Clarity Control Module FLOM AI-12 SERIES

Importance of the Topic

The precise and reproducible control of liquid chromatography pumps is essential for reliable gradient elution in analytical chemistry. Integration of the Flom AI-12 series pump with the Clarity software environment enables seamless method-driven operation, real-time monitoring and comprehensive audit trails, supporting robust workflows in research, quality assurance and industrial analysis.

Objectives and Overview

This summary reviews the implementation of the Flom AI-12 series control module within Clarity chromatography software. Key aims include direct serial communication setup, method configuration for gradient and auxiliary pumps, device monitoring, report generation and troubleshooting.

Used Instrumentation

• Flom AI-12 series LC pump with 301M module
• DataApex Clarity chromatography station with LC Control license (A24)
• Serial RS-232 interface via DB9F-DB9F cross cable (SK01)
• DataApex UNI Ruby driver script (FLOMPUMPS.RB)

Methodology

Installation and configuration involve connecting the pump to a PC COM port, adding the module in Clarity’s System Configuration and setting communication parameters via the DataApex UNI Setup dialog. Method Setup sections include:

• LC Gradient: Define time-based solvent ratios, overall flow, standby and idle states.
• Gradient Options: Assign solvent names, enable/disable solvents and set pressure safety limits.
• LC Auxiliary Pump: Configure idle flow and pressure thresholds.
• Event Table: Trigger flow or output changes during runs.
• Advanced: Select auxiliary signals to record in the chromatogram audit trail.

Device monitoring offers real-time flow and pressure display, manual gradient overrides, hold/resume control and purge functions for auxiliary pumps.

Main Results and Discussion

Direct control from Clarity ensures that gradient profiles and auxiliary pump actions are embedded into chromatogram metadata. Pressure limits programmed in hardware protect against leaks and column blockages. Manual flow adjustments during runs are logged in the audit trail and original methods are automatically restored at run completion.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Automated, reproducible gradient and auxiliary pump control improves method consistency.
• Integrated monitoring and pressure safety interlocks enhance system reliability.
• Audit-ready reporting of all pump parameters supports regulated environments.
• Flexible event-based control enables complex sequences without external triggers.

Future Trends and Applications

Advances may include multi-pump orchestration, remote cloud-based diagnostics, predictive maintenance via machine learning and expanded instrument interoperability through standardized communication protocols.

Conclusion

The Flom AI-12 series control module provides comprehensive integration of pump hardware into Clarity software, delivering precise gradient management, robust safety features and full method traceability. This solution enhances laboratory productivity and data integrity in analytical workflows.

Reference

• DataApex Ltd. Flom AI-12 Series Clarity Control Module Manual, Code/Rev. M160/90B, November 2024.