Clarity Control Module FC BY UPCHURCH VALVE

Importance of the Topic

Fraction collectors in liquid chromatography enable automated separation and collection of eluent fractions based on time or signal criteria, crucial for preparative workflows, method development and compound isolation. Integrating fraction collectors into chromatography software enhances reproducibility, efficiency and data traceability.

Objectives and Overview of the Study

The FC by Upchurch Valve Control Module within the Clarity chromatography station provides direct control over Upchurch Valve fraction collectors via serial or USB communication. The objective of this module is to streamline method setup, execution and monitoring by embedding fraction collection parameters into the chromatography method and storing them alongside the chromatographic data.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The fraction collector communicates through RS232 or USB using a DB9F connector on the PC and typically an S-video connector on the valve. Configuration is performed in Clarity System Configuration by adding the FC by Upchurch Valve control module and associating it with an LC instrument type. A Ruby script (UPCHURCHVALVEFC.RB) handles low-level commands. Key hardware and software settings include:

• Port selection and AutoDetect function for device communication
• DataApex UNI Setup for custom device naming and valve subtype identification
• Digital I/O assignments for external start and ready signals

The Method Setup dialog offers dedicated tabs for:

• Fraction Table: specifying flow rate, delay volumes, collection intervals and signal-based triggers (none, level, slope, and hybrid conditions) with adjustable data filtering
• Vial Numbers: defining start and last vial positions, reset conditions, post-end-of-run behavior (waste or shutdown) and vial change options
• Properties: setting the waste port position

Monitoring and control are available through the Device Monitor window, enabling manual commands such as Next Vial, Start/Stop Collecting and Resume Method. The Data Acquisition window graphically displays fraction intervals and trigger events.

Main Results and Discussion

The module successfully integrates fraction collection parameters into the LC method, allowing automated, signal- or time-driven fractionation with real-time monitoring. Users can define complex trigger conditions, mix timed and signal-based collection, and handle vial changes with minimal manual intervention. The graphical feedback in Clarity ensures transparency of fraction events and method logic.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Enhanced automation and reproducibility of preparative separations
• Flexible fractionation strategies based on peak detection or timed intervals
• Seamless data logging of fraction events alongside chromatograms
• Reduced risk of vial overflow through delay volume compensation and vial change management

Future Trends and Applications

Advances may include tighter integration with high-throughput and multidimensional chromatography platforms, AI-driven adaptive triggering based on real-time peak characteristics, expanded scripting for customized workflows, and cloud-based remote monitoring of fractionation processes.

Conclusion

The FC by Upchurch Valve Control Module in Clarity offers a comprehensive solution for automated fraction collection in liquid chromatography. By consolidating method parameters, hardware control and graphical monitoring, it enhances efficiency and data integrity in preparative and research applications.