How to use the Method templates

Introduction

This section describes how to create methods based on an existing template.

Note: A custom system, for example a process system, requires that the users create their own templates by saving methods as templates. Each method is written for a specific strategy. The function of the method cannot be guaranteed on systems having other strategies.

How to create a new method

The table below describes how to create a method from the UNICORN Manager module.

Note: The New Method dialog box is also accessible from the Method Editor module using the same commands.

Step

Action

1

  • Choose the File:New:Method menu command

or

  • click the New Method icon.

or

  • right-click in the Methods window and select New:Method from the shortcut menu.

Result: The New Method dialog box opens in the Method Editor module.

2

  • Select the system for which you want to create the method in the For system drop-down list.

  • Select Template in the Use field.

  • Select a chromatographic technique from the Technique drop-down list.

  • Select a method template from the Template list.

  • Select a column from the For column list and click OK.

Result: The method template will be opened as an untitled method in the Run Setup in the Method Editor.

Note: If Any is selected in the For column list, you can use any column but must enter the column volume in the method on the Variables tab. It is recommended that a specific column is selected.

Note: Only columns for the selected technique are displayed. If Any is selected as technique, all columns are displayed. Right-click in the textbox to open a list of the column categories to limit the number of displayed columns. If you type the beginning of a column name in the textbox UNICORN will automatically complete the column name.

If you do not find your specific column it can be added to the list. The column value, recommended flow rate, pressure limit and averaging time for the selected column will be automatically copied into the method, thus reducing the need to edit the method.

Method notes

Click the Notes and then the Method Notes tabs in the Run Setup. The notes describe important information about the template and how the system should be connected so that the method will work correctly.

Note: If your system does not correspond to the description on the Method Notes tab, either:

  • rearrange the valves and tubing connections in accordance with the method notes description

or

  • edit the method instructions in accordance with your system setup.

How to save the new method

A new method created from a method template is untitled, and must be saved under a method name before it can be used.

The table below describes how to save a new method.

Step

Action

1

Click the Save Method toolbar icon or choose File:Save.

2

  • If required, save the method in a folder other than the default home folder.

  • Enter a Method name for the method. The total path can be up to 256 characters long. The method name must be unique for the chosen system within the folder.

3

  • If you have more than one system connected to the computer, choose the System for which the method is intended. The method can be run on any system that uses the same strategy. Remember that different systems may have different configurations and control capabilities.

  • Choose the Technique for which the method was written.

  • Click OK.

Result: The method is saved, but remains open in the Method Editor, so that you can continue editing if you wish.

Note: You might want to sign your method. If you do so, you can choose to lock the method so that nobody else will be able to change the method. See How to sign the method for further instructions.

2005-06-15