ExpFlow: a graphical user interface for automated reproducible electrochemistry

Reproducible data and results underpin the credibility and integrity of research findings across the sciences. However, experiments and measurements conducted across laboratories, or by different researchers, are often hindered by incomplete or inaccessible procedural data. Additionally, the time and resources needed to manually perform repeat experiments and analyses limit the scale at which experiments can be reproduced. Both improved methods for recording and sharing experimental procedures in machine- readable formats and efforts towards automation can be beneficial to circumvent these issues. Here we report the development of ExpFlow, a data collection, sharing, and reporting software currently customized for electrochemical experiments. The ExpFlow software allows researchers to systematically encode laboratory procedures through a graphical user interface that operates like a fill-in-the-blank laboratory notebook. Built-in calculators automatically derive properties such as diffusion coefficient and charge-transfer rate constant from uploaded data. Further, we deploy ExpFlow procedures with robotic hardware and software to perform cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments in triplicate for eight well-known electroactive systems. The resulting oxidation potentials and diffusion coefficients are consistent with literature-reported values, validating our approach and demonstrating the utility of robotic experimentation in promoting reproducibility. Ultimately, these tools enable automated and (semi) autonomous cyclic voltammetry experiments and measurements that will facilitate high-throughput experimentation, reproducibility, and eventually data-driven electrochemical discovery

The development of an integrated multistaged fluid-bed retorting process. Final report, September 1990--August 1994

This summarizes the development of the KENTORT II retorting process, which includes integral fluidized bed zones for pyrolysis, gasification, and combustion of oil shale. Purpose was to design and test the process at the 50-lb/hr scale. The program included bench- scale studies of coking and cracking reactions of shale oil vapors over processed shale particles to address issues of scaleup associated with solid-recycle retorting. The bench-scale studies showed that higher amounts of carbon coverage reduce the rate of subsequent carbon deposition by shale oil vapors onto processed shale particles; however carbon-covered materials were also active in terms of cracking and coking. Main focus was the 50-lb/hr KENTORT II PDU. Cold-flow modeling and shakedown were done before the PDU was made ready for operation. Seven mass-balanced, steady-state runs were completed within the window of design operating conditions. Goals were achieved: shale feedrate, run duration (10 hr), shale recirculation rates (4:1 to pyrolyzer and 10:1 to combustor), bed temperatures (pyrolyzer 530{degree}C, gasifier 750{degree}C, combustor 830{degree}C), and general operating stability. Highest oil yields (up to 109% of Fischer assay) were achieved for runs lasting {ge} 10 hours. High C content of the solids used for heat transfer to the pyrolysis zone contributed to the enhanced oil yield achieved