CHRONOS 4.9

Importance of the topic

Automation in chromatographic laboratories is critical to meet rising throughput demands and lean management goals.
By reducing manual steps, laboratories can shrink turnaround times and enhance data precision, minimizing human error.

Objectives and overview of the solution

CHRONOS 4.9 is designed as a master software to orchestrate complex sample preparation and integrate with chromatography data systems and LIMS.
Its core objectives include:

• Optimizing time alignment between autosampler and analytical instrument tasks
• Minimizing idle periods through intelligent scheduling
• Seamless data transfer and method management across platforms

Methodology and instrumentation

Sample preparation sequences are defined as chains of TASKS in a graphical method editor, where parameters can be locked or exposed as editable variables.
CHRONOS supports PAL series autosamplers (xt, DHR, TWIN PAL, COMBIPAL, RTC PAL) and integrates with GC, LC, and MS software including Agilent ChemStation, Waters MassLynx, Thermo Xcalibur, among others.
Additional hardware modules such as valve actuators, barcode readers, balances, pumps, centrifuges, and fraction collectors can also be controlled.

Main results and discussion

By nesting sample preparation steps, CHRONOS achieves parallel execution and reduces overall sequence times. Example: headspace GC-MS with 60 min incubation and 25 min analysis showed up to six samples processed simultaneously, removing idle gaps.
Graphical timetables visualize overlapping tasks and enable dynamic adjustments during runs. Error messages can trigger SMS/email alerts, and detailed logs maintain full traceability.

Benefits and practical applications

Key advantages include:

• Enhanced system utilization and throughput gains
• Higher reproducibility by eliminating manual scheduling
• Universal interface bridging CDS and LIMS environments
• Support for complex workflows such as SPME, online SPE, derivatization, fraction collection

Future trends and opportunities

Advancements may include cloud-based orchestration of distributed instruments, AI-driven optimization of multi-user environments, expanded support for emerging sample-preparation devices, and deeper integration with laboratory informatics ecosystems.

Conclusion

CHRONOS 4.9 demonstrates how intelligent software control can transform chromatographic laboratories by parallelizing tasks, reducing idle time, and unifying instrument and data workflows, ultimately boosting productivity and data quality.