Object-oriented data handling system for an automated chemistry laboratory

The environmental-remediation efforts at DOE complexes require characterizing problems at each site before cleanup action. Characterization will require the chemical analysis of millions of samples at a significant cost. Automation of the required chemical analyses methods provides a cost-effective solution. An object-oriented approach was deemed necessary to allow for modularization, maintainability, reusability, and flexibility of the software and hardware. Each chemical analysis method is implemented as a Standard Analysis Method or SAM. A SAM is, in essence, a black box'' into which a sample enters at one end and chemical or physical information exits'' at the other. 7 refs., 6 figs