eksigent-control-software-user-guide
eksigent-control-software-user-guide
D5031167 A
February 2012
This document is provided to customers who have purchased
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Eksigent
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Contents
Chapter 1 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Install the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
To install the software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Configure Software Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Configure the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Chapter 2 Acquisition Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Components of the Acquisition Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
File Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
View Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
System Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Instrument Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Analysis Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Chapter 3 Run Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
The Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
File Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Edit Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
View Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Devices Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Run Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Contents of the Run Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Edit the Run Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
The Sample Tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Status of Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Selecting a Vial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Method Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Run Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Chapter 4 Peak Viewer Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Plot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Peak Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Sample Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Peak Viewer Sample Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Monitoring Peak Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Peak Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Plot Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Edit Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
View Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Peaks Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Plots Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
5. Click Next to select desktop icon and/or a Quick Launch icon settings, refer to
Figure 1-3.
6. To create additional icons for launching the software, select one or both options
shown in the Additional Tasks Setup dialog.
7. Click Next to open the Ready to Install dialog, refer to Figure 1-4.
A status dialog will indicate the progress of the validation, refer to Figure 1-6.
Note: This validation can be run at any time from the list of programs that
is accessed via the Programs menu, refer to Figure 1-7.
Note: If the software does not detect the instrument, a warning message
will appear. In this case check that the instrument is turned on and that the
serial cable is properly connected. The default serial port connection on the
computer is COM1.
4. Select Instrument Configuration from the System menu to present the Instrument
Configuration dialog, refer to Figure 1-10.
6. Press the OK button to accept the new settings and restart the software.
Status Area
The Status area displays information about the current run, including the flow rate, run time,
current method, sample information, pump state, injection valve position, the location in the
sequence, and the file name used to save the data is saved after the run is completed, refer to
Figure 2-2.
displayed in nL/min or µL/min. Pressure units can be displayed in psi or bar. The current column
temperature will also be displayed if a column heater is installed.
Control Buttons
The Run Manager button provides access to the Run Manager where sample and method
information is entered to create sample sequences, for more information refer to Chapter 3.
When an acquisition is in progress, the Pause button maintains the conditions of the device at
their current values indefinitely. Pressing this button during a run will maintain the elution
conditions continuing to acquire data. After being pressed, the Pause button changes to Resume
and is used to continue the LC method.
The Stop button stops the LC method and then stops the sequence table at its current position.
For multi-channel devices, only the currently active channel is stopped. The device channel is
placed into the Standby state and the pumps are turned off.
The Extend Run icon provides a menu to extend or shorten the LC method run time. You can add
time to the run indefinitely, but you cannot shorten the run time to less than the original LC
method run time.
The Direct Control icon provides a shortcut to the Direct Control dialog.
The Acquisition Information icon opens a dialog that displays information about the sample run
and other acquisition information saved with the data file.
The main plot data region can also be used to add integration timed events graphically by right-
clicking and selecting Add Integration Event from the menu. The list of all available events will be
displayed. The start and stop time can be selected directly from the plot area by moving the
pointer and clicking the left mouse button.
If peak results are present, moving the pointer over the peak baseline displays a move icon that
allows manual adjustment of the peak baselines. Dragging the baseline point to a new location
will display the Peak Detection Tab of the Analysis Method window with a new Manual Baseline
event added to the integration timed event table.
Menus
Table 2-1 to Table 2-5 list the various commands that are provided from the menus found in the
Acquisition dialog. Each menu contains a list of options consisting of commands and sub-menus
used to operate the system.
Table 2-1 File Menu
Command Function
Open Opens and displays a previously saved data file, refer to Open on
page 18.
Save As Saves a data file to the hard disk. Also allows you to save the current
data in formats that are compatible with other program, refer to Save As
on page 18.
Output Options Displays the Output Options dialog, allowing access to the file output
parameters, refer to Output Options on page 19.
Peak Viewer Displays the Open dialog to select a file or list of files. When a file is
selected, then the Peak Viewer dialog will appear to allow viewing each
file, refer to Peak Preview on page 20.
Print Preview Displays the Report dialog, refer to Print Preview on page 21.
Print Prints a report summarizing the current data, refer to Print on page 22.
Autosave Instructs the system to automatically save the data file at the end of an
analysis.
File Menu
Open
The Open command is used to open a previously stored data file (.txt,.dat) in the main acquisition
window. Only a single file can viewed at any one time. The Peak Viewer utility should be used to
view multiple files or to open files while an acquisition is in progress, refer to Peaks Menu on
page 59.
Save As
The Save As... command is used to store acquired data in a .txt, .xls, .dat, or .cdf (AIA/ANDI)
format. A bitmap image of the spectral absorbance contour can also be independently exported
using this command.
Output Options
The Output Options dialog (Figure 2-4) is used to specify the preferred data file formats, paths,
and naming inventions to be used when the AutoSave option is selected.
Output
The Output folder field is used to indicate the default folder where Autosave data will be stored.
Additional sub-folders can be created with the output filename entry (refer to below). If the folder
does not exist, you will be prompted with a choice for creating that folder.
Use the Output filename(s) field to specify filename attributes for each data set after the run has
completed. You can customize the file naming convention by using one or more tags. These may
include the method name, sample name, date, time, vial number, incremental counter, and so
forth. The default filename format uses a dynamically created date subfolder and creates a
unique filename based on the time:
\<date>\ EK< channel>_<time>
Many other unique filenames can be generated from the various tags. Click Help for more
information on the available tags or use the drop-down box to insert new tags.
When you create your naming convention, an example filename is shown. If Prompt to save is
selected, a prompt for naming the data file is shown at the completion of each run (this is not
recommended for when there is more than one sample in the Run Manager). Tags that use
information from the Run Table is shown in the example filename as either blank or as the value
last used with that tag.
Autosave automatically generates a data file name and saves the file in the folder specified in the
Output folder. If this command is not selected, you will be prompted to save the data file after
each sample run. The use of the Autosave option is highly recommended.
If a unique filename is not specified in the Output filename(s) edit box and Autosave is selected,
a unique filename is created if the current filename already exists in the specified folder.
Ownership Tags
Operator Name: Name of the person who is running the experiment or test that generated the
current data set.
Data Set Origin: Name of the organization where the current data set originated. Data Set
Origin information can include the organization's address, telephone number, e-mail nodes, and
the names of individual contributors, including the system operator(s), and any other appropriate
information.
Data Set Owner: Name of the owner of a proprietary data set. The person or organization
named here is responsible for this field's accuracy. Data copyrights should be indicated here.
Peak Preview
The Peak Preview function provides access to the Peak Viewer for loading and analyzing larger
sets of sample data. Refer to Peaks Menu on page 59.
Print Preview
The Print Preview function is used to preview the appearance of a report before it is printed. Print
previews are generated in the Report dialog (Figure 2-5). The Report Window is shown with a
representation of the report for the currently loaded data.
• Click the printer icon to print the report. A Print dialog will appear to allow
modification of print settings.
To exit the print preview, simply close the window. The selected report format will be used the
next time the Report Window is launched.
Print
The report for the currently loaded data can be printed directly without using the Print Preview or
the Print dialog by pressing Print. The report for the currently loaded data will be sent directly to
the default printer specified for that computer and the most recently chosen report format will be
used.
View Menu
Peak Park Toolbox
Eksigent® LC devices can rapidly reduce the total column flow rate to allow for extended MS/MS
analysis at a particular point in the chromatogram. This procedure, which is commonly called
peak parking, is controlled using the Peak Part Toolbox (Figure 2-6). Adjustments to the
composition of the flow profile are paused during the parked period and resume after parking is
discontinued.
• The Column flow rate reference method uses the measured column pressure at the
start of the PeakPark operation to estimate the current column flow resistance. This
value, with the real-time measured column pressure is used during the peak-park
transition to stabilize the column at the new flow rate. This method is typically the
fastest method to attain the target peak-park flow rate values.
• The Mobile Phases flow rate reference method uses the flow rates measured
directly from the individual mobile phase (A and B) flowmeters while the pump flow
rates are decreasing. This method is typically slower to lower the total flow rate
through the column, but more accurately maintains the mobile phase mixture
fraction.
Timing check boxes can be used to ignore external triggers or peak-park for a fixed duration after
the initial trigger event. This option is useful when noisy trigger signals are present (from the
mass spectrometer) and ensures that the device will stay in park mode for a configurable
acquisition period.
UV Detector Toolbox
If the system includes a UV absorbance spectrometer, the UV Detector Toolbox can be used to
view the current UV detector settings and make adjustments as necessary.
Note: This window is typically used for diagnostic purposes, as each LC method
contains detector settings that are specific to that method. As a result, many of the
settings in this toolbox are not accessible during acquisition as they are being controlled
by the parameters specified in the LC method.
For more detailed information and descriptions of the parameters in this dialog, refer to Chapter
6.
Absorbance
The Absorbance field is used to set the required Wavelength and Bandwidth.
Mode
The Mode field is used to indicate if single beam or double beam measurements are required.
Baseline Field
The Baseline field is used to indicate the parameters for collection of the baseline. If the Real-
time collection option is selected, you can indicate the wavelength and bandwidth.
Reference/ Background
The Reference/Background options allow you to turn on or off the Automatic background and
reference acquisition. If this option is selected, the detector background and reference signal will
be acquired prior to every LC method acquisition. When it is disabled, the Acquire Reference and
Acquire Background buttons can be used to manually acquire those signals. In this case, each
LC method acquisition starts immediately and the current background and reference information
(in memory) are used.
The Sync. options allow you to determine how to synchronize the detector acquisition. The Sync.
with Injection start option indicates that the detector should start acquiring data (time = 0) when
the injection valve moves to the inject position. The Sync. with gradient start option indicates that
the detector should start acquiring data (time = 0) when the injection has completed and the
gradient (flow profile) begins. This mode is useful when comparing retention time reproducibility
with varying injection volumes (binary gradient LC methods with metered injections.)
Plots
The Plots field allows the user to format the plot.
Monitor Detector
The Monitor Detector button provides access to UV Detector Plot for diagnostic purposes.
Smoothing Toolbox
The Smoothing Toolbox (Figure 2-8) allows you to apply a cubic spline fit to their chromatogram
after acquisition is completed and can be employed with systems with a spectrometer. The error
band defines the looseness of fit in Y units, where a larger number applies more smoothing.
System Logs
The System Logs submenu allows you to display a variety of log files, which are audit trails that
record all pertinent system information, including ordinary usage statistics, system warning
messages, and experiment status logs. Log files are designed to prevent malicious tampering
with their contents to make sure of the long-term validity of the system audit trail. Each log file is
archived on a regular basis. Click any of the available logs under the System Logs menu to open
the log dialog.
The contents of any log can be exported to a PDF file or to an Excel spreadsheet (.xls). Choose
the desired format in the Log Information field and Export frame and press Export.
If the Excel option is selected, a Windows Export to dialog opens. Type a name for the log in File
name and then click Save.
If the PDF option button is clicked, a PDF preview window is shown. Use the Portrait or
Landscape buttons to change the page orientation. Click Save to open a Save As dialog to save
the PDF file. The page navigation arrows can be used to navigate through multiple-page PDF
documents. The magnifying glass icon can be used to switch between two best-fit views of the
document. To print the PDF, click the printer icon, which will launch a Print dialog.
The Alerts Log (Figure 2-10) contains a list of any warnings and messages automatically
generated by the system but which do not need immediate attention. The Alerts Log will open
automatically when a system check discloses a potential issue and displays the issue as an Alert
event. The log includes information such as the Login name of the current user, the date of each
occurrence of the Alert event and a detailed description of the event.
The System Configuration log (Figure 2-14) contains a list of user actions that affect the device
such as calibration options.
System Menu
Hardware Diagnostics
The Hardware Diagnostics dialog (Figure 2-14) allows for calibration of the LC hardware,
examine instrument usage statistics, and perform automated diagnostic routines.
.
• Re-Initialize Transducers is a calibration function that reads and sets the steady-
state, zero-pressure reading on the internal system transducers.
• Check For Leaks/Blockage is a diagnostic function that sequences the pumps at
different flow rates, determines whether pressures and flow rates reach expected
levels, and reports any problems. It is recommended to use a column or flow
restrictor at the device outlet.
• Check Flow Stability is a diagnostic function that will temporarily flush the system at
a pre-determined flow rate and report flow stability.
The Flow Metering and Control region is a calibration function that guides you
through the following steps:
• Calibrate Flowmeter displays the Flowmeter Calibration dialog (Figure 2-14), which
guides you through flow calibration steps.
• Auto Tune Controllers starts a pressurized calibration function that automatically
adjusts flow controller parameters to optimize stability. These parameters are saved
and used to control the pumps during data collection.
• Pump Response Time allows you to adjust how quickly the pump responds to
setpoint changes and flow disturbances. Sliding the bar to the right increases the
responsiveness. This setting affects flow control stability. This setting does not alter
Auto Tune Controllers diagnostic results.
Usage Information
• Total Sample Injections displays the total number of injections performed. This
number is useful for tracking instrument usage. Pressing the CLR clears the counter.
• Total Flowmeter Usage displays the total number of hours of flowmeter usage. This
number is useful for tracking instrument usage. Pressing the CLR clears the counter.
• Flowmeter Serial documents the identity of the instrument flowmeter. Pressing the
CLR clears the field.
• Filter Usage documents the volume of fluid that has passed through the cell guard
filter. Clear the field by pressing CLR when you change the filter.
Flow Region
The Flow region on the Calibration Values tab (Figure 2-15) displays fluid-independent and fluid-
dependent K values used for flow control. The actual K values may slightly change every few
seconds because they are calculated based on measured temperature.
Pressure Sensors
The Pressure Sensors region displays the pressure sensor calibration values.
PID Region
The PID region shows calibration values relating to the pump control parameters.
Instrument Configuration
System Tab
The Instrument Configuration dialog is used to set hardware configuration options. Usually these
are set during the initial installation, but they may be set at any time should the system
configuration change.
Advanced Tab
The Advanced Tab is shown in Figure 2-18.
• Stop device if pump power remains at 100% allows you to set a time duration that
will stop the pumps and data collection if pump power remains at 100% for a
specified period of time. Pump power can remain at 100% for unusually long
durations if pump flow-control logic is attempting to compensate for leaks or
blockages in the flow path.
• Rapid Inject pressure limit is used to protect the system from over-pressure during a
Rapid Inject process. This value is usually lower than the absolute column pressure
limit. The system flow rate is reduced as the system pressure approaches this limit
and is maintained just below the designated limit until the injection is complete. After
injection, the flow rate returns to the value specified in the analytical method.
Notification Options
The Notification Options dialog allows you to set e-mail notification options.E-mail Notification
Options
E-mail Settings
If you want notification of various events via e-mail, select the Notify by E-mail option and
indicate the address and server. The Test button is used to verify that communication has been
established.
Notification Events
• LC device error allows you to choose to receive e-mail if the LC device reports an
error.
• Autosampler error allows you to choose to receive e-mail if the autosampler device
reports an error.
• RunTable complete allows you to choose to receive e-mail when the instrument has
completed acquiring all samples specified in the Run Manager sequence.
Notification Frequency
The Notification Frequency region allows you to select whether to receive e-mail notifications
immediately, hourly, daily, or not at all.
Flow Data
Qa (nL/min) allows toggling a display of mobile phase A's measured flow rate in the main
window and selecting which color will be used in the display.
Qb (nL/min) allows toggling a display of mobile phase B's measured flow rate in the main
window and selecting which color will be used in the display.
Qtotal (nL/min) allows toggling a display of total flow in the main window and selecting which
color will be used in the display.
Profile A toggles a display of the gradient profile of mobile phase A in the main window and
selecting which color will be used in the display.
Profile B toggles a display of the gradient profile of mobile phase B in the main window and
selecting which color will be used in the display.
%A allows toggling a display of mobile phase A's measured mixture % (from flow rate) in the
main window and selecting which color will be used in the display.
%B allows toggling a display of mobile phase B's measured mixture % (from flow rate) in the
main window and selecting which color will be used in the display.
Pressure
Column (Pc, psi) allows toggling a display of the measured column pressure in the main window
and selecting which color will be used to display the information.
Amp A (Pa, psi) allows toggling a display of the measured internal pressure of mobile phase A in
the main window and selecting which color will be used to display the information.
Amp B (Pb, psi) allows toggling a display of the measured internal pressure of mobile phase B in
the main window and selecting which color will be used to display the information.
Absorbance
UV Signal (mAU) allows toggling a display of the detector's signal channel and selecting the
color which will be used to display (systems with spectrometers).
UV Reference allows toggling a display of the detector's reference channel and selecting the
color which will be used to display (systems with spectrometers).
A/D Channel
Aux A/D (mV), scale X allows you to choose whether to display the analog signal from an
auxiliary device and to choose the color of the display. You can also designate a multiplier to be
used to magnify the analog signal plot.
Left/Right Axis T
The colors of various plot window attributes can be modified by changing the Background,
Gridlines, and Axis Label colors.
Plot Axes
Automatically adjust time axis allows you to choose whether to allow the scale of the time axis to
vary automatically to fit the amount of data available for display.
The Comment/Modifiers fields allow you to document mobile phase buffering additives, dates, lot
numbers, and other details relating to the composition of mobile phase A and B.
The Channel value (upper right corner) indicates the LC device channel to apply the current
mobile phase settings (multi-channel systems only.)
The More button accesses additional fields. For more information, refer to Mobile Phases Dialog
on page 35.
Direct Control
The Direct Control dialog (Figure 2-22) allows you to start the pumps at a specific flow rate.
Direct Control is useful for operations such as system flushing, equilibrating and tuning an
electrospray interface.
User Authentication
User authentication is used to set user access to the software. This allows applying varying
permissions to several users. For more information, refer to Chapter 10.
User Manager
The User Manager Dialog is used to set different permissions for various users. It is described
in Chapter 11 and is only relevant if User Authentication is enabled.
Electronic Signatures
Electronic Signatures are used to view, apply, and revoke electronic signatures from data files.
For more information, refer to Chapter 12.
Analysis Settings
The Analysis menu is used to adjust the parameters that control the analysis process. These
parameters are used by the peak finding algorithm when identifying, placing, and integrating the
peaks found in the chromatogram. The analysis menu can also be configured to automatically
analyze a chromatogram after acquisition is complete.
The Analysis Settings dialog allows you to set peak integration parameters. These settings
determine which peaks the integration routines are recognized during peak finding.
The Menu
Table 3-1 to Table 3-5 shows the lists of the menus available on the Run Manager dialog. Each
menu contains a list of options consisting of commands and sub-menus used to operate the Run
Manager.
Table 3-1 File Menu
Command Function
Open Opens selected Run Table sequence file, refer to File Menu on page 41.
Save Saves the current sequence as a run file, refer to File Menu on page 41.
File Menu
Use the options on the File menu to select any run table files stored on the computer.
Open: Open the desired file
Save: Save the sequence of samples to a Run Table file.
Save as: Opens the Save As dialog that is used to save a run table file to a different file name.
Import: Imports data into the run table from one of 4 different file types - a proprietary file type for
the grid which allows saving format information as well as data, a comma-delimited text file, a
tab-delimited text file, and an Excel file.
Export: Save the run table data in one of 4 different file types - a proprietary file type for the grid
which allows saving format information as well as data, a comma-delimited text file, a tab-
delimited text file, and an Excel file.
Print: Print the contents of the Run Table.
Edit Menu
Cut: Removes the selected Run Table cells and copies them to the windows clipboard.
Copy: Copies the selected Run Table cells to the windows clipboard.
View Menu
Acquisition Dialog: Opens the main acquisition dialog with the chromatogram plot and status
area.
Devices Menu
LC Device Settings: Opens the Instrument Configuration dialog (Figure 2-16), that allows
configuration of the LC device and setting the various configuration parameters of the device.
LC Wait for Contact Closure: Delays the start of the LC method until it receives an external
contact closure signal. This allows the start of the acquisition to be synchronized to an external
signal.
You can select the desired autosampler (or remove one) by choosing Autosampler Types. The
autosamplers which are currently supported are described in Chapter 5.
Autosampler Device Settings: Opens the Autosampler Configuration dialog. This is used to
configure autosamplers which may be delivered with the instrument. Currently supported
autosamplers are described in Chapter 5.
Skip Missing Vials: If selected, will allow the table sequence to continue running if the
requested vial is missing from the autosampler tray. The sample row will be skipped and marked
with an error. If not selected, an error will occur and the sequence will stop (no subsequent
sample rows are processed).
Inject Ahead, If selected, permits the autosampler to run ahead to the next line in the table and
start the next autosampler method before the current LC method is complete. This is primarily
useful for high-throughput applications with short LC method durations.
Click on the Spotter Device Settings opens the spotter configuration dialog.
When you select AutoNumber Spot Positions, the Run Manager is configured to control the
location of spots automatically to optimize the use of the plate.
Run Table
When an acquisition is in progress, the color of the sample row indicates the state of its progress:
• Light green - the sample is preparing to run (equilibrating)
• Dark green - the sample is running
• Red - the sample has stopped.
• Yellow - an error occurred.
• Gray - the sample has completed
After acquisition has been completed, the table can be set to the pre-run state using the Reset
Table button. The sequence will begin with the first sample row the next time it is started.
right of the selection border. For entire row selections, the handle is located at the bottom left of
the selection border.
Below is a list of various types of auto-complete operations used when auto-completing an
extend-dragged selection of column cells:
• Single cell new cells repeat the first selection.
• Multiple text cells new cells repeat the entire selection.
• Multiple numeric cells an attempt is made to identify any trend in the selection and
the trend is extrapolated. For example, if you select two cells containing 1 followed
by 2, auto-complete will insert 3, 4, 5, and so forth. into the following cells.
• Multiple drop-down list box cells (numeric & vials) same as numeric cells, but the
range is limited by the values in the list. Extending a selection beyond the last
number in the list box will wrap the pattern back to the values at the beginning of the
list.
Column Sorting
Sort columns by clicking column labels in the second row (except for the Run column that sorts
by clicking on the column header in the first fixed row). A direction arrow will appear indicating
the direction of the sort.
Hierarchical sorting can be accomplished by sorting the desired columns in the desired order. If
the Run Table sequence is running a dialog will open before allowing the sort operation.
Status of Samples
The Current Tray (Lower left corner of Figure 3-3) shows an image of the configured
autosampler tray type and indicates active sample vials and their states.
Vial state:
• Green - sample is currently running.
• Blue - valid method associated with this vial.
• Blue/Checked - the sample finished successfully.
• Red - an error occurred while running this vial or the sample was stopped.
• Yellow - vial is selected.
The Status area indicates the currently selected (or active) tray and a text description of the
current autosampler action or status. The displayed tray can be selected using the arrow buttons
next to the tray name in the Status area or by choosing a row in the table with the desired tray.
For autosamplers with tray cooling, the tray temperature will appear in the tray temperature area.
The Pause button is available to hold the autosampler in its current state/position. If an
autosampler method is running, the pause button will hold the method and stop the autosampler
in its current action. The Resume button will appear to allow the method to continue when the
system has been paused. This action is useful for changing sample trays while the autosampler
is running.
Selecting a Vial
You can use the tray graphic to select the vial for the current sample row by clicking the vial in the
tray image. If the active row in the sample table is valid, the vial number will be updated to reflect
the vial number selected in the graphic.
It is possible to rapidly add many new samples to the sample table by clicking and dragging the
mouse on the tray to select multiple vials. A Vial Selection dialog (Figure 3-6) will be displayed to
indicate how the sample table rows will be filled. The newly created rows will duplicate the
information of the row number indicated in the Current Table Row text box, but include the newly
inserted vial numbers. The default entry is the currently selected row in the table.
Method Editors
The Autosampler Methods button displays the autosampler method editor, which allows you to
create and edit methods specifying the amount of sample to be drawn from the sample vial and
the parameters to be used for pre- or post-injection syringe cleaning. The editor displayed will
depend on the type of autosampler configured. CTC PAL Autosampler Control or NanoLC-AS1
Autosampler Control editors are currently supported.
The LC Method button opens a window for entering the parameters to be used for separating
and detecting the sample. This information includes flow rate, gradient profile, detection
wavelength, and so forth and is stored in a sample method. The method parameters available will
depend on the configuration of the LC device. 1D LC methods and 2D methods are available.
The Analysis Methods button opens an Analysis Method Settings dialog which allows you to set
the peak detection configuration parameters.
The Spotter Methods button provides access to method information for any configured spotter
devices.
Run Sequence
The Sequential option is the only option available for single channel instruments. This mode runs
the samples in the order they appear in the table, row by row. For example, the sequence starts
with row 1 and proceeds to row 2, row 3, and so forth. After each row finishes, the next row
begins.
The As Available and Synchronized Multi-channel options are available to multi-channeled
devices.
The As Available option starts each row when its assigned LC channel becomes available. A row
will not start until all previous rows with the assigned channel number are finished processing.
For high-throughput applications, this option allows the fastest processing of all the samples in
the list.
The Synchronized Multi-channel option requires that all channels of a device start
simultaneously. As a consequence, the LC methods on every channel must finish before the next
series of samples will begin synchronously.
Start/Stop begins the sample sequence defined by the rows entered in the table. When a
sequence begins, current changes to the run table are validated and saved. The button changes
from Start to Stop to end the run table sequence, if desired. If the table contains rows with
samples that have been previously stopped during acquisition, a prompt to re-start these
samples will appear each time the sample table is re-started.
Flush/Equilibrate when Idle is an option that keeps the pumps running to minimize equilibration
delay at the start of each run. Selecting this option also ensures column heater equilibration to
the temperature specified in the method. This option applies only to LC methods with pre-flush
settings.
Plot
The Plot dialog can be configured to display one or multiple data sets simultaneously. For
systems with spectrometers, the chromatogram (UV absorbance data) will be displayed. All other
systems will display the AUX A/D signal (for use with external detectors).
The peak table displays the current peak analysis results for each data set and can be used to
edit (remove) peak information directly. A sample report, peak statistics, and peak trends are also
accessible from the peak table.
Peak Table
When the program starts, the peak table indicates data source information related to the loaded
data files and any peak information stored in the data file (resulting from automated analysis
following the acquisition). If the data has not been previously analyzed or if there are no peaks
detected, the table will be empty except for the data source information. Click Find Peaks to
access data files for re-analysis at any time.
The contents of the table can be adjusted using the Show menu and selecting from the available
peak parameters, including Retention Time, Area,% Area, Plates, Height, Asymmetry, Base
Width, and so forth. Once selected, the table will be updated to show the relevant parameters.
The data source information can be customized either by right-clicking the mouse and selecting
Annotations from the Peaks menu.
The table can be sorted by clicking the relevant column header labeled with the peak number.
The rows will be sorted by ascending or descending order in that column each time the column
heading is clicked. For example, to sort the information by peak area, select Show Area and
press the relevant peak number at the top of the table.
Data in the table can be selected in multiple ways:
• Use the mouse to click-drag and select a range of cells.
• Entire rows can be selected by pressing the row label (first column).
• Holding the Shift key while clicking allows selection of a range of cells or rows.
• Holding the Ctrl key while clicking allows selecting multiple cells or rows in any order.
Any range of information in the table can be copied to the Windows clipboard by selecting cells,
right-clicking the mouse and selecting Copy. The cell contents will be available to be pasted into
any other application.
Individual erroneous peaks can be removed by selecting the peak in the table and either pressing
the Delete key on the keyboard or right-clicking the mouse and selecting Delete.
Peak information in the table can be marked (color coded) in order to more easily identify trends
in the data. To mark the data, enter a value into the Mark Values entry field and select a sign
(greater, lesser, equal) to mark all values in the table that meet the specified criteria. A slight color
gradient will be used to differentiate the range of values.
Sample Report
At any time, a text sample report is available that includes a list of peak attributes for every
individual open data file. The report can be accessed by selecting the Sample Report tab above
the peak table. It contains a section for each file indicated by the data source information
displayed in the peak table and a set of peak attributes for each peak in the file. The set of peak
attributes can be customized from the Report Contents tab of the Peaks > Annotations menu
item.
Statistics
Statistics are generated from all of the open files and for the peak attribute currently displayed in
the peak table. The statistics table, which displays the mean, median, relative standard deviation
(RSD), maximum and minimum value generated for each peak number is at the top half of the
Statistics tab. The chart below the table indicates the mean and the one and three sigma range
for the current peak attribute with the data source number on the abscissa. A chart can be
generated for each individual peak by selecting the corresponding row in the statistics table. In
case of a numerical data source label, (e.g. relative retention time), the abscissa displays the
actual numerical value. The statistics table and chart is useful for examining the reproducibility of
any of the peak attributes within a set of data files. The table and chart are regenerated following
any modifications to the peak attributes in the table or chromatograms.
To create peak trends via custom formulas, check the Custom Formula option and enter the
formulas in the third column of the trend table. For example, to create a trend which is the
average of Peak 1 and Peak 2 enter:
½ (Peak1 + Peak2)
The value used for Peak1 is the currently selected peak attribute (for example, Area, Retention
Time, and so forth) To apply the formula and display the result, check the box in the first row. You
can also edit the name of the peak trend in the second row which will then be displayed as the
legend.
The X-axis uses the currently select sample Annotation method. All charts and table entries can
be copied to the clipboard by right-clicking and selecting Copy.
Peak Analysis
Click Find Peaks to analyze available data files. By default the analysis parameters stored in the
data files are used for the analysis. To edit parameters, click Settings. This opens the Analysis
Settings Editor dialog, for more information refer to Chapter 8. The new peak information will be
updated in the peak table, the plots and the report.
To analyze all open files, select all files in the table before pressing Find Peaks. If no files (rows)
are selected in the table, a prompt will indicate that all files will be analyzed.
To analyze particular files, select each file (by row) of interest and click Find Peaks. Only the
selected files will be processed.
The results in the data file will not be permanently altered. However, the new peak attributes can
be stored to disk by selecting the file(s) in the table and choosing Save Changes from the File
menu.
For more information, refer to Peak Detection Tab on page 82.
Plot Area
The chromatogram or external detector signal for each data file is displayed individually in the
plot area. The plot area can be modified to display multiple plots simultaneously by selecting Tile
on the View menu and selecting the number of plot windows to display.
The Plot Properties dialog can also be accessed from this menu, where peak labels and plot area
display settings can be adjusted.
Menus
File Menu
Table 4-1 presents the Commands on the File menu.
Table 4-1 The File Menu Commands
Command Function
Open The Open selection is used to load new data sets into the peak viewer.
The existing peak information and plots will be removed and the new file
data will be used to populate the peak viewer. No changes to the
previously loaded data will be stored.
Add files The Add Files selection is used to add new data files to the current data
set. The new data will be added to the end of the peak table (and plots
windows)
Save Changes To save changes to the peak information for the open data files, select
Save Changes. Modifications to the peak information will be stored to the
data files.
Only the selected files will be updated. If no files are selected, a prompt
will appear to save all files.
Export The Export function is used to export the current peak table, sample
report and statistics information in various Windows file formats (Excel,
tab-delimited text, and so forth).
Print Preview The Print Preview function allows you to preview the appearance of a
report before it is printed. The format of the report is similar to the one
generated in the Acquisition window. It contains file, sample and method
information, a plot of the chromatogram and the set of peak results
displayed in the sample report.
Print Print allows printing the selected plots, current peak table, sample report,
statistics and trends information to the default printer.
Print All This prints all information for the data set, including the peak table, the
sample report, statistics, trends and plots.
Monitoring This function can be used to monitor samples in real time as they are
completed from the run table. When selected, the results of each sample
will be automatically loaded into the Peak Viewer software, followed by
an update of all charts, trends, and reports. If not already open, it also
loads the Run Manager window which allows you to queue and acquire a
series of samples.
Monitor Folder As an alternative to monitoring the run table, this function observes a
specified folder for new files (in the text output format). After detecting a
new file, it will be opened and analyzed automatically by the Peak Viewer
software, followed by an update of all charts and reports.
Skip First Sample If this item is checked, the first file after start monitoring the run table or a
folder will be skipped.
Edit Menu
Table 4-2 presents the commands on the Edit table.
Table 4-2 The Edit Table
Command Function
Copy Table This copies the selected section of the currently displayed table to the
Selection clipboard. Sections of the peak table can be selected freely by clicking
and dragging in the table to highlight the cells of interest. For the
summary report and statistics table, you can click on rows to select the
entire row.
Copy Plot Selection This copies the current selected plot to the clipboard. To select a plot,
click the desired plot or click anywhere in the peak table row for the data
file.
This can also be accomplished by selecting the plot, right-click the
mouse, and select Copy.
Select All This function selects the entire table which is currently displayed.
View Menu
The View menu is presented in Table 4-3.
Table 4-3 The View Menu
Command Function
Full Screen This sets the plot area to display a single data set. The current active
data file (selected via plot window or peak table grid) will be used to fill
the entire plot area. Full Screen is the default setting when the Peak
Viewer Utility starts.
Tile This rearranges the plot area to display multiple data sets in a tiled
window format. Use the right scroll-bar to scroll through the plots. Any
data files added to the data set will be appended at the end. An example
is shown in Figure 4-6.
Peaks Menu
The Peaks Menu commands are shown in Table 4-4.
Table 4-4 The Peaks Menu Commands
Command Function
Analysis Settings This provides access to the Analysis Method Editor, for more information
refer to Chapter 8. Click Settings as an alternate way to open the
Analysis Method Editor.
Import Analysis This imports analysis settings from an existing analysis method file and
Settings apply the settings to each selected file.
If no files (rows) in the table are selected, a prompt will appear to apply
the settings to all files.
Find Peaks The Find Peaks function analyzes the current data set. Each selected file
will be processed in sequence using the Analysis Settings stored in the
file.
If no files (rows) in the table are selected, a prompt will appear to process
all files.
Plots Menu
The commands on the Plots menu are described in Table 4-5.
Table 4-5 The Plots Menu
Command Function
Properties The peak labels can be adjusted in the Peak Labels tab so that any peak
attribute can be labeled on the plot next to each peak, refer to Peak Label
Options on page 62.
Overlay Selection The Overlay Selection is used to present two or more chromatograms on
a common set of axes. For more information, refer to Overlaying
Chromatograms on page 63.
Make All Plots When selected, the Make All Plots Identical option will cause all
Identical displayed plots to have the same attributes. The axes limits, plot labels,
colors, and so forth, will be adjusted on all the plot windows to be
identical to the currently selected plot. While selected, any further actions
to modify the plot window will affect all other displayed plot windows. For
example, zooming in a region of one chromatogram will also cause the
axes limits for all other chromatograms to be adjusted as well.
Auto Scale All Plots Auto Scale All Plots will disable the Make All Plots Identical feature and
will automatically scale all plot windows to fit the entire contents of their
individual chromatograms. It is possible that the resulting plot axes limits
will vary among each loaded data file.
Overlaying Chromatograms
To overlay chromatograms, select the data file rows in the peak table by holding Shift to select
multiple sequential rows, hold Ctrl to select multiple rows in any order, or use the pointer to drag
an area to highlight in a range. From the menu, choose Overlay Selection. The topmost data file
in the peak table selection will be used as the active chromatogram and the plot window will be
updated with overlays of the data from the selected data files. The overlays can be removed by
selecting Remove Overlays; this can also be done using the corresponding right-click plot
window menu item. For an example, refer to Figure 4-11.
Note: Depending on the configuration of the LC device, it may not be equipped with an
absorbance detector.
Summary Tab
The Summary tab will be presented when the Method editor is opened and is used to enter
descriptive information about the column used for a particular run (Figure 6-1). In addition, it
summarizes the information from the other tabs in the LC Method Editor dialog.
Selected Method
The Name field in the selected method region indicates the name of the LC method used. The
menu allows for selecting an existing method for viewing and editing. Save writes all the current
values from the Method Editor dialog tabs to the LC method file using the file name specified in
the Name field. Change the name and click Save to create a new method.
Method Identification
The Method ID field is a comment field that allows you to assign an identification number to the
LC method.
Column Identification
The Column Information region contains a series of fields which can be used to describe the
column used for a run. The entry of this information is optional.
The Manufacturer field is the name of the manufacturer of the column to be used for the LC
method.
The Type field is the description of column to be used in the current run. An example might be
C18, CN, and so forth.
The Serial Number field is the serial number of the column to be used with the method. The
Particle Size field is the particle size of the column stationary phase and the Diameter field is the
column inner diameter.
The Length field is the length of the column to be used with the LC method.
The Sample Injection, Flow Profile and Detection fields present information about system
conditions, and are not editable via this tab.
Detection
For devices that include a spectrometer, the Detection region displays the details of detection
data to be collected during the run of the LC method. Information includes data rate, wavelength
range and data file size.
Pre-Run
Flush column allows you to equilibrate the column prior to the run for a defined duration and flow
rate using the method initial mobile phase composition. The specified duration is the minimum
time that the column will equilibrate before acquisition begins. If the specified duration elapses
and the acquisition has not started (for example, column temperature has not stabilized), the
device will continue to equilibrate indefinitely.
For systems with column heaters, Stabilize column temperature sets the temperature (ºC) for the
column heater. Acquisition will not start until the column reaches the specified temperature within
0.1 ºC.
Sample Injection
The Sample Injection region allows you to choose between None, Standard, Metered, or Rapid
sample injection modes.
None indicates that the sample valve will not actuate during the acquisition.
Standard indicates that the sample valve will switch to the Inject position when the acquisition
begins and switch to the load position when the acquisition ends. As a result, the sample loop
remains in the flow path during the acquisition.
Metered injection mode offers the flexibility to vary the injection volume. The valve is switched to
the Inject position when the acquisition starts and the specified volume of sample is metered to
the column by the LC pumps at the specified conditions. After the specified volume is injected,
the sample valve switches to the load position so the sample loop is removed from the flow path
during the acquisition.
Rapid injection mode operates similar to Metered injection mode, but the LC pumps steadily
increase the flow rate during the injection (maintaining the initial mixture fraction) in order to
quickly meter larger sample volume.
Post-Run
Flush column allows you to rinse the column after the run is complete for a defined duration and
flow rate using the method ending mobile phase composition.
Flow Mode
The Flow Mode region allows you to choose between conserved flow and independent flow
modes.
• Conserved flow maintains a constant total flow rate for the entire duration of the
acquisition while varying mobile phase composition.
• Independent flow mode allows you to specify the independent flow rates of each
mobile phase.
Profile Editor
The Profile Editor region allows you to manually enter values for the mobile phase composition
profile by inserting values at different points in time.
Runtime is the total analysis time specified in minutes.
Total flow rate is the combined flow rate of both A and B mobile phases and is maintained
constant for the duration of the LC method run.
Note: Total flow rate is not shown for Independent Flow Mode.
The point selector scrolls through the programmed points of the profile.
Programmable Events
For device firmware versions X.39 or greater, Events are supported by the LC Method Editor
using the Flow Profile tab.
In the Flow Profile tab, a right mouse-click in the chart area displays the Event context menu,
from which one of 12 possible events may be selected (Figure 6-4). Up to 32 Events can be
inserted into the method. The event is inserted at the time located in the X axis where the right-
click was performed. The Event may be moved by dragging the pointer over the event flag icon.
Note: Total flow rate is not shown for Independent Flow Mode.
Detector Tab
The Detector tab is presented for instruments that include a spectrometer (Figure 6-6). This is
used to setup the spectral range that defines the main chromatogram as well as the rate at which
spectra are acquired.
Data Acquisition
The Approximate acquisition rate in Hz field specifies the data acquisition rate used to collect the
absorbance signal. For instruments equipped with an absorption spectrometer, an entire
absorption spectrum is measured at each time point.
The Average reference/background acquisitions field specifies the number of data points
averaged together to calculate the spectrometer dark current and reference signals prior to
initiating acquisition. The default value is 4.
Chromatogram
The Chromatogram region is used to indicate which mode of spectrometer acquisition to use.
Absorbance is the default selection as it is typically used for HPLC detection. However, for
diagnostic purposes, you can select either UV light Transmission or Detector counts for
monitoring system performance.
The Absorbance region defines the parameters used to display the single wavelength
chromatogram in the Acquisition Window. Two fields specify the spectral window wavelength
range by defining a center wavelength and a spectral band height.
The Wavelength corresponds to the center wavelength of the spectral window. It can be set to
within 1 nm of the specified detector wavelength range (for example, 201-C379 nm) as long as
the band height setting keeps the spectral window within this range.
The Bandheight is adjusted to set the wavelength range used to generate the chromatogram.
Wider band height can be used to reduce baseline noise, but large band heights can compromise
detector response linearity. The band height value is limited by the acquisition wavelength range.
For example, if Wavelength is set to 205 nm, the Bandheight can be no greater than 10 nm. The
minimal permissible band height setting is 1 nm.
Mode
The Mode region allows you to select between Single beam and Dual beam mode of operation.
In Single beam operation, the detector uses a detector reference signal acquired at the start of
the acquisition for the entire chromatogram. In Dual beam operation, the reference signal is
continuously measured with an independent spectrometer. In both cases the reference signal
uses the center wavelength and band height specified above.
Checking the Realtime baseline correction check box enables real time baseline correction. In
this case a region of the spectrum, typically on the red (high wavelength) end is used to
normalize the rest of the spectrum. This is useful for removing refractive index front which may
occur on injection.
With Realtime baseline correction enabled you fill in a Monitor baseline and Bandheight which
together determine the spectral window used to normalize the rest of the spectrum. Using typical
values of 360 nm for the monitor baseline and 20 nm for the band height would have the effect of
dividing all other wavelengths in the spectrum by the average normalized intensity between 350-
370 nm. This normalization occurs at each time point in the run. Here again the spectral window
defined by the monitor baseline and band height must fit within the specified range of the
detector (200-380 nm).
Selected 2D Method
The Name field contains the name under which the analysis method is saved. Its menu allows
you to select an existing analysis method for viewing and editing. Change the name and click
Save to create a new method.
Assign an ID number to a method using the ID field.
Save writes all the current values from the Method Editor dialog to a method file using the file
name specified.
2D Method Summary
The 2-D Method Summary region indicates the total number of steps, total duration of the run,
and the length of each reversed phase second-dimension gradient. These parameters are
entered in the Methods Step tab.
Sample Injection
The Sample Injection region allows you to choose between None, Standard, Metered or Rapid
sample injection modes.
• None indicates that the sample valve will not actuate during the acquisition.
• Standard indicates that the sample valve will switch to the Inject position when the
acquisition begins and switch to the load position when the acquisition ends. As a
result, the sample loop remains in the flow path during the acquisition.
• Metered injection mode offers the flexibility to vary the injection volume. The valve is
switched to the Inject position when the acquisition starts and the specified volume of
sample is metered to the column by the LC pumps at the specified conditions. After
the specified volume is injected, the sample valve switches to the load position so
the sample loop is removed from the flow path during the acquisition.
• Rapid injection mode operates similar to Metered injection mode, but the LC pumps
steadily increase the flow rate during the injection (maintaining the initial mixture
fraction) in order to quickly meter larger sample volume.
Salt Elution
The Salt Elution Method Region determines the detail of the separation in the first dimension.
Initial % salt elution is the percent composition of the B phase to elute the first fraction.
Final % salt elution is the percent composition of the B phase to elute the final fraction.
Number of salt increments is the total number of first dimension steps in the method. For
example, a 2-step method would only have the initial salt elution and the final salt elution.
Synchronization
The Synchronization region is used to determine how the two dimensions behave with respect to
one another.
Simultaneous Salt/RP steps is used to indicate that the two channels should run in parallel to
speed up the experiment. This requires that 2 traps or columns are installed in the 10-port valve.
While one salt fraction is eluting from the first trap onto the analytical column, the next salt
fraction will be eluting from the SCX column onto the second trap. When the Simultaneous Salt/
RP steps option is selected, the flow rates and duration for the Salt Elution and De-salt wash
(visible in the Advanced Options dialog) will automatically be adjusted to match the length of the
Reverse Phase method selected.
Alternating Salt/RP steps runs a salt step followed by a reversed phase step. Only one channel
will be active at any moment. When the Alternating Salt/RP steps option is selected, the flow
rates of the Salt Elution and desalt wash will automatically be set to the maximum (20 µL/min) to
allow for the shortest duration. These flow rates can be changed manually in the Advanced
Options dialog, refer to Figure 7-3.
Toggle valve after each step allows you to toggle the second dimension valve after each reverse
phase gradient is complete. This should be checked if two traps are configured on the second
dimension 10-port valve. Once one reverse phase gradient is complete, the valve will switch to
the other trap to start the gradient on the next fraction.
A checked Reset valve will make sure that the valve is returned to its starting load state at the
end of the method.
Export as 1 -D Methods opens a dialog which allows you to export the salt step and reverse
phase gradient methods as a series of 1-dimensional methods.
Advanced Options Presets opens up the Advanced Options dialog, refer to Figure 7-3.
Channel Definition
Salt Delivery Channel in the Channel Definition region selects the gradient pump channel (1 or 2)
and pump mobile phase (A or B) that contains the salt solution. The default setting is 1B.
Individual methods can be created, edited, and saved using Open, Save, Save As and Exit on
the File menu options.
Quantitation Tab
The quantitation tab shown in Figure 8-2 consists of two parts: the calibration table and
calibration curve window. The calibration table contains all the necessary information to
Options Tab
The Options tab shown in Figure 8-4 contains the settings for peak identification and
Quantitation. The options are divided into three sections:
Figure 8-4 The Options Tab of the Analysis Method Settings Dialog
Response - allows for the selection of the response to be used for solving for unknown
concentrations and generating calibration curves.
Peak Windows - presents the options for peak identification. For more information, refer to Peak
Identification on page 113.
Adding Standards - presents the options for updating the calibration table for automatic
calibration. For more information, refer to Chapter 11.
• New calibrants will replace previous values - allows for one replicate per level, each
new replicate will replace the last replicate.
• New calibrants are appended to previous values - allows for multiple replicates
If the response of the column drifts with time, it is important to perform a rolling average of
replicates by selecting the Average previous replicates check box. Rolling averages will replace
the oldest replicate with the latest replicate to account for any changes in response.
The Average previous number of replicates check box is selected if New calibrants are appended
to previous values is selected. If the check box is not selected, the table will contain all replicates.
Peak Results
Analyzing a chromatogram leads to a set of results for each identified peak. The results include
qualitative and quantitative properties that characterize the peak location and shape, the column
performance and the amount of substance that created the peak. Peak results are displayed in
the peak table in the Acquisition dialog, refer to Chapter 2.
The table columns can be customized using the Choose Peak Table Columns options on the
Analysis menu. The items that can be selected are indicated in Table 8-1.
The following results are available for display:
Table 8-1 Peak Results
Peak Type Description
Peak Name The name of the peak as entered in the peak table.
Peak Number The peak number is assigned in ascending order according to the
retention time.
Retention Time (min) Position of the maximum peak absorbance, determined from a
quadratic curve fitted to peak data points around the absolute
maximum.
Peak Height (mAu) The maximum absorbance of a peak, determined from baseline-
corrected absorbance values.
Percent of Total Height Percentage from the sum of all peak heights.
(%)
Area (mAu.s) The area between the baseline and the absorbance data from the
begin to the end of the peak.
Percent of Total Area Percentage from the sum of all areas.
(%)
Base Width (sec) The area between the baseline and the absorbance data from the
beginning to the end of the peak.
Width at 5% Peak width determined at 5 percent of the peak height.
Width at 10% Peak width determined at 10 percent of the peak height.
Width at 50% Peak width determined at 50 percent of the peak height.
Asymmetry at 50% The ratio of front to back width at 50 percent of the peak height.
Asymmetry at 10% The ratio of front to back width at 10 percent of the peak height.
Asymmetry at 5% The ratio of front to back width at 5 percent of the peak height.
Tailing Factor Ratio of total width to twice the front width at 5 percent of the peak
height.
Number of Plates (N) Number of theoretical plates based on different methods* [USP, DAB,
JP, EMG].
Number of Plates per Number of theoretical plates per meter based on different methods*
meter (N/m) [USP, DAB, JP, EMG].
Resolution Resolution between the peak of interest and the peak preceding it
based on different methods* [USP, DAB, JP, EMG].
Signal to Noise Signal to Noise Ratio.
*The available calculation methods are United States Pharmacopoeia (USP), German Pharmaco-
poeia (DAB), Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP) and the method based on the Exponential Modified
Gaussian (EMG) model.
Peak Asymmetry
Asymmetric peak shapes are characterized by different values for the front half width f and back,
or tail, half width b. As a quantitative measure of the peak asymmetry, the analysis module
provides values for the Asymmetry A
A=b/f
at 5, 10 and 50 percent of the peak height, and the Tailing Factor T which is calculated at 5
percent of the peak height:
T= (b+f)/2f
Figure 8-7 Asymmetric Peak with Front Width (f) and Back Width (b) indicated at 5, 10
and 50% of the Peak Height
Calculation Methods
The peak results include column performance parameters based on four different calculation
methods.
Figure 8-8 Tangent Method: The Base Width is Determined by the Intersection of the two
Tangents at the Inflection Points with the Peak Baseline
Resolution(R) between a peak of interest (peak 2) and the peak preceding it (peak 1):
Where:
t1,2 =Retention time of peak 1 and peak 2
W1,2 = Base width of peak 1 and 2 determined by tangent method
Where:
t1,2 = Retention time of peak 1 (2)
W1(2), 50 = Width of peak 1(2) at 50% peak height
Where:
t1 ,2= Retention time of peak 1 and peak 2
W1 ,2 = Width of peak 1 and 2 at 50% peak height
Where:
t = Retention time of peak
W10% = Width at 10% peak height
f10% = Front width of peak at 10% peak height
b10% = Back width of peak at 10% peak height
Resolution R between a peak of interest (peak 2) and the peak preceding it (peak 1):
With:
t1,2 = Retention time of peak 1 and 2
W1 ,2= Width of peak 1 and 2 at 10% peak height
Peak Detection
Detection Threshold
The Detection Threshold is applied to identify and locate peaks in a chromatogram. A non-zero
value is required by the software for the duration of the chromatogram. The threshold value is
specified as a percentage with respect to the highest value of the first derivative computed for the
entire chromatogram. A high value will suppress the detection of very slowly rising features and
small peaks while a low value will increase the number of small peaks that will be reported. The
default threshold value is 1%.
Table 9-1 Event Parameters
Event
Parameters
Start Time: Start using the specified value for the detection threshold
Stop Time: Stop using the specified value for the detection threshold
Parameter: Detection threshold
Minimum Area
The Minimum Area event sets a lower limit for the area that defines a peak. Features in a
chromatogram that lead to areas below this limit will not be reported as peaks. A positive value is
required by the software. The area is specified in units of mAU, the default value is zero.
Table 9-5 Event Parameters
Event
Parameters
Start Time: Start using the specified value for the minimum peak area
Stop Time: Stop using the specified value for the minimum peak area
Parameter: Minimum peak area
Shoulder Detection
Shoulders occur when two peaks are so close that no valley is formed in-between (for example,
Figure 9-1). The Shoulder Detection event enables the detection of shoulders attached to larger
peaks in a chromatogram. The shoulder detection algorithm is based on the second derivative.
The parameter indicates the sensitivity of the algorithm and is specified as a percentage with
respect to the highest value of the second derivative calculated for the entire chromatogram. A
higher value will decrease shoulder sensitivity, while lower values increase the sensitivity to
shoulder peaks. A zero value indicates that shoulder detection is turned off. Shoulder detection
will change peak boundaries and the integrated areas of parent peaks.
Table 9-6 Event Parameters
Event
Parameters
Start Time: Start using shoulder detection
Integration Off
Integration Off disables peak detection and peak integration during the specified time interval.
Table 9-7 Event Parameters
Event
Parameters
Start Time: Start disabling peak detection and integration
Stop Time: Stop disabling peak detection and integration
Negative Peaks
The Negative Peaks event can be applied to integrate portions of the chromatogram that are
below the baseline (for example, Figure 9-3). As a consequence, features that appear as deep
valleys are reported as true peaks.
Figure 9-4 Baseline with Negative Peaks Enabled between 5.5 and 8 Minutes
Valley To Valley
The Valley To Valley event is applied to groups of fused peaks. By default, a common baseline is
drawn for all fused peaks, with each peak separated by a vertical drop line. During a Valley To
Valley event the baseline is constructed by connecting the valleys in-between individual peaks.
Table 9-9 Event Parameters
Event
Parameters
Start Time: Start using valley to valley
Stop Time: Stop using valley to valley
Front Skim
The Front Skim event is applied to resolve one or several small child peaks or shoulder peaks
attached to the front of a larger parent peak. To construct the baseline of the child peak, three
options are available:
• Tangent skim leads to a straight baseline for the child peak(s)
• Gaussian skim leads to a Gaussian curve for the baseline of the child peak(s)
• Exponential skim leads to an exponential curve for the baseline of the child peak(s)
Table 9-10 Event Parameters
Event
Parameters
Start Time: Start of the first child peak
Stop Time: Stop of the parent peak
Parameter: Tangent, Gaussian or Exponential
Figure 9-7 Default Integration of Fused Peaks using Vertical Drop Lines
Back Skim
The Back Skim event is applied to resolve one or several small child peaks or shoulder peaks
attached to the back of a larger parent peak. To construct the baseline of the child peak three
options are available:
• Tangent skim leads to a straight baseline for the child peak(s)
• Gaussian skim leads to a Gaussian curve for the baseline of the child peak(s)
• Exponential skim leads to an exponential curve for the baseline of the child peak(s)
Table 9-11 Event Parameters
Event
Parameters
Start Time: Start of the parent peak
Stop Time: Stop of the last child peak
Parameter: Tangent, Gaussian or Exponential
Manual Baseline
The Manual Baseline event is applied to change a baseline of a peak without changing the
integration parameters. By default a baseline is constructed based on the peak boundaries as
they arise for a single isolated peak or in a group of fused peaks. A manual baseline is drawn
without changing the baseline of other peaks in the chromatogram. It is constructed by
connecting the data point at the specified start time with the data point at the specified stop time.
If the specified start time of the manual baseline is earlier than the start of the original baseline
the original start time is maintained. Similarly, if the specified stop time of the manual baseline is
later than the original baseline stop the original stop time is maintained.
Table 9-12 Event Parameters
Event
Parameters
Start Time: Start of manual baseline
Stop Time: Stop of manual baseline
Figure 9-14 Forward Horizontal Baseline Event between 4.5 and 7.2 Minutes
Figure 9-16 Baseline after Backward Horizontal Baseline Event between 4.3 and 5.75
Minutes
Figure 9-18 Baseline after Lowest Point Horizontal Baseline Event between 3.9 and 9.5
Minutes
Reset Baseline
The Reset Baseline event resets the baseline at the data point which corresponds to the
specified start time of the event.
Table 9-16 Event Parameters
Event
Parameters
Start Time: Start of reset baseline
Figure 9-24 Baseline after Force Peak Start Event at 8.75 Minutes
Figure 9-25 Baseline for Peak in Figure 9-23 after Force Peak Stop Event at 9 Minutes
Split Peak
The Split Peak event divides a peak by inserting a perpendicular drop-line at the specified start
time of the event. The feature to the left and right of the drop line are reported as two separated
peaks. If the start time is not within the peak boundaries of a detected peak, the event is ignored.
Table 9-20 Event Parameters
Event
Parameters
Start Time: Indicate when to split a peak
Merge Peak
The Merge Peak event reports the series of peaks between the start and stop of the event as one
peak. The retention time of the merged peaks is determined by the highest peak in the series. If
only one peak is detected between the start and stop time the event is ignored.
Table 9-21 Event Parameters
Event
Parameters
Start Time: Start of merge peak
Stop Time: Start of merge peak
Force Result
The Force Result event reports results for a peak in the specified time interval even if no peak
was detected. The event is useful to monitor peaks that are expected to emerge within a certain
time interval during a series of runs.
Table 9-22 Event Parameters
Event
Parameters
Start Time: Start of Force Result
Stop Time: Stop of Force Result
Manual Peak
The Manual Peak event defines a feature in a chromatogram as a peak that was previously not
detected. The event is convenient to force integration without changing other integration
parameters for a specific region of the chromatogram.
Table 9-23 Event Parameters
Event
Parameters
Start Time: Start of the manual peak
Reference Peak
The Reference Peak event defines the peak which is used to calculate the capacity factor and
relative retention. If no peak is detected in the time window defined by the start and stop of the
event, the capacity factor and the relative retention is set to zero. If more than one peak is
detected the retention time of the first peak is employed in the calculation. Only one Reference
Peak event can be entered into the integration timed event table.
Table 9-24 Event Parameters
Event
Parameters
Start Time: Start of the reference peak time window
Stop Time: Stop of the reference peak time window
Incompatible Events
The analysis module restricts the simultaneous use of certain timed integration event
combinations. It is not possible to enter an event to the integration timed event table if conflicts
arise with existing events. Conflicts are determined by checking for overlap between two events
or in case of an event with only a start or stop time if it is contained within a time interval defined
by another event.
Note: If an event is listed as conflicting with itself it cannot be applied a second time
within the range for which it already exists.
Note: If an event which is listed as not conflicting with itself is entered multiple times,
the parameter (e.g. detection threshold) which was entered last is applied during the
overlapping time intervals.
Peak Identification
Peak Identification is an integral part of quantitation. A peak cannot be quantified unless it is
identified. The identification must have the following information in the calibration table:
Name and Retention Time - The user must supply a name for each retention time in the
calibration table for identification.
Retention Time Window – The time window accounts for the variability or retention times by
providing an upper and lower bound for the search. Two types are available to the user.
• Absolute - The upper and lower bounds are user defined.
• Relative – The window is calculated by a percentage:
Peak Identification Rules - More than one peak can be located within the defined time window.
The identified peak is chosen from one of five possible rules:
Rule 1 - First Peak - the First Peak matching the criteria is found, refer to Figure 10-1.
Figure 10-4 The Third Peak is Found (the Last Peak in the Window)
Rule 5 - Best Match - finds the peak with most similar area relative to the indicated specification
in the calibration table.
Figure 10-5 The Middle Peak is Chosen because its Area is closest to 1100 mA2 (the peak
area in the calibration table was 1100 mA2)
Calibration
Calibration is based on the principle that a relationship exists between the amount of a chemical
compound and its measured detector response. The relationship (calibration curve) can be linear
or nonlinear and the calibration curves are stored in the calibration table.
Multiplication Factor - a correction factor that is used to convert units (for example, conversion
factor for grams to kilograms is 1000)
Dilution Factor - a correction factor that accounts for serial dilution
Types of Calibration
A calibration curve is characterized by the number of levels (for example, different amounts of
analyte in each sample). Each level can be comprised of one or more replicates. The calibration
curve is generated from the averaging the replicate amounts and response for each level.
• Single Level Calibration - a calibration that uses a single point. It assumes the
response is linear throughout the entire concentration range and the curve passes
through the origin. For an example of a single level calibration, refer to Figure 10-6.
Types of Fits
Linear Fit
A linear response follows the Beer-Lambert Law. The response of a chemical compound is
directly proportional to the amount of that compound. The following equation is used:
aX + b = Y
Where:
X = amount (ESTD), amount ratio (ISTD)
Y = response (ESTD), response ratio (ISTD)
A = slope
b = Y-intercept
Nonlinear Fits
If the response is nonlinear, the Quantitation module provides two polynomial fits: quadratic and
cubic.
Quadratic Fit
Quadratic - minimum of three calibration levels
Y = aX2 + bX + c
Where:
X = amount (ESTD), amount ratio (ISTD)
Y = response (ESTD), response ratio (ISTD)
a = coefficient 1
b = coefficient 2
c = Y-intercept
Cubic Fit
Cubic - minimum of four calibration levels
Y = aX3 + bX2 + cX + d
Where:
X = amount (ESTD), amount ratio (ISTD)
Y = response (ESTD), response ratio (ISTD)
a = coefficient 1
b = coefficient 2
c = coefficient 3
d = Y-intercept
Calibration Range
For Quantitation with nonlinear fits, the Quantitation routine module will provide concentrations
for unknowns that are bound by the lower/upper limits of the amounts for calibration curves.
Note: Ideally, the equation generated should include the origin (for example, the Y-
intercept = 0, detector has zero response when the compound is not present). The user
has the option to force the fit through zero.
Correlation Coefficient
The correlation coefficient measures how well a polynomial fit matches the data. As the
coefficient approaches one, the curve is a better representation of the data.
0 ==> No fit
1 ==> Perfect fit
Weighting Factor
A weighting can be applied to each point in a calibration curve. The choice of weighting factor
determines the importance of a data point within a given data range. For instance, a weight of 1/
Amount places more emphasis on points with a smaller amount.
Scaling Factors
The Quantitation module includes the ability to scale the X-axis of the calibration curves. For a
list of available scale factors, refer to Table 10-2.
Table 10-2 Scale Factors
Scale Factor
None
1/Amount
ln(Amount)
1/ln(Amount)
Sqrt(Amount)
Amount²
1/ResponseFactor
1/ResponseFactor²
ln(ResponseFactor)
1/ln(ResponseFactor)
Sqrt(ResponseFactor)
ResponseFactor²
Log(Amount)
1/Log(Amount)
Log(ResponseFactor)
1/Log(ResponseFactor)
Calibration Table
The calibration table contains all of the necessary information to perform Quantitation. The
following information is required to create the table:
• The retention time for each named peak
• Amounts for each peak
Note: The user can bypass calibration and perform peak identification by supplying the
retention time for a named peak.
Where:
a is the slope with units of Response/Amount.
The example equation is
Where:
a is the ratio:
b is the y – intercept.
Rearranging the equation leads to:
Overview
The Run Manager allows the user to automatically update calibration tables. Three pieces of
information are required for automation: an analysis method file, the standard amounts (ESTD/
ISTD), and the type of sample. Figure 10-10 shows the run table for generating an automated
two level ISTD calibration.
User Authentication
By default, the user authentication features are disabled when the software is first installed. This
is an open system configuration where every user who has access to the computer will have full
access to the software.
The first step to using user authentication is to enable it. Once user authentication has been
enabled, all users will be required to logon in order to access the software.
The software automatically queries both the domain controller and the local computer for a list of
available users. These user accounts are defined on the primary domain controller or on the local
computer, but the privileges that these users will have is defined on the software. Any Windows
user can access the software using the same accounts, assuming the right privileges have been
granted to the user.
To enable user authentication, access User Authentication on the System menu. If this feature
is accessed for the first time, or if you are positive that User Authentication is disabled, a user
logon prompt will appear. Before you can start the user authentication functions, you must
establish your role as a system administrator or a user with the User Administration right, for
more information, refer to Configure the User Manager on page 130.
If a valid system administrator username and password combination is supplied for the domain/
computer, the User Authentication dialog opens, refer to Figure 11-2.
• If User Authentication has been enabled, and you are not logged on as a system
administrator or a user with User Administration privileges on software startup, this
feature will be grayed-out on the main menu.
• If User Authentication is not enabled, you will be asked to establish system
administration credentials before you can access the User Manager dialog. In this
case, the User Logon window opens, refer to Figure 11-1.
To add and remove local or network users, make sure that the respective computer or domain is
being displayed in the User Manager, and click Add/Remove to open the Add Members dialog,
refer to Figure 11-5.
To change the number of levels used and/or the names of the roles, click Modify in the Electronic
Signature Roles region. This will display the Electronic Signature Roles dialog, refer to Figure 11-
6.
The reason selected will appear with this dialog. Edit the reason, and click OK to confirm the
changes. Click Cancel to exit without making any changes.
To delete an existing reason, select the reason to be deleted in the Electronic Signature Reasons
region and click Delete. Click Yes to proceed with deleting the reason, or No to cancel.
General Tab
The General tab of the Member Permissions dialog contains several permissions that deal with
general usage of the software. By default, all members automatically have permission to the
Start/Exit Software when they are added to the system while all other permissions under the
General tab are not granted. To give a member a particular permission under this tab, check the
check box of that right.
Start/Exit Software grants a user the right to log in to the software when it is launched. A user can
also exit the software in the main program under File, Exit. A user cannot log in to the software
without this right.
The UV Detector Toolbox right allows a user to launch the UV Detector Toolbox from the menu
option View > UV Detector Toolbox in the Acquisition dialog (this menu option is grayed-out if a
user does not have this right). For more information, refer to UV Detector Toolbox on page 23.
The Peak Park Toolbox right allows a user to launch the PeakPark Toolbox from the menu option
View > PeakPark Toolbox in the Acquisition window (this menu option is grayed-out if a user
does not have this right). For more information, refer to Peak Park Toolbox on page 22.
The System Logs right allows a user to view any of the available system logs from the menu
option
View > System Logs in the Acquisition dialog (this menu option is grayed-out if a user does not
have this right). For more information, refer to System Logs on page 25.
The Analysis Settings right allows a user to access the Analysis Settings dialog from the menu
option Analysis > Settings in the Acquisition window and Analysis Methods in the Run
Manager dialog (these controls are grayed-out if a user does not have this right). For more
information, refer to Chapter 8.
The Notification Options right allows a user to access the Notification Options dialog from the
menu option System > Notification Options in the main program (this menu option is grayed-
out if a user does not have this right). For more information, refer to Notification Options on
page 33.
The Appearance right allows a user to access the Appearance Settings dialog from the menu
option System > Appearance Settings in the Acquisition dialog (this menu option is grayed-
out if a user does not have this right). For more information, refer to Appearance Settings Dialog
on page 33.
The Mobile Phases right allows a user to access the Mobile Phases dialog from the menu option
System > Mobile Phases in the Acquisition dialog (this menu option is grayed-out if a user dos
not have this right). For more information, refer to Mobile Phases Dialog on page 35.
The Direct Control right allows a user to access the Direct Control dialog from the menu option
System > Direct Control in the Acquisition dialog (this menu option is grayed-out if a user
does not have this right). For more information, refer to Direct Control on page 37.
The Updates / Web Access right allows a user to check for software updates from the Eksigent
web site from the menu option Help > Check for Updates in the Acquisition dialog (this menu
option is grayed-out if a user does not have this right).
If you want to quickly select or deselect all permissions on this tab click on Check All or
Uncheck All.
None: Users cannot launch the Run Manager. The Run Manager button in the main program is
grayed-out.
Low : Low permission users can launch the Run Manager by clicking Run Manager in the main
program. The user can also exit the Run Manager. Under the File menu, the user can open,
export, and print pre-defined run tables.
Low permission users can also copy Run Table contents to an external medium such as Excel,
they can switch to the Acquisition dialog, they can view the contents of the Run Table by using
the scroll bars and resizing the column and they can access the Help menu.
Medium : Medium includes all actions available under Low, and the user can start and stop runs
by clicking Start or Stop.
Medium permission users can also select or deselect the Flush/Equilibrate When Idle selection
box.
High : High includes all of the actions available under Medium and the user can import content
into the Run Table from the File menu. The user has access to all items under the Edit menu to
modify the Run Table and has full direct access to modify the Run Table.
In addition, the High permissions user can use the tray graphic in the Current Tray frame to
modify the Run Table.
Full: Full permissions include all actions available under high as well as saving new or modified
Run Tables by using Save or Save As on the File menu.
The access permissions controls for some features of the Run Manager are not located in the
Run Manager tab of the Member Permissions dialog. These features include items in the Device
menu and buttons in the Method Definitions dialog. The right to access the Analysis Methods
button is controlled on the General tab, as outlined previously in this section. The access to the
remaining controls is defined on the Other tab, for more information refer to Other Tab on
page 140.
Data Tab
The Data tab of the Member Permissions Window (Figure 11-10) contains permissions that
deal with access of data in the main program and the application of electronic signatures. Much
like the Run Manager tab, this tab also uses a slider to determine a user level for data access.
The access levels, from least access to most access, are: None, Low, Medium Low, Medium,
Medium High, High, and Full. By default, all members have data access level None when they
are added to the system.
Table 11-2 Run Manager Permissions for Each Access Level (Continued)
None Low Medium Medium Medium High Full
Low High
Toggle Auto-Print
Save Data
Toggle Auto-Save
Apply E-Signatures
Revoke E-
Signatures
All controls for data access are found under the File menu in the Acquisition dialog. The
electronic signatures are applied in the Electronic Signatures dialog.
Open Data enables the Open command under the File menu in the Acquisition dialog.
Toggle Auto-Print enables the Auto-Print command under the File menu in the main Acquisition
dialog.
Save Data enables the items Save As and Output Options in the File menu of the Acquisition
dialog.
Toggle Auto-Save enables the Autosave command in the File menu of the Acquisition dialog.
Apply E-Signatures allows a user to apply electronic signatures in the Electronic Signatures
dialog.
Revoke E-Signatures allows a user to revoke electronic signatures in the Electronic Signatures
dialog.
The Electronic Signature role of the user can also be set in the Data tab. The E-Signature Role
menu is only enabled when the user has a Data level of Apply E-Signatures or Revoke E-
Signatures. By default all users have the lowest level of E-Signature role when they are added to
the system. Select a role appropriate for the user by using the menu. For more information, refer
to Chapter 12.
Diagnostics Tab
The Diagnostics tab of the Member Permissions dialog (Figure 11-11) contains permissions that
deal with using features in the Hardware Diagnostics dialog, refer to Hardware Diagnostics on
page 27. Much like the General tab, permissions are granted by checking the appropriate check
box. By default, all members have no permissions in the Hardware Diagnostics dialog when they
are added to the system.
Other Tab
The Other tab of the Member Permissions dialog (Figure 11-12) contains the remaining
permissions. Permissions are granted by checking the appropriate check box. By default, no
permissions on the Other tab are granted when members are added to the system.
Explorer
To locate the data files you want to view, use the Explorer region. When folders are expanded,
only data files and other folders, if any, will be displayed.
To view the data files in any particular folder, click on the folder in the explorer region. If any data
files exist in that folder, the files will be displayed in the Data Files region. A data file with a blank
notepad icon indicates that the file contains no signatures, while a data file with a pencil-notepad
icon indicates that the file contains at least one signature.
Data Files
The Data Files region contains three columns: File Name, Creation Date, and Last Modified. Like
the column titles suggest, the File Name column contains the name of the data file, the Creation
Date contains the date that the data file was created, and the Last Modified column contains the
date that the data file was last modified. Data file can be sorted in the Data Files region by any of
these three parameters. To sort, press on the column heading of the parameter to sort by. The
size of the columns can also be adjusted to suit your needs.
To view the signatures for any particular data file, click on any data file with the Pencil-Notepad
icon in the Data Files region, and all the signatures for that file will appear in the Signatures
region. Signature items are displayed with a paper-pencil icon. If the icon has a red X marked
through it, the signature has been revoked.
Signatures
The Signatures region contains six columns which are the aspects of an electronic signature
saved to file.
Signer is the Windows user name of the user signing the document.
Date is the date when the document was signed.
Role is the signature role of the user.
Reason shows the reason for the signature.
Revoke Date is the date a signature was revoked.
For signatures that are not revoked, the revoke date field will indicate active instead of a date.
The signatures can be sorted in the Signatures region by any of these parameters. To do so, click
on the column heading of the parameter. The size of the columns can also be adjusted to suit
your needs.
To view a signature in detail, select the signature in the Signatures region and click View. The
signature will be displayed in a separate dialog (Figure 12-2). This is useful if a signature
contains long comments.
At this point, you must logon as a system administrator or a user with the Apply E-Signatures
rights. If you logged on successfully, the Sign Document dialog will open.
If you have already established your credentials, as detailed in the last section, you will not need
to logon at this point. If you did not, the logon prompt (Figure 12-1) will open. Supply a valid user
account that is either a system administrator or a user with the Revoke E-Signatures right. If your
user account is neither of these, you will not be allowed to revoke a signature.
When revoking signatures, keep in mind that once a signature is revoked, it cannot be activated.
Signatures can only be revoked one at a time; there are no controls to revoke multiple signatures
simultaneously. Also users can only revoke their own signatures. No user can ever revoke any
other user signatures.
Overlay Selection 61
M overlaying, chromatograms 63
Main Plot Region, modifying the plot scale 15 Ownership Tags 20
Make All Plots Identical 61, 63
Managing Electronic Signature Roles 132 P
Managing User Permissions 134 Park Now button 22
Manual Baseline 98 Pause button 15
manual flush settings 36 PDF
Manual Peak 106 printing 21
manual purge settings 36 report 21
Math on/Between Sets 64 peak analysis 55
math operations, performing 64 peak asymmetry 87
menus peak detection events, defined 91
Acquisition Window 16 Peak Detection tab, overview 82
Edit 41 peak detection, disabling 94
File 18, 41, 57 peak identification 81
Peak Viewer 57 described 113
Plots 61 Options tab 84
Run Manager 39 peak integration events, defined 91
Merge Peak 105 peak integration parameters, setting 38
metered injection mode 76 peak integration, disabling 94
method editors 49 peak label options 62
Method Steps tab, 2-D Method Editor 76 Peak Park Toolbox, overview 22
Minimum Area 93 Peak Preview
Minimum Peak Height 93 File menu 57
Minimum Peak Width 92 function 20
mobile phases 36, 70, 71 overview 20
Mode, LC Method Editor 74 Peak Preview function 20
Monitor Folder 57 peak results
monitoring peak trends 54 calculation methods 87
moving multiple cells 46 displaying 85
Multi-Level Calibration 120 peak shapes, defined 87
Multiplication Factor 119 peak table
annotations 52
N customizing 16
Negative Peaks 94 overview 52
nonlinear fits 121 peak trends, monitoring 54
notification events 33 Peak Viewer utility
notification frequency 33 described 13
Notification Options 17 menus 57
overview 51
O peak-park for a fixed duration 23
Open command 18 Peaks menu 59
Options tab, peak identification 84 peaks, monitoring peak trends 54
Other tab 140 PID region, Calibration Values tab 29
Output D/A Range 32 plot axes, Appearance options 35
Output Folder field 19 Plot window, configuring 51
output options 19 plots
overlaid data, removing 56 areas 56
T
Tangent skim 98
Tile 56
total flow rate 14, 23, 37
Total Flowmeter Usage 28
Total Sample Injections 28
Trend tab 54
U
United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) Calcula-
tion Method 88
unknown chemical compounds, determining
83
usage counters, resetting 35
usage information 28
user
authentication 38, 129
permission 38
user authentication 129
User Authentication Window 130
User Logon dialog box 130
User Manager
configuring 130
overview 129
User Manager dialog box 130