Creating a Sequence in OpenLab ChemStation

Answer

This Information Applies to: Agilent OpenLab ChemStation

Issue

Setting up a sequence to run a series of injections.

Requirements

• Have a method created.
• Have an instrument ready or idle.
  • If not, the sequence will turn on the instrument and users will have to wait until all modules are ready to run an injection.

Steps to Follow

1. Click the Sequence drop-down menu > select Sequence Parameters (Figure 1).

   
   
   Figure 1. Sequence Parameter option 
   
   

2. Fill or select the following options in the Sequence Parameters window (Figure 2):
   • Path: contains the default paths of where the result set is stored. It is also available from the View drop-down menu > Preferences > Paths.
   • Subdirectory: designates the name of the directory. It is normally blank. If users do not want to overwrite existing data files, store the data files for the new sequence in a folder other than the one shown next to Path. Type the name of that folder in the corresponding text box. If the folder does not exist, it will be created automatically.
   • Name Pattern: shows the pattern that will be used to name the results set.  It can have predefined variables (tokens), which is the <blue text> by clicking the arrow on the right of that box. It can also contain regular text.
   • Part of the method to run: specifies how users want the methods in the sequence to be run. It is recommended to use According to Runtime Checklist.
   • Wait (LC only): specify (in minutes) the amount of time that should elapse between the end of one method and the beginning of another in the sequence. The wait time is executed after loading a method and before the method’s first injection. This is useful for allowing column re-equilibration when using new solvent compositions.
   • Shutdown: specifies what users want the software to do at the end of the sequence. 
   • Not ready timeout: if the sequence should be aborted or it takes longer than the time entered for the instrument to be ready for the next injection, the sequence will stop.
   • Error Method: this method will be loaded if there is an error during the sequence. For more information, read this article.

     
     
     Figure 2. Options in Sequence Parameters 
     
     

3. Click Sequence Output tab (Figure 3).
   
   1. Check the Print sequence summary report box and select an appropriate report template.
   2. Select the Destination of sequence summary report:
      1. Report to printer: physically print a copy of a report
      2. Report to file: generate a copy of the report in the sequence data folder. 
      3. Report to PDF: generate a PDF file onscreen
      4. Report to HTM: generate an HTM file onscreen
   3. If preferred, user can also print individual reports for each run in the sequence. It can be found under Destination of individual reports for each run.

      
      
      Figure 3. Sequence Output tab 
      
      

   4. Click OK.
4. Click the Sequence drop-down menu > select Sequence Table (Figure 4).

   
   
   Figure 4. Sequence Table option
   
   

5. Sequence Table window will pop up. This is where the samples, blanks, calibrations, and control samples are added to be run automatically by the sampler (Figure 5).
   1. Add the number of lines needed for the sequence.
      • Click Append Lines icon to append a known number of lines at the end or,
      • _{Click Insert Lines icon} to add a line above the currently selected line, or
      • Click New Lines Wizard icon to create new sequence lines as copies of the selected lines.
   2. Fill out the minimum required columns:
      • Sample Location with the vial location,
      • Sample Name,
      • Method Name, 
      • Injection source, leave As Method unless users want to use a different method,
      • Injection Volume if users need to use a different amount than it is specified in the method,
      • Inj/loc is the number of multiple injections on the same vial,
      • Sample Type can be Sample, Blank, Calibration, or Control Sample. If Calibration is selected, enter a Cal Level.
      • Sample Amount is the weight of the sample if needed.
      • ISTD Amount is the amount of internal standard added to the sample.
   3. To fasten the process, use the Fill Down option icon or Fill Down icon to quickly fill the remaining lines.
   4. Once the sequence table is filled and completed, click OK.
      

      
      
      Figure 5. Sequence Table window
      
      

6. Click the Sequence drop-down menu > select Save Sequence Template As to save the sequence table (Figure 6).

   
   
   Figure 6. Save Sequence Template As option 
   
   

7. When the instrument is Ready or Idle, click Start Sequence. It will run the currently loaded sequence (Figure 7).

   
   
   Figure 7. Start Sequence button
   
   

8. The Run Queue then shows the sequence running (Figure 8).
   

   
   
   Figure 8. Run Queue window  
   

Learn how to effectively operate your Agilent OpenLab ChemStation:  Agilent 8890 GC with OpenLab ChemStation Edition  Agilent 1260 Infinity LC Systems with OpenLab ChemStation Edition e-learning path available from Agilent education