Method for configuring a system for chemical separation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method (500) performed by a system (110) operable to configure a chemical separation system (120), the method comprising: receiving (510) system hardware configuration data, the system hardware configuration data is indicative of at least a fluid manipulation module (1211-12NM) of the chemical separation system (120), a desired functionality of the fluid manipulation module, and a fluid network (210) comprising a fluid coupler configured to fluidly couple the fluid manipulation module (1211-12NM); identifying 520 a first set of functional blocks for providing the desired functionality to the indicated fluid manipulation module; generating (530) a second set of functional blocks by clearing a third set of functional blocks from the first set of functional blocks using the configuration data to eliminate dead code; the second set of functional blocks is sent to the system (120).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for configuring a system for chemical separations. Background Art

[0002] In order to efficiently perform chemical separations, such as in liquid chromatography, the system must be configured to support the desired chromatographic process. This involves tedious and time-consuming manual work.

[0003] Typically, a plurality of fluid manipulation modules are selected and fluidically coupled via a fluid network. By combining different fluid manipulation modules, different functionalities may be implemented and / or achieved.

[0004] In one example, the addition of a fluid manipulation module in the form of a pump and conductivity sensor enables the performance of chemical separations based on conductivity using gradients.That is, the functionality associated with a particular fluid manipulation module depends in part on the selection of additional fluid manipulation modules.

[0005] A subset of the fluid handling modules each comprises a control unit, such as a programmable logic controller PLC.Thus, the software required to provide the desired functionality of the fluid handling modules will vary depending on the selection of the further fluid handling modules.

[0006] In conventional solutions, an expert system can be used to generate a configuration and identify the fluid handling module, the desired functionality, and the required (one or more) fluid couplers. The chemical separation device or system is then assembled according to the configuration. Software, typically in the form of function blocks for a PLC, is loaded into the control unit of the fluid handling module in the assembled chemical separation device or system.

[0007] This has the disadvantage that software supporting all of the functionality that a particular fluid handling module can provide is loaded into the respective control unit. Including software that is not used but could still be executed erroneously greatly increases the risk of errors and reduces overall safety.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for an improved method for configuring an apparatus or system for chemical separations, in particular for configuring software for the apparatus or system. Purpose of the Invention

[0009] An object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a solution that alleviates or solves the above-mentioned disadvantages and problems. Summary of the invention

[0010] The above and further objects are achieved by the subject matter described herein.Further advantageous implementation forms of the invention are further defined herein.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects are achieved by a method performed by a system operable to configure a chemical separation system, the method comprising receiving system hardware configuration data, wherein the system hardware configuration data at least indicates a fluid manipulation module of the chemical separation system, desired functionality of the fluid manipulation module, and a fluid network including a fluid coupler configured to fluidically couple the fluid manipulation module; identifying a first group of functional blocks for providing the desired functionality to the indicated fluid manipulation module; generating a second group of functional blocks by purging a third group of functional blocks from the first group of functional blocks using the configuration data to eliminate dead code; and sending the second group of functional blocks to the system.

[0012] In one embodiment according to the first aspect, generating the second group of functional blocks comprises mapping the desired functionality to corresponding functional blocks included in the first group of functional blocks, and identifying the third group of functional blocks as blocks included in the first group of functional blocks that have not been mapped to the desired functionality.

[0013] In one embodiment according to the first aspect, the method also includes storing data related to the chemical separation system by storing in a database an identification of the chemical separation system, an identification of the functional blocks in the second group of functional blocks, a version identification of the functional blocks in the second group of functional blocks, and an identification of the fluid manipulation module to which each functional block in the second group of functional blocks is associated.

[0014] In one embodiment according to the first aspect, the function block is a function block defined by the IEC 61131-3 standard.

[0015] In one embodiment according to the first aspect, the system hardware configuration data indicates a fluid manipulation module selected from one or more of an inlet port module, a system pump module, a pressure sensor module, a mixer module, an air capture module, a conductivity module, a column module, a UV module, a pH module and an outlet module.

[0016] In one embodiment according to the first aspect, the system hardware configuration data indicates at least a flow scheme for directing fluid to and from the system and for operating the fluid manipulation module of the system according to a selected protocol.

[0017] The advantage of the present disclosure according to the first aspect is at least that the fully automatic creation of the instrument configuration IC for a specific chemical separation system configuration is realized. This is an improvement to the conventional solution including manual or semi-manual processes. Another advantage is that manual intervention is reduced, and thus the risk of introducing errors or repairs is reduced by ensuring the well-defined reproducible process of the IC generation for each customer-specific system configuration. Another advantage is that dead code is eliminated by clearing the functional blocks that support the functionality that is not a part of the desired functionality. That is, a specific fluid handling module may support more functionality than the desired functionality, and the software supporting that functionality is cleared before being loaded into the corresponding fluid handling module. Another advantage is that the resulting IC is reproducible and, if repeated, is generated in the same manner. Another advantage is that when updating the existing chemical separation system on site, time and complexity can be reduced, because all new ICs can be generated once for all customers who require an update. Another advantage is that when executing a test run of a customer configuration, time and complexity can be reduced.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects are achieved by a configuration system, the system comprising a circuit system, the circuit system comprising a processing circuit system and a memory, the memory comprising instructions executable by the processing circuit system, wherein the configuration system is communicatively coupled to a fluid manipulation module of a chemical separation system, whereby the system is configured to execute a method according to any one of the preceding claims when the instructions are executed by the processing circuit system.

[0019] In one embodiment according to the second aspect, the configuration system is further communicatively coupled to a database, which is configured to store identifications of functional blocks in a set of functional blocks, and to store version identifications of the functional blocks in the set of functional blocks, and to store an identification of the fluid manipulation module to which each functional block in the set of functional blocks is associated.

[0020] In an embodiment according to the second aspect, the database is further configured to store an identification of a chemical separation system in which each functional block of the set of functional blocks has been installed.

[0021] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects are achieved by a computer program comprising computer executable instructions, wherein the computer program is used to cause the control unit to perform the method described in the first aspect when the computer executable instructions are executed on a processing circuit system included in the control unit.

[0022] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects are achieved by a computer program product comprising a computer-readable storage medium having embodied therein a computer program according to the third aspect.

[0023] The advantages of the present disclosure according to the second to fourth aspects are at least the same as those for the first aspect. By considering the following detailed description of one or more embodiments, those skilled in the art will gain a more complete understanding of embodiments of the present invention, as well as an appreciation of the additional advantages thereof. It should be appreciated that similar reference numerals are used to identify similar elements illustrated in one or more of the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 A configuration system operable to configure a chemical separation system for chemical separations according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0025] Figure 2 Details of a chemical separation system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0026] Figure 3 FIG. 2 illustrates storage of a second set of function blocks in a database according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 4 An example of a configuration of a chemical separation system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0028] Figure 5 A flow chart illustrating a method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 6 A configuration system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0030] Figure 7 Additional examples of configurations of chemical separation systems according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0031] Figure 8 Additional examples of configurations of chemical separation systems according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0032] By considering the following detailed description of one or more embodiments, those skilled in the art will gain a more complete understanding of embodiments of the present invention, as well as a recognition of additional advantages thereof.It should be appreciated that like reference numerals are used to identify like elements shown in one or more of the figures in the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The present disclosure relates to devices or systems for chemical separations. Such systems are typically formed or designed from a selection of a number of fluid manipulation modules, which are selected based on the desired target species to be achieved by chemical separation. Examples of such chemical separation devices / systems are the Cytiva Chromatographic equipment.

[0034] The large number of choices of available fluid manipulation modules results in a very large number of possible combinations. To address this complexity, expert systems are often used to guide users in selecting appropriate and compatible fluid manipulation modules.

[0035] Given a particular selected combination of fluid manipulation modules, the desired functionality that a user desires from that selected combination, as well as the functionality that that selected combination is capable of supporting, still varies widely.

[0036] In conventional solutions, this has been solved by loading software that implements all of the functionality that that selected combination can support. This means that there is "dead code" in the system that is never used unless a software bug accidentally resolves the dead code.

[0037] The present solution addresses this problem by identifying only the functional blocks required to provide the desired functionality to the indicated fluid handling module.

[0038] In addition, the present disclosure saves the identification and version of these identified functional blocks to a database together with the identification of the device / system. This achieves improved efficiency, for example, when identifying a software error in a functional block or when updating a functional block. The device / system with a specific functional block can then be identified and updated.

[0039] At least one advantage of the present disclosure is that the complexity of selecting software for a device / system for chemical separation can be reduced. Another advantage is that operational safety can be improved by eliminating dead code. Another advantage is that the complexity of updating / maintaining software for a device / system for chemical separation can be reduced.

[0040] The "or" in this specification and the corresponding claims is to be understood as a mathematical "or" covering "and" and "or", and is not to be understood as an "exclusive or" (exclusive or). The indefinite article "a" in this disclosure and the claims is not limited to "one" and can also be understood as "one or more", i.e., plural.

[0041] In this disclosure, reference is made interchangeably to processing circuitry and processing components.

[0042] In the present disclosure, the term "fluid manipulation module" refers to a component, part or material that forms a chemical separation system (eg, a chromatography device).

[0043] In this disclosure, the term "fluid network" refers to components configured to allow fluid to flow through them and thereby fluidically connect fluid manipulation modules, input ports, output ports, and any external components of any of the fluid manipulation modules that are fluidically coupled to the fluid manipulation modules. Examples of such components are connectors, conduits, or tubes.

[0044] In the present disclosure, the term "system hardware configuration data" or "configuration data" refers to data indicating the configuration of a chemical separation system. The configuration data typically indicates the modules included in the chemical separation system, the desired functionality of the modules included in the chemical separation system, and the fluid network that fluidically connects the modules.

[0045] In this disclosure, the term "function block" refers to a software block that typically defines a function between input and output variables, such as an IEC 61131-3 function block.

[0046] In this disclosure, the term "target molecule" refers to a desired molecule, typically a molecule that is separated in a liquid chromatography process.

[0047] In this disclosure, the term "target substance" refers to a desired substance, typically a substance separated in a liquid chromatography process.

[0048] In this disclosure, the term "chromatography" or "liquid chromatography" refers to a process for separating the components of a mixture. The mixture is dissolved in a first substance called a mobile phase. The mixture and the first substance are fed to the inlet of a chromatography column filled with a second substance called a stationary phase. The different components of the mixture travel through the stationary phase at different speeds, causing them to separate from each other at the outlet of the chromatography column. The characteristics of the specific mobile phase and stationary phase determine which substances travel faster or slower, and the degree to which they are separated. These different travel times are called retention times and are recorded as retention data.

[0049] In the present disclosure, the term "chromatographic run" refers to a cycle in which the mixture and the first substance travel from the inlet to the outlet of the chromatography column.

[0050] In this disclosure, the term "operating mode" defines the characteristics of a chromatography run. For example, the characteristics of the chromatography column, the characteristics of the bead / microwell volume, the characteristics of the mobile phase, the characteristics of the stationary phase, and the characteristics of the mixture. This may include mobile phase modifiers, such as pH, salt concentration, and ionic strength, which may vary during a chromatography run.

[0051] In the present disclosure, the terms "retention behavior" and "retention behavior data" refer to the behavior of the mixture and the first substance traveling through the chromatographic column and the data recording that behavior. The retention behavior data may further include the chromatographic run characteristics defined above. The retention behavior data may also include processed or aggregated data based on the above categories of data. In one example, the retention behavior data includes the travel time of the components of the mixture from the inlet of the chromatographic column to the outlet of the chromatographic column. In another example, the retention behavior data includes the running volume or total volume of the mixture and the mobile phase.

[0052] In the present disclosure, the term "fluid network" refers to fluid-coupled device / system components that are generally configured to retain, direct, and control the flow of fluids. Examples of device components included in a fluid network are conduits / pipes, fluid containers / receptacles, sensors, valves, fluid columns, etc.

[0053] Some device components may be controllable and communicatively coupled to a control unit and react to control signals received from the control unit and / or send data (e.g., device component characteristics and / or measurement data) as control signals to the control unit. Examples of such controllable device components are sensors and controllable valves.

[0054] Figure 1 A configuration system 110 is illustrated that is operable to configure a chemical separation system 120 for chemical separations in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The chemical separation system 120 may be, for example, a chemical separation device, such as a chromatography device.

[0055] The chemical separation system 120 includes a plurality of fluid manipulation modules 121_1 - 12N_M that are fluidically coupled via a fluid network (eg, including conduits and / or pipes).

[0056] The configuration system 110 has received or defined the configuration of the fluid manipulation modules 121_1 - 12N_M and the fluid network at a previous point in time as system hardware configuration data. In other words, data indicating the configuration of the chemical separation system 120 .

[0057] The system hardware configuration data indicates at least the fluid manipulation modules (121_1-12N_M) of the chemical separation system 120. The system hardware configuration data further indicates the desired functionality of the fluid manipulation modules and the fluid network. The fluid network includes a fluid coupler configured to fluidically couple the fluid manipulation modules (121_1-12N_M) internally or externally to the chemical separation system.

[0058] The configuration system 110 then identifies a first set of functional blocks for providing the desired functionality to the indicated fluid manipulation modules. In one example, the configuration system 110 identifies the first set of functional blocks by referencing a database using identification or type information of the fluid manipulation modules 121_1-12N_M and / or fluid networks.

[0059] In one example, the fluid manipulation module includes a controllable valve and a controllable pump (not shown). Identifying a first set of function blocks for providing desired functionality to the indicated fluid manipulation module typically includes retrieving all function blocks associated with the identification or type of the controllable valve and the controllable pump. The desired functionality may include opening the valve and activating the pump in a fixed flow mode in response to a signal (e.g., a control signal from a control panel).

[0060] The configuration system 110 then generates a second set of function blocks by eliminating the third set of function blocks from the first set of function blocks using the configuration data to eliminate dead code.

[0061] In one example, the function blocks associated with the pump in the first set of function blocks may include a first function block for fixed flow and a second function block for variable flow. The second function block may then be added to the third set of function blocks and effectively eliminated because the desired functionality does not include variable flow operation.

[0062] The configuration system 110 then sends the second set of function blocks to the chemical separation system 120. In a practical case, this may include loading the function blocks of the second set of function blocks into corresponding control units of the fluid manipulation module.

[0063] Figure 2 Details of a chemical separation system 120 are illustrated according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The chemical separation system 120 includes selected fluid manipulation modules 121_1-12N_M and / or a fluid network 210 that fluidically couples the fluid manipulation modules 121_1-12N_M to each other, to input / output ports, and to other external modules, such as a chromatography column.

[0064] The chemical separation system 120 optionally includes a central control unit 220 having a selection of a second set of functional blocks loaded into memory, such as Figure 1 As described in.

[0065] Furthermore, the selected fluid manipulation modules 121_1-12N_M each optionally include a corresponding control unit 221_1-22N_M, each control unit having a selection of a second set of functional blocks loaded into memory, such as Figure 1 As described in.

[0066] Figure 3The storage of the second set of functional blocks in the database 310 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. The configuration system 110 may generate the second set of functional blocks for three different chemical separation systems 102A-120C.

[0067] The configuration system 110 may then save the corresponding set of functional blocks along with additional metadata, such as system identification, module identification, and functional block version identification.

[0068] As from Figure 3 As can be seen in , this enables the device 120B to be identified as having an outdated version 3.1 of the functional block 121_1, which can then be updated to version 3.2.

[0069] Figure 4 An example of a configuration of a chemical separation system 120 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. The configuration includes a first input port module 411 and a second input port module 412, each port being configured to allow fluid to flow from one or more inlets A1-A3, B1-B3 or not allow fluid to flow from one or more inlets A1-A3, B1-B3 by actuating a controllable valve. The fluid network then fluidically couples the first input port 411 and the second input port 412 to a pressure sensor 415. The pressure sensor 415 is then optionally fluidically coupled to a mixer module 420, which is configured to mix the incoming fluid. The mixer module 420 is then optionally coupled to an air capture module 431, which is configured to remove air from the incoming fluid directly or via a conductivity sensor module 421. The air capture module 431 is then coupled to a column module 450, which is configured to control flow to and from columns 455, 456. The column module 450 optionally includes pressure sensors 451, 452 and controllable column valves 453, 454 (directly or via flow sensors and / or conductivity sensors). The column module 450 is then fluidically coupled to one or more output port modules 490, each of which is configured to allow fluid to flow from one or more outlets O1-O3 or not to flow from one or more outlets O1-O3 by controlling a controllable valve.

[0070] The chemical separation system 120 also includes a selection of sensors such as a pressure sensor P, a conductivity sensor C, a flow sensor F, an ultraviolet sensor UV, and a pH sensor pH.

[0071] The first input port module 411, the second input port module 412, the mixer module 420, the air capture module 431, the column module 450, and the output port module 490 generally include circuit systems including a processor configured to execute function blocks to deliver functionality. The functionality depends in part on the combination of fluid manipulation modules, and thus the software required to deliver the desired functionality varies with the combination of fluid manipulation modules.

[0072] In one example, the addition of a fluid manipulation module in the form of a pump and conductivity sensor enables the performance of chemical separations based on conductivity using gradients.That is, the functionality associated with a particular fluid manipulation module depends in part on the selection of additional fluid manipulation modules.

[0073] Since the functionality of the fluid manipulation module varies with the configuration of the chemical separation system 120, all the function blocks required to support all the functionality of the fluid manipulation module are usually retrieved from a database that is configured to associate the fluid manipulation module with the function blocks. In practice, this includes a relatively large amount of dead code. The dead code may be accidentally handled by software errors and introduce risks to the chemical separation system 120.

[0074] The method disclosed herein solves this problem.

[0075] Figure 5 A flow chart of a method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The method is performed by a configuration system 110 operable to configure a chemical separation system 120. The method includes:

[0076] Step 510: Receive system hardware configuration data, wherein the system hardware configuration data indicates at least the fluid manipulation modules 121_1-12N_M of the chemical separation system 120, desired functionality of the fluid manipulation modules, and a fluid network 210 including fluid couplers configured to fluidically couple the fluid manipulation modules 121_1-12N_M.

[0077] Step 520: Identify a first set of functional blocks for providing desired functionality to the indicated fluid manipulation module.

[0078] In one example, identifying a first set of function blocks for providing desired functionality to the indicated fluid manipulation module typically includes retrieving all function blocks associated with the identification or type of fluid manipulation modules 121_1-12N_M of the chemical separation system 120 from a database that links the identification or type of fluid manipulation modules 121_1-12N_M to the fluid manipulation modules.

[0079] Step 530: Generate a second group of function blocks by removing a third group of function blocks from the first group of function blocks using the configuration data to eliminate dead code.

[0080] Generating the second set of functional blocks typically includes mapping desired functionality indicated by the system hardware configuration data to the first set of functional blocks, and identifying functional blocks that typically support functionality not required to deliver / provide the desired functionality as a third set of functional blocks. Figure 1 Further described is the removal of functional blocks. In other words, the present disclosure uses a predetermined database to map desired functionality to functional blocks, and then removes functional blocks that support functionality that is not needed to deliver / provide the desired functionality. In this way, redundant functional blocks are removed and the amount of "dead code" is minimized or reduced.

[0081] Step 540 : Send the second group of functional blocks to the chemical separation system 120 .

[0082] The second group of functional blocks may typically be transmitted to the second group of functional blocks via a communication network.

[0083] In one embodiment, generating the second set of functional blocks includes mapping desired functionality to corresponding functional blocks included in the first set of functional blocks, and identifying the third set of functional blocks as functional blocks included in the first set of functional blocks that have not been mapped to the desired functionality.

[0084] In one embodiment, the method further includes storing data related to the chemical separation system 120 by storing in a database an identification of the chemical separation system 120, an identification of a functional block in the second set of functional blocks, and a version identification of the functional block in the second set of functional blocks, and an identification of a fluid manipulation module 121_1-12N_M to which each functional block in the second set of functional blocks is associated. Figure 3 Further description.

[0085] This has at least the advantage of reducing complexity when updating the software of an existing chemical separation system 120, since the functional blocks and software versions of the functional blocks can be easily mapped to the specific chemical separation system 120 that has been installed.

[0086] In one embodiment, the function block is a function block defined by the IEC 61131-3 standard.

[0087] In one embodiment, the system hardware configuration data indicates a fluid manipulation module selected from one or more of the inlet port modules 411, 412, the system pump modules 413, 414, the pressure sensor modules 415, 451, 452, the mixer module 420, the air capture module 431, the conductivity module 440, 460, the column module 450, the UV module 470, the pH module 489 and the outlet module 490.

[0088] It is understood that any number of instances of a fluid manipulation module may be indicated without departing from the present disclosure. It is further understood that the teachings herein may be extended to any number of different fluid manipulation modules known in the art without departing from the present disclosure.

[0089] In one embodiment, the system hardware configuration data indicates at least a flow scheme for directing fluids to and from the system 120 and for operating the fluid manipulation modules 121_1 - 12N_M of the chemical separation system 120 according to a selected protocol or method.

[0090] In further aspects of the present disclosure, a configuration system 110 is provided.

[0091] Figure 6 The configuration system 110 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. The configuration system 110 includes: a circuit system 660, the circuit system 660 including: a processing circuit system and a memory, the memory including instructions executable by the processing circuit system, wherein the configuration system 110 is communicatively coupled to the fluid manipulation modules 121_1-12N_M of the chemical separation system 120, whereby the system is configured to perform the methods described herein when the instructions are executed by the processing circuit system.

[0092] In one embodiment, the configuration system 110 is further communicatively coupled to a database 310. The database 310 is configured to store identifications of function blocks in a set of function blocks, store version identifications of the function blocks in the set of function blocks, and store identifications of the fluid manipulation modules 121_1-12N_M to which each function block in the set of function blocks is associated.

[0093] Additionally or alternatively, the database 310 is further configured to store an identification of the chemical separation system 120 into which each functional block of the set of functional blocks has been installed.

[0094] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided and comprises computer executable instructions which, when executed on a processing circuit system comprised in a control unit, are used to cause the control unit to perform any of the method steps described herein.

[0095] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, which includes a computer-readable storage medium having the above-mentioned computer program embodied therein.

[0096] exist Figure 6In the configuration system 110, the control unit 660 includes a circuit system, such as a processor and a memory. The memory may contain instructions executable by the processor, whereby the device is operable to perform any of the steps or methods described herein. The control unit 660 may include a single control unit or one or more distributed control units that cooperate to perform the methods herein.

[0097] Additionally or alternatively, the chemical separation system 120 may further include a controllable fluid network 210, for example, including fluidically coupled pipes or conduits.

[0098] Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus may further include a chromatography column 630, the chromatography column 630 further including at least one fluid inlet 631 and one fluid outlet 632. The fluid inlet 631 and one fluid outlet 632 are typically fluidically coupled to the controllable fluid network 210.

[0099] The chemical separation system 120 may further optionally include a fraction collection unit 650. The fraction collection unit 650 is typically fluidly coupled to a controllable fluid network.

[0100] Additionally or alternatively, the chemical separation system 120 further includes a display 680 .

[0101] Additionally or alternatively, the chemical separation system 120 further includes an input device 670 .

[0102] In one embodiment, the device further includes one or more sensors (not shown) configured to measure the properties of the fluid in the chemical separation system 120 and / or the fluid network 210. The control unit 660 is further optionally communicatively coupled to each of the sensors. The sensor can be configured to apply pressure to the fluid in the device and / or measure its pH and / or conductivity. Any suitable sensor for performing measurements on the fluid can be used.

[0103] Chemical separation system 120 can take the form of, for example, chromatographic equipment, electronic control unit, server, onboard computer, fixed computing device, laptop computer, tablet computer, handheld computer, wrist-worn computer, smart watch, smart phone or smart TV. Chemical separation system 120 can include a circuit system coupled to a transceiver for communication, and the transceiver is configured for wired or wireless communication. Chemical separation system 120 can further include at least one optional antenna (not shown). Antenna can be coupled to transceiver, and is configured to transmit and / or transmit and / or receive wired or wireless signal in a communication network (such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G, 4G, 5G, etc.). In one example, processing circuit system can be any of the selections of processing circuit system and / or central processing unit and / or processor module and / or multiple processors configured to cooperate with each other. In addition, chemical separation system 120 can further include memory. Memory can, for example, include hard disk RAM, disk drive, floppy disk drive, flash drive or other removable or fixed media drive or any other suitable memory known in the art. The memory may contain instructions executable by the processing circuit system to perform any of the steps or methods described herein. The processing circuit system may optionally be communicatively coupled to a transceiver, a memory, one or more sensors (e.g., a pH sensor, a conductivity sensor, and a pressure sensor), or a selection of any suitable type of sensor capable of measuring a property of the device and / or a fluid processed by the device. The chemical separation system 120 may be configured to send / receive control signals directly to any of the above units or external nodes, or to send / receive control signals via a wired and / or wireless communication network.

[0104] The wired / wireless transceiver and / or the wired / wireless communication network adapter may be configured to send data values ​​or parameters as signals to and / or receive from the processing circuitry, to and / or receive from other external nodes, such as, for example, a measured pH or conductivity or a generated volume of a buffer solution.

[0105] In an embodiment, the transceiver communicates with external nodes directly or via a wireless communication network.

[0106] In one or more embodiments, input device 670 is configured to receive input or indications from a user and send user input signals indicative of the user input or indications to the processing circuit system.

[0107] In one or more embodiments, display 680 is configured to receive display signals indicative of rendered objects (eg, textual or graphical user input objects) from processing circuitry and to display the received signals as objects (such as textual or graphical user input objects).

[0108] In one embodiment, the display 680 is integrated with the user input device 670 and is configured to receive a signal indicating a presented object (e.g., a textual or graphical user input object) from the processing circuit system and display the received signal as an object (e.g., a textual or graphical user input object), and / or is configured to receive input or indications from a user and send a user input signal indicating the user input or indication to the processing circuit system.

[0109] In other embodiments, the chemical separation system 120 may further include and / or be coupled to one or more additional sensors (not shown) configured to receive and / or obtain and / or measure physical properties related to the device / system and / or the atmosphere surrounding the device / system, and send one or more sensor signals indicative of the physical properties of the device to the processing circuit system, for example, a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the ambient air.

[0110] In an embodiment, the communication network communicates using a wired or wireless communication technology, which may include at least one of the following: a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a global system for mobile networks (GSM), an enhanced data GSM environment (EDGE), a universal mobile telecommunications system, long term evolution, a high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), a wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA), a code division multiple access (CDMA), a time division multiple access (TDMA), Wi-Fi, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), LTE-Advanced, IEEE802.16m, WirelessMAN-Advanced, Evolved High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA+), 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE), Mobile WiMAX (IEEE 802.16e), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) (formerly Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) Revision C), Fast Low-Latency Access-Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing with Seamless Handover (Flash-OFDM), High-Capacity Spatial Division Multiple Access and Mobile Broadband Wireless Access (MBWA) (IEEE 802.20) systems, High Performance Wireless Metropolitan Area Network (HIPERMAN), Wavelength Division Multiple Access (BDMA), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (Wi-MAX), and ultrasonic communications, but are not limited thereto.

[0111] Furthermore, it will be appreciated by the skilled person that the chemical separation system 120 may include necessary communication capabilities in the form of, for example, functions, components, units, elements, etc., for performing the present solution. Examples of other such components, units, elements and functions are: processors, memories, buffers, control logic, encoders, decoders, rate matchers, derate matchers, mapping units, multipliers, decision units, selection units, switches, interleavers, deinterleavers, modulators, demodulators, inputs, outputs, antennas, amplifiers, receiver units, transmitter units, DSPs, MSDs, TCM encoders, TCM decoders, power supply units, power feeders, communication interfaces, communication protocols, etc., which are appropriately arranged together for performing the present solution.

[0112] In particular, the processing circuit system and / or processing component of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following examples: multiple processors and processor modules configured to cooperate with each other, processing circuit systems, central processing units (CPUs), processing units, processing circuits, processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), microprocessors, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other processing logic that can interpret and execute instructions. Therefore, the expression "processing circuit system" and / or "processing component" can represent a processing circuit system including multiple processing circuits, such as, for example, any, some or all of the processing circuits mentioned above. The processing component can also perform data processing functions for inputting, outputting and processing data, including data buffering and device control functions, such as user interface control, etc.

[0113] Figure 7 1 illustrates another example of a configuration of a chemical separation system 120 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. This particular example illustrates a system with a single filter and feed pump C option. The flow path of the process.

[0114] The configuration includes first, second and third input port modules 711-713. The configuration further includes an air capture module 721, a column module 731 and an output port module 790. These modules and sensors P, F, AS, pH, UV Figure 4 The configuration further includes a single filter 722 .

[0115] Figure 8 1 illustrates another example of a configuration of a chemical separation system 120 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. This particular example illustrates a configuration of a chemical separation system 120 with two filters and an ILD pump C option. The flow path of the process.

[0116] The configuration includes first, second and third input port modules 811-813. The configuration also includes an air capture module 821, a column module 831 and an output port module 890. These modules and sensors P, F, AS, pH, UV Figure 4 The configuration further comprises two filters 822 , 823 .

[0117] Finally, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but also relates to and combines all embodiments within the scope of the attached independent claims.

Claims

1. A method (500) performed by a configuration system (110) operable to configure a chemical separation system (120), the method comprising: receiving (510) system hardware configuration data, wherein the system hardware configuration data indicates at least a fluid manipulation module of the chemical separation system, desired functionality of the fluid manipulation module, and a fluid network including a fluid coupler configured to fluidically couple the fluid manipulation module, identifying (520) a first set of functional blocks for providing the desired functionality to the indicated fluid manipulation module, generating (530) a second set of function blocks by removing a third set of function blocks from the first set of function blocks using the configuration data to eliminate dead code, and The second set of function blocks is sent (530) to the system.

2. The method (500) according to claim 1, wherein: Generating (530) the second set of function blocks includes: mapping the desired functionality to corresponding functional blocks included in the first set of functional blocks, and The third group of functional blocks is identified as blocks included in the first group of functional blocks that have not been mapped to the desired functionality.

3. The method (500) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The method also includes storing data related to the chemical separation system by storing in a database an identification of the chemical separation system, an identification of a functional block in the second group of functional blocks, a version identification of the functional block in the second group of functional blocks, and an identification of the fluid manipulation module to which each functional block in the second group of functional blocks is associated.

4. The method (500) according to any preceding claim, wherein: The function blocks are function blocks defined by the IEC 61131-3 standard.

5. The method (500) according to any preceding claim, wherein: The system hardware configuration data indicates a fluid handling module selected from one or more of an inlet port module, a system pump module, a pressure sensor module, a mixer module, an air capture module, a conductivity module, a column module, a UV module, a pH module, and an outlet module.

6. The method (500) according to any preceding claim, wherein: The system hardware configuration data indicates at least a flow scheme for directing fluids to and from the system and for operating the fluid manipulation modules of the system according to a selected protocol.

7. A configuration system (110), the system comprising: A circuit system (660), the circuit system (660) comprising: processing circuitry, and A memory comprising instructions executable by the processing circuit system, wherein the configuration system is communicatively coupled to a fluid manipulation module of a chemical separation system, whereby the system is configured to perform a method according to any of the preceding claims when the instructions are executed by the processing circuit system.

8. The configuration system (110) according to claim 7, wherein: The configuration system is further communicatively coupled to a database (310), wherein the database (310) is configured to store identifications of functional blocks in a set of functional blocks, and to store version identifications of the functional blocks in the set of functional blocks, and to store identifications of the fluid manipulation module to which each functional block in the set of functional blocks is associated.

9. The configuration system (110) according to claim 8, wherein: The database (310) is further configured to store an identification of the chemical separation system in which each functional block in the set of functional blocks has been installed.

10. A computer program comprising computer executable instructions for causing a control unit (660) to perform the method steps according to any one of claims 1 to 6 when the computer executable instructions are executed on a processing circuit system included in the control unit (660).

11. A computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having embodied therein a computer program according to claim 10.

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