use tap water or a salt solution as the dilution liquid in the MiniLab BOD. This is because the filling method operates based on electrical conductivity: at the final filling level, two metal pins are positioned. When current is detected between these pins, the addition of dilution water stops automatically.

What's the difference between the MiniLab BOD & the MiniLab BOD Prep?

The MiniLab BOD focuses solely on BOD testing, delivering accurate and reliable measurements.

The MiniLab BOD Prep, on the other hand, offers a complete automated solution by combining BOD testing with advanced sample pre-treatment capabilities. It includes features such as barcode scanning, conductivity reading, sample homogenization, air purging, capping/decapping, and automatic pH neutralization, making it ideal for streamlined and automated sample preparation.

How many samples can be loaded on the MiniLab BOD Prep?

We offer multiple options with our customizable platforms, ranging from just a few to hundreds, depending on your workload. We will match your requirements and recommend the best option to maximize your lab's efficiency.

How many BOD bottles can be loaded on the MiniLab BOD?

We offer multiple options with our customizable platforms. From a few to hundreds, depending on your workload. We will match your requirement and recommend the best option to maximize your lab's efficiency. 

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MiniLab Biochemical Oxygen Demand

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