Using SIMDIS Expert® 9 (Separation Systems) with Clarity

Importance of the Topic

Simulated distillation (SIMDIS) is essential for rapid, reliable boiling point distribution analysis in petroleum, petrochemical and environmental samples. Integrating SIMDIS Expert® 9 with chromatography software like Clarity ensures automated data handling, improves throughput and enhances reproducibility in quality control and research environments.

Study Objectives and Overview

This application note outlines how to configure Clarity or Clarity Lite to export chromatograms for SIMDIS processing, how to set up SIMDIS Expert® 9 for automated analysis, and how to troubleshoot common issues. The goal is to streamline the workflow from data acquisition to SIMDIS result generation.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Chromatogram Export in Clarity
  • Enable “Export AIA” to produce AIA/CDF files.
  • Configure “Run Program” and “Program To Run” columns to call simdis.exe or autosde9.exe with parameter %e for the exported file path.
  • Ensure export paths contain no spaces; adjust in Clarity Instrument Options under Directories.
  • Apply the same settings in Analysis – Batch for batch-wise export.
• SIMDIS Expert® 9 Configuration
  • In Detector & Signal Configuration, use Manual Configuration to define channel count and signal types.
  • Create or load a processing method via the Editor, following the SIMDIS Expert® Installation & User’s Manual.
  • Use Load Signal and Process Chromatogram dialogs to import CDF files and assign injection types.

Main Findings and Discussion

Key observations include the necessity of matching method names between Clarity and SIMDIS, proper sample type flags ($A for analysis), and calibrated parameter files. Common pitfalls involve missing blanks, inverse processing settings enabled, or export format errors. Resolving these ensures smooth automated SIMDIS runs.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Fully automated data transfer from Clarity to SIMDIS Expert® reduces manual handling and errors.
• Standardized method names and parameter settings enforce consistent QC across runs.
• Batch export and processing accelerate high-throughput laboratories.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Integration of SIMDIS workflows with LIMS and cloud-based data management is expected to grow, enabling remote monitoring and reporting. Advances in AI-driven chromatogram interpretation may further enhance the speed and accuracy of boiling point distributions. Expanded support for additional detector types and multidimensional GC could broaden the method’s applicability.

Conclusion

By following the outlined configuration steps in Clarity and SIMDIS Expert® 9, laboratories can achieve robust, automated simulated distillation workflows. Proper setup and troubleshooting ensure reliable boiling range analyses, supporting both routine QC and advanced research.

Reference

• Data Apex. Using SIMDIS Expert® 9 with Clarity Application Note D057/EN08-20240111.