CLARITY 10.0 WHAT'S NEW

Significance of the Topic

Chromatography data systems are central to modern analytical laboratories, enabling reliable acquisition, processing, and reporting of complex datasets from various detectors. CLARITY 10.0 builds upon this foundation by introducing features that address high sample throughput, regulatory compliance, real‐time monitoring, and flexible device integration.

Objectives and Overview

This release targets four main areas:

• Dual Chromatogram Mode for simultaneous analysis of two sample streams.
• Enhanced Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) functionality for secure user management and audit trails.
• Real‐time spectral visualization during data acquisition, including MS, PDA spectra and isoplots.
• Extended mass spectrometry support and a new external control module installer for third‐party devices.

Methodology and Instrumentation

CLARITY 10.0 integrates with a broad range of instruments:

• Gas chromatography systems equipped with dual‐tower samplers or liquid chromatography units using dual‐loop samplers, each requiring at least two detector channels configured as Front and Back.
• Mass spectrometers and photodiode array detectors to feed live spectral data and isoplots during runs.
• An external control module installer that allows qualified integration of third‐party hardware, complete with installation qualification (IQ) workflows.

Main Results and Discussion

The dual chromatogram mode automatically splits Front and Back signals into separate chromatograms and duplicates sequence parameters with offset vial positions. GLP enhancements include prevention of unauthorized user deletion or renaming, login attempt limits with automatic and manual account disabling, and improved audit trail print headers with date and operator information. The data acquisition window now offers live MS and PDA spectral displays and an isoplot view for PDA signals. Method adaptation dialogs convey detailed reasons for automatic adjustments. The MS extension adds direct library selection in single‐compound searches and access to MS method settings without required spectral data. Natural gas analysis modules have been updated to comply with EN ISO 6976:2016, alongside refinements for ASTM D3588‐98, GPA 2172‐09, and ISO 6976‐95. Additional improvements include colored infobars for installation status, refined sequence printing, and updates to over twenty control modules.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Enhanced sample throughput by analyzing two injections concurrently.
• Robust regulatory compliance through tightened user account controls and detailed audit trails.
• Improved decision making on the fly with live spectral and isoplot feedback.
• Simplified expansion of hardware support via the external control module installer.
• Accurate and standards‐compliant natural gas property calculations.

Future Trends and Applications

Anticipated developments include advanced automated peak detection using machine learning, cloud‐based collaboration for multi‐site laboratories, expanded support for emerging ionization techniques, and sophisticated data analytics tools for mining large chromatographic datasets.

Conclusion

CLARITY 10.0 represents a major advancement in chromatography data systems by combining dual‐sample analysis, strengthened GLP compliance, real‐time monitoring capabilities, and modular extensibility. These enhancements streamline workflows, ensure regulatory adherence, and prepare laboratories for evolving analytical challenges.

References

• DataApex, CLARITY 10.0 What’s New Guide, 2024.