Hobbies And Interests
HPLC Features
HPLC systems move liquid through a solid, yet porous, substance with the use of a pump. Any solutes from the liquid that pass through the solid are collected and sent through an accompanying flow detector for analysis. This automated solute separation technique is used extensively in the food safety industry, as well as aiding in the production of new drugs and medicines.
Individual Computer
Typical HPLC systems must have a basic desktop connected to them, using Microsoft Windows as the operating system. Depending on the machine's manufacturing date, the computer can connect directly to the HPLC through a USB connector or a serial RS-232 cable.
Networked Computers
Multiple computers can connect to the HPLC system using the same operating system. The HPLC machine simply connects to the computer bank through the customized Ethernet network set for the computers themselves. As a result, many different laboratory workers can access the HPLC machine's data at different workstations, improving productivity.
Internet Remote Access
Modern HPLC systems have Internet connectivity. Internet access gives laboratory workers the option of retrieving important data from remote sites. Traveling workers can observe real-time HPLC functions and outcomes through the most current Microsoft Internet Explorer version on their laptop.
Considerations
Older HPLC systems, using RS-232 serial connections, must have computer data flow rates configured for proper communication between the machine and the computer. Use HyperTerminal to create a port communication point between the computer and the machine. Set the baud rate to 9600, parity to none, stop bits to one, data bits to eight and flow control to "X/off." Save this port setting so the computer automatically communicates with the HPLC system next time.