Cirrus™ GPC Software for Galaxie™ from Varian, Inc

Cirrus™ GPC Software for Galaxie™ from Varian, Inc.

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GPC Solution for Galaxie™

GPC is the technique of choice for rapid and reliable characterization of polymer molecular weight and molecular weight distributions and is widely used in both QC/Routine and R&D type environments.

Polymer Laboratories’ scientists are acknowledged experts in the field of GPC, providing world-class GPC columns, standards, detector systems and feature rich GPC software.

Polymer Laboratories’ Cirrus GPC software is now available as a Galaxie 'plug-in', which fully integrates into Galaxie providing an integrated scalable solution for GPC/SEC and polymer characterization applications.

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• Quick To Learn And Simple To UseA key feature of the plug-in ensures that all necessary user input and interaction to perform a routine GPC analysis can be performed directly within Galaxie, without the need for any in depth training on the Cirrus GPC software.

• Flexible, Versatile / Depth of Features / ConfigurableThe GPC solution provides a flexible solution that can address the requirements of both the routine QC and R&D environments and applications.

• Scalable / ExpandableThe GPC solution can run on a simple standalone PC or as part of a larger client server chromatography solution.


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There are numerous ways in which the GPC solution can be used, allowing the system to be configured to suit a customer’s application and method of working.

QC/Routine Applications The whole system can be configured to run with minimal user interaction, providing the potential for unattended automated GPC analyses of samples as they are collected. At its simplest, the system can automatically generate a GPC report for each sample processed within Galaxie.

R&D ApplicationsCirrus has the flexibility, versatility and depth of GPC features that make it ideally suited to handle a variety of sample types, demanding chromatographic separations and GPC analyses that can be encountered within the R&D environment.


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Galaxie Manages all Instrument Control and Data Collection

Data collected from any of the chromatography detectors commonly used for conventional GPC analysis (i.e. a concentration detector such as RI, UV or ELSD) can be processed.

For situations requiring characterization by GPC ‘online’, a GPC analysis can be performed as soon as each sample is collected. Alternatively, chromatograms can be simply collected for GPC processing ‘offline’ at a later date.

The system provides the capability for simultaneous data collection with online processing and offline processing of archived data.


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Single Entry Point for GPC Specific Information

The GPC solution ensures minimal operator interaction by allowing all key GPC information to be defined from within Galaxie.

• GPC Specific Processing Parameters• GPC Calibration Information• GPC Specific Sample Information


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GPC Specific Processing Parameters

These are defined directly within a Galaxie Method and are stored within the Method itself ensuring data security and traceability.

The Galaxie 'Method Template’ feature ensures that the configuration does not need to be repeated for any new GPC method created within Galaxie.

If required, different Galaxie Methods can be used for different GPC applications.


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GPC Calibration Information

The 'Peak Molecular Weights' (Mp) of individual peaks for GPC Narrow Standards can be defined directly within Galaxie.

This means that all the necessary information for creating a GPC Calibration can be input directly within Galaxie.

The system can even be configured to automatically assign the Mp values of GPC Standards.


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GPC Calibration InformationAll the necessary information for creating a GPC Calibration can be input directly within Galaxie.

Enter the Mp values for GPC Narrow Standard calibrant peaks directly within Galaxie.


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GPC Specific Sample Information This information can be entered when defining samples within the Galaxie ‘Sample Collection Sequence’ and ‘QuickStart Single Injection’ windows.

The sample details entered remain with the sample in the GPC software, ensuring both the sample and GPC results can be traced easily.


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Peak Detection OptionsTo ensure minimal operator interaction the GPC software uses the peaks detected (peak integration information generated) by Galaxie.

This eliminates any need to become familiar with a second set of peak integration algorithms and when working in a regulated environment, eliminates the need to validate a second set of peak integration algorithms.

When performing GPC analyses interactively, options within the GPC analysis window do allow you to modify the original peak integration results from Galaxie, or you can simply use the peak integration routines provided within the GPC software.

What ever your choice, it is simple to configure and use.


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TraceabilityDetails about each sample processed, the parameters associated with the sample, any changes made to the GPC configuration of the method and any warnings and errors are all logged in the standard Galaxie audit log.

Sample details entered within Galaxie remain with the sample in the GPC software, ensuring each sample and GPC results can be easily traced.

ValidationThe plug-in provides ‘Installation Qualification’ and ‘Operational Qualification’ procedures to achieve regulatory compliance.


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GPC Software from Polymer Laboratories

• GPC Software with an Extensive Pedigree

• Cirrus™, an established product in its own right, is a powerful suite of GPC software from Polymer Laboratories, suppliers of the industry standard GPC software since the 1980s.

• The package supports collection and calculation options for conventional GPC calculations.

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• Comprehensive calibration options:

• Calibration versioning

• Calibration statistic reports

• Calibration browser & edit facilities

• Optional flow rate correction

• Calculation of MW averages, distribution plots and material in user-defined MW ranges for one or more peaks within a sample

• Variety of peak integration options

• Automation options

• Complete control of report content

• Customizable results summaries for any sequence of samples

• Extensive reviewing and exporting of data and results

• Comprehensive customization options via a software development kit

Features of the GPC Software

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The Cirrus GPC software is intuitive, easy to learn and easy to use.

A Single program handles all aspects of the GPC Analysis.

‘Specific Views' for the various stages of a GPC analysis ensure an uncluttered display of just the relevant information, with related information only a click away.

Quick To Learn And Simple To Use

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The User interface contains all functions and features for:

• Defining a set of analytical conditions

• Defining one or more GPC processing methods

• Defining samples to process

• Generating and reviewing column calibrations

• Interactive analysis of samples by peak height or area, and review of results

• Generating reports per sample

• Reviewing and generating “results summaries” for any series of samples

• Generating and reviewing GPC calibrations for narrow and broad standards

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Comprehensive GPC Column Calibration Options

Calibration Types• Universal Calibration

Narrow Standard with curve fit orders selection 1 – 5, allowing replicate entries of points in a calibration with no limit on the number of points in a calibration

• Broad Integral Weight Fraction Method• Broad Hamielec Method• Broad on Narrow Method

Calibration ArchivingAll calibrations used to process samples are automatically archived and locked against changes.

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Comprehensive GPC Column Calibration Options

Calibration Browser & Edit Facilities• Ability to review and inspect any calibration stored in the

Workbook• Calibration statistic reports• Overlay capabilities with the ability to view extrapolation

regions• Curve Fit Method can be altered• Data points can be disabled/enabled, added/deleted

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MW Averages Calculation

• Mp / Mn / Mw / Mz / Mz+1 / Mv / PD

• Molecular Weight Distribution Plot and Cumulative Plot

• Full reporting of peak parameters used and peak height / area

Analysis Options

• Flow Rate CorrectionOptional correction for flow variation using standard internal marker method.

• Multiple PeaksCan process multiple peaks per sample, MW Averages and Distribution plots calculated for each peak.

• User Definable MW RangesIntegrated reporting of % material for User definable MW ranges. (Particularly useful for blends and oligomers)

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Variety of Peak Integration Options• Use Galaxie options with optional override in Cirrus• Use Cirrus with fully 'Interactive Peak Selection' or ‘Automatic Peak

Detection’.

Automation OptionsAutomated or interactive generation of calibrations and processing of samples.

Processed Data and Results

• Processed GPC data is always saved for archiving.

• A results file contains full details on how the sample was analysed. This is generated each time an analysis is performed.

• The results file is in ASCII format for easy access of information.

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Options Reviewing Data and Results:Reviewing and reporting collected data and its results is an essential part of any analytical software package. Cirrus provides a number of powerful reviewing options within the software, each one designed to suit specific tasks.

• Results View

• Reviewer View

• Screening Results

• Sample Information Accessibility

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Results ViewThe Results View displays a summary of all the peaks processed for each sample since the sequence was started. The data is displayed in a spreadsheet view. Options available within this view provide the ability to:

• Sort the results on any parameter • Display the results grouped by one or more parameters.

E.g Batch Name• Filter the results.

E.g. show specific samples based on name or type.• Apply simple or custom filters to extract specific samples and

information. E.g. only show results where the Mn values are between set limits

Only the results that pass the filter criteria are shown in the grid. The combination of these options provides a powerful method of extracting the information you require.

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Results ViewIn this example the results have been grouped by the sample batch.

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Reviewer ViewThis view provides the ability to review, compare and extract information from archived data and results within a specific batch of samples, across batches, both within the same Workbook and across Workbooks. Chromatograms and results (MW averages, distribution plots and other derived plots) can be viewed both textually and graphically.

Comprehensive grouping, filtering and sorting options allow simple or complex/detailed queries to be performed on your GPC data, enabling you to extract specific information about samples and results quickly. For example, it can provide the answers to typical questions such as:

• What samples were processed when, how and by whom?• What were the results of a series of samples?• Do the sample distribution plots compare with others previously run?• How are the chromatograms different?

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Reviewer ViewOptions available within this view provide the ability to:

• Group and order sample parameters• Sort by sample parameters • Apply simple or custom filters• Search

Parameters can be broadly grouped into:• Sample details• Collection details• Analysis details

Information that can be extracted includes:• Results per sample peak• Results per sample• Results for a series of samples

Information can be exported to a variety of common formats:• ASCII text• MS Excel• HTML• XML

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Reviewer ViewWithin the view you can create graphical overlays of:

• Chromatograms• Distribution plots• A custom view allows you to select what data from the GPC slice data you wish

to plot.

Extensive plot customization allows you to control:• Offsets and scaling factors applied to individual traces• Axes format and presentation• Annotations on plots • Line types and colours • Stack / isometric plot options

Various display formats allow you to report what you want, the way you want it.

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Lets take a look at an example of using the Reviewer

To overlay chromatograms simply click on the visible checkbox for the samples of interest.

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Because the samples have already been processed, the Distribution Plots are immediately accessible.

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The distribution plots compare well, with one obvious difference.

The calculated MW averages for the samples area also accessible by clicking on the Results tab.

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ReportingComprehensive reporting options with a powerful Report Designer provide complete control of report content:

• User definable content and layout using report templates

• Concise sample summary reports or peak reports

• Ability to generate one or more reports per sample

• Automatic and on demand reporting

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Example Reports

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Convenient Data ImportCirrus features built-in support for chromatograms collected on most chromatography data systems.

Comprehensive Export OptionsChromatograms can be exported as AnDI/CDF files or ASCII text. Graphics images can be stored in standard formats. Results are directly readable into word processing/spreadsheet packages such a MS Word and Excel.

CustomizationComprehensive customization options via a software development kit.

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Help & Support Options

• The software provides a range of online help options

• Registered Cirrus users have full access to PL's support website offering:

– Downloads of all the latest upgrades

– Downloads of all Cirrus literature

– Access to the FAQs database.

– Email & telephone support

• Cirrus is also supported by an integral, comprehensive maintenance and support package for further technical assistance and immediate access to all new features/versions introduced.

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The GPC software solution is available for new Galaxie systems and as an upgrade for existing users of Galaxie.

System RequirementsCompatible with Galaxie CDS & Workstation Ver 1.8 or higher

Compatible with Windows XP Professional SP2 and Windows 2000 Professional Workstation.

Part NumbersPL0570-2000VA Single computer licensePL0570-2000VA5 5 computer licensesPL0570-2000VA10 10 computer licenses


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Documents

Cirrus™ GPC Software for Galaxie™ from Varian, Inc