GSK deployed an automated filtration and washing robot integrated with a goVisc viscometer to upgrade their lab automation platforms with continuous real-time viscosity monitoring capability. This system delivers high-precision, vessel-independent measurements that support downstream process scale-up, troubleshooting, and resource-efficient development.
Process Overview
Scientists at GlaxoSmithKline partnered with Hydramotion and Cambridge Reactor Design to enhance insights into their downstream processing operations.
The solution involved deploying a fully automated filtration and washing platform with integrated real-time viscosity control, across its drug research platforms worldwide, enabling continuous data collection and high-precision monitoring of formulations.
Process Challenges
Understanding filtration and washing processes in pharmaceutical development requires frequent, accurate viscosity measurements across multiple sample types.
Traditional lab viscometers are limited by vessel size, throughput, and the need for manual intervention, making continuous, automated measurement at high precision unachievable. Additionally, the process involves repeated formulation modifications and cleaning cycles, which must be captured and analysed reliably to support scale-up and troubleshooting.
Inline Viscosity Solution
The goVisc lab automation viscometer addresses these challenges with dip-and-read functionality and a compact design - 300mm length and only 15mm diameter - suitable for robotic integration.
Mounted on a robotic arm, it repeatedly measures, modifies, and cleans samples in a continuous cycle, delivering consistent viscosity and temperature readings regardless of vessel type. Its contoured sensor profile ensures easy draining during automated wash cycles, and the tip-mounted thermometer provides simultaneous temperature measurement for enhanced process understanding.
See the goVisc in action below:
Integration and Automation
Integrated with robotics and machine vision, the goVisc operates day and night with high precision, feeding data directly into the automation platform.
All goViscs have Plug and Play connectivity so they may be connected directly to a computer or laptop via the VP100 connection box. The goVisc sensor and the VP100 are both powered by the computer USB port.
Hydramotion’s ViscoLink software running on the PC, laptop or tablet allows management of all sensor data as well as recording and logging of measurements in real-time.
The system supports fast, accurate development information for downstream process scale-up and troubleshooting, aligns with GSK’s ‘Quality by Design’ strategy, and maximises resource efficiency through automated control and data handling.
Ready to learn more?
Contact Hydramotion to discuss your lab automation requirements, or visit the following links to learn more about Hydramotion viscosity sensors.