How to Lock/Unlock GC Columns with Agilent OpenLab CDS

Answer

This Information Applies To: Agilent OpenLab CDS Rev. 2.x, Agilent GC Systems

Issue

If a column installed in the GC is used for multiple methods and you want to prevent column configuration changes, you should "lock" the column from the acquisition software.

When a column is locked:

• Column parameters will not change when a different method is loaded.
  
• Only column segments are editable.
  
• The column's position is not changeable.

Requirements

The user locking the column must belong to an OpenLab CDS role with the project privilege "Create and modify acquisition method".

Tips: For a quick description or OpenLab CDS privileges, consult OpenLab Help and Learning

Steps to Follow

Locking a column

1. Launch the Acquisition screen.

2. From the top ribbon, click the Home tab and click the Method icon. (See Figure 1)

   
   
   Figure 1. Location of the Method icon (Acquisition screen).
   
   

3. In the acquisition method, go to the Instrument Setup section, select Configuration > Columns. (See Figure 2)

   
   
   Figure 2. Column Configuration section in the Acquisition Method.
   
   

4. In the columns table, select the desired column.

5. Click the Lock Column... button. (See Figure 3)
   Note: If the user does not have the correct permissions, this option will be unavailable

   
   
   Figure 3. Locking a column from the Column Configuration.
   
   

   The locked columns will have the label "Locked" above the column name.

Unlocking a column

1. Repeat steps 1 to 4 from the previous procedure. 
2. Click the Unlock Column... button.
   Note: If the user does not have the correct permissions, this option will be unavailable. 

Tips: The column lock only applies to the same user who locked it. If one user has the column locked, it does not mean that all users will have it locked.

Learn more about hot to operate your Agilent GC system with OpenLab CDS: OpenLab CDS with GC in OpenLab Help and Learning