Chromatographic Analyzer Automatic Retention Time Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In chromatographic analyzers like GC/MS, changing data collection or processing conditions due to variations in chromatogram time axes, such as capillary column cuts or temperature changes, is laborious and error-prone, especially when dealing with multiple ion sets or compounds.
Innovation Solution
A chromatographic analyzer that automatically corrects temporal parameters in data collection or processing conditions by using retention times of known components from standard specimens, allowing for pre-analysis correction of parameters to maintain accurate analysis results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If data collection conditions are manually adjusted to accommodate chromatogram time axis variations, then analysis accuracy is maintained, but operator workload increases and errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects chromatogram time axis variations and adjusts data collection conditions without operator intervention. The analyzer self-corrects retention time shifts by comparing actual peak positions with expected positions, and automatically modifies measurement start/end times and mass number ranges accordingly, eliminating manual adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors chromatogram outputs and uses feedback from detected peak positions to dynamically adjust data collection parameters. When retention time variations are detected, the system feeds this information back to automatically recalculate and update measurement conditions, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains accuracy without manual input
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ion sets are configured for comprehensive analysis, then coverage of multiple compounds is improved, but complexity of parameter adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the comprehensive analysis into multiple ion sets, each targeting specific mass numbers for different compounds. By segmenting the measurement into discrete ion sets with specific time ranges and mass numbers, the system manages complexity through modular organization while maintaining comprehensive compound coverage through the collective capability of all ion sets
Solution Approach 2:
The automated adjustment mechanism serves multiple ion sets simultaneously with a single correction process. The system universally applies time axis variation compensation across all configured ion sets, allowing one correction algorithm to handle diverse measurement configurations and multiple compounds without requiring separate adjustment procedures for each ion set
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces operator workload and prevents errors by enabling automatic adjustment of data collection or processing conditions, improving operation efficiency, especially in scenarios with multiple ion sets or combined scanning and SIM measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a mass spectrometer for detecting the specimen components which are temporally separated by the column
Implementation Method 2
subjecting specimen components, which are temporally separated by a column according to a predetermined separation condition
Data Source
AI summary
When a standard specimen including a given reference component is analyzed after a separation condition is changed, a data processing section (31) acquires an actual measurement value of a peak of a reference component that appears in a chromatogram obtained by the analysis, and estimates a deviation of the retention time of a peak of an intended component on the basis of the actual measurement value and information on the retention time of the reference component before the separation condition stored in an analysis condition information storing section (34) is changed, to correct a measurement time range of the respective ion sets of an SIM measurement parameter which is stored in an analysis condition information storing section (34). An SIM measurement is conducted according to the parameter that is corrected when analyzing the intended specimen, to thereby make it possible to conduct a desired measurement by an operator.