Opentrons ventilation

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The facilities people at my university are concerned about the use of organic solvents with the Opentrons. Specifically, the concern is about flammable solvents being used in the enclosure since some of the components use brushed electric motors. That being said, I know that a ton of groups use them for organic synthesis, so I’m curious what the workarounds have been.

Have you run into similar issues, or do you know anyone else who has set up ventilation for an Opentrons robot? I’m interested in the Flex in particular, but open to feedback in general.

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cc @OwenMelville, @nipun.0092 (polymer SDL) who are interested in something similar: Open-Air Chemistry Setup --- Overcoming limitations?

Based on some quick searches:

(Excerpt from case study above, they stuck it in a glovebox)

For example, we’re very proactive about safety here at Northwestern: organic solvents are flammable, and using them is a real risk. The ability to transition reaction setup to an automated system in a controlled environment such as an inert glove box has obvious advantages

Some other random thoughts that might help make the case:

  • use the OT-2 pipette to pick up caps with “fake tips” and place on top of vials when not in use (rather than a septum needle workflows) (I think @FrantzLD is doing this, @Lilo 's group too with an electromagnet tool)
  • install a sensor that measures VOCs or similar and issue a warning or alert if it’s abnormally high. Maybe have a baseline. Happy to elaborate - we have some sensors
  • as part of SOP, minimizing the amount of solvent contained within the OT-2 at a given time (i.e., lower damage if explosion happens)
  • use a shielding gas (e.g., from N2 generator) to simulate a glovebox environment
  • Throttle the OT-2 speed (i.e., put less strain on the DC motors?)
  • tabletop fumehoods (?)
  • Remove all panels on OT-2 to avoid vapor buildup (?)

Excuse the fly-by comments