This is one of the largest projects I have done. The fastest explanation is by video:

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This is the automated system for cleaning tissue-culture growing vessels.

The system begins with placing uncapped soiled jars on the rotary accumulation table. From there, jars queue for the vacuum station. One at a time, the contents are removed by the pneumatic vacuum. The contents are deposited in the waste drum for later disposal. It works with both used growing media and plant debris.

The vacuum creates a negative pressure in the drum with a pneumatic conveyor pointed outwards. The vacuum nozzle will lift with greater force than plunging to overcome the additional force of the vacuum. The system will automatically pause if the drum is full of waste or there is no more room for jars downstream.

Currently, operators put the emptied jars into washing racks for use with a commercial dishwasher. This step is in the process of being automated.

The system averages 14 jars per minute. It requires 2 operators if the jars are capped, or only 1 if already uncapped.

Performance metrics, including system speed and labour, are measured by the PLC. They are reported via MQTT and stored in an on-site database.