JP2008107136A - Analysis system and control method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate a burden for setting analysis conditions dependent on individual separation columns, and reduce deviations in analysis performances due to differences between the separation columns in an analyzer for analyzing a sample by using the separation columns such as liquid chromatograph. <P>SOLUTION: The separation column 2 is used, and has a RFID 1 as a noncontact IC tag embedded or added. A parameter specific to the column and stored in the IC tag 1 is obtained, and displayed on a display section 7 during an analysis. The displayed parameter is automatically or manually transmitted from a data analysis section 6 to the analyzer 5. The analyzer 5 implements the analysis in accordance with the transmitted analysis conditions. Since the parameter specific to the column and stored in the IC tag 1 can be read from / written to the RFID 1 through an input section 8, the data analysis section 6, a transmission/reception control section 4 and a transmission/reception section 3, it can be easily changed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a sample analysis system based on parameters related to analysis performance of a separation column and / or individual difference information of the separation column and a control method thereof in an analysis apparatus that separates a sample with a separation column and acquires analysis information.

  For example, in the case of performing high performance liquid chromatographic analysis, prior to the analysis, a computer for controlling the analysis device or the analysis device based on the data relating to the analysis performance inherent to each separation column and the data sheet attached to the column The analysis conditions are created. That is, first, one or a plurality of separation columns used for analysis are installed at predetermined positions of the analyzer. Thereafter, or immediately before that, it is necessary to create analysis conditions by inputting many parameters relating to analysis performance of each separation column such as gradient operation information for changing the solvent mixing ratio with time.

  Also, when using one separation column across multiple analyzers, repeatedly input the same parameters as above for each analyzer that installs and analyzes those separation columns or for each computer that controls the analyzer. There is a need to.

  In addition, the analyst must change parameters relating to analysis performance such as a gradient operation in which the solvent mixing ratio of each separation column input to the analyzer or the computer for controlling the analyzer is changed with time. In this case, since these pieces of change information are not reflected in other analyzers, a plurality of analysis conditions exist for one separation column.

  Often, separation columns of the same packing and profile are analyzed using the same analyzer and parameters for analytical performance such as a gradient operation where the solvent mixing ratio varies over time. In this case, since the analysis results such as the resolution and the retention time are biased due to the difference in the internal volume and retention coefficient of the separation column, the parameters must be adjusted for each column to be used.

  In Patent Document 1, a non-contact type IC tag is attached to each analysis device or each component in the analysis device, identification information is read from the IC tag, and management information corresponding to the identification information is read from a database and used. A chromatograph is disclosed.

  Similarly, Patent Document 2 discloses a liquid chromatograph in which a non-contact type IC tag is attached to a sample container, identification information is read from the IC tag, and management information corresponding to the identification information is read from a database and used. Has been.

JP 2005-283344 A JP 2005-257548 A

  In a conventional analyzer, an analyst inputs analysis-related parameters to a computer after or immediately before installing one or more separation columns used for analysis at a predetermined position of the analyzer. Have created. Specifically, there are many analytical performance parameters that the separation column has individually, such as gradient operation information for changing the mixing ratio of the solvent with time.

  Generally, information such as a gradient operation indicating the performance of a separation column is written on a medium such as paper as a data sheet when a column manufacturer ships the column, and is attached together with the column. An analyst manually inputs a number of parameters for obtaining a target analysis result based on information in the data sheets directly into an analysis apparatus or a computer for controlling the analysis apparatus. For this reason, it takes time to prepare for the analysis, and there is a problem that if the analysis conditions are entered by mistake, the target analysis result cannot be obtained.

  Further, when one separation column is used across analyzers, it is necessary to repeatedly input the parameter for each analyzer or computer for controlling the analyzer. In this case, it takes time and effort to create analysis conditions for the number of analyzers. Further, even if a computer parameter for controlling one analyzer or an analyzer is changed, the changed content is not reflected in another analyzer or a computer for controlling an analyzer. For this reason, there is a problem that the column main body and the parameters cannot be managed integrally.

  Even if separation columns with the same packing and external shape are analyzed using the same analyzer and parameters related to the analytical performance of the gradient operation that changes the solvent mixing ratio with time, the internal volume of the column and Differences in retention factors. For this reason, the peak retention time is biased, and the analyzed components may not be qualitative and quantitative.

  In such a case, when using a new separation column in general, it is necessary to perform a calibration operation of the device such as preparing a standard curve by sending a standard sample to the device before analyzing an unknown sample. .

  In Patent Document 1, an analysis device is identified from information on an IC tag, and database maintenance information corresponding to the identified analysis device can be read out via a server and used for maintenance work.

  However, the analyst still needs to input many parameters for obtaining the analysis result into the analyzer or a computer for controlling the analyzer.

  In addition, even if maintenance is performed, it cannot be executed under a usage situation where there is no server or database.

  In one aspect of the present invention, a non-contact type IC in which analytical performance parameters of a gradient operation for changing a solvent mixing ratio with time are written in a separation column of an analyzer that acquires analytical information by separating a sample with a separation column. A tag is attached, and information written in the non-contact type IC tag is read in a non-contact manner.

  In another aspect of the present invention, the non-contact type IC tag is written not with the analysis performance parameter but with information regarding individual differences of the separation column such as an internal volume / retention coefficient.

  In another aspect of the present invention, the information written in the non-contact type IC tag is not only read in a non-contact manner but also written, that is, rewritten.

  Furthermore, in another aspect of the present invention, the information read from the non-contact type IC tag is displayed as an analysis condition.

  As a non-contact type IC tag applied to the present invention, for example, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) can be cited.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, parameters relating to the analysis performance of the gradient operation stored in the non-contact type IC tag can be used as read analysis conditions, and the work time for creating / inputting the parameters during analysis can be reduced.

  In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an analyst can change and write parameters stored in a non-contact type IC tag, and the separation column and the parameters can be managed integrally. Even if it is moved, there is no need for re-input or the like, and management becomes easy.

  Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to change the gradient operation information for changing the solvent mixing ratio that the analyst has for each separation column with time. When changed, the changed information is written in the non-contact type IC tag embedded or added to the separation column. Therefore, as described above, the changed information can be transferred to another analyzer for analysis.

  Other objects and features of the present invention will be clarified in the embodiments described below.

  Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of an analyzer according to the best embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a control functional block diagram of an analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  A non-contact type IC tag 1 is embedded or added to the separation column 2. The non-contact type IC tag 1 is, for example, the above-described RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), and exchanges data wirelessly using radio waves or electromagnetic waves. Information of the non-contact type IC tag 1 is read and written by the transmission / reception unit 3 in a non-contact manner. In order to control reading and writing of this information, a transmission / reception control unit 4 is provided. On the other hand, there is an analyzer 5 such as a liquid chromatograph for separating and analyzing a sample and acquiring analysis information. The operation of the analyzer 5 is controlled by a data analysis unit 6 to acquire analysis information and perform data analysis. Do. A display unit 7 is provided to display analysis data and analysis conditions read from the non-contact type IC tag 1, and a control function block is configured from an input unit 8 for setting / changing the analysis conditions.

  Before starting the analysis, the analyst installs one or a plurality of separation columns 2 in which RFID 1 is embedded or added as a non-contact IC tag at a predetermined position of the apparatus. The transmission / reception control unit 4 reads information from the RFID 1 via the transmission / reception unit 3 and transmits the information to the data analysis unit 6. At this time, the information read from the RFID 1 is information regarding individual differences of the separation column 2 such as parameters regarding the analytical performance of the gradient operation for changing the solvent mixing ratio of the separation column 2 with time, internal volume, retention coefficient, and the like. .

  The data analysis unit 6 acquires parameters related to the analytical performance of the gradient operation that changes the solvent mixing ratios of the separation columns 2 read by the transmission / reception control unit 4 with time, and displays them on the display unit 7. The analysis conditions displayed on the display unit 7 are automatically or manually transmitted from the data analysis unit 6 to the analysis device 5, and the analysis device 5 starts analysis according to the transmitted analysis conditions.

  When the analyst changes the analysis conditions read from the RFID 1 before analysis, the changed analysis conditions are immediately sent to the transmission / reception control unit 4 and further to the target separation column 2 via the transmission / reception unit 3. It is written in the embedded or attached RFID 1.

  The separation column 2 in which the RFID 1 is embedded or added can be installed in an analysis system having another similar configuration. Thereby, the parameter regarding the analytical performance of the gradient operation which changes the solvent mixing ratio which each separation column has similarly with time similarly to the above can be referred and changed easily.

  For example, when the retention time is delayed due to deterioration of the separation column 2, parameters related to the analytical performance of the gradient operation that changes the solvent mixing ratio with time are corrected, and the RFID 1 embedded or added to the separation column 2 is modified. Write changes. As a result, since the main body of the separation column 2 holds information, the modified analysis conditions can be referred to and used in analysis systems having other similar configurations, and the column main body and the analysis conditions are integrated. Can be managed with.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the analyzer of the present invention will be described in detail.

  FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram using a high performance liquid chromatograph analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 denote the same functional components. An eluent liquid feeding mechanism 12 is constituted by the eluent 10 and a pump 11 for feeding the eluent 10. Through the sample introduction unit 13, a separation mechanism 15 including a guard column 14, a separation column 2 in which RFID 1 is embedded or added, and a visible detector 17 are linked by a flow path 18 that connects them. The output of the visible detector 17 is sent to the data analysis unit 6, and the analysis results and analysis conditions acquired by the data analysis unit 6 are displayed on the display unit 7. The contents displayed on the display unit 7 can be changed by the input unit 8. The information of the RFID 1 embedded or added to the separation column 2 is read / written by the transmission / reception unit 3 in a non-contact manner under the control of the transmission / reception control unit 4.

  The analyst sets the separation column 2 in which the RFID 1 is embedded or added to a predetermined position before starting the analysis. Information stored in the RFID 1 is read by the transmission / reception control unit 4 via the transmission / reception unit 3 and transmitted to the data analysis unit 6. The information transmitted to the data analysis unit 6 includes parameters relating to analysis performance of gradient operation information for changing the solvent mixing ratio of the separation column 2 with time as shown in FIG. 3 and individual difference information of the separation column 2. Retention coefficient and internal volume. The information read from the separation column 2 in which the RFID 1 is embedded or added includes the mixing ratio of one or more eluents 10 that changes with the analysis time, the flow rate of the eluent 10, the storage temperature of the separation column 2, and the like.

  Parameters relating to the analytical performance of the gradient operation for changing the solvent mixing ratio of the separation column 2 individually sent to the data analysis unit 6 with time by the transmission / reception control unit 4 are displayed on the display unit 7 of the data analysis unit 6. . When the parameter needs to be changed, the analyst can correct the parameter from the input unit 8 connected to the data analysis unit 6. These corrected contents are immediately transmitted from the data analysis unit 6 to the transmission / reception control unit 4, and the transmission / reception control unit 4 writes the information in the RFID 1 embedded or added to the separation column 2 via the transmission / reception unit 3. Even when the separation column 2 set in the separation mechanism 15 is analyzed by an analysis system having another similar mechanism, the changed contents can be easily referred to, and the analysis is performed using the changed parameters. Can also be done.

  Hereinafter, an operation of sample analysis using gradient operation information for changing the solvent mixing ratio of the separation column 2 individually read from the RFID 1 embedded or added to the separation column 2 with time will be described. Further, a method for correcting the deviation between the separation columns using the retention coefficient and the internal volume which are individual difference information of the separation column 2 will be described.

  The data analysis unit 6 corrects the mixing ratio and the feeding amount of the eluent 10 with respect to the gradient operation information shown in FIG. 3 based on the retention coefficient and the internal volume which are individual difference information of the separation column 2. Analysis starts based on the gradient operation information.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of gradient operation information (A) and (B) and column individual difference information (C) before and after the change in the high performance liquid chromatograph analyzer. Based on this information, the analyzer 5 switches the electromagnetic valve (not shown) in the pump 11 of the liquid feeding mechanism 12 or between the eluent tank and the pump 11 by a signal from the data analysis unit 6. The eluent 10 selected by the gradient operation information is fed by the pump 11. At this time, the mixing ratio and amount of the eluent 10 to be sent are controlled based on information obtained by correcting the mixing ratio and amount of the eluent 10 at each time shown in FIG. By controlling these, it is possible to correct the bias of different retention times for each column, and even if multiple separation columns with the same packing material and external shape are used, the target peak is always detected at a fixed time. be able to.

  The mixed eluent 10 is sent to the separation mechanism 15 via the sample introduction unit 13.

  The sample introduced from the sample introduction unit 13 passes through the guard column 14 selected by the column switching valve (not shown) of the separation mechanism 15 and is separated by the separation column 2. The sample separated by the separation column 2 is detected by the visible detector 17, and the visible detector 17 transmits a detection signal to the data analysis unit 6. The data analysis unit 6 processes the received signal and outputs, records, and saves it as data such as a chromatograph.

  By the above operation, the sample can be analyzed using the gradient operation information that is read from the RFID 1 embedded or added to the separation column 2 and changes the solvent mixing ratio peculiar to the separation column 2 with time. In addition, by using the retention coefficient and the internal volume, which are individual difference information of the separation column 2, it is possible to correct the retention time bias occurring between the separation columns.

  Below, the process flowchart in the analyzer of this Example is demonstrated.

  FIG. 4 is a process flowchart of the analyzer in the embodiment of FIG.

  When the analyst sets the separation column 2 with RFID 1 at a predetermined position of the separation mechanism 15, this is detected in step 401 and the process proceeds to step 402. In step 402, the information recorded on the RFID 1 is read out by the transmission / reception control unit 4 through the transmission / reception unit 3 in a non-contact manner. That is, from the RFID 1 of the separation column 2 set in the separation mechanism 15, parameters related to a gradient operation for changing the solvent mixing ratio peculiar to the separation column 2 with time, and a retention coefficient that is individual difference information of the separation column 2 And information such as internal volume. In step 403, the read information is transmitted to the data analysis unit 6, and the transmitted parameters are displayed on the display unit 7.

  When it is necessary to change the parameters relating to the gradient operation for changing the solvent mixing ratio of the separation column 2 with time, the analyst corrects the content from the input unit 8 connected to the data analysis unit 6. Based on this input, in step 404, it is determined that there is an input for changing the gradient operation information. In step 405, the read gradient operation information is changed based on the input. In step 406, the corrected parameter is transmitted from the data analysis unit 6 to the transmission / reception control unit 4, and written to the RFID 1 embedded or added to the separation column 2 via the transmission / reception unit 3.

  In step 407, analysis by the analyzer 5 is started based on the corrected parameter. The analysis device 5 performs analysis based on the transmitted parameters and transmits analysis information to the data analysis unit 6. In step 408, the data analysis unit 6 collects and analyzes the analysis information and displays a chromatograph and the like. This is displayed on the part 7 and the analysis is finished.

  If the analysis conditions are read from the RFID 1 embedded or added to the separation column 2 set at a predetermined position, it is possible to prevent erroneous input of the analysis conditions and to save time and effort for input.

  Since the separation column holds all the information related to the analysis performance unique to the separation column and the columns possessed by each separation column, the column and information can be managed integrally.

  According to the above embodiment, in an analyzer using a separation column such as a liquid chromatograph, it is possible to save labor for setting analysis conditions depending on individual separation columns, and between separation columns and between analyzers. It is possible to reduce the bias in analysis performance due to machine differences.

The control function block diagram of the analyzer by one Example of this invention. The block diagram using the high performance liquid chromatograph analyzer by one Example of this invention. The figure of an example of the analysis performance parameter and column individual difference information which were recorded on the separation column by one Example of this invention. The processing flowchart of the analyzer in the embodiment of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Non-contact type IC tag, 2 ... Separation column, 3 ... Transmission / reception part, 4 ... Transmission / reception control part, 5 ... Analysis apparatus, 6 ... Data analysis part, 7 ... Display part, 8 ... Input part, 10 ... Eluent, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Pump, 12 ... Eluent liquid feeding mechanism, 13 ... Sample introduction part, 14 ... Guard column, 15 ... Separation mechanism, 17 ... Visible detector, 18 ... Flow path.

Claims (10)

  In an analysis system including an analysis device that acquires analysis information by separating a sample with a separation column and a non-contact IC tag attached to the analysis device, the solvent mixing ratio is changed with time by being attached to the separation column. A non-contact IC tag in which parameters specific to the separation column relating to the analytical performance of the gradient operation are written, a receiving unit for reading the information written in the non-contact type IC tag in a non-contact manner, and reading through the receiving unit An analysis system comprising an analysis unit for analyzing the sample using the parameters as analysis conditions.   In an analysis system including an analysis device that acquires analysis information by separating a sample with a separation column and a non-contact type IC tag attached to the analysis device, the analysis volume is attached to the separation column, and the internal volume / retention coefficient, etc. A non-contact type IC tag in which individual difference information of the separation column is written, a receiving unit for reading information written in the non-contact type IC tag in a non-contact manner, and the individual difference information read through the receiving unit. An analysis system comprising an analysis unit for analyzing the sample as an analysis condition.   3. The analysis system according to claim 2, further comprising control means for controlling a flow rate, a mixing ratio, and / or a column temperature of a solvent to be sent to the separation column based on the individual difference information.   In an analysis system including an analysis device that acquires analysis information by separating a sample with a separation column and a non-contact IC tag attached to the analysis device, the solvent mixing ratio is changed with time by being attached to the separation column. A non-contact type IC tag in which parameters related to the analytical performance of the gradient operation and individual difference information of the separation column such as internal volume / retention coefficient are written, and information written in the non-contact type IC tag An analysis system comprising: a non-contact reading unit; and an analysis unit for analyzing the sample using the parameters and individual difference information read via the receiving unit as analysis conditions.   5. The input unit for artificially inputting information to be written or rewritten to the non-contact type IC tag according to claim 1, and writing or rewriting the input information to the non-contact type IC tag in a non-contact manner. An analysis system comprising a transmission unit.   6. The analysis system according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays the information read from the non-contact IC tag as an analysis condition.   An analysis system control method comprising a step of acquiring analysis information by separating a sample with a separation column and a step of reading information written on a non-contact type IC tag attached to the analysis device. In the non-contact type IC tag, a parameter unique to the separation column relating to the analytical performance of the gradient operation for changing the solvent mixing ratio with time is written, and the parameter written in the non-contact type IC tag is received from the receiving unit. A method for controlling an analysis system, comprising: a step of reading without contact; and a step of analyzing the sample using the read parameters as analysis conditions.   An analysis system control method comprising a step of acquiring analysis information by separating a sample with a separation column and a step of reading information written on a non-contact type IC tag attached to the analysis device. The individual difference information of the separation column such as the internal volume / retention coefficient is written in the non-contact type IC tag, and the individual difference information written in the non-contact type IC tag is contactlessly received from the receiving unit. A method for controlling an analysis system, comprising: a step of reading; and a step of controlling a flow rate, a mixing ratio, and / or a column temperature of a solvent to be fed to the separation column based on the read individual difference information.   9. The non-contact type IC according to claim 7 or 8, wherein when information to be written or rewritten to the non-contact type IC tag is input from an input unit that is input artificially, the input information is contactlessly transmitted from the transmission unit. An analysis system control method comprising a step of writing or rewriting a tag.   10. The analysis system control method according to claim 7, further comprising a step of displaying the information read from the non-contact IC tag as an analysis condition.

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