Using Dragon DHA© with Clarity

Importance of the topic

Automating chromatogram evaluation enhances throughput, reproducibility and data consistency in analytical laboratories. Integrating dedicated deconvolution and peak analysis software with chromatography data systems streamlines workflows, reduces manual interventions and supports quality assurance in industries ranging from environmental monitoring to pharmaceutical research.

Objectives and study overview

This application note demonstrates how to link Dragon II DHA© deconvolution software with Clarity CDS to enable seamless export, processing and reporting of chromatographic data. The primary aim is to define a standardized workflow that leverages PostRun automation in Clarity to trigger Dragon II DHA© analysis without manual file handling.

Methodology and instrumentation

The integration relies on the following setup:

• Chromatography Data System: Clarity CDS with configured PostRun action.
• Deconvolution Software: Dragon II DHA© for automated peak identification and quantification.
• Data Exchange Format: AIA (.cdf) files exported from Clarity.

Typical workflow steps:

1. Acquire chromatogram in Clarity and adjust integration parameters as needed.
2. Configure PostRun Settings to export the analysis automatically to AIA format.
3. Specify Dragon II DHA© parameters: reference .dha file, selected processing mode (AUTO or MANUAL) and integration thresholds.
4. Launch Dragon II DHA© upon export; review and close each instance if operating in manual mode.

Optional toolbar customization in Clarity can further accelerate the export step by adding a Perform PostRun icon.

Main results and discussion

Implementing this workflow eliminates manual file browsing and reduces transcription errors. AUTO mode enables hands-free processing for large batches, while MANUAL mode allows interactive review when data requires expert confirmation. Adjusting the Peak area reject value in Dragon II DHA© ensures consistency between Clarity’s integration and downstream deconvolution results.

Benefits and practical applications

• Increased throughput by automating repetitive export and analysis operations.
• Enhanced data integrity through direct file transfer and standardized parameters.
• Flexibility to handle both routine batch analyses and specialized investigations.
• Easy adaptation to various chromatographic methods by updating reference .dha files.

Future trends and potential applications

Further developments may include:

• Direct API integration between Clarity and Dragon II DHA© to eliminate PostRun file exports.
• Cloud-based processing for real-time collaborative data review.
• Enhanced machine learning algorithms for more accurate deconvolution of complex matrices.
• Integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) for full instrument-to-report data traceability.

Conclusion

The described integration provides a robust framework for automating chromatogram export and deconvolution analysis. By combining Clarity CDS’s PostRun capabilities with Dragon II DHA© automation modes, analytical laboratories can achieve higher sample throughput, improved reproducibility and streamlined workflows.

References

• Dragon II DHA© software documentation and options menu.