FlowAccess TM V3 Windows software for Skalar SAN plus systems Version 3.1.0.4 and up GETTING STARTED
FlowAccess TM V3 Windows software for Skalar SAN plus systems Version 3.1.0.4 and up Getting started Publication No: 0101091B.US Issue date: May 2012 Copyright Skalar Analytical B.V. P.O Box 3237 4800 DE Breda The Netherlands Tel: +31 (0)76 5 486 486 Fax: +31 (0)76 5 486 400 E-mail: info@skalar.com Internet: http://www.skalar.com
Welcome to the FlowAccess V3 TM Windows Software This Getting started manual is meant as a quick start-up tutorial with a description of a simple system set-up, the set-up of a sample table and a group for analysis, running the set-up analysis and the data processing of the run. A few aspects like communication settings, peak editing and table editing are described. This tutorial does not describe all features of the software. These are described in the User Manual. Skalar Analytical B.V. P.O. Box 3237 4800 DE BREDA The Netherlands Tel: +31 76 5 486 486 Fax: +31 76 5 486 400 E-mail: info@skalar.com Internet: http://www.skalar.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE FlowAccess V3 TM SOFTWARE. 1-1 1.1 New Software... 1-1 1.1.1 System requirements... 1-1 1.1.2 PC requirements... 1-1 1.1.3 Installation instructions... 1-2 1.2 Communication settings... 1-2 1.3 15BThe FlowAccess V3 TM Main Window... 1-4 1.3.1 Login... 1-4 2 SYSTEM SETUP... 2-1 2.1 Defining the hardware of the system... 2-1 2.1.1 Connecting the hardware... 2-4 3 SETUP FOR ANALYSIS... 3-1 3.1 Introduction... 3-1 3.2 Method definition... 3-2 3.3 Group definition... 3-4 3.4 Setup of a sample table... 3-5 3.5 Hardware status settings... 3-9 4 ANALYSIS... 4-1 4.1 Starting an analysis... 4-1 4.2 Starting an analysis with time programming... 4-1 4.3 Real time viewing... 4-1 4.4 Viewing incoming results... 4-3 5 DATA PROCESSING... 5-1 5.1 Introduction... 5-1 5.2 PostAnalysis screen... 5-1 5.3 Peak editing... 5-3 5.4 Change of the table format... 5-4 5.5 Printing... 5-5 APPENDIX... 5-1
FlowAccess V3 TM GETTING STARTED CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION Preface: This chapter includes general information, software installation and requirements and security options.
Chapter 1 Introduction to the FlowAccess V3 TM software 1-1 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE FLOWACCESS V3 TM SOFTWARE This document is a step-by-step tutorial, which describes the basics how to create a simple system and how to work with it. The first step (Chapter 2) describes how to define a system from scratch. The second step (Chapter 3) describes how to define the methods and how to prepare an analysis table. The third step (Chapter 4) describes how to start and monitor the analysis. The fourth step (Chapter 5) describes the post-analysis data processing. 1.1 New Software The Skalar software package FlowAccess V3 TM will be preinstalled on the computer supplied by Skalar. Important note: If other programs then FlowAccess V3 TM are being installed Skalar does not guarantee the proper functioning of FlowAccess V3 TM If other computers then computers supplied by Skalar are used, Skalar will not guarantee the proper functioning of FlowAccess V3 TM 1.1.1 System requirements If you install FlowAccess V3 TM as an update for an existing system, always first contact Skalar for investigation of your system, as update on your system may be required. Updates may be required for samplers (EPROM/motors), rinsing valves (220 volt, plugs), interfaces (EEPROM) and detectors (plugs). 1.1.2 PC requirements Processor >2000 MHz RAM memory 4 GB Video memory 128 MB Hard disk drive at least 250 GB Available space 100 MB at least USB port 2.0 or higher COM port 1 x RS232 (9 pins) Parallel port 1 x (or printing on network) CD ROM drive 1 x (32 speed) Display monitor 19" TFT flat screen set 96 dpi Mouse, keyboard and printer Operating system MS Windows TM 7 Professional or Ultimate (recommended) 32/64 bit Note: OS must be installed completely, including screen resolution, fonts and original video drivers.
FlowAccess V3 Getting started 1-2 1.1.3 Installation instructions Notes: 1. It is strongly recommended to exit all applications before starting the installation. 2. Be sure to be logged in with all (administrator) rights to the computer before installing the software and the user account settings in Action Center must be set at Never notify. 3. Windows Installer version 3.1 (V2) has to be present on the PC before installing the FlowAccess V3 TM software. This Windows Installer can be downloaded from the website link as follows, http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=889482fc -5F56-4A38-B838-DE776FD4138C&displaylang=en 4. Read carefully the Last minute instructions and the FlowAccessV3 instructions 3.1.xx on the DVD before installation. The latter file contains information about the code to be inserted during installation. Installation: 1. Start Microsoft Windows. 2. Insert the DVD-ROM in the CD drive. After a few seconds the Autoplay screen is displayed. 3. Click Open folder to view files. Windows Explorer is opened with the DVD drive selected. 4. Double click on Setup.exe in the right part of the screen. The Install Wizard is opened and starts to prepare the installation.. 5. Follow the instructions on the screen for the installation of the software. Note: Make sure to select a convenient directory for the data. 6. When the software is installed the FlowAccess V3 TM program is displayed in the Programs group on the start bar and the FlowAccessV3 instructions manual is placed on the desktop. 7. Open the program by clicking the left mouse button. The program window as shown in Figure 1.4 will be displayed. Note: For the installation of an update refer to the User Manual. 1.2 Communication settings The communication settings for proper communication between the software program and the analyzer are set in the Communication Module. This program is present in the directory where FlowAccess V3 TM is installed. A. Log settings Activate the registration of the communication in a log file. This registration is important for locating errors in the communication. Each time the program is started a file called Communication Module.log starts to register every step in the communication between the system and the program. If any errors have occurred in the communication, this file can be viewed in Wordpad or Notepad or can be sent to Skalar for investigation. To activate the logging: 1. Open Windows Explorer and move to the directory where FlowAccess V3 TM is installed.
Chapter 1 Introduction to the FlowAccess V3 TM software 1-3 2. Double click on the file Communication Module.exe. The program is opened (see Figure 1.1). Figure 1.1 3. Select Logging from the File menu or click on the Logging icon (1 st left) on the toolbar. The Information Logging dialog box is opened (see Figure 1.2). Figure 1.2 4. Select Single file logging for the Log mode. 5. Check the options Read Packets and Write Packets and click OK. The dialog box is closed. 6. Close the Communication Module program. The file is saved in the FlowAccess V3 TM directory when the program is ended, but is overwritten as soon as the program is started again. Important note: Always rename a log file that needs to be checked for errors in the communication before the FlowAccess V3 TM program is re-started. B. COM port settings By default the program assumes COM port 1 of the computer is used for the connection with the analyzer system. If you use another COM port for the connection, this has to be changed in the Communication module (Communication module.exe). 1. Open Windows Explorer 2. Move to the directory where FlowAccess V3 TM is installed. 3. Double click on the file Communication Module.exe. The program is opened. Select Properties from the File menu or click on the Properties icon (2 nd left) on the toolbar. The Communication Settings dialog box is opened (see Figure 1.3).
FlowAccess V3 Getting started 1-4 Figure 1.3 4. Click the arrow for the port and select the proper COM port from the list. Check also if the option Connect to instrument is selected. 5. Click Apply and then OK to close the dialog box. 6. Close the Communication Module. 1.3 15BThe FlowAccess V3 TM Main Window When the software is installed a FlowAccess V3 TM icon is displayed on the desktop. Open the program by double clicking the left mouse button. The following screen is displayed (Figure 1.4). Figure 1.4 Main window 1.3.1 Login To be able to enter the program for the first time the master user name and password has to be entered. The master user name is Administrator and the password is admin. Warning: This password has to be changed into another (secret) password by the highest user (administrator) of the program to prevent unauthorized admission to the User Management window.
Chapter 1 Introduction to the FlowAccess V3 TM software 1-5 1. Click on Change Password. The screen of Figure 1.5 is displayed. 2. Type the old password (admin) again. Figure 1.5 Change password 3. Then type a new password and confirm the new password. 4. Select Change. A message is displayed that the password is successfully updated. 5. Select OK. The Login screen (see Figure 1.4) is displayed again. 6. Type the new password and select Login. The screen is closed. Only when the Administrator has logged in (the user name Administrator cannot be removed) the options User Management (see User Manual) and Login Settings (see User Manual) are available from the Settings menu. Note: As soon as you are logged in a message is displayed whether you want to restore the Prefab system setup database or not. Refer to the User Manual to restore the Prefab system setup. In this Getting Started manual a new system setup is created. As soon as a choice is made to use the original database a new message pops up (see Figure 1.6). Figure 1.6 Click OK. The Preferences screen is displayed with the Path settings all set on C:\ (see Figure 1.7). Click the Browse icon and select for each item the required subdirectory of FlowAccessPost. Note: The location of FlowAccessPost was selected during installation.
FlowAccess V3 Getting started 1-6 Figure 1.7 Preferences Note: For the settings in the other tabs of the Preferences screen refer to the User Manual. Click OK to close the screen. The screen displays now the main window with a menu bar, a toolbar and a two-pane window. The left pane shows the main parts of the program: System, Data Processing, Reports (optional), Quality Control (optional) and General Settings. The System tab (see chapter 2) is active (and the options displayed in the upper part) when the program is opened. The toolbar displays the shortcut icons for the system. Click on Data Processing (see chapter 5), Reports (optional) Quality Control (optional) or General Settings to make that tab active. Browse through the tabs and change the settings as required for your application.
FlowAccess V3 TM GETTING STARTED CHAPTER 2: SYSTEM SETUP Preface: This chapter gives detailed instructions for a complete system setup.
Chapter 2 System Setup 2-1 2 SYSTEM SETUP Before an analysis can be started the analyzer system has to be defined in all its aspects. In this Getting started manual a system setup for a system with system controller, consisting of a SA1050 sampler and 4 channels with digital detectors, will be explained. Note: For the setup of complicated systems and extended information about the setup, refer to the User Manual. 2.1 Defining the hardware of the system 1. Open the FlowAccess software and login as required.. 2. Select New System to create a new system. The Interface Settings screen (see Figure 2.1) is displayed (only when no system was yet defined) to set the hardware information of the system. 3. Select for each item the total number that is physically present on the system that is being setup. Figure 2.1 Interface Settings
FlowAccess V3 Getting started 2-2 Interface. For this system select interface type 8505. System Controllers. For this system select 1 system controller. Dual Detectors. For this system select 2 dual detectors. Density Meters. No density meter is selected for this system. Heaters. For this system select 2 heaters. External Valves. This option is for future use. Sampler Valves. This option is for future use. Sampler. For this system select 1 sampler. Single Detectors For this system select no single detectors. Rinsing Valves. For this system select 2 rinsing valves. External Rinsing Valves. This option is for future use. Channel Valves. This option is for future use. 4. Select Save and Continue. A message is displayed that the settings are successfully updated. 5. Select OK to close the screen. The Hardware Setup screen will be displayed (see Figure 2.2). Figure 2.2 Note: Make sure that the Add button is selected from the toolbar before the hardware is selected to be added. When any hardware has to be removed first select the Remove button and then click on the item to be removed. 6. Select the Sampler tab in the left pane. This tab has two sub-tabs: Samplers and Accessories. The Samplers sub-tab will be active. Then all available samplers are displayed. 7. Select the Add button (a + is added to the pointer) and click on the picture of the SA1050. The selected sampler is then displayed in the center pane. 8. Select the Accessories tab. The possible accessories (dilutor, valves and needles) are displayed.
Chapter 2 System Setup 2-3 9. Click on the dilutor. The dilutor is added to the sampler in the center pane. 10. Click on the valve. The valve is added to the sampler. 11. Then select the Module tab in the left pane. The options are displayed (the option module valve is not yet available). 12. Click on the picture of the module (the module part in the center pane turns white) and click once on a row in the white area for each module that is physically present on the system. In this example 4 modules. 13. Click on the picture of the heater in the left pane and click in the module in the center pane, where a heater is used to add the heater to the module. In this example module 1 and 4. 14. Select the Detectors tab. This tab has two sub-tabs: Digital detectors and Analog detectors. The Digital detectors tab will be active. 15. Click on the picture of the dual digital detector and click in the white area behind the module 1. Automatically two detectors are placed behind module 1 and module 2. Click again behind module 3. Automatically two detectors are placed behind module 3 and module 4. 16. Select the Pumps & Valves tab. Click on the picture of the pump and then click on the white area in front of module 1. 17. Click on the picture of the rinsing valves and then click twice on the white area in front of the pump: before module 1 and module 3. 18. Now click on the pointer and then on the pump. Then click three times on the arrow up icon in the toolbar to extent the pump over all modules in the module holder. 19. Then click on the first rinsing valve to extent the valve over a second module. Do the same for the second rinsing valve. 20. Click twice with the pointer on module 1. Type a name for the module. Repeat this step for module 2, 3 and 4. The system should now look like Figure 2.3. Figure 2.3
FlowAccess V3 Getting started 2-4 2.1.1 Connecting the hardware Now the hardware has to be connected. Note: Make sure to select the Connect tool each time a new part has to be connected. Always when the Connect button is pressed a + and tray is added to the pointer. As soon as then one of the parts to be connected is selected the + and tray is changed into an S until the connection part is selected. A Mismatch message is displayed when a connection is not possible. 1. Select the Sampler Connector tab in the right pane. 2. Select Connect in the toolbar. Click on the sampler in the center pane and then on the Sampler connector 01 in the right pane. The sampler and the connector get a pink lining to show that they are connected. 3. Select Connect. Click on the needle and then subsequently on module 1 to 4. The left front of the modules get a color lining with the same color as the needle to show the connection. 4. Select Connect. Click on the pump and then subsequently on module 1, 2, 3 and 4. The pump and the modules turn pink to show the connection. 5. Select the Detector connector tab. 6. Select Connect. Then click on module 1 and then on the detector behind the module. Repeat this step for module 2, 3 and 4. To show that they are connected the end of the module and the detector get a yellow lining. 7. Select Connect. Then click on the detector behind module 1 and then on dual connector 1,2 in the right pane. This means that also module 2 is automatically connected. Click on the detector behind module 3 and then on dual connector 3,4 in the right pane. This means also that module 4 is automatically connected. The connectors get a pink lining to show that they are connected. 8. Select the System controller tab. 9. Select Connect. Click on the pump in the center pane and then on the pump icon in the right pane. The icon turns green to show the connection. 10. Select Connect. Click on the first heater on the module and then on the Heater icon in the right pane. The icon turns green and the heater on the module gets a pink color. Repeat this step with the second heater. This heater also turns pink. Note: The digital detectors are already connected and are not separately connected to the system controller. This connection is for analogue detectors only. 11. Select the Rinsing Valve tab. 12. Select the Connect. Click on rinsing valve 1 and then on the connector 01. The rinsing valve turns pink and the connector gets a pink lining to show the connection. Click on rinsing valve 2 and then on connector 02. Also this valve turns pink and the connector gets a pink lining. 13. Select the Pointer button. Note: The Other Valves tab is for future use. The system should now look like Figure 2.4 (the names of the modules are just an example).
Chapter 2 System Setup 2-5 Figure 2.4 By means of the Properties tab all parts of the setup can be viewed with their status. Note: The status of the pump, heater, rinsing valves and detectors in the different modes (default, standby and online) can be set here as a standard for the system, but can be set also in the analysis window (see the User Manual). For this example we will set this in the analysis window. Click Save. Type the name of the group in the displayed dialog box and click Save again. The box is closed.. Note: If not all required connections were made a dialog box with warnings about the missing connections will be displayed. Make a not of the missing connections and close the box. Click Cancel in the dialog box and first connect the missing connections. Then save the system again. Click Exit to close the Hardware Setup screen. A confirmation is asked before the screen is closed. The Main screen will be displayed with the icon of the system just made. The system can now be opened for further setup in the Active System screen. Select the system in the Main screen and click on Open for Analysis.
FlowAccess V3 TM GETTING STARTED CHAPTER 3: SETUP FOR ANALYSIS Preface: This chapter gives detailed instructions for definition of the methods and groups and setup of a table.
Chapter 3 Setup for Analysis 3-1 3 SETUP FOR ANALYSIS 3.1 Introduction The system we just defined will be displayed as shown in Figure 3.1. Figure 3.1 Active System window The system is always displayed in default mode when opened the first time (for more explanation about the modes refer to the User Manual). In this window the methods on the modules for the analysis are defined and the group of methods that will be analyzed. Here also the status for the detectors, rinsing valves, heaters and pump can be defined (this can also be done in the system setup). To be able to run an analysis, a sample table will be made. The run is started and the Real Time screen is opened from this screen. When the run is finished PostAnalysis can be started from the File menu. For this example we will define four methods and group these methods for an analysis. We will make a sample table and then start the analysis.
FlowAccess V3 Getting started 3-2 3.2 Method definition There are several ways to open the method definition. The easiest way is to click on the toolbar icon Method and then on a channel in the displayed chemistry unit. The method definition can also be opened from the Method menu, but is then not attached to a channel. Four methods will be defined. 1. Select the Method tool and click on ch1 (Ammonia) in the chemistry unit. A dialog box is opened. 2. Select Create New Method and click OK. A dialog box is opened for the definition of the new method as shown in Figure 3.2 with the tab Peak Detection parameters displayed. Accept the default settings of this tab. Figure 3.2 Method Setup: Peak Detection parameters 3. Select the Peak Detection type tab and check if Normal is selected. 4. Select the Calibration tab. Figure 3.3 Method Setup: Calibration
Chapter 3 Setup for Analysis 3-3 5. Check Calibrate, accept the default calibration type (1 st Order ISO 8466-1) or select the required calibration type. 6. Enter for S1 - S5 the required values for the measuring range; automatically the Select box for each standard will be checked. 7. Enter mg/l in the field for the concentration units. 8. The screen should now look as in Figure 3.3. 9. Select the Result tab. Check the Perform Wash correction and Perform Drift correction tick box if not checked (see Figure 3.4). Figure 3.4 Method Setup: Result 10. Select the Post Dilution tab. Check the tick box for Post Dilution and select Concentration for the Over range threshold. Figure 3.5 11. Enter the threshold concentration and the post dilution factor.
FlowAccess V3 Getting started 3-4 3.3 Group definition 12. Click the Save tool button, enter a name for the method in the displayed box and click OK. The name of the method is added to the channel in the left pane. 13. Click on channel 2 in the left pane. 14. Select the Calibration tab. 15. Check Calibrate and accept the default calibration type (1 st Order ISO) 16. Enter required the values for the standards. 17. Repeat step 7-11. 18. Click the Save tool button, enter a name for the method in the displayed box and click Save. 19. Perform step 13-18 for channel 3 and 4. Enter for channel 3 the required values for S1-S5 and give the method a name. Enter for channel 4 the required values for S1-S5 and give the method a name. 20. The defined methods are now attached to the channels and the names of the methods are displayed in the left pane. 21. Click on the Exit button to close the Method Setup. Confirm the Method in the next dialog box by clicking Yes. The methods to be analyzed in one run must be grouped. 1. Select Group (a G icon is added to the pointer) and then click on the sampler. All channels turn white. 2. Click on all four channels. They will be colored green. 3. Click on the right mouse button in the chemistry unit and select Add groups from the pop-up menu. 4. Enter a name for the selected group (i.e. Demo ) and click OK. 5. The screen will now look like Figure 3.6. Figure 3.6 6. Again click Group and then click with the right mouse button on the chemistry unit.
Chapter 3 Setup for Analysis 3-5 7. Select Edit Group from the displayed menu. The Group Settings screen will be displayed (see Figure 3.7). Figure 3.7 8. Select the Post Dilution settings tab. 9. Check Post Dilution and press interval settings to enter the settings for the batch. For detailed information refer to the User manual. 10. Enter the required information about resamples, cascade dilutions and whether the post dilution factor is auto-calculated for the whole group or set with a factor. This factor overrules the dilution factors in the individual methods. Check Use mixing and select the number of times to mix. 11. Click Save to close the screen. 3.4 Setup of a sample table To be able to run an analysis a sample table has to be defined. An example of a table for a complete run that includes a tracer, drifts, washes, 5 standards and 45 samples will be given. 1. Click Table. The Load Table screen is displayed. 2. Select Create New Table. The Select Trays screen is displayed. Only the trays that can be present in the sampler type of the displayed system are shown in this screen, as the table is automatically attached to the sampler in the displayed system. 3. Place a checkmark for the trays used on the sampler (see Figure 3.8). Only trays that compare to the configuration of the sampler are available. The default needle height (sampling height), pick-up height (for dilution), dispense height and end volume (after dilution) are displayed and can be changed if required.
FlowAccess V3 Getting started 3-6 Figure 3.8 4. Click OK. The screen is closed and the Table Entry screen is opened (see Figure 3.9). Here the sample table, complete with standards, drifts etc. can be created. The easiest way to create a standard table is to use the Table Wizard. 5. Select the Table Wizard icon from the toolbar. Figure 3.9 6. The Table wizard screen will be displayed with the Setup Tab selected. Here the tray selection is shown, but cannot be edited here. 7. Select Tracer or click Next to insert de settings for the tracer (see Figure 3.10).
Chapter 3 Setup for Analysis 3-7 Figure 3.10 8. Enter the position of the Tracer in the sampler (i.e. ST5). 9. Select Drift/Wash or click Next to insert the settings for the Drift/Wash (see Figure 3.11). 10. Enter the position of the Drift in the sampler (i.e. ST4) and the interval of the drift/washes in the sample table (i.e. 10 positions). Figure 3.11 11. Select Standards or click Next to insert the information about the standards (see Figure 3.12). Figure 3.12
FlowAccess V3 Getting started 3-8 12. Enter the position of the first standard (ST1) and the total number of standards (5) and click Next or select Sample tab (see Figure 3.13). 13. Enter the number samples and the position of the first sample. Check the options Result selection and Post dilution. Figure 3.13 14. Select Next three times and then Create. The Table Entry screen is displayed with the complete table (see Figure 3.14). If required the identity for the unknowns can be entered. 15. To insert a sample or standard: Select the row above which a sample or standard has to be inserted and click the right mouse button. Select Insert row. Type the position and select the type from the drop down menu. Then the information is automatically filled in. Figure 3.14 16. Save the table and give the table a name. 17. Press Exit to return to the Active System screen. Note: If required, a pre-dilution factor and a pre-dilution position for the samples can be entered.
Chapter 3 Setup for Analysis 3-9 3.5 Hardware status settings Now is the time to switch on the pump, heaters, rinsing valves and detectors to stabilize the system before the run is started. (When you are familiar with the system, you can switch on the hardware before creating your sample table, so that the system is stabilized and ready for analysis when the table is ready). 1. Double click on the traffic light ( Status ) tool. A message is displayed if you want to switch from Default status to Online status. Click Yes. The status changes to the Online status and the traffic light turns green (also in the right pane the status change is displayed). 2. Select Control. 3. Click on the rinsing valve for channel 1 and 2. A dialog box is displayed. Click on the pink Water button. It turns green while the text changes into Reagent. Click OK to accept the settings and to close the dialog box. Repeat this step for the second rinsing valve for channel 3 and 4. The numbers in the valves are green now. 4. Click on the pump. A dialog box is displayed. Click on the red Off button. It turns green and the text changes into On. Click OK to accept the settings and to close the dialog box. The number in the pump will be green now. 5. Click on a heater. A dialog box is displayed. Click on the red Off button. It turns green and the text changes into On. Click OK to accept the settings and to close the dialog box. (Both heaters will turn on as they are connected to the same power strip). The H of the heaters will be green now. 6. Click on the detector for channel 1 and 2.. A dialog box is displayed. Click on the red Off button. It turns green and the text changes into On. Click OK to accept the settings and to close the dialog box. Repeat this step for the detector for channel 3 and 4. The detectors will now show a little green box. 7. Now wait about 15 minutes until the system is stabilized. Then click Baseline and then check the tick box in front of the Demo group. Figure 3.15
FlowAccess V3 Getting started 3-10 Then all channels on the chemistry unit will be checked (see Figure 3.15). 8. Select Start. Now the baseline can be viewed in the RealTime screen. Open the RealTime screen to check if the baseline is stable. 9. If the baselines are stable, close the screen and return to the Active System window. 10. Select Stop and then uncheck the Demo group. A pop-up window is displayed with the question if you really want to stop a certain channel. 11. Click Yes to stop that channel. Each channel has to be stopped individually. 12. Now the system is ready for analysis. Note: If no system controller is present on the system you can leave the system online, when you close down the program. When you start the program the next time the system is immediately ready for analysis (after a stabilizing time).
FlowAccess V3 TM GETTING STARTED CHAPTER 4: ANALYSIS Preface: This chapter gives detailed instructions about starting and monitoring the analysis.
Chapter 4 Analysis 4-1 4 ANALYSIS 4.1 Starting an analysis For a Quick start-up reference guide see Appendix Click on the (yellow) Start tool. A dialog box is displayed with the default name for the run file (run file format, as set in the Preferences screen). Note: If anything, necessary for the run, was not switched on, a message is displayed what is missing to start-up the analysis. (In this case you are asked if you want to proceed with the analysis while not all your rinsing valves or heaters are connected. Click Yes to continue). Accept the default name given to the file or type a new name. Click OK. The box is closed and the analysis will start. The yellow Start tool is grayed out and the Stop tool gets active (red). 4.2 Starting an analysis with time programming It is also possible to start an analysis with the aid of time programming. For more information about time programming and how to setup a time program, refer to the user manual. 4.3 Real time viewing During the run the on-going analysis can be displayed in Real-time. Select the Real-time tool on the toolbar. The Real time window is displayed by default with all 4 channels visible (see Figure 4.1). Figure 4.1
FlowAccess V3 Getting started 4-2 One channel view is active. To display one channel in the whole window double click in the title bar of a channel. The channel is then displayed with a menu and toolbar with all options for viewing and editing (see Figure 4.2). Figure 4.2 It is also possible to view the channels in a over layered view. Select Other views from the View menu. The Overlay display screen is displayed. Select the channels to be displayed. The view looks like Figure 4.3. Use the Exit button in the toolbar to return to the previous view. Figure 4.3
Chapter 4 Analysis 4-3 4.4 Viewing incoming results During the run it is also possible to view the incoming results, as soon as the initial wash has been measured. Close or minimize the Real time window and return to the Analysis window. Select Results from the Analysis menu or click the Results tool. The Results screen is opened (see Figure 4.4) displaying all results. Figure 4.4 As soon as the drift and wash after the standards have been measured, the calibration curve is calculated and the results can be displayed by selecting the Calibration tab (see Figure 4.5). Figure 4.5
FlowAccess V3 Getting started 4-4 It is possible to view the Statistics of the run or to add a dummy channel for calculation, refer to the User manual for these options. When the run is finished, the Real-time screen and/or The Results screen is closed and the Active System window is displayed again. The group shows Stopped. Note: When the Postdilution option was selected, the system will automatically perform post dilutions on the over range samples and subsequently analyze these dilutions. From the time the last sample of the normal run is taken, until the performance of the post dilution, the sampler is off. However, the status of the system stays on Analysis and the Real time and/or Results screen stay open. The results of the post dilution analysis are automatically added to the results. The original sample table is adapted with the post dilution samples and their positions. Wait until the system shows Stopped. Close the Active System screen to return to the Main window. Here the Data processing tab can be selected. In the case you do not want to validate your results directly, close the program.
FlowAccess V3 TM GETTING STARTED CHAPTER 5: DATA PROCESSING Preface: This chapter gives detailed instructions for handling the results of the analysis.
Chapter 5 Data Processing 5-1 5 DATA PROCESSING 5.1 Introduction In the Data Processing program the measured data are calculated and the results displayed. The results can be displayed in a flexible report format and printed. Also the statistics can be displayed. The layout of the results can be changed. The method set-up can be viewed and edited. This means that when a standard shows an outlying result due to wrong standard preparation, this result can be deselected, where after the results are recalculated. Peaks that are measured wrong due to disturbed peak shapes can be edited in the real-time screen and recalculated. 5.2 PostAnalysis screen The analysis run from chapter 5 can be opened here. 1. Start the FlowAccessV3 TM program. 2. Select the Data Processing tab in the left pane. 3. Select the desired run from the list in the right pane and then on PostAnalysis in the left pane. The PostAnalysis screen is opened with the layout of the system as used for the analysis (see Figure 5.1). Figure 5.1
FlowAccess V3 Getting started 5-2 4. Select Results. The Results screen is displayed (see Figure 5.2). The screen is the same as during analysis (see Figure 4.4), now with all results. Figure 5.2 To view the Calibration curves select the Calibration tab (see Figure 5.3). The calculated regression coefficient for each curve is shown. A good calibration curve in the first order has an r of at least 0.999xxx. Figure 5.3 To view the statistics or to edit the table or method, select the required tab. It is possible to edit the peaks and the format of the results.
Chapter 5 Data Processing 5-3 5.3 Peak editing To edit a peak close or minimize the Results screen to return to the PostAnalysis screen. 1. Select Real Time. The Real Time screen displays all channels of the run in separate windows (see Figure 4.1). 2. To be able to edit a peak, double click in the title bar of the channel where a peak is to be edited. This channel is then displayed in full screen with all options (see Figure 5.4). Figure 5.4 3. Select Peak Information from the Tools menu or the icon Peak Information from the toolbar. The Peak information screen is displayed (see Figure 5.5). The left pane shows the picking point of the initial wash, which is also encircled in the Realtime screen. Information about this point is shown in the right pane. 4. Select Forward. The next peak picking point (Tracer) is shown in the left pane and information about the peak in the right pane. The peak is encircled in the Realtime screen. In this way all peaks can be viewed. 5. Move to the peak to be edited and select Modify. The peak gets a blue Figure 5.5
FlowAccess V3 Getting started 5-4 cross. Select Backward or Forward or use the spacebar (when Backward or Forward is selected) until the blue cross is at the correct place of the peak. 6. Select Save and Close (the Modify button changed into Save as soon as the button was clicked). The new peak picking point is displayed in the Realtime screeen. 7. Close the Realtime screen. 8. Open the Results screen. The results are already recalculated with the edited values. 5.4 Change of the table format The default table format can be changed. In the example the weight factor is added to the table. 1. Select Results to display the results. 2. Select Format. The Results Format and Custom Chemistries screen is displayed (see Figure 5.6). Figure 5.6 3. Select Add. The items in the screen become available. 4. Check e.g, Weight in the Table Column. 5. Select Save. The Save View dialog box will be displayed. 6. Enter a name for the view and select Save. The box is closed. 7. Select the just created view from the drop down list in Available Views and select Show View. 8. The Custom Result screen is closed and the Weight factor is inserted as column in the results table.
Chapter 5 Data Processing 5-5 5.5 Printing The results calibration curves, the statistics and the table can be printed. To print the Results: 1. Select the tab Detailed results and press the Print button. 2. A Print Preview is opened (see Figure 5.7). 3. Press the Print button in the Print preview. The results are printed. Figure 5.7 To print the Calibration curves: 1. Select the tab Calibration. 2. Click on the calibration curve to be printed (each calibration curve is printed separately). 3. Press the Print button in the toolbar. The calibration curve is printed. To print the Statistics: 1. Select the tab Statistics. 2. Select the chemistry of which the statistics has to be printed in the toolbar. 3. Click in the graph where the required information has to be displayed and then select the required type of graph in the left pane. The information will be displayed. 4. Select Print Preview from the toolbar. The Print preview is displayed. 5. Set here the desired print options and press Print. The graph will be printed. To print the Table: 1. Select the tab Edit table and method. 2. Select the table to be printed from the Table entry list and click Edit. The table will be displayed. 3. Select Print in the toolbar. A screen is displayed where the columns to be printed can be selected/deselected. 4. When the selection is made click OK. The table is printed.
Appendix APPENDIX Quick start-up reference guide A. If no system controller is present: 1. Prepare fresh reagents and standards if required, fill the containers and place the inlet tubing in the containers. 2. Close the pump decks. 3. Switch on the computer and wait until the desktop is displayed. 4. Switch on the interface. 5. Switch on the sampler and let it initialize. 6. Switch on the analyzer, other hardware and gas supply (if present). 7. Let the system stabilize for about 30 minutes. 8. Open FlowAccess while the system is stabilizing. 9. Open the active system. 10. Prepare a sample table according the samples in the sampler. 11. Select the channels that are used for the analysis. 12. When the stabilizing time has passed, check the baseline in the Real Time screen. When the baseline is stable, an analysis can be started. 13. Close the Real time screen, stop the channels. 14. Select Analysis, select the group to be analyzed and select Start to start the analysis. B When a system controller is present: Two options are possible: 1. The system was shut down in a time program 2. The system is off. When the system was shut down in a time program: To start an analysis: 1. Prepare fresh reagents and standards if required and fill the containers. 2. Close the pump decks. 3. Wake up the system and set the system online with the Mode button. 4. Let the system stabilize for about 30 minutes. 5. Prepare during stabilizing a sample/system table according the samples in the sampler. 6. Select the channels that are used for the analysis. 7. When the stabilizing time has passed, open the Real time window and check the baseline. 8. When the baseline is stable, an analysis can be started. 9. Close the Real time screen and start the analysis.
FlowAccess V3 Getting started To start an analysis with a new time program: 1. Prepare fresh reagents and standards if required and fill the containers. 2. Wake up the system. 3. Prepare a sample table and set a time program for the analysis. When the system is off: To start an analysis: 1. Prepare fresh reagents and standards if required and fill the containers. 2. Switch on the computer and wait until the desktop is displayed. 3. Switch on the sampler and let it initialize. 4. Switch on the interface. 5. Start FlowAccess. 6. Open the active system. 7. Set the system online with the Mode button. 8. Let the system stabilize for about 30 minutes. 9. In the meantime prepare a sample table according the samples in the sampler. 10. Select the channels that are used for the analysis. 11. When the stabilizing time has passed, open the Real time window and check the baseline. 12. When the baseline is stable, an analysis can be started. 13. Close the Real time screen. 14. Start the analysis. To start an analysis with a new time program: 1. Prepare fresh reagents and standards if required and fill the containers. 2. Switch on the computer and wait until the desktop is displayed. 3. Switch on the sampler and let it initialize 4. Switch on the interface.. 5. Start FlowAccess. 6. Open the active system. 7. Prepare a sample table according the samples in the sampler. 8. Set a time program.
Appendix Quick shutdown reference guide A. When no system controller is present: 1. Place the reagent lines in distilled water and rinse the system for at least 20 minutes. 2. Switch off the hardware on the analyzer and the analyzer. 3. Close the FlowAccess program. 4. Switch off the sampler. 5. Switch off the interface. 6. Switch off the computer. 7. Open the pump decks. B. When a system controller is present: 1. Set the status on Standby to rinse the system. 2. After about 20 minutes set the system on Default. 3. Close the FlowAccess program. 4. Switch off the sampler. 5. Switch off the interface. 6. Switch off the computer. 7. Open the pump decks.