1

SSI EzChrom manual

For AC DHA plus Software
SSI EzChrom manual

Table of Contents page

Introduction ...................................................................................................... 1-3
EzChrom Client / Server Needs to Know ....................................................... 1-4
Network servers............................................................................................... 1-5
EzChrom ICONS ............................................................................................. 1-5
EzChrom Clients.............................................................................................. 1-5
AC Server ........................................................................................................ 1-5
AC Clients........................................................................................................ 1-6
Quick Installation and Configuration Guide .................................................. 1-7
General Configuration steps ............................................................................ 1-7
AC Server ........................................................................................................ 1-7
Standalone computer....................................................................................... 1-7
Client computer................................................................................................ 1-7
Configure the ICON .......................................................................................... 1-8
Install the Automation Toolbox....................................................................... 1-9
Create a folder for export files ...................................................................... 1-10
Setup AC Launcher on AC server................................................................. 1-11
Edit EzChrom Instrument logons ................................................................. 1-12
Manager protection........................................................................................ 1-13
Configure the firewall..................................................................................... 1-14
Tips ................................................................................................................ 1-14
DHA Instrument Editor................................................................................... 1-15
Configuring GC Methods............................................................................... 1-16
Default GC methods support ......................................................................... 1-16
GC method characteristics ............................................................................ 1-16
No support of AC PTV injector................................................................... 1-16
Correct integration events for a GC method .............................................. 1-17
Setup the Post processing options ............................................................ 1-17
Dual Channel Injections................................................................................. 1-21
Instrument configuration ............................................................................ 1-21
GC Method modifications .......................................................................... 1-23
Configure the DHA Application database .................................................... 1-25
Sequence Editing ........................................................................................... 1-27
What is a Sequence?..................................................................................... 1-27
Creating a sequence...................................................................................... 1-27
Saving a Sequence........................................................................................ 1-29
Start the Sequence ........................................................................................ 1-29
Loading a Sequence...................................................................................... 1-29

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Introduction

Introduction
This manual describes the procedures to follow if the DHA plus software is
setup for the Scientific Software EzChrom data system.

The supported EzChrom versions is 3.1.6.

The first part describes how to setup your GC methods for correct usage with
the DHA plus software.

A special sequence editor must be used for a correct usage of the DHA
software. The purpose of the sequencer is to prepare a list of samples to be
analyzed according to a certain application and attach DHA information to each
sample.

The sequencer will automatically start the prepared list on the selected
instrument.

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EzChrom Client / Server Needs to Know

EzChrom Client / Server Needs to Know

File Server
no EZChrom installed
Enterprise Path for Methods and Data
AC Temp dir : \\fileserver\temp

File Server can be accessed,

Enterprise not available for users.

AC projects only for 6850

[Link]” user

6890
AC Server
Login as: [Link]
EZChrom Client
AC server programs 6890
AC Databases
AC Shared Directories

EZChrom icons controls GC’s

AC Database connection
AC Shared directories
Domain Server

used to set user rights,

Client Computers printers
Login as: user (many)
EZChrom Client
AC Clients
User-rights are limited!! EzChrom

AFS (advanced Files security) in use.

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EzChrom Client / Server Needs to Know
EzChrom can be setup as a client / server data system. This makes it difficult for
AC software to operate and certain rules must be followed in order to install the
AC software.

Network servers
The client / server setup of EzChrom is shown in the previous picture. The setup
is based on 2 server computers:
• Domain Server
• File Server

The domain server is only used to create a windows domain that sets user
rights and make printer connections.

The file server is used to store all methods, analyses and other relevant files.
The main location is called the enterprise.

Both servers do not have EzChrom installed.

EzChrom can make use of Enhanced File Security. This means that all
analysis information like GC methods, sequences and data analysis are stored
in projects on the file server. User can not access these files directly but only
through the EzChrom user interface.

EzChrom ICONS
ICONS are small computers using Windows XP embedded that are mainly used
to access and control gas chromatographs. They have no monitor and keyboard
interface although these can be attached. No other programs should be installed
on icons. The icons are accessed through the network by EzChrom clients.

EzChrom Clients
EzChrom clients are computers with limited user rights. They are used to start /
stop sequences on the icons and to process analysis data. They do not have
direct access to the enterprise path.

AC Server
AC programs needs EzChrom in order to obtain analysis information or start
sequences.

AC programs also make use of SQL databases to store vital information.

Therefore a third computer must be setup as AC server on which the main AC

server programs are running. This computer must have the following properties:
• EzChrom must be installed.
• The computer must have access to AC projects on the enterprise.

An AC User group must be created on the domain. This group must have the
right to access certain projects on the enterprise path. This means that these
projects must be modified on the file server for access.

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EzChrom Client / Server Needs to Know
Users that will use AC instruments must be added to the ac user group.
The AC server must always be logged on by a user that is part of the ac user
group.

The AC server must run a small program called [Link]. This program
is running on the background and is shown as with an AC icon in the windows
notification area. This program is looking in a shared directory on the file server
for special reporting files generated by the EzChrom AC method. This program
will launch the AC calculation program for the generated report.
AC Clients
An ac client computer can be setup as well. This computer will access AC
databases on the AC server as well as any shared directories.

This computer must have the following properties:

• EzChrom must be installed.
• The computer must have access to AC projects on the enterprise.

Users must be logged on as part of the ac user group otherwise the programs
can not function.

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Quick Installation and Configuration Guide

Quick Installation and Configuration Guide

General Configuration steps
1 Configure the ICON.

2 Install the Automation Toolbox.

AC Server
1 Decide which EzChrom client computer will be used as main AC Server
Computer. This computer must be accessible through the network.

2 Create a folder for export files on the server computer.

3 Install the AC software and select Server if requested during the installation
screens.

4 Setup AC Launcher on AC server.

5 Edit EzChrom Instrument logons.

6 Configure the firewall.

7 Connect DHA application with an Instrument

8 Configuring the GC methods.

9 Configure the DHA Application database.

Standalone computer
1 Create a folder for export files called c:\temp

2 Install the AC software and select Standalone if requested during the

installation screens.

2 Setup AC Launcher on AC server.

3 Edit EzChrom Instrument logons.

4 Connect DHA application with an Instrument

5 Configuring the GC methods.

6 Configure the DHA Application database

Client computer
1 Configure the firewall.

2 Install the AC software and select Client if requested during the installation
screens.

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Configure the ICON

Configure the ICON

The ICON controls the gas chromatograph and gathers the data. For AC
programs the ICON must also export the analysis results and data to an export
directory.

A printer driver must be installed on the ICON in order to perform this task. It
does not matter if a physical printer is not attached.

Select a HP LaserJet printer in the case that no printer is attached.

For details how to setup a printer driver on the ICON, refer to the manual of
Scientific Software OPENLAB ICON XP.

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Install the Automation Toolbox

Install the Automation Toolbox

The automation toolbox is used in AC software to connect to EzChrom by
software. AC software will not function without this component.

This software is not always installed on the EzChrom computers and is also not
a part of AC installation software since it is licensed by SSI.

To check if the component is installed follow the following procedure:

1 Open the Microsoft Windows Explorer.

2 Go to the program folder in which EzChrom is installed.

3 Check if the program [Link] exist.

4 Double – click the program.

5 Perform this on all computers used by AC programs.

A dialog will be displayed telling you that the component is successfully

registered.

Contact your local SSI agent in order to acquire this component if it does not
exist and you do not have an installation package.

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Create a folder for export files

Create a folder for export files

EzChrom needs to export reports and chromatographic data files to a location
where Simdis can read them. Therefore a folder must be created on the
fileserver (if there is one available) or the AC server computer.

1 Open the Microsoft Windows explorer.

2 Go to a location on your drives where you want create a folder.

3 Create the folder with as name EzExport or for standalone c:\temp

4 Make the folder a file share with share name EzExport

Note The share name may be different but remember that it is used in other setup
screens as well. So use your share name in those cases.

5 Set the permissions on the file share to allow everybody to Full Control

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Setup AC Launcher on AC server

Setup AC Launcher on AC server

The AC server must run a small program called [Link]. This program
is running on the background and is shown as with an AC icon in the windows
notification area. (on the lower right side near the clock).

This program is looking in a shared temporarily directory on the file server for
special reporting files generated by the EzChrom AC method. This program will
launch the AC calculation program for the generated report.
The main task of this setup is that the program must be directed to look in the
file share to which the EzChrom reports are exported.

1 Double click the AC icon in the notification area.

2 Select file / options. The dialog options (see above)

3 Type in the path to the directory on the fileserver that is shared for temporarily
files \\ComputerName\EzExport. Make sure that the path exists on the
fileserver and create it otherwise. See section “Create a shared folder”.

4 Set the interval that the launcher will look into the directory. The default sets the
interval on 5 seconds.

5 Press ok and exit the program with file / exit.

Note The program is still running as notification icon.

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Edit EzChrom Instrument logons

Edit EzChrom Instrument logons

This program is only used for use with SSI EzChrom. AC Software needs logon
information for EzChrom in order to retrieve the raw chromatogram and the
integration peaks.

All information is stored in an SQL database that can be accessed in client /

server environment.

This manager sets up a database with instrument logon information. The

program is password protected, so that illegal use can be prohibited.

Start the EzChrom logon program by selecting windows start\programs\AC

Analytical Controls\My software\ Edit EzChrom Instrument logons menu.

The first dialog is the login box to verify that the user is allowed to modify the
information.

Note This dialog will only appear if a manager login is defined in the program. After a
clean installation the dialog will not appear.

Just enter your manager name and password and press ok.

The next dialog is used to set the instrument logon information.

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Edit EzChrom Instrument logons
The available EzChrom Instruments are shown in the right box. You can move
the instrument to be an AC instruments by selecting the instrument in the box
and pressing the add button.

The remove button can be used to remove AC instruments.

Note Only instruments used for AC applications like DHA, SIMDIS and Reformulyzer
need to be selected.

Clicking the instrument in the configured AC instruments box will set the
instrument login information for that instrument.

Change the information in the fields to your requirements. It must be the same
information that you use to login in on the instrument in EzChrom. Click the
update button is the instrument information is correct and must be stored.

Manager protection
The program can be password protected, so that illegal use can be prohibited.
Simply select the menu file / manager login.

Type your name and password. You will be requested to enter name and
password the next time you start the program.

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Configure the firewall

Configure the firewall

It is difficult for AC to specify settings for your firewall, since we do not have
knowledge about your firewall.

Secondly you may need an IT person to set things right.

Tips
1 The best solution might be to turn off the firewall first.

2 Then configure the AC software the regular way.

3 Test if AC software is functioning correct.

4 Then enable the firewall again.

5 Set AC executables to allow passage through the firewall by adding them to the
firewall’s exceptions list.

6 Test AC functionality again.

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DHA Instrument Editor

DHA Instrument Editor

The instrument editor is used to link instruments with application databases.
This is the first tool that you need to configure your DHA.

Warning EzChrom stores methods under projects. The project can have a different name
as the instrument name. This information is stored in the EzChrom logon
database. This database must be edited prior of using this program. Use the
Edit EzChrom Instrument Logons under the windows start menu.

Next to the fact that instruments are linked with the appropriate database, GC
methods will be copied to the instruments to be used.

Start the instrument editor by selecting windows start\programs\AC Analytical

Controls\DHA plus\DHA Instrument Editor menu.

The left box lists the available instruments that the data system has.

The right box lists the selected instruments for DHA. Instruments can be
moved from one box to another using the arrow buttons.

The bottom box lists the properties of the selected DHA instrument. You must
set the application for the instrument in the dropdown box. The method path
listed is given by the data system for your information. GC methods will be
copied to this location. No methods will be copied if the path is empty, the user
must then copy them manually from the main application path. This path is the
same as the DHA server directory.

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Configuring GC Methods

Configuring GC Methods
Default GC methods support
The supplied methods are only valid for an Agilent 6890 gas chromatograph
with integrated auto-sampler.

The methods can be installed for the corresponding instrument by using the
DHA Configuration editor program. This program is described in the installation
manual.

Warning The PTV settings can not be set in the GC method for combi instruments. You
must set these on the instrument. Leave the column off in the method.

GC method characteristics
There are predefined GC methods to control a GC and perform peak integration.
It is however sometimes necessary to create a new method or modify an
existing. To perform such a task you need to enable or leave some method
parameters in order to use the method with the DHA software.

The basic part of the GC method is the instrument control section containing the
oven temperature program and other GC parameters. For information of how to
setup this, refer to the appropriate EzChrom Elite manual.

The method exports the needed information to ASCII files that are moved to the
analysis directory. Without this DHA will fail to analyze data.

No support of AC PTV injector

The current revision of EzChrom does not support the AC PTV injector.
Therefore the method must not contain column information.

The PTV is only used in DHA combi instruments.

1 Turn off the “Use this column” checkbox in the “inlet pressure” tab of the
instrument setup.

The next options must be performed on the GC keypad. The settings are not
overwritten during a method download of EzChrom. The bold text is the GC
keypad button to be used.

2 Configure the GC column dimensions. (Config Col 1 or Col 2)

3 Configure the cooling air settings for the injector. (Config Front Inlet or Back
Inlet)

4 Enter the temperature program of the used injector. (Inj Temp)

5 Set the EPC on constant flow and enter the required flow (Col1 or Col 2).

Note The system cannot use different injector settings in one sequence, since manual
user intervention is necessary.

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Configuring GC Methods
Correct integration events for a GC method
The integration part is critical. The integration report output must be directed
that a CSV file will be generated.

The last part of the GC method is the post processing ability. After the analysis
is run, the DHA program must be started to calculate the DHA results and create
and / or print the DHA report.

1 Open an analysis in EzChrom Elite

2 Load the necessary GC method

3 Tune the integration events such that all components are integrated.

Note For detailed information about the events refer to the EzChrom Elite manual.
5 Save the GC method

Setup the Post processing options

1 Use File / Method / Open to open the GC method.

2 Select the advance method options using menu command Method / Advanced.

The next dialog is opened:

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Configuring GC Methods

3 Select the Chromatogram in the combo box.

4 Click the ASCII in the parameters to export box and then click the green arrow
to move it to the right.

5 Select as field separator the ‘<tab>’ character.

6 Enter or select a path for export files. This path is used to store the sample
information report in after the analysis. The path must be a file-share on the
fileserver for client / server operation.

7 Now select the files tab.

8 Select the columns / performance tab.

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Configuring GC Methods

9 Enable the calculate performance parameters for this channel.

10 Select the advanced reports tab.

11 Enable the export box for the first line.

12 Click the report template name and the click the arrow button inside to open
the browser window.

13 Open the “DHA [Link]” in the template directory and then choose the open
button.

14 Click the export path and type in a path for export files. The path must be a
file-share on the fileserver for client / server operation.

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Configuring GC Methods
15 Click the export file name and type in “<F>.AC1”.

16 Make sure that your path for export files exist by creating it with your explorer.

17 Close the dialog and save the method.

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Dual Channel Injections

Dual Channel Injections

It is possible to use dual channel injections with the DHA plus software. Dual
channel injection is a technique to increase your sample analysis throughput. It
requires the same hardware (injector, column and detector) on the back channel
of a 6890 gas chromatograph.

It is necessary to prepare your DHA for dual channel injections since there are
some specials rules that should be applied for correct functioning on EzChrom.

These rules are:

• There must be 2 GC methods, one front and one rear.
• The GC methods must be similar in GC control parameters for both
channels.
• The data filenames must be unique for both channels. (This is forced
by the AC DHA Sequencer by adding an ‘F’ or ‘R’ for the data
filename)
• A front table and a rear table sequence must be made. (Can be
done with the AC DHA Sequencer)
• The GC methods in a sequence line on front and rear must be
different in name.

Instrument configuration
Your have to modify the EzChrom Instrument configuration in EzChrom. Check
your manual of EzChrom how to enter this area. The next screens show the
dialogs that must be changed in this configuration editor.

The above screen is shown if you open the editor. The screen shows the final
configuration for dual channel. You must add 1 detector (assuming detector1 is
configured).

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Dual Channel Injections
1 Click the detector button on the left and clicking the arrow right.

2 Double click the new icon. The detector configuration dialog will then appear.

3 Type in the detector name and select the icon next to the detector model. The
lower dialog will then appear.

4 Select signal2 in the dialog and press ok.

5 Then set the units and multiplier like above and click ok.

6 Now double click the HP6890 icon.

7 Set the back detector to FID and press ok.

8 Double click the HP auto sampler.

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Dual Channel Injections

9 Enable the rear injector button and set his parameters like the front injector.

10 Enable the dual tower mode and click ok.

11 Close the instrument configuration editor.

The instrument is now configured for dual channel injection.

GC Method modifications
There are no dual channel methods supplied by AC. You must make them
yourself.

1 Open the instrument

2 Open an existing single channel method.

3 Select the second signal in the top scrollbar (see below).

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Dual Channel Injections

4 Set the export and column / performance tabs just like the settings for FID1.

5 Set the integration events for the second signal.

6 Store the method.

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Configure the DHA Application database

Configure the DHA Application database

The DHA application database holds all information about the application like
components and information from the connected instruments.

Note A DHA Application database can maintain settings of one or more instruments.

Use DHA System maintenance to connect the EzChrom instrument with DHA.
This will establish the following goal:
• The GC method can be linked with a calibration pool in order to distinct
between different methods during calibration and sample analyses.
1 Open DHA plus from the Windows Start menu.

2 Log in as administrator

3 Select the menu Maintenance / Instrument

3 Click the Edit button for the Instrument or use Add to create a new instrument.

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Configure the DHA Application database
4 Enter the exact name of the EzChrom instrument in the instrument name field.

5 Select the appropriate application.

6 Link each GC method with a calibration pool (Poolname). Do NOT add the
extension to the method name.

A pool name is a name identifying a storage apartment for the filenames of

calibration analyses. The pool name must be a normal text string. GC methods
using the same pool name will store or retrieve calibration information from the
same storage apartment.

Note You can use the pool to connect different GC methods to a different set of
calibration files.
You must setup your instrument for dual channel injections by adding both
methods with a different pool name (see also the chapter about Dual Channel
Injections earlier in this manual).

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Sequence Editing

Sequence Editing
What is a Sequence?
A sequence is a series of instructions that automates the analysis of samples.
A sequence can be used to inject each sample automatically, and to acquire
and analyze the data according to the settings specified in the sequence.

A sequence can also include calibration samples and/or reference samples to

validate the data.

For use with DHAplus AC created a sequence editor. This is an external

program that only modifies the needed information for DHA.

For more detailed information about how to use sequences refer to the manual
of EzChrom.

Creating a sequence
1 Open the sequence editor “DHA EzChrom Sequencer” from the main DHA
menu under the windows start menu.

2 Select the appropriate instrument and type in the login information for this
instrument.

Note This information is vital to connect to the DHAplus database to retrieve sample
type information and method names. Please make sure that the DHA
configuration is performed first.

The following screen will open.

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Sequence Editing

3 First select the correct project for the instrument. The information will be stored
for the future so that the default will be set for the instrument.

The instrument and application fields are not editable. They reside just as
information for you.

4 To create a new sequence, select Sequence / New in EzChrom.

5 Enter a data sub directory using valid filename characters (no

,.<>?/\”’;:!@#$%^&*()). A long filename is permitted. All your data analyses will
be stored under the project root in this directory.

6 Enter a data file naming string according to EzChrom rules. The dropdown box
can be used to select special insertion options at the selected character
position:
• Date and Time: Injection date and time
• Injection Vial : Injection bottle number
• Instrument Name: Name of instrument
• Line Number : Number of sequence line
• Method Name : GC method name
• Sample Name : Name of sample
• User Name : Name of user
7 Edit the sequence table view by adding your sample analyses using the
append, delete and insert buttons.

The Sequence Table determines which sample vials are to be analyzed and the
order in which the sample vials are analyzed. This table also contains
information about each sample, including the name and quantification
parameters. These quantification parameters indicate:

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Sequence Editing
• Bottle : vial position in sampler tray.
• Sample Name : short descriptive name of sample
• Sample Type : Used in DHAplus for optimized sample handling.
• Inj/bottle : number of injections that are performed on the bottle.
• Sam. Wt: total amount of the sample in the vial. A negative sample
amount will not be accepted. A sample weight is used only for
internal standard (ISTD) calculations.
• ISTD Wt : total weight of internal standard added.
• GC Method : Name of GC method
• Inj Vol : injection volume in µl.
• Density: Used for conversion of crude front end analysis into
volume%

These quantification parameters of the sequence will be reported together with

the generated data and chromatogram.

A specific field in the table is selected just by clicking it with the mouse. Press
[Tab] or [Shift Tab] to switch between the columns of the table. To go from one
row position to another, press [⇓] or [⇑].

Enable the dual channel sequence for dual channel injections. The front and
rear injector buttons will be enabled. Use the front and rear injector buttons to
switch from sequence injector table.

Warning You must select a different GC method for both channels on the same sequence
line otherwise the export of the analysis will fail.
Note You need to prepare your instrument in order to do this and also need the
necessary dual channel license for EzChrom.

Saving a Sequence
Save the created sequence using Sequence / Save. Using Save will replace
and overwrite the existing data.

Start the Sequence

Starting of the sequence can be performed from out the sequence editor. Simply
press the Run button in the toolbar.

All further actions like viewing the instrument must be performed using regular
EzChrom procedures.

Loading a Sequence
It is possible to load a sequence as well as long as it is created using this
program.

Note It is NOT possible to create sequences in EzChrom and load these in the DHA
EzChrom Sequencer.

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