Automated Liquid Dosing in Labs

Introduction

The GOcontroll Moduline L4 enables precise, automated liquid dosing in laboratory environments through modular control, sensor integration, and real-time monitoring.

Smarter Lab Automation with Modular Control

Laboratories depend on precision and repeatability, especially in automated liquid dosing systems used for research, testing, and production. The GOcontroll Moduline L4 controller offers a powerful solution to manage pumps, valves, flow sensors, and liquid handling processes. Its modular design and real-time software environment make it a versatile automation platform for laboratories looking to improve accuracy, reduce human error, and enhance throughput in dosing operations.

Application Overview: Precision at the Core of Dosing Automation

Automated liquid dosing in labs requires precise control over flow rates, timing, and fluid volume. The GOcontroll Moduline L4 provides real-time management of these variables, allowing for:

• Accurate volume control for reagents or samples
• Sequential or parallel dosing routines
• Closed-loop feedback from flow and pressure sensors

With its embedded Linux system and MATLAB Simulink compatibility, the controller supports complex control algorithms without requiring traditional coding. This means researchers and engineers can create customized dosing logic tailored to specific laboratory protocols.

Hardware Setup: Modular I/O for Pumps, Valves, and Sensors

The Moduline L4 controller offers up to eight module slots, each configurable for different signal types. This allows easy integration of laboratory hardware such as:

• Peristaltic or diaphragm pumps for liquid delivery
• Solenoid or proportional valves for flow control
• Flow and pressure sensors for feedback
• Temperature sensors for process stability

Each I/O module handles analog, digital, or current-loop (4–20 mA) signals, ensuring compatibility with most lab equipment. The modular structure also simplifies maintenance and reconfiguration, making it ideal for evolving test setups or multi-phase research projects.

Software Integration: Easy Configuration and Automation

Using MATLAB Simulink, control engineers can graphically model the entire dosing process—from valve actuation to sensor feedback loops—and deploy it directly to the controller. Alternatively, Node-RED provides a web-based flow editor for more intuitive process automation.

These tools make it easy to:

• Build automated filling, mixing, or dilution sequences
• Implement safety conditions (overflow, pressure limits)
• Synchronize multiple dosing channels
• Log and visualize real-time data

Because the Moduline L4 runs on a Debian Linux-based OS, it supports secure networking, remote access, and data logging to cloud or local storage.

Communication and Connectivity: Linking Lab Equipment

The controller supports Ethernet, CAN, and optional Wi-Fi/Bluetooth interfaces. These enable communication with higher-level lab management systems or distributed hardware, such as:

• Smart flow meters
• External monitoring PCs or dashboards
• Supervisory PLCs or SCADA systems

For laboratories requiring traceability, the controller’s secure communication layer allows batch data to be stored or transmitted with high integrity. Integration with GOcontroll’s cloud tools also enables predictive maintenance and performance tracking.

Data Logging and Quality Control

Reliable data logging is essential for laboratory compliance and repeatability. The Moduline L4 can record process variables—such as flow rate, temperature, and pressure—at high sampling frequencies. Logged data can be used for:

• Process validation and reporting
• Calibration tracking
• Automated adjustment of dosing profiles

By combining local processing with cloud-based analysis, labs can move toward fully traceable and self-optimizing dosing systems.

Flexibility for Research and Production

From R&D environments to small-scale production, the GOcontroll Moduline L4 provides unmatched flexibility. Users can reconfigure the system simply by changing module combinations or updating the Simulink model—without replacing hardware.

Whether controlling a single dosing line or managing a network of fluid systems, the Moduline L4’s scalable architecture and robust IP67 housing ensure reliable operation even in demanding lab environments.