How to use Clarity to analyze continuous signals with no peaks (e.g., from moisture analyzers)

Using Clarity Software for Continuous Non-Peak Signal Analysis

Importance of the topic:
Continuous analyzers such as moisture or total hydrocarbon detectors often produce stable signals without distinct peaks, making automated data evaluation challenging. Converting flat signals into measurable events enables streamlined quality control, real-time monitoring, and integration into laboratory information systems.

Objectives and study overview:
This application note demonstrates how to employ Clarity chromatography software in conjunction with the DataApex Colibrick A/D converter to generate and analyze square “pseudo-peaks” from continuous analog outputs. The goal is to automate measurements, integrate multiple analyzers in a single run, and calibrate resulting signals accurately.

Methodology:
• System Configuration

• Configure the Colibrick unit and the virtual digital I/O loop as external start input and ready output in Clarity.
• Short-circuit the analyzer output via a relay driven by a digital output to create brief square pulses.

• Event Table Setup

• Define relay opening and closing times (Out1r) to generate square peaks within a suitable time window.
• Use Autostop to terminate analysis immediately after each pulse.
• Employ Time Idle events for continuous, timed measurements or a Sequence function for a predefined number of runs.

• Peak Integration

• Activate Baseline Lock to prevent false baseline drift.
• Apply manual Add Peak commands to ensure reliable detection of square pulses.

• Calibration

• Switch the calibration response base to Height (H) for consistent quantification.
• Convert voltage readings to analyzer units and apply offsets for zero-level correction via Detector Units settings.

Main results and discussion:
Square peaks generated by relay modulation are successfully detected and integrated by Clarity when using the recommended parameters. Calibration in height units yields linear response across the dynamic range. The approach supports sequential readings from multiple analyzers by using additional digital outputs.

Benefits and practical applications:

• Enables automated, unattended evaluation of continuous signals without manual intervention.
• Integrates diverse analyzers into a single Clarity project, simplifying data management.
• Improves throughput and reproducibility in QA/QC workflows.

Future trends and possibilities:

• Integration with IoT platforms for remote monitoring and predictive maintenance.
• Enhanced software algorithms for automated detection of non-Gaussian peak shapes.
• Adoption of real-time cloud analytics to correlate continuous process data with quality metrics.

Conclusion:
By leveraging Colibrick digital control and Clarity’s flexible event-driven analysis, continuous flat signals can be transformed into well-defined square peaks. This method provides a robust, automated solution for laboratories and industrial sites requiring precise monitoring of moisture, hydrocarbons, or other continuous analytes.

Used Instrumentation:

• DataApex Colibrick A/D Converter
• Clarity Chromatography Data System
• Relay module for signal modulation

Reference:
DataApex application note D166/EN05-20240223