Discovery VP

The Discovery VP Automated system is entirely the result of user-required features and control options. The program was created by a customer based on what he and his group wanted from an HPLC system: queue based sample submission, basic gradient profiles, automatic report printing, and a simple interface that anyone could walk up to and understand how to use, but was structured behind the scenes by a designated Administrator. As more systems were sold, other customers contributed to both the system functionality and design of its user interface to give Discovery VP more flexibility and make it even easier to use. All suggestions from customers are evaluated for possible inclusion in future software versions, and dedicated programmers constantly work to improve its functionality. Several system protect features are built into the program to minimize downtime and protect samples. E-mail notification or a text message to a cell phone or pager can alert users when runs are complete, and numerous system and sample logs are available to the System Administrator as monthly reports.

Highlights of the Discovery VP system are listed below. Visit the Analytical and Preparative system pages to explore the unique features of each.

Features

Queue-based Sample Submission
The Discovery VP software has a simple interface for sample submission. Users add samples to the run queue on a first come, first served basis. The 'walk-up, walk-away' design allows busy chemists to focus on their primary tasks instead of assembling and configuring an HPLC system .

Gradient Profiles
Samples can be run isocratically, with a simple linear gradient, or with a 'complex' multi-step gradient for more challenging separations. Discovery VP will flush and equilibrate the column before every run so you are assured of column integrity and stability before sample injection. click for picture

Automatic Report Printing
Shimadzu´s CLASS-VP data acquisition software runs in the background to collect analog signal from multiple detectors such as UV, RID, ELSD, and MS. The printed report is totally customizable to display desired run information. PDA systems yield spectral information about compounds, and individual chromatograms from multiple wavelengths can be included with their own run reports.

Simple Interface
Users will access the Method Builder screen to add one or more samples to the run queue with only a few mouse clicks. Anyone can intuitively create a new method or select from a directory of stored methods. Control options for all system components are on a single page, and a Sequence Preview screen allows for a final check of run parameters.

Administrator
The System Administrator controls the 'behind the scenes' operational parameters for Discovery VP. In password-protected menu options, the Administrator identifies the hardware present, establishes column identity and limitations for flow rate, solvents, etc., configures the network interface for email, and manages a number of other options for setting up the system. The administrator receives notification from Discovery VP about any system abnormalities interfering with operation, and monthly status reports on system usage.

Customers Contributed
Customer input from 'real world' situations gives all users practical functions that simplify operation and make Discovery VP a powerful tool for method development and day-to-day operation by multiple users. Some features that came directly from customer requests are: 10 column capacity with solvent selection in Analytical mode, a 'default' method for columns to store frequently used run conditions, standby mode when the system is not running samples for quick startup and equilibration, a stacked plot report to overlay and compare multiple chromatograms, and control of the ELSD-LT and Shimadzu´s mass spectrometer for HPLC.

Future Software Versions
The Discovery VP software is constantly being updated and improved to meet the needs of a wide variety of customers. Shimadzu is committed to providing solutions for scientific challenges, and feedback from users results in new features for system ruggedness and ease of use.

System Protect Features
If the system is unattended, precautions are in place to handle situations such as column overpressure, full fraction collectors, unstable baseline, and many others. Discovery VP will pause the sample queue and stop solvent flow, display a message on the screen, and send an email to the Administrator to check the system. After Administrator intervention, Discovery VP resumes the sample queue.

E-mail notification
On a networked computer, Discovery VP will email users or send a text message to a pager or cell phone when runs are complete so analysts can quickly respond to samples that require immediate attention. The System Administrator receives email notification when Discovery VP requires intervention to reset the fraction collectors, check the detector for an unstable baseline, resolve a system overpressure, etc.

System and Sample Logs
Discovery VP sends a monthly email to the System Administrator that details system activity and column usage. This allows the Administrator to track and replace columns that approach the recommended limit for lifetime injections. click for picture

Enabling Technology for the Pharmaceutical Industry

LC-8A

The LC-10ADVPm micro is based on the LC10ADvp pump to provide excellent gradient performance at nano-flow rates, specifically to support the proteomics sector in tryptic digest and two-dimensional LC analysis. With a flow rate range from 100nl/min up to 10ml/min, these pumps guarantee flexibility of application and complete "future-proofing" of your analytical LC requirements.

Shimadzu preparative HPLC systems provide high performance, high speed, and high productivity in preparative chromatography. Our flexibility enhances functions and performance required in preparative liquid chromatography for wide range of scales and applications.

Large Scale Preparative System (Automated Scale-up System
This reliable preparative system incorporates the LC-8A pump. The maximum flow rate of the LC-8A is 150 mL/min. This system is suitable for automated and continuous preparative work using preparative size columns with an inner diameter between 20 and 50 mm. This system can be also used to determine separation conditions and maximum sample load, and to check for purity of the fraction. You can construct the system from wide range options including 5 sample injection collectors, 3 recycle valves, and 2 fraction collectors.

Semi-Preparative System
This system is suitable for gradient elution in both an analytical and semi-preparative scale, and for preparative recycling in a semi-preparative scale. This system uses the LC-20 solvent delivery unit and a kit to minimize inner volumes, making it ideal for recycling separation. An isocratic configuration with the RID-10A refractive index detector efficiently separates and prepares oligomers or additives using a semi-preparative GPC column.

Bio-Chemical Analysis/ Preparative System
This system uses a PEEK polymer for liquid-contacting parts; PEEK is resistant against mobile phases containing halogenated ions and acids. The auto injector, column oven and fraction collector have a cooling function, providing efficient separation at low temperatures. High sensitivity detectors with a PEEK polymer cell include the UV-VIS, photodiode array, and fluorescence detectors.

Refractive Index RID-10A

The RID-10A, as an important extension of the LC-10A HPLC Series, offers a compact, modular design and may be used stand-alone to complement an existing HPLC system, or connected to other Shimadzu LC-10A Series components via fiber optic cables for "plug-and-play" convenience.

Features

The RID-10A offers a unique, patented 4-partition photodiode technology (US Patent No. 5398, 110, March 14, 1995) that offers excellent linearity over a wide concentration range. It provides three operating modes for versatility over many applications:

- Analytical
- Analytical to semi-preparative (< 20 mL/min)
- Preparative (to 150 mL/min, with optional bypass valve)

The RID-10A differential refractive index detector has many strong, productivity-enhancing features including a double temperature-controlled housing to minimize baseline drift and enable fast instrument warm-up. The optical bench is thermostatted for superior baseline stability and has a built-in overheat protection feature.

The RID-10A offers GMP / GLP support with a Certificate of Compliance and Hardware validation protocols. System checks include automatic optical balance adjustment, a ROM /RAM memory check, a ROM version indication, and a display of lamp hours and lamp energy.

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