Using SIMDIS Expert® 9 (Separation Systems) with Clarity

Significance of the Topic

Simulated distillation (SIMDIS) is a critical technique in petroleum analysis. Integrating SIMDIS Expert® 9 with chromatography data systems like Clarity enhances automation, data consistency, and throughput. This combined workflow allows laboratories to streamline sample processing from acquisition to final distillation profile, improving reproducibility and reducing manual intervention.

Study Objectives and Overview

The primary aim is to describe how to configure Clarity or Clarity Lite to export chromatograms in AIA (*.cdf) format and automatically launch SIMDIS Expert® 9 for processing. This note outlines sequence and batch settings, program calls, file naming conventions, and necessary precautions to achieve seamless automated analysis.

Methodology and Instrument Configuration

Sequence Settings in Clarity:

• Enable “Export AIA” to generate cdf files.
• Use “Run Program” and specify simdis.exe or autosde9.exe under “Program To Run.”
• Define “Parameters” with %e for dynamic file naming.
• Ensure export paths contain no spaces and adjust via View – Options… if needed.

Batch Processing:

• Apply identical settings in the Batch dialog to process multiple runs.

Key Precautions:

• Align method names in Clarity and SIMDIS Expert® exactly.
• Include sample type identifiers ($B, $T, $A) in Sample ID.

SIMDIS Expert® 9 Configuration:

• Use Configure > Channels to set detector signals and types.
• Load or create a processing method via the Editor per vendor’s manual.
• Add exported files in Process Chromatogram and resolve warnings by verifying method name, sample flags, and file format.

Main Results and Discussion

Implementing this workflow enables fully automated SIMDIS analysis. Common issues include warning icons (“skull”) due to mismatched method names or missing flags, and crashes if blanks are absent or method files are uncalibrated. Disabling Inverse Processing and configuring email export parameters ensures smooth unattended operation.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Automated data transfer minimizes manual steps and transcription errors.
• Consistent naming and method alignment improve traceability.
• Batch export and processing increase laboratory throughput for QA/QC of fuels and petrochemicals.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances may include cloud-enabled processing, tighter integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and AI-driven anomaly detection in distillation curves. Expanded support for additional detectors and data formats will broaden analytical capabilities.

Conclusion

The described integration of Clarity with SIMDIS Expert® 9 provides a robust, automated platform for simulated distillation analysis. By following the outlined settings and precautions, laboratories can achieve reliable, high-throughput distillation profiles with minimal manual intervention.