阅读说明：本技术 色谱仪控制装置、色谱仪系统、色谱仪控制方法以及色谱仪控制程序 (Chromatograph control device, chromatograph system, chromatograph control method, and chromatograph control program ) 是由 渡辺覚 于 2018-10-26 设计创作，主要内容包括：由pH值范围注册部将使用各管柱进行分析时可使用的流动相的pH值的范围与各管柱的识别信息对应地进行注册。各流动相的pH值是由pH值注册部进行注册。用于分析的管柱是由管柱选择部进行选择。以不将所注册的pH值为与所选择的管柱对应地注册的pH值的范围外的流动相供给于所选择的管柱的方式,由分析控制部控制色谱仪装置。以一边将所注册的pH值为与所选择的管柱对应地注册的pH值的范围内的流动相供给于所选择的管柱,一边进行分析的方式,由分析控制部控制色谱仪装置。(The pH range registration unit registers a pH range of the mobile phase usable for analysis using each column in association with identification information of each column. The pH value of each mobile phase is registered by a pH value registration unit. The column used for the analysis is selected by the column selecting section. The chromatographic apparatus is controlled by the analysis control unit so that the selected column is not supplied with a mobile phase having a registered pH value outside the range of the pH value registered in association with the selected column. The chromatograph device is controlled by the analysis control unit so that the selected column is analyzed while the mobile phase having the registered pH value within the range of the pH value registered in association with the selected column is supplied to the selected column.)

1. A chromatograph control device that controls a chromatograph device that performs analysis of a sample using any one of a plurality of columns and any one of a plurality of mobile phases, characterized by comprising:

a pH range registration unit that registers a pH range of a mobile phase that can be used for analysis using each column, in association with identification information of each column;

a pH value registration unit for registering the pH value of each mobile phase;

a column selection unit that selects a column to be analyzed; and

an analysis control unit that controls the chromatograph device as follows: the selected column is not supplied with the mobile phase having the pH value registered in the pH registration unit outside the range of the pH value registered in the pH range registration unit in association with the column selected by the column selection unit, and the selected column is supplied with the mobile phase having the pH value registered in the pH range registration unit in association with the selected column while performing the analysis.

2. The chromatograph control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a pH range input unit that inputs a range of pH values of the mobile phase that can be used when performing analysis using each column, based on an operation by a user; and is

The pH range registration unit registers the range of the pH value input by the pH range input unit in correspondence with each column.

3. The chromatograph control apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising:

a pH value input unit for inputting the pH value of each mobile phase based on the operation of a user; and is

The pH registration unit registers the pH inputted by the pH input unit for each mobile phase.

4. The chromatograph control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by further comprising:

a mobile phase selection unit that automatically selects the plurality of mobile phases in sequence as mobile phases for analysis; and

an evaluation unit; and is

The column selection section is configured to automatically select the plurality of columns in sequence as columns for analysis,

the analysis control unit controls the chromatograph apparatus as follows: wherein the selected column is not supplied with the mobile phase having the pH value registered in the pH value registration unit out of the range of pH values registered in the pH value range registration unit in correspondence with the column selected by the column selection unit, and the selected column is supplied with the mobile phase having the pH value registered in the pH value registration unit in correspondence with the selected column within the range of pH values registered in the pH value range registration unit,

the evaluation section evaluates a result of the analysis performed by the analysis control section.

5. The chromatograph control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by further comprising:

a production unit that produces a batch file containing a combination of each column and each mobile phase; and is

The analysis control unit controls the chromatograph apparatus as follows: the analysis is performed according to the combination of the tubing string and the mobile phase contained in the batch file,

the creating unit creates the batch file such that a combination of the column and the mobile phase, the pH value of which is registered in the pH value registration unit being outside the range of the pH value registered in the pH value range registration unit, is not included in the batch file.

6. A chromatograph system, comprising:

a chromatograph device; and

the chromatograph control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3; and is

The chromatograph apparatus includes:

a plurality of tubular strings;

a mobile phase supply unit configured to supply any one of a plurality of mobile phases to any one of the plurality of columns;

a sample supply unit configured to supply a sample to the column; and

a detector to detect a sample passing through the column.

7. A chromatograph control method that controls a chromatograph apparatus that performs analysis of a sample using any one of a plurality of columns and any one of a plurality of mobile phases, characterized by comprising:

registering a range of pH values of a mobile phase usable for analysis using each column in association with identification information of each column;

registering the pH value of each mobile phase;

selecting a tubular string for analysis; and

controlling the chromatograph apparatus in such a manner that: the selected column is not supplied with a mobile phase having a registered pH value outside the range of pH values registered in association with the selected column, and the selected column is analyzed while being supplied with a mobile phase having a registered pH value within the range of pH values registered in association with the selected column.

8. A chromatograph control program that controls a chromatograph device that performs analysis of a sample using any one of a plurality of columns and any one of a plurality of mobile phases, and the storage medium is characterized by causing a processing device to execute:

registering a range of pH values of a mobile phase usable for analysis using each column in association with identification information of each column;

registering the pH value of each mobile phase;

selecting a tubular string for analysis; and

controlling the chromatograph apparatus in such a manner that: the selected column is not supplied with a mobile phase having a registered pH value outside the range of pH values registered in association with the selected column, and the selected column is analyzed while being supplied with a mobile phase having a registered pH value within the range of pH values registered in association with the selected column.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a chromatograph control device, a chromatograph system, a chromatograph control method, and a chromatograph control program for controlling a chromatograph device.

Background

A chromatograph device is known as a device for separating substances contained in a sample into different components. For example, in a liquid chromatograph apparatus described in patent document 1, a sample to be analyzed is introduced into a separation column (hereinafter, simply referred to as a column) by an auto sampler (auto sampling). Furthermore, an eluent (mobile phase) is supplied to the column by an eluent pump. The components of the sample introduced into the column are eluted separately due to the difference in chemical properties or composition, and detected by a detector.

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open No. 2008-224559

Disclosure of Invention

[ problems to be solved by the invention ]

In the chromatograph apparatus, it is necessary to appropriately select various analysis conditions such as a packing material of the column, a size of the column, a temperature of the column, a type of mobile phase, a pH value of the mobile phase, and a flow rate of the mobile phase. Therefore, the user analyzes the sample for each combination of various analysis conditions, and searches for an appropriate combination of analysis conditions. However, depending on the analysis conditions, a load may be applied to the column, which may cause the column to break.

The invention aims to provide a chromatograph control device, a chromatograph system, a chromatograph control method and a chromatograph control program capable of preventing a column from being damaged.

[ means for solving problems ]

(1) A chromatograph control device according to an aspect of the present invention controls a chromatograph device that performs analysis of a sample using any one of a plurality of columns and any one of a plurality of mobile phases, and includes: a pH range registration unit that registers a pH range of a mobile phase that can be used when performing analysis using each column, in association with identification information of each column; a pH value registration unit for registering the pH value of each mobile phase; a column selection unit that selects a column to be analyzed; and an analysis control unit that controls the chromatograph device in such a manner that: the selected column is not supplied with the mobile phase having the pH value registered in the pH value registration unit outside the range of the pH value registered in the pH value range registration unit in association with the column selected by the column selection unit, and the selected column is analyzed while being supplied with the mobile phase having the pH value registered in the pH value registration unit in the range of the pH value registered in the pH value range registration unit in association with the selected column.

In the chromatograph control device, the range of the pH value of the mobile phase that can be used when performing analysis using each column is registered in association with the identification information of each column, and the pH value of each mobile phase is registered. The column is selected for analysis. Here, the chromatograph apparatus is controlled so that the selected column is not supplied with a mobile phase whose registered pH value is outside the range of the pH value registered in correspondence with the selected column. On the other hand, the chromatograph apparatus is controlled so as to perform analysis while supplying the selected column with a mobile phase having a registered pH value within the range of the pH value registered in association with the selected column.

According to the structure, the following situation is prevented: and supplying a mobile phase, which is unusable in analysis using each column because the registered pH value is out of the range of the registered pH values corresponding to the selected column, to the column. Thus, breakage of the column can be prevented.

(2) The chromatograph control apparatus may further include: a pH range input unit that inputs a range of pH of the mobile phase that can be used when performing analysis using each column, based on an operation by a user; and the pH range registration unit registers the range of the pH value inputted by the pH range input unit in correspondence with each column. In this case, the user can easily input the range of pH of the mobile phase usable for analysis using each column in accordance with the identification information of each column by operating the pH range input unit.

(3) The chromatograph control apparatus may further include: a pH value input unit for inputting the pH value of each mobile phase based on the operation of a user; and the pH value registering part registers the pH value inputted by the pH value inputting part for each mobile phase. In this case, the user can easily input the pH of each mobile phase by operating the pH input unit.

(4) The chromatograph control apparatus may further include: a mobile phase selection unit that automatically selects a plurality of mobile phases in sequence as mobile phases for analysis; and an evaluation section; and a column selection unit configured to automatically sequentially select a plurality of columns as columns for analysis, the analysis control unit controlling the chromatograph apparatus as follows: the mobile phase, the pH value of which is registered in the pH value registration unit being outside the range of the pH value registered in the pH value range registration unit in correspondence with the column selected by the column selection unit, is not supplied to the selected column, and the mobile phase, the pH value of which is registered in the pH value registration unit being within the range of the pH value registered in the pH value range registration unit in correspondence with the selected column, is supplied to the selected column, and the evaluation unit evaluates the result of the analysis performed by the analysis control unit.

According to the structure, an analysis result corresponding to the combination of the column and the mobile phase is obtained, and the result of this analysis is evaluated. Thus, the user can easily determine the combination of the column and the mobile phase which is most suitable for the analysis of the sample. Further, even when analysis is performed while changing the combination of the column and the mobile phase, the mobile phase that is unusable in the analysis using each column is prevented from being supplied to the column. Thus, breakage of the column can be prevented.

(5) The chromatograph control apparatus may further include: a creation unit that creates a batch file (batch file) containing a combination of each column and each mobile phase; and an analysis control unit controls the chromatograph device as follows: the analysis is performed according to a combination of a column and a mobile phase included in the batch file, and the creating unit creates the batch file such that a combination of a column and a mobile phase, in which the pH value registered in the pH value registering unit is out of the range of the pH value registered in the pH value range registering unit, is not included in the batch file. In this case, the analysis control unit can easily control the chromatograph apparatus so that the mobile phase having the registered pH value outside the range of the pH value registered in association with any column is not supplied to the column in accordance with the batch file.

(5) A chromatograph system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a chromatograph apparatus, and the chromatograph control apparatus, the chromatograph apparatus including: a plurality of tubular strings; a mobile phase supply unit configured to supply any one of the plurality of mobile phases to any one of the plurality of columns; a sample supply unit for supplying a sample to the column; and a detector that detects the sample passing through the column.

In the chromatograph system, a chromatograph device supplies any mobile phase and sample to any column of a plurality of columns and detects the sample passing through the column. The chromatograph device is controlled by the chromatograph control device so as to perform analysis using the selected column. Here, the mobile phase that is not usable when performing analysis using the selected column is not supplied to the column. Thus, breakage of the column can be prevented.

(6) A chromatograph control method according to still another aspect of the present invention controls a chromatograph apparatus that performs analysis of a sample using any one of a plurality of columns and any one of a plurality of mobile phases, and includes: registering a range of a pH value of a mobile phase usable for analysis using each column in association with identification information of each column; registering the pH value of each mobile phase; selecting a tubular string for analysis; controlling the chromatograph apparatus in such a manner that: the selected column is not supplied with the mobile phase having the registered pH value outside the range of the pH value registered in association with the selected column, and the analysis is performed while the selected column is supplied with the mobile phase having the registered pH value within the range of the pH value registered in association with the selected column.

According to the chromatograph control method, the mobile phase that is not usable when the selected column is used for analysis is not supplied to the column. Thus, breakage of the column can be prevented.

(7) A chromatograph control program according to still another aspect of the present invention controls a chromatograph device that analyzes a sample using any one of a plurality of columns and any one of a plurality of mobile phases, the chromatograph control program causing a processing device to execute: registering a range of a pH value of a mobile phase usable for analysis using each column in association with identification information of each column; registering the pH value of each mobile phase; selecting a tubular string for analysis; and controlling the chromatograph apparatus in such a manner that: the selected column is not supplied with the mobile phase having the registered pH value outside the range of the pH value registered in association with the selected column, and the analysis is performed while the selected column is supplied with the mobile phase having the registered pH value within the range of the pH value registered in association with the selected column.

According to the chromatograph control program, the mobile phase that is not usable when the selected column is used for analysis is not supplied to the column. Thus, breakage of the column can be prevented. The chromatograph control program may be provided in a form stored in a storage medium.

[ Effect of the invention ]

According to the present invention, breakage of the pipe string can be prevented.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a chromatograph system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a chromatograph apparatus.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control device of a chromatography apparatus.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a column registration screen displayed on the display unit.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a mobile phase registration screen displayed on the display unit.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the mobile phase registration screen displayed on the display unit.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an algorithm of a chromatograph control process performed by the chromatograph control program.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an algorithm of a batch file creation process in the chromatograph control process of fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of an algorithm of a method searching (method searching) process in the chromatograph control process of fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an algorithm of another chromatograph control process performed by the chromatograph control program.

Detailed Description

(1) Structure of chromatograph system

Hereinafter, a chromatograph control device, a chromatograph system, a chromatograph control method, and a chromatograph control program according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a chromatograph system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 1, the chromatograph system 300 includes a processing apparatus 100 and a chromatograph apparatus 200.

The Processing device 100 includes a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 110, a Random Access Memory (RAM) 120, a Read Only Memory (ROM) 130, a storage Unit 140, an operation Unit 150, a display Unit 160, and an input/output Interface (Interface, I/F) 170. CPU 110, RAM 120, ROM 130, storage unit 140, operation unit 150, display unit 160, and input/output I/F170 are connected to bus 180. The CPU 110, RAM 120, and ROM 130 constitute the chromatograph control apparatus 10.

The RAM 120 is used as a work area of the CPU 110. The ROM 130 stores a system program. The storage unit 140 includes a storage medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 140 stores a chromatograph control program for controlling the chromatograph apparatus 200. The chromatograph control program may be stored in a storage medium different from the storage unit 140. The chromatograph control process described later is performed by the CPU 110 executing a chromatograph control program stored in the storage unit 140 or the like on the RAM 120.

The operation unit 150 is an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel. The display unit 160 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, and displays an execution screen of the chromatograph control process performed by the chromatograph control device 10. The input/output I/F170 is connected to the chromatograph apparatus 200.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a chromatograph apparatus 200. As shown in fig. 2, in the present embodiment, the chromatograph apparatus 200 is a liquid chromatograph apparatus, and includes a mobile phase supply unit 210, a sample supply unit 220, a column oven 230, and a detector 240.

The mobile phase supply unit 210 includes two liquid feeding units 211 and 212 and a mixing unit 213. The mobile phase supply unit 210 is provided with a plurality of (8 in the example of fig. 2) chemical solution bottles B1 to B8. Different aqueous solutions were stored as chemical solutions in the chemical solution bottles B1 to B4. Different organic solvents are stored as chemical solutions in the chemical solution bottles B5-B8.

The liquid-feeding portions 211 and 212 are, for example, liquid-feeding pumps. The liquid feeding unit 211 pumps the chemical liquid stored in one or more chemical liquid bottles selected by a switching valve, not shown, among the chemical liquid bottles B1 to B4. The liquid feeding unit 212 pumps the chemical liquid stored in one or more chemical liquid bottles selected by a switching valve, not shown, among the chemical liquid bottles B5 to B8. Further, degassing devices, not shown, are respectively inserted between the liquid feeding unit 211 and the chemical liquid bottles B1 to B4, and between the liquid feeding unit 212 and the chemical liquid bottles B5 to B8.

The mixing unit 213 is, for example, a gradient mixer (gradient mixer). The mixing unit 213 mixes the chemical liquid pumped by the liquid feeding unit 211 and the chemical liquid pumped by the liquid feeding unit 212 at an arbitrary ratio to generate various mobile phases, and supplies the generated mobile phases. The sample supply unit 220 is, for example, a syringe (injector). The sample supply unit 220 introduces a sample to be analyzed into any one of columns 231 to 233 described later, which is selected by a switching valve not shown, together with the mobile phase supplied by the mobile phase supply unit 210.

The interior of the column thermostatic bath 230 is adjusted to a prescribed certain temperature. The column thermostat bath 230 accommodates a plurality of (3 in this example) columns 231, 232, and 233. Each column 231 to 233 separates the introduced sample into components according to the difference in chemical properties or composition. The detector 240 detects components of the sample separated by each of the columns 231 to 233.

The chromatograph control device 10 controls the chromatograph device 200 so as to analyze the sample while changing the combination of the columns 231 to 233 and the mobile phase. Thus, a desired combination of analysis conditions for appropriately analyzing the sample is searched for. The exploration of such a combination of analysis conditions is called a method exploration. The configuration of the chromatograph control device 10 will be described below.

(2) Structure of control device of chromatographic instrument

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the chromatograph control device 10. As shown in fig. 3, the chromatograph control device 10 includes a pH range input unit A, pH value range registration unit B, pH value input unit C, pH value registration unit D, column selection unit E, mobile phase selection unit F, production unit G, analysis control unit H, substitution control unit I, acquisition unit J, and evaluation unit K as functional units. The functional section of the chromatograph control apparatus 10 is realized by the CPU 110 in fig. 1 executing a chromatograph control program stored in the storage section 140 and the like. A part or all of the functional sections of the chromatograph control device 10 may be implemented by hardware such as an electronic circuit.

The pH range input unit a displays, on the display unit 160, a column registration screen for inputting a range of pH values of mobile phases usable for analysis using the columns 231 to 233 of fig. 2 in association with identification information of the columns 231 to 233. In addition, the pH range input part A inputs the range of the pH value of the mobile phase which can be used when the columns 231-233 are used for analysis from the operation part 150 corresponding to the identification information of the columns 231-233.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a column registration screen displayed on the display unit 160. As shown in fig. 4, the column registration screen 161 includes a plurality of information input units 1 and 2. Each of the information input units 1 and 2 is a field for inputting a character string or a pull-down menu. The user can input the range of the pH value of the mobile phase in the analysis using each of the columns 231 to 233 by operating the information input unit 1 using the operation unit 150. The user can input identification information (in this example, the name, brand, stationary phase, pressure resistance, particle size of column packing, inner diameter of column, length of column, and the like) of each of the columns 231 to 233 by operating the information input unit 2 using the operation unit 150.

The pH range registration unit B registers the pH value of the mobile phase input to the pH range input unit a as a range of pH values of the mobile phase usable for analysis using the column, in association with the column specified by the identification information input to the pH range input unit a.

The pH input unit C displays a mobile phase registration screen for receiving an input of the pH of each mobile phase for analysis on the display unit 160. Then, the pH value of each mobile phase is inputted from the operation unit 150 to the pH value input unit C. The mobile phase used for analysis contained each chemical liquid accumulated in the chemical liquid bottles B1 to B8. The mobile phase may be a mixture of the chemical liquids stored in the chemical liquid bottles B1 to B4 and the chemical liquids stored in the chemical liquid bottles B5 to B8. Further, a mixed liquid of any one of the chemical liquids stored in the chemical liquid bottles B1 to B4 and any one of the chemical liquids stored in the chemical liquid bottles B5 to B8 may be used as the mobile phase.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a mobile phase registration screen displayed on the display unit 160. As shown in fig. 5, the mobile phase registration screen 162 includes a plurality of information input units 3 and 4. Each of the information input units 3 and 4 is a field for inputting a character string or a pull-down menu. The user can input the pH value of each mobile phase by operating the information input unit 3 using the operation unit 150. The user can input the name of the mobile phase and the like by operating each information input unit 4 using the operation unit 150.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the mobile phase registration screen 162 displayed on the display unit 160. In the example of fig. 6, the mobile phase registration screen 162 further includes a plurality of information input units 5. Each information input unit 5 is a field for inputting a character string or a pull-down menu. The information input units 5 can input names and blending ratios of the chemical liquids when the chemical liquids are blended. The user can input the pH value of the mobile phase, the name of each chemical liquid, and the blending ratio by operating each information input part 3-5 using the operation part 150.

The pH registration unit D registers the pH input to the pH input unit C for the mobile phase specified by the name input to the pH input unit C, the name of each chemical liquid of the mobile phase, the blending ratio, and the like.

The column selection unit E selects any one of the columns 231 to 233 based on an instruction from the operation unit 150. A user can indicate a desired one of the columns 231 to 233 by operating the operation unit 150. The column selection unit E automatically and sequentially selects a plurality of columns 231 to 233 as columns for analysis in the method search process described later.

The mobile phase selection unit F selects a mobile phase for analysis based on an instruction from the operation unit 150. The user can instruct any one of the liquids that can be supplied from the mobile phase supply unit 210 as a mobile phase for analysis by operating the operation unit 150. The mobile phase selection unit F automatically and sequentially selects a plurality of mobile phases as mobile phases to be analyzed in the method search process described later.

The creating unit G creates a batch file for analyzing a sample using various combinations of the columns 231 to 233 and the mobile phase. Here, when the pH value of any mobile phase registered by the pH registration unit D is out of the range of the pH value registered in association with the identification information of any column by the pH range registration unit B, the mobile phase may cause a load on the column. Therefore, the producing section G excludes the combination of the mobile phase and the string from the batch file.

The analysis control unit H controls the chromatograph apparatus 200 to analyze the sample while supplying the mobile phase selected by the mobile phase selection unit F to the column selected by the column selection unit E. In the method search process described later, the analysis control unit H controls the chromatograph apparatus 200 so as to analyze the sample while changing the combination of the columns 231 to 233 and the mobile phase, based on the column selected by the column selection unit E, the mobile phase selected by the mobile phase selection unit F, and the batch file created by the creation unit G. In these cases, the mobile phase having a registered pH value outside the range of the registered pH values corresponding to the columns 231 to 233 is not supplied to the columns 231 to 233.

Immediately after the mobile phase for analysis is changed by the analysis control unit H, the mobile phase before the change remains in the flow path of the chromatograph device 200 including the columns 231 to 233. Therefore, if the subsequent analysis is performed immediately after the change of the mobile phase, an accurate analysis result regarding the mobile phase cannot be obtained. Therefore, the replacement control unit I controls the chromatograph apparatus 200 such that: when the mobile phase used for analysis is changed, the mobile phase remaining in the flow path before the change is replaced with the mobile phase after the change. The subsequent analysis of the mobile phase after the change by the analysis control unit G is performed after the operation of the replacement control unit I.

The acquisition unit J acquires the detection results of the components of the sample by the chromatograph apparatus 200, and generates a chromatogram indicating the relationship between the retention time and the detection intensity of each component by processing the acquired detection results. The evaluation unit K evaluates whether or not the chromatogram generated by the acquisition unit J is good based on the degree of separation of the components shown in the chromatogram. Then, the evaluation unit K displays the evaluation result of the chromatogram on the display unit 160 in association with the combination of the analysis conditions under which the chromatogram was generated.

The user can recognize the optimum combination of analysis conditions by viewing the evaluation result displayed on the display unit 160. In addition, the display unit 160 may display the evaluation results of all the generated chromatograms, may display only the evaluation results of chromatograms having a certain or higher degree of goodness, or may display only the evaluation results of the chromatogram having the highest degree of goodness. When the evaluation results of all the chromatograms are displayed, the evaluation results of the chromatograms having a certain or higher degree of goodness of fit may be displayed so as to be recognizable, or the evaluation results of the chromatograms may be displayed in descending order of goodness of fit.

(3) Chromatograph control process

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an algorithm of a chromatograph control process performed by the chromatograph control program. In the chromatograph control process, first, batch file creation (step S1) shown in fig. 8, which will be described later, is executed. The batch file creation process is a process of creating a batch file for analyzing a sample using various combinations of the columns 231 to 233 and the mobile phase.

Then, the method search process of fig. 9 (described later) is executed based on the batch file created in step S1 (step S2). The method search processing is the following processing: the combination of the columns 231 to 233 and the mobile phase is changed and the sample is analyzed, and the chromatograms of the combinations are evaluated. After the method search processing of step S2 is executed, the evaluation unit K displays the evaluation result of the analysis processing on the display unit 160 (step S3), and the chromatograph control processing is ended.

(4) Batch document production process

Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an algorithm of a batch file creation process in the chromatograph control process of fig. 7. In the batch file creation process, the pH range input unit a causes the display unit 160 to display the column registration screen 161 (step S11).

Next, the pH range input unit a determines whether or not the range of the pH of the mobile phase is input in accordance with the identification information of any of the columns 231 to 233 (step S12). The user can input the range of the pH value of the mobile phase corresponding to any one of the columns 231 to 233 by operating the operation unit 150 on the column registration screen 161. When the pH range of the mobile phase is not input, the pH range input unit a proceeds to step S14. When the pH range of the mobile phase is input, the pH range registration unit B registers the input pH range of the mobile phase in correspondence with the column (step S13), and the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, the pH input unit C causes the display unit 160 to display the mobile phase registration screen 162 (step S14). Next, the pH input unit C determines whether or not a pH is input for any mobile phase (step S15). The user can input the pH value of any mobile phase by operating the operation unit 150 on the mobile phase registration screen 162. When the pH value is not input, the pH value input unit C proceeds to step S17. When the pH value is input, the pH registration unit D registers the input pH value of the mobile phase (step S16), and the process proceeds to step S17.

In step S17, the generation unit G determines whether or not an end input is instructed (step S17). The user can instruct the end of the input by operating the operation unit 150. If the end input is not instructed, the creating unit G returns to step S11. The user repeats steps S11 to S17 until the pH range of the mobile phase is inputted corresponding to all columns 231 to 233 and the pH of all the mobile phases is inputted to instruct the end of the input.

When the termination input is instructed, the creating unit G creates a batch file for analyzing the sample using various combinations of the columns 231 to 233 and the mobile phase (step S18). Here, when the pH value registered in association with any flow in step S16 is out of the range of the pH value registered in association with the identification information of any column in step S14, a batch file is created so that the combination of this flow and this column is excluded from the order of analysis. That is, the creating unit G gradually selects all combinations of selectable columns and selectable mobile phases in sequence, registers the selected combination of columns and mobile phases in the batch file if the pH value registered in association with the selected flow satisfies the condition of the range of pH values registered in association with the selected column, and does not register the selected combination of columns and mobile phases in the batch file if the pH value registered in association with the selected flow does not satisfy the condition of the range of pH values registered in association with the selected column.

(5) Method exploration process

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of an algorithm of the method search process in the chromatograph control process of fig. 7. In the method search process of fig. 9, the mobile phase selector F selects a mobile phase by selecting a combination of a first mobile phase and a column in the batch file created in the batch file creation process of fig. 8 (step S21), and the column selector E selects a column (step S22).

Next, the analysis controller H controls the chromatograph apparatus 200 to analyze the sample to be analyzed (step S23). In this analysis, the mobile phase selected in step S21 is supplied to the column selected in step S22. The acquisition unit J acquires the detection result of the component of the sample by the chromatograph apparatus 200 performed in step S23, and acquires a chromatogram by processing the acquired detection result (step S24). The evaluation unit K evaluates whether the chromatogram obtained in step S24 is good (step S25).

Next, the analysis control unit H determines whether or not analysis has been performed on all combinations of the mobile phase and the pipe string in the batch file (step S26). When the analysis is not performed for all the combinations, the analysis control unit H returns to step S21. At this time, the next combination of the mobile phase and the pipe column in the batch file is selected, and the steps S21 to S26 are repeated until analysis is performed on all combinations of the mobile phase and the pipe column. When the analysis is performed on all combinations of the mobile phase and the column in step S26, the analysis control unit H ends the method search process.

When the order returns from step S26 to step S21 and the mobile phase used for analysis is changed, the replacement control unit I controls the chromatograph apparatus 200 so that the mobile phase that remains in the flow path of the chromatograph apparatus 200 before the change is replaced with the mobile phase after the change. The mobile phase is replaced by supplying the changed mobile phase to the flow path for a predetermined time or a predetermined capacity.

(6) Effect

The chromatograph system 300 of the present embodiment includes a chromatograph control device 10 and a chromatograph device 200. In the chromatograph device 200, any one of the mobile phases is supplied to any one of the columns 231 to 233 by the mobile phase supply unit 210. The sample supply unit 220 supplies the sample to the same columns 231 to 233. The sample passing through the columns 231 to 233 is detected by a detector 240.

In the chromatograph control device 10, the pH range registration unit B registers the pH range of the mobile phase that can be used when performing analysis using each of the columns 231 to 233, in association with the identification information of each of the columns 231 to 233. The pH of each mobile phase is registered by the pH registration unit D. The columns 231 to 233 used for analysis are selected by the column selection section E.

Here, the chromatographic apparatus 200 is controlled by the analysis control unit H so that the selected column is not supplied with a mobile phase having a registered pH value outside the range of the pH value registered in correspondence with the selected column. On the other hand, the analysis control unit H controls the chromatograph apparatus 200 so that the selected column is analyzed while supplying the mobile phase, which has the registered pH value within the range of the pH value registered in association with the selected column, to the selected column.

At this time, the following is prevented: the mobile phase, which is unusable in the analysis using the columns 231 to 233 because the registered pH value is out of the range of the registered pH value corresponding to the selected columns 231 to 233, is supplied to the columns 231 to 233. Thus, breakage of the column can be prevented.

The plurality of columns 231 to 233 are automatically and sequentially selected as columns for analysis by the column selection unit E, and the plurality of mobile phases are automatically and sequentially selected as mobile phases for analysis by the mobile phase selection unit F. An analysis result corresponding to a combination of the column and the mobile phase is acquired by an acquisition section J, and the analysis result is evaluated by an evaluation section K. Thus, the user can easily determine the combination of the column and the mobile phase which is most suitable for the analysis of the sample.

(7) Other embodiments

(a) In the above embodiment, the chromatograph control device 10 includes the evaluation unit K, but the present invention is not limited thereto. When the user views the chromatogram to determine whether the chromatogram is good, the chromatograph control device 10 may not include the evaluation unit K. At this time, step S3 of fig. 7 and step S35 of step S25 of fig. 9 are omitted.

(b) In the above embodiment, the chromatograph apparatus 200 is a liquid chromatograph apparatus, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The chromatograph apparatus 200 may be another chromatograph apparatus such as a supercritical chromatograph apparatus.

(c) In the above embodiment, the chromatograph control device 10 performs the method search process, but the present invention is not limited to this. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an algorithm of another chromatograph control process performed by the chromatograph control program. In the chromatograph control process of fig. 10, S41 to S47, which are the same as steps S11 to S17 in the batch file creation process of fig. 8, are executed.

Then, the column selection unit E selects any one of the columns 231 to 233 based on the instruction from the operation unit 150 (step S48). Then, the mobile phase selection unit F selects any one of the plurality of mobile phases based on an instruction from the operation unit 150 (step S49). The user can instruct the required columns 231 to 233 and the required mobile phase by operating the operation unit 150. In addition, either step S48 or step S49 may be executed first.

The analysis control unit H determines whether or not the pH value registered in correspondence with the flow selected in step S49 is within the range of the pH value registered in correspondence with the identification information of the column selected in step S48 (step S50). When the pH value registered in association with the flow is within the range of the pH value of the mobile phase registered in association with the identification information of the column, the analysis control unit H controls the chromatograph apparatus 200 to analyze the sample to be analyzed (step S51). In the analysis, the mobile phase selected in step S49 is supplied to the column selected in step S48. Then, the analysis control unit H proceeds to step S52.

On the other hand, if the pH value registered in association with the flow is not within the range of the pH value of the mobile phase registered in association with the identification information of the column in step S50, the pH value registered in association with the flow is out of the range of the pH value of the mobile phase registered in association with the identification information of the column. At this time, the analysis controller H proceeds to step S52 without performing analysis. Thereby, the mobile phase having a pH value outside the range of the pH value registered for the column is prevented from being supplied to the column.

In step S52, the analysis controller H determines whether or not the end of the chromatograph control process has been instructed (step S52). The user can instruct the end of the chromatograph control process by operating the operation unit 150. If the end is not instructed, the analysis control unit H returns to step S48. Steps S48 to S52 are repeated until the end is instructed. When the end is instructed, the analysis control unit H ends the chromatograph control process.

In steps S48 to S50 in fig. 10, combinations of columns and mobile phases in which the pH values registered in association with the flow are outside the range of the pH values registered in association with the identification information of the columns may be displayed on the screen in which the user selects the columns and mobile phases.