Liquid chromatograph apparatus and separation condition determination support method

Abstract

To simply and efficiently compare analysis results due to a difference in the pH of a mobile phase.SOLUTION: According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an LC apparatus configured to introduce a sample subjected to compound separation in a time direction by LC into a detector (17), the LC apparatus including a result storage (31) configured to store analysis results obtained by performing LC analyses on a plurality of samples under a plurality of different separation conditions for the same sample, and a display configured to display an analysis result display screen on which a plurality of result display areas for respectively displaying the analysis results of the different LC analyses and a selection instruction area for allowing a user to select one desired sample from the plurality of samples are arranged. And a display target selection reception unit (34) that receives a selection operation of one sample by a user in a selection instruction area of the displayed analysis result display screen, and an analysis result display processing unit (33) that acquires a plurality of analysis results corresponding to the received one sample from the result storage unit and displays the plurality of analysis results in a plurality of result display areas of the analysis result display screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a preparative liquid chromatograph and a method for supporting determination of preparative conditions for the same, and the term "preparative liquid chromatograph" as used herein includes not only a general preparative LC apparatus that uses an absorptiometer as a detector, but also a preparative liquid chromatograph that uses or is used in combination with a detector that operates on a principle other than absorbance detection, such as an evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD) or a mass spectrometer (MS). [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Preparative liquid chromatographs (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "preparative LC apparatuses") are known that utilize a liquid chromatograph to fractionate and collect one or more compounds contained in a liquid sample (see Patent Document 1, etc.).

[0003] To efficiently separate a target compound with as few impurities as possible using a preparative LC system, it is desirable to separate the components so that the chromatographic peaks derived from the target compound appear with sufficient height (or sufficient area) and have a good peak shape (e.g., a Gaussian waveform). To achieve this, it is necessary to appropriately set preparative conditions, i.e., separation conditions for LC analysis, for each sample or target compound. Preparative conditions include the type of column, the type of mobile phase, and the flow rate and velocity of the mobile phase. Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus that can determine preparative conditions suitable for a target sample based on a chromatogram obtained by performing LC analysis of the target sample in a preparative condition search mode.

[0004] Although the above-mentioned technologies make it possible to automate the search for preparative conditions, operators often need to compare and judge analytical results to determine more appropriate preparative conditions or to obtain the preliminary information necessary for such automation. In LC systems, the ease with which peaks appear and their shape often vary significantly depending on the pH of the mobile phase. Therefore, when determining preparative conditions, operators may perform LC analysis of the same target compound using both an acidic and a basic (alkaline) mobile phase, and then visually compare the analytical results, such as chromatograms and mass spectra. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 021715 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-14559 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As mentioned above, when comparing multiple analytical results obtained for the same sample under different preparative conditions (typically mobile phase pH), it is convenient to display the multiple chromatograms and mass spectra to be compared side by side on the same display screen. Even with general LC instruments that are not preparative, it is often necessary to compare analytical results for different samples. For this reason, the control and processing software for conventional LC instruments, including preparative LC instruments, is equipped with a function to display multiple analytical results side by side on the same screen, making it easy to compare the results of different LC analyses.

[0007] However, to display multiple analysis results for the same sample under different preparative conditions on the same screen using these conventional functions, a user must select and specify the sample they want to view from among the multiple samples for which LC analysis has been completed, and then select and specify which of the multiple analysis results associated with that sample to display. This process is therefore quite cumbersome and inefficient, especially when comparing multiple analysis results obtained under different preparative conditions for multiple samples in sequence. Furthermore, there is a risk that an operator may mistakenly display analysis results for different samples side by side, making it difficult to ensure reliability.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and its main objective is to provide a preparative liquid chromatograph and a method for supporting determination of preparative conditions that can display multiple analytical results obtained by performing LC analysis of the same sample under different separation conditions, such as an acidic mobile phase and a basic mobile phase, in an easily comparable manner through simple and error-free user operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the preparative liquid chromatograph according to the present invention, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, is a preparative liquid chromatograph in which a sample in which compounds have been separated in the time direction by a liquid chromatograph is introduced into a detector and a fraction collector, and the sample is fractionated and collected by the fraction collector for each compound or for compound groups containing a plurality of compounds based on the detection results of the detector, a result storage unit for storing analysis results obtained by performing liquid chromatographic analysis on a plurality of samples under different separation conditions for the same sample; a display unit that displays an analysis result display screen on the display unit, the analysis result display screen having a plurality of result display areas for respectively displaying the analysis results of different liquid chromatographic analyses and a selection instruction area for a user to select one desired sample from the plurality of samples, and a display target selection receiving unit that receives a user's selection operation of one sample in the selection instruction area of ​​the displayed analysis result display screen; an analysis result display processing unit that acquires from the result storage unit a plurality of analysis results corresponding to one sample accepted by the display target selection accepting unit, and displays the plurality of analysis results in the plurality of result display areas of the analysis result display screen, respectively; Equipped with.

[0010] Furthermore, one aspect of the preparative separation condition determination support method according to the present invention, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, is a method for supporting a task of determining preparative separation conditions in the above-mentioned aspect of the preparative liquid chromatograph apparatus according to the present invention, comprising: a measuring step of performing liquid chromatographic analysis on the same sample using different types of mobile phases, and storing the obtained analysis results in the result storage unit; a display target selection receiving step of receiving a selection operation of one sample by a user in a selection instruction area on an analysis result display screen displayed on the display unit; an analysis result display step of acquiring from the result storage unit a plurality of analysis results using different types of mobile phases corresponding to one sample accepted in the display target selection accepting step, and displaying the plurality of analysis results in the plurality of result display areas on the analysis result display screen, respectively; It has. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] In the above-described aspects of the preparative liquid chromatograph apparatus and preparative condition determination support method according to the present invention, when a user selects one sample in the selection instruction area, multiple analysis results corresponding to that one sample are displayed in multiple result display areas on the analysis result display screen.

[0012] Therefore, according to the above-described aspects of the preparative liquid chromatograph apparatus and preparative condition determination support method of the present invention, multiple analysis results obtained under different separation conditions, such as an acidic mobile phase and a basic mobile phase, for the same sample can be displayed in an easily comparable manner through a simple and error-free operation by the user. This improves the efficiency of the work of determining or searching for preparative conditions. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce operational errors and determine appropriate preparative conditions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a preparative LC device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure for displaying multiple analysis results for the same sample on the analysis result display screen in order to consider preparative conditions in the preparative LC device of this embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure for displaying the analysis results of different samples on the analysis result display screen in the preparative LC device of the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic layout on an analysis result display screen in the preparative LC device of the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an analysis result display screen in the preparative LC device of the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display when a plate diagram is operated on the analysis result display screen shown in FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a preparative LC apparatus and a method for supporting determination of preparative conditions for the apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the preparative LC device of this embodiment. This preparative LC device includes an analysis / preparation unit 1 , an autosampler 2 , a control / processing unit 3 , an operation unit 4 , and a display unit 5 .

[0016] The analytical / preparative section 1 includes a first mobile phase container 10A, a second mobile phase container 10B, a first liquid delivery pump 11A, a second liquid delivery pump 11B, a mixer 12, an injector 13, a column 14, a splitter 15, a first detector 16, a second detector 17, and a fraction collector 18. The fraction collector 18 collects the eluate from the outlet end of the column 14 into multiple collection containers, and includes a collection valve 180, a dispensing nozzle 181 equipped with a moving mechanism, a tray 182 carrying multiple collection containers, and a collection control unit 183.

[0017] The autosampler 2 includes a vial plate 20 that holds a large number of vials, each containing a sample, and an aspiration / delivery mechanism 21 that selects one of the vials, aspirates the sample from the selected vial, and supplies it to the injector 13.

[0018] The control and processing unit 3 mainly controls the operations of the analysis and fractionation unit 1 and autosampler 2, and performs data processing upon receiving detection signals from the first detector 16 and second detector 17. As will be described later, the control and processing unit 3 also has the function of providing appropriate information to the user (operator) when determining fractionation conditions, and assisting in determining the fractionation conditions. The control and processing unit 3 includes, as functional blocks, a data storage unit 30, a data processing unit 31, an analysis control unit 32, an analysis result display processing unit 33, and a display target selection receiving unit 34.

[0019] The control / processing unit 3 can be configured to use a personal computer (PC) comprising a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. as its hardware resource, and to realize at least part of its functions by executing dedicated control / processing software (computer program) installed on the PC.

[0020] The computer program can be provided to the user by being stored on a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, memory card, or USB memory (dongle). The program can also be provided to the user in the form of data transfer via a communication line such as the Internet. Furthermore, the program can be pre-installed on a PC that is part of the system (strictly speaking, a storage device that is part of the PC) when the user purchases the system.

[0021] The following describes the preparative operation of the preparative LC system of this embodiment. When a preparative operation is performed, preparative conditions, including the type of column, the type of mobile phase, and the flow rate and flow velocity of the mobile phase, are determined in advance. A column and mobile phase are prepared accordingly, and the preparative conditions are set in the analysis control unit 32.

[0022] When the user issues a command to start fraction collection via the operation unit 4, the analysis control unit 32 controls the analysis / fraction collection unit 1 and autosampler 2 according to the set fraction collection conditions. Under this control, the liquid delivery pumps 11A and 11B aspirate the mobile phase stored in the mobile phase containers 10A and 10B, respectively, and deliver it to the column 14 via the mixer 12 and injector 13. Depending on the fraction collection conditions, the flow rates of the first liquid delivery pump 11A and the second liquid delivery pump 11B can be controlled to vary over time. This allows for high-pressure gradient liquid delivery, in which the component ratio between the first and second mobile phases varies over time. Of course, a single mobile phase can be used without gradient liquid delivery, or multiple mobile phases can be delivered with a constant component ratio.

[0023] Based on instructions from the analysis control unit 32, the suction / delivery mechanism 21 of the autosampler 2 sequentially selects multiple vials prepared on the vial plate 20, aspirates a predetermined amount of sample from the vial, and delivers it to the injector 13. The injector 13 injects the sample into the mobile phase at a predetermined timing. The injected sample is carried along with the flow of the mobile phase and introduced into the column 14, and the various compounds in the sample are separated in time as they pass through the column 14 and are eluted from the outlet end of the column 14.

[0024] Of the eluate coming out of the outlet of column 14, a small portion is branched by splitter 15 and sent to second detector 17, and most of the remainder is introduced into first detector 16. Note that, in order to smoothly send the small amount of solution branched by splitter 15 to second detector 17, a liquid delivery pump for delivering make-up solution may be added as necessary. For example, the configuration described in Patent Document 2 can be used for such a configuration.

[0025] In this embodiment, the first detector 16 is an absorption detector, and an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer is used here. The absorption wavelength of the target compound is known, and the first detector 16 outputs a detection signal of a predetermined wavelength that indicates the degree of absorbance of the target compound in solution. The time change of this detection signal is an absorption chromatogram, and peaks corresponding to the concentration (amount) of the target compound appear in the absorption chromatogram. This detection signal is input to the control / processing unit 3 and the fractionation control unit 183. Because the first detector 16 is a so-called non-destructive detector, the solution after detection is introduced directly into the fraction collector 18.

[0026] On the other hand, the second detector 17 is a so-called destructive detector, and in this example, a quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with an atmospheric pressure ion source is used. The mass-to-charge ratio (m / z) of the ions corresponding to the target compound is known, and the second detector 17 outputs a detection signal indicating, for example, the intensity of ions derived from the target compound in solution. The time change of this detection signal is an extracted ion chromatogram, and like the absorption chromatogram, the extracted ion chromatogram also shows a peak corresponding to the concentration (amount) of the target compound. This detection signal is also input to the control / processing unit 3 and the fractionation control unit 183.

[0027] The fraction collection control unit 183 controls the opening and closing operation of the fraction collection valve 180 and the movement operation of the dispensing nozzle 181 based on one or both of the detection signals from the first detector 16 and the second detector 17, and on control signals from the control and processing unit 3. As a result, the fraction collector 18 fractionates the eluate containing multiple target compounds and collects each fraction into different fraction collection containers. The detection signals from the first detector 16 and the second detector 17 input to the control and processing unit 3 are digitized and stored in the data storage unit 30. The data processing unit 31 performs waveform processing on the collected data to create chromatograms and mass spectra, which are then stored in the data storage unit 30 in association with the original data.

[0028] Instead of providing the splitter 15 before the first detector 16, the second detector 17 may be disposed after the fraction collector 18, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. Furthermore, it is not essential to provide two detectors; at least one detector is sufficient.

[0029] In addition, in FIG. 1, the function of the fraction collection control unit 183 included in the fraction collector 18 can also be incorporated into the control and processing unit 3.

[0030] To efficiently separate the target compounds with high purity, as described above, it is necessary to determine the separation conditions appropriately. The type of mobile phase, particularly the pH of the mobile phase, is a factor that significantly affects the appearance and shape of chromatographic peaks. When determining separation conditions, it is common to compare the results obtained by performing LC analysis for each target compound using an acidic mobile phase and a basic mobile phase. The preparative LC system of this embodiment has a function to assist in determining the separation conditions in such cases. The user's tasks and the corresponding system operations are described below.

[0031] When examining the pH of the mobile phase, the user prepares vials containing samples for creating separation conditions, each containing a different target compound, on the vial plate 20. The user then registers the sample number and compound name by inputting the name of the target compound in association with the vial number using the operation unit 4. An acidic mobile phase and a basic mobile phase are also prepared. When the user then performs a predetermined operation using the operation unit 4, the analysis control unit 32 operates the analysis / separation unit 1 and the autosampler 2 to perform LC analysis using the acidic mobile phase and the basic mobile phase for each target compound as LC analysis for searching for separation conditions. The data obtained thereby is stored in the data storage unit 30.

[0032] Some compounds are more likely to become positive ions than others, and this tendency is affected by the pH of the solvent. Therefore, in the LC analysis for searching preparative conditions, the second detector 17, which is a quadrupole mass spectrometer, repeatedly performs selected ion monitoring (SIM) measurements in positive ionization mode targeting the m / z value corresponding to the target compound, SIM measurements in negative ionization mode, and scan measurements over a predetermined m / z range. The scan measurements are performed to check whether unintended impurities overlap with the target compound and elute. The first detector 16, which is a UV-visible spectrophotometer, also repeatedly performs absorbance measurements at wavelengths corresponding to the target compound.

[0033] As a result of the LC analysis for searching preparative separation conditions, data constituting an absorption chromatogram, an extracted ion chromatogram and mass spectrum in positive ionization mode, and an extracted ion chromatogram and mass spectrum in negative ionization mode for each vial containing a different target compound, under both an acidic mobile phase and a basic mobile phase, are stored in the data storage unit 30. After this data is collected, the user compares and examines the LC analysis results as follows. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure for displaying multiple analysis results for the same sample on the analysis result display screen to examine preparative separation conditions.

[0034] The user instructs the display of the analysis results by performing a predetermined operation on the operation unit 4. When displaying the analysis results, it is possible to select between a single display mode, which displays the analysis results of one sample, and a multiple display mode, which displays the analysis results of multiple samples (only two here, but three or more may be used) side by side; here, the multiple display mode is selected (step S1).

[0035] In response to this operation, the analysis result display processor 33 displays an analysis result display screen 6 on the display unit 5, as shown schematically in FIG. 4 (step S2). As shown in FIG. 4, the analysis result display screen 6 has result display areas 60 and 61 arranged on the left and right of approximately the center, and a vial plate diagram 62 is arranged on the right side of these. The vial plate diagram 62 is a diagram that simulates the vial plate 20 of the autosampler 2 as seen generally from above, with each circular mark 620 corresponding to one vial. The number inside the mark 620 indicates the vial number.

[0036] In this example, the result display areas 60 and 61 are each vertically divided into four columns: (A), (B), (C), and (D). Column (A) displays an absorption chromatogram (referred to as "UV chromatogram" in FIG. 5) based on the detection signal from the first detector 16. Column (B) displays an extracted ion chromatogram in positive ionization mode (referred to as "MS chromatogram (+)" in FIG. 5) based on the detection signal from the second detector 17. Column (C) displays an extracted ion chromatogram in negative ionization mode (referred to as "MS chromatogram (-)" in FIG. 5) based on the detection signal from the second detector 17. Column (D) displays a mass spectrum based on the detection signal from the second detector 17. However, the items to be displayed in each column and their order can be selected on a separate screen. The important thing is that the same items are displayed in both the left-side result display area 60 and the right-side result display area 61.

[0037] Below the result display areas 60, 61, there is a sample information area 65 that displays information related to the analysis results displayed in the result display areas 60, 61 above, such as the data file name, analysis date and time, and sample ID. Furthermore, below the result display area 61 on the right side, there are two left and right arrow buttons 63 and a double arrow button 64. Note that various other display areas and operation buttons may be arranged on the analysis result display screen 6, but descriptions of these are omitted.

[0038] The analysis result display screen 6 is a screen suitable for comparing multiple analysis results, and is not necessarily for comparing analysis results obtained for the same sample under different mobile phases. Therefore, the two result display areas 60, 61 on the analysis result display screen 6 can display two different analysis results associated with the same sample, or two different analysis results associated with different samples.

[0039] When comparing two different analytical results associated with the same sample, the user uses the operation unit 4 to move the cursor over the circular mark 620 of the desired sample number on the vial plate diagram 62 and select it by, for example, left-clicking with a pointing device (step S3). The display selection receiving unit 34 receives this operation, and the analytical result display processing unit 33 retrieves analytical result data associated with the selected sample number, specifically, chromatogram and mass spectrum information based on data obtained by LC analysis under different mobile phases, from the data storage unit 30 (step S4). The retrieved chromatograms and mass spectra are then displayed in the appropriate fields of the result display areas 60 and 61, respectively (step S5).

[0040] Figure 5 shows an example of the display of analytical results for the same sample under acidic and basic mobile phases. The circular mark 620 for sample number "6" on the vial plate 62 is highlighted, indicating that this sample number has been selected. Since analytical results of the same type are displayed side by side in the left and right columns of the result display areas 60 and 61, users can easily compare them and are less likely to make mistakes when comparing them.

[0041] When comparing the results of acidic and basic mobile phases to examine preparative conditions, samples containing a single target compound are typically used. Therefore, users often want to sequentially review the results of multiple samples to compare and evaluate multiple target compounds. In this case, as indicated by the dotted line in Figure 2, users can return from step S5 to step S3 and select a different sample number on the vial plate 62. The analytical results displayed in the result display areas 60 and 61 will then change to the corresponding sample number. In other words, by simply clicking the pointing device, users can simultaneously switch between the two analytical results, enabling them to efficiently compare analytical results for different target compounds under different mobile phases.

[0042] On the other hand, if the user wishes to compare the analytical results for different samples, the user can compare the LC analytical results as follows: Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure for displaying multiple analytical results for different samples on the analytical result display screen.

[0043] Steps S11 and S12 are the same as steps S1 and S2 described above, and the analysis result display screen 6, in which result display areas 60 and 61 are arranged, is displayed on the display unit 5 by user operation. The analysis results to be displayed in the two result display areas 60 and 61 can be switched as follows.

[0044] The arrow button 63 switches the analysis results displayed in the left result display area 60 in FIGS. 4 and 5 , and the double-arrow button 64 swaps the analysis results displayed in the left and right result display areas 60, 61. When the user clicks the right-arrow button 63, for example, the display target selection receiving unit 34 receives the click, and the analysis result display processing unit 33 updates the sample number, for example, in ascending order, with each click. The analysis result corresponding to the updated sample number is then retrieved from the data storage unit 30 and displayed in the left result display area 60. However, for example, if analysis results under multiple fractionation conditions (e.g., types of mobile phase) are associated with one sample number as described above, it is possible to display analysis results under different fractionation conditions for the same sample number by switching between them in sequence. Furthermore, when the left-arrow button 63 is clicked, the sample number is updated in the reverse order of the right-arrow button 63, for example, in descending order, and the analysis result corresponding to the updated sample number is displayed in the left result display area 60 (steps S13 and S14).

[0045] When one of the two analysis results that the user wants to compare is displayed in the left-hand result display area 60, the user clicks the double-arrow button 64. In response to this, the display target selection receiving unit 34 receives the click, and the analysis result display processing unit 33 moves the analysis result that was displayed in the left-hand result display area 60 to the right-hand result display area 61 (step S15).

[0046] The user continues to click the right or left arrow button 63 (step S16) until the other of the two analysis results that the user wants to compare is displayed in the left result display area 60. In this way, by clicking the arrow button 63 and the double arrow button 64, the analysis results of the different sample numbers that the user wants to compare can be displayed in the left and right result display areas 60, 61.

[0047] Furthermore, when multiple analysis results under different fractionation conditions exist for one sample, that is, for a vial with the same sample number, one of the multiple analysis results under the different analysis conditions can be selected as follows: When the user moves the cursor over the circular mark 620 of the desired sample number on the vial plate diagram 62 using the operation unit 4 and performs a right-click operation using a pointing device, for example, the display target selection receiving unit 34 receives the operation and pops up a fractionation condition selection window 621, as shown in FIG.

[0048] The example in Figure 6 shows that analysis results for Sample 1 have been obtained using both an acidic mobile phase and a basic mobile phase. With this display, you can select either of the analysis results by checking the circular checkbox 622. In the example in Figure 6, the analysis results for the acidic mobile phase have been selected, and this selection causes the analysis results to be displayed in the result display area 60 on the left. This method of operation may allow you to display the analysis results for the desired sample number more quickly than by repeatedly clicking the arrow button 63 to reach the analysis results for the desired sample number.

[0049] As described above, in the preparative LC system of this embodiment, multiple analysis results obtained using different mobile phases for the same sample can be displayed side by side on the same screen by simply selecting the desired sample number. On the other hand, the operation of displaying the analysis results of different samples side by side on the same screen is achieved by an operation completely separate from selecting the sample number. That is, when multiple analysis results are displayed side by side on the same analysis result display screen 6, which has multiple result display areas 60, 61, the operation for selecting an analysis result varies depending on the content of the analysis result, in other words, the purpose and circumstances for comparing the analysis results. This offers the advantage that users, especially those unfamiliar with the operation, are less likely to make operational mistakes.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the analysis results under different preparative conditions, that is, using an acidic mobile phase and a basic mobile phase, for the same sample were compared. However, it is clear that the present invention can be applied when comparing analysis results under various other different preparative conditions.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the desired sample number can be selected with a single click on the vial plate diagram 62, but other display modes such as a sample list may also be used to allow for easier selection. Similarly, the selection of a sample number or the like by operating the arrow button 63 and the double-arrow button 64 can also be replaced with other operations. Furthermore, the result display areas 60 and 61 may be arranged vertically rather than horizontally.

[0052] Furthermore, since the above-described embodiments and the various modified examples are all examples of the present invention, it is natural that any modifications, changes, or additions made within the spirit of the present invention will also be encompassed within the scope of the claims of the present application.

[0053] [Various aspects] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above-described exemplary embodiments are examples of the following aspects.

[0054] (Item 1) One aspect of the preparative LC device according to the present invention is a preparative liquid chromatograph device that introduces a sample, which has been separated into compounds in the time direction by a liquid chromatograph, into a detector and a fraction collector, and fractionates and collects each compound or a compound group containing multiple compounds by the fraction collector based on the detection results of the detector, a result storage unit for storing analysis results obtained by performing liquid chromatographic analysis on a plurality of samples under different separation conditions for the same sample; a display unit that displays an analysis result display screen on the display unit, the analysis result display screen having a plurality of result display areas for respectively displaying the analysis results of different liquid chromatographic analyses and a selection instruction area for a user to select one desired sample from the plurality of samples, and a display target selection receiving unit that receives a user's selection operation of one sample in the selection instruction area of ​​the displayed analysis result display screen; an analysis result display processing unit that acquires from the result storage unit a plurality of analysis results corresponding to one sample accepted by the display target selection accepting unit, and displays the plurality of analysis results in the plurality of result display areas of the analysis result display screen, respectively; Equipped with.

[0055] The preparative LC system described in paragraph 1 allows the user to easily compare multiple analytical results obtained under different separation conditions, such as an acidic mobile phase and a basic mobile phase, for the same sample, with simple and error-resistant operations. This improves the efficiency of determining or searching for preparative conditions. It also reduces operational errors and allows the user to determine appropriate preparative conditions.

[0056] (Item 2) The preparative LC device according to item 1, a sample supply unit that selects one of the plurality of sample containers provided in the plate, extracts the sample from the selected sample container, and supplies the sample to the liquid chromatograph; The selection indication area is a schematic diagram corresponding to the arrangement of multiple sample containers on the plate of the sample supply unit, and the display target selection receiving unit can be configured to receive an operation of specifying one sample container on the schematic diagram as a selection operation for the one sample.

[0057] The "operation of specifying one sample container on the schematic diagram" here typically refers to an operation of clicking a mark representing one sample container or its number. The preparative LC device described in paragraph 2 allows the user to select and display multiple analysis results associated with the sample they wish to check with a single click. This improves the user's workability when comparing multiple analysis results and allows them to efficiently consider preparative conditions.

[0058] (Item 3) In the preparative LC system according to item 1 or 2, the display target selection receiving unit receives a second operation on the analysis result display screen, which does not include a selection operation of one sample in the selection instruction area; The analysis result display processing unit may display the analysis results for the different samples in the plurality of result display areas of the analysis result display screen in response to the second operation.

[0059] (Item 4) In the preparative LC device described in Item 3, the second operation can be an operation such as clicking on one or more operators (buttons, etc.) arranged in a position on the analysis result display screen that does not overlap with the selection indication area.

[0060] According to the preparative LC apparatuses described in paragraphs 3 and 4, the operation for selecting the desired analytical result to be displayed on the analytical result display screen is clearly different between the case where multiple analytical results for the same sample under different preparative conditions are displayed and the case where multiple analytical results for different samples are displayed. This makes it less likely for users, particularly operators unfamiliar with the operation, to make operational mistakes when comparing multiple analytical results, thereby reducing the risk of making erroneous comparisons.

[0061] (Item 5) One aspect of the preparative condition determination support method according to the present invention is a method for supporting a task of determining preparative conditions for the preparative LC apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 4, comprising: a measuring step of performing liquid chromatographic analysis on the same sample using different types of mobile phases, and storing the obtained analysis results in the result storage unit; a display target selection receiving step of receiving a selection operation of one sample by a user in a selection instruction area on an analysis result display screen displayed on the display unit; an analysis result display step of acquiring from the result storage unit a plurality of analysis results using different types of mobile phases corresponding to one sample accepted in the display target selection accepting step, and displaying the plurality of analysis results in the plurality of result display areas on the analysis result display screen, respectively; It has the following characteristics.

[0062] (Item 6) In the method for supporting determination of preparative separation conditions according to item 5, the plurality of different types of mobile phases may include an acidic mobile phase and a basic mobile phase.

[0063] According to the method for supporting determination of preparative separation conditions described in items 5 and 6, the type of mobile phase, which is important when determining preparative separation conditions, in particular, the comparison of analytical results between the use of an acidic mobile phase and the use of a basic mobile phase can be efficiently performed by simple and easy-to-understand operations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1…Analysis / preparation section 10A, 10B…Mobile phase container 11A, 11B... Liquid transfer pump 12...Mixer 13...Injector 14...Column 15...Splitter 16...First detector 17...Second detector 18...Fraction collector 180...Preparative valve 181...Dispensing nozzle 182…Tray 183...Fraction control unit 2...Autosampler 20...Vial plate 21...Suction / delivery mechanism 3...Control and processing section 30...Data storage section 31...Data processing unit 32...Analysis control unit 33...Analysis result display processing section 34...Display target selection reception section 4...Operation unit 5...Display section 6…Analysis result display screen 60, 61...Result display area 62...Vial plate diagram 620...Mark 63...Arrow buttons 64...double arrow button 65...Sample information area

Claims

1. In a liquid chromatograph apparatus in which a sample in which compounds have been separated in the time direction is introduced into a detector, a result storage unit for storing analysis results obtained by performing liquid chromatographic analysis on a plurality of samples under different separation conditions for the same sample; a display unit that displays an analysis result display screen on the display unit, the analysis result display screen having a plurality of result display areas for respectively displaying the analysis results of different liquid chromatographic analyses and a selection instruction area for a user to select one desired sample from the plurality of samples, and a display target selection receiving unit that receives a user's selection operation of one sample in the selection instruction area of ​​the displayed analysis result display screen; an analysis result display processing unit that acquires from the result storage unit a plurality of analysis results obtained under a plurality of different separation conditions corresponding to one sample accepted by the display target selection accepting unit, and displays the plurality of analysis results in the plurality of result display areas on the analysis result display screen, respectively; A liquid chromatograph apparatus comprising:

2. a sample supply unit that selects one of a plurality of sample containers prepared in the plate, extracts the sample from the sample container, and supplies the sample to the liquid chromatograph; 2. The liquid chromatograph apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection indication area is a schematic diagram corresponding to an arrangement of a plurality of sample containers on the plate of the sample supply unit, and the display target selection receiving unit receives an operation of specifying one sample container on the schematic diagram as a selection operation of the one sample.

3. the display target selection receiving unit receives a second operation on the analysis result display screen, which does not include an operation of selecting one sample in the selection instruction area; 3. The liquid chromatograph according to claim 1, wherein the analysis result display processing unit displays the analysis results for different samples in the plurality of result display areas of the analysis result display screen in response to the second operation.

4. 4. The liquid chromatograph according to claim 3, wherein the second operation is an operation on one or more operators that are arranged on the analysis result display screen at a position that does not overlap the selection instruction area.

5. A method for assisting in determining separation conditions in the liquid chromatograph apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: a measuring step of performing liquid chromatographic analysis on the same sample using different types of mobile phases, and storing the obtained analysis results in the result storage unit; a display target selection receiving step of receiving a selection operation of one sample by a user in a selection instruction area on an analysis result display screen displayed on the display unit; an analysis result display step of acquiring from the result storage unit a plurality of analysis results using different types of mobile phases corresponding to one sample accepted in the display target selection accepting step, and displaying the plurality of analysis results in the plurality of result display areas on the analysis result display screen, respectively; A separation condition determination support method comprising:

6. The separation condition determination support method according to claim 5 , wherein the different types of mobile phases include an acidic mobile phase and a basic mobile phase.

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