Automated Device Shutdown After Sequence Completion in Clarity Chromatography Software
- Photo: DataApex: Automated Device Shutdown After Sequence Completion in Clarity
- Video: DataApex: How to shutdown the devices after the sequence is finished
Introduction
In automated chromatographic workflows, it is often necessary to ensure that controlled devices perform specific actions once a measurement sequence has finished. The video demonstrates how Clarity Chromatography Software allows users to define such actions by configuring a Shutdown Method within the Sequence Options.
This functionality enables devices to transition into a safe or standby state automatically after the last sequence row is measured, reducing manual intervention and supporting unattended operation.
Purpose of the Shutdown Method
The Shutdown Method is designed to define post-sequence actions for controlled devices once a sequence has finished.
This method can be used to:
- Gradually lower the flow
- Switch off detector lamps
- Cool down devices
- Bring instruments into standby or shutdown state
These actions are executed automatically based on the user-defined settings in the sequence configuration.
Accessing Sequence Options
To configure post-sequence behavior, it is necessary to:
- Open the Sequence Options
- Navigate to the section labeled “After sequence is finished”
This section contains all relevant controls for defining how and when shutdown actions are applied.
Configuration in the “After Sequence Is Finished” Section
1. Selecting the Shutdown Method
In the After sequence is finished section, the user must:
- Select a prepared Shutdown Method
- Define how the method should be executed
The Shutdown Method must already exist and contain the desired device actions (e.g. cooling, lamp switch-off, flow reduction).
2. Differences Between Devices
The necessary settings differ according to the used devices. This means shutdown behavior is device-dependent, and not all instruments require the same configuration.
Examples:
- Some devices only require the method to be sent
- For example, when the goal is to initiate cooling
- Other devices require the method to be run
- For example, detectors that include an option such as “switch the lamp off after run”
3. Performing Device Shutdown
In addition to sending or running the shutdown method, the user can enable:
- Perform Shutdown
When this option is checked:
- A shutdown command is sent directly to the devices
- Each device may react differently to this command
Device responses to this command depend on the specific hardware.
Execution Order After Sequence Completion
Once the last row of the sequence is measured, Clarity executes shutdown actions in a defined order:
- The Shutdown Method is sent
- The Shutdown Method is run (if configured)
- The Perform Shutdown command is sent (if enabled)
This ensures that all configured post-sequence actions are applied consistently and automatically.
Practical Implications
The demonstrated configuration allows users to:
- Automate post-analysis instrument handling
- Reduce the need for manual shutdown procedures
- Ensure devices enter a defined and safe state after sequence completion
This is particularly useful for long or unattended sequences where operator presence at the end of the run is not guaranteed.
Conclusion
Clarity provides a flexible mechanism to control device behavior after a sequence has finished through the use of a Shutdown Method and the After sequence is finished settings.
By selecting an appropriate shutdown method and defining whether it should be sent, run, or followed by a shutdown command, users can tailor post-sequence behavior to the requirements of their specific devices. The execution is performed automatically once the final sequence row is measured, ensuring consistent and reliable shutdown behavior.
