A LEAN Approach toward Automated Analysis and Data Processing of Polymers using Proton NMR Spectroscopy

Abstract

To maximize utilization of expensive laboratory instruments and to make most effective use of skilled human resources, the entire chain of data processing, calculation, and reporting that is needed to transform raw NMR data into meaningful results was automated. The LEAN process improvement tools were used to identify non-value-added steps in the existing process. These steps were eliminated using an in-house developed software package, which allowed us to meet the key requirement of improving quality and reliability compared with the existing process while freeing up valuable human resources and increasing productivity. Reliability and quality were improved by the consistent data treatment as performed by the software and the uniform administration of results. Automating a single NMR spectrophotometer led to a reduction in operator time of 35%, doubling of the annual sample throughput from 1400 to 2800, and reducing the turn around time from 6 days to less than 2.

Evaluation of algorithms for automated phase correction of NMR spectra

“…[1] No peculiarities were encountered during the first 6 months when the result of automated phase correction was still being checked visually. [3].…”

“…The automation framework encompasses the trajectory of accessing the raw data files on disk up to reporting the results to a spreadsheet and uploading the numbers into the laboratory database. This automation framework was developed in house and details on it are given elsewhere [1].…”

Integration of Data Systems and Technology Improves Research and Collaboration for a Superfund Research Center

“…As instrumentation becomes more complex, the amount of data generated can become staggering as seen in many mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance facilities. 15 The ability to readily access study data, while accommodating large data sets that are becoming larger as instrument technology improves, allows the center to keep pace with the advancement of science. This is achieved through system integration, such as EDMS and its ability to populate information from other core and project data management systems.…”