PROJECT: ELGA PURELAB CHORUS
Providing a
customised solution
ABOUT
Purelab Chorus is the first modular water purification system designed to fit individual laboratory needs and space. It delivers all grades of purified water and provides a scalable, flexible, customized solution, offering a selection of dispensing, storage and installation options.
Modular elements can be positioned independently or combined into a unique tower format to minimize footprint. New technologies reduce environmental impact and make Chorus the most intelligent product on the market.
Provides a scalable, flexible, customized solution, offering a selection of dispensing, storage and installation options
Client
For 75 years ELGA have specialized in water purification solutions for laboratory, clinical and healthcare, leading the market in innovation and technology advancements. Thousands of our products are in daily use around the globe, helping scientists, health professionals
and laboratory managers achieve high levels of accuracy and consistency in their work. ELGA is part of Veolia, the world’s largest environmental company, creating sustainable and responsible solutions that improve people’s lives and the environment.
Inspiration
Shorter research contracts require laboratories to be increasingly flexible, undertake variable applications and operate in a sustainable, cost effective manner. With current higher volume water systems based on fixed solutions, there was a clear opportunity for an adaptable system to meet changing pure water requirements, fit individual laboratory spaces and improve choice. User’s required better system communication, highly controllable dispensing and improved internal access.
Challenge
PURELAB Chorus is the biggest project in ELGA’s 75 year history, requiring extensive research, strategy, design and implementation. Replacing 65 existing products and variants, it represents a high proportion of ELGA’s business. Reducing the risk associated was paramount. Rationalising product offerings, increasing user experience benefits and future proofing the system became key challenges.
Development of the modular chassis, which allows for customisation, is a genuine first in the marketplace. It’s requirement to load-bear high volumes of water and fit multiple components needed extensive engineering design. Purification modules, dispensers and storage tanks required the development of a smart-link technology, allowing the system to work when elements are combined or positioned independently. Incorporating new, greener purification technologies, utilising ambient communication and designing a visually iconic dispenser were primary requirements to differentiate the ELGA brand over its competitors.
This involved personnel from sales & marketing, research and development, engineering, manufacturing, technical support, purchasing and finance, quality & control, customer services, international sales teams and executives. Resulting ideas were grouped into scenario themes. These were modelled or visualized for stakeholder and customer feedback. After iteration, the new product development strategy was formulated.
Research
Research was undertaken to evaluate market, stakeholders, customers and product requirements. ELGA’s current products were assessed comparatively against competitors’ products through physical testing. Laboratory trends and environments were studied using ethnographic research. Customer interviews were conducted alongside extensive stakeholder interviews to determine joint requirements and priority factors through score voting.
Customization can be added late in the product build, dramatically reducing stock requirements
Production & technology
The Chorus range uses 71 injection mouldings made from thermoplastic materials. The main module comprises of 6 main mouldings: chassis, doors (symmetrical), front panel, rear and top covers. These are universal across all purification modules. Chorus’ carefully engineered, load-bearing chassis provides standardization as multiple cartridges, consumables, valves, pumps and filters can be fitted to produce a custom specification.
Only 10 additional screws are required to construct the entire product range. This customization can be added late in the product build, dramatically reducing stock requirements. New purification technologies such as the De-Gas module, multiply the lifespan of consumables to dramatically reduce environmental impact and running costs. Chorus’ packaging uses 100% recyclable cardboard.
Interaction
Modular elements can be combined or used separately, easily allowing the system to grow or change with lab needs. The central touch point is the halo dispense control, cantilevered from the main body to provide a generous space for vessels. A ring of light communicates Chorus’s status, symbolising the purity of the water: - glowing white to express ultra-pure water quality is available (and all is well) or red if Chorus needs attention. This light is projected onto Chorus’ main enclosure, enhancing its physical presence and ensuring that even from a distance, the instrument is communicating with its surroundings. The halo dispense uses haptic controls to offer six
dispense options, from auto-volume to drip dispensing. The dispenser can be positioned independently for wall mounting. This allows purification and reservoir modules to be located under bench or combined in a tower format, where the vertically running ‘swirl lines’ integrate the architecture and express the fluidity of the process. Access to the instrument’s internal consumables and features is unique, with the two central doors opening to offer all-round entry. Every physical touch point has been purposefully designed - from the integrated door handle rims which flow around the central display panel to the way internal consumables can be removed with one hand.
