Automation of AOAC 970.16 bitterness of malt beverages and AOAC 976.08 color of beer

Through unique software control of common laboratory instruments with real-time decision making and analysis.

A typical laboratory is frequently looking for ways to increase consistency and throughput. A common way to achieve this is through finding an automated solution for manual techniques. One of the largest hurdles for automation of manual methodology, no matter how simple, is the necessity of decision making based on real-time sample analysis, which typically requires the coordination of input from multiple components with varying manufacturers. In this study, a unique, single software control of a liquid handler, spectrophotometer equipped with multiple flow cells and shaker block with temperature control capabilities brings each component together into a single automated solution from multiple manual AOAC methods.