JCE Software, 3D2: HPLC for Windows

HPLC for Windows: A Computer Simulation of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Robert C. Rittenhouse
Walla Walla College, College Place, WA 99324

Note:
This program is included in the Advanced Chemistry Collection (SP-28).

To Order Advanced Chemistry Collection

HPLC for Windows is a new and updated version of a program previously published for DOS (1). It includes a number of new features and has all the advantages of a Windows program. Like the earlier HPLC, it combines emulation of a typical modern binary gradient HPLC system with sophisticated modeling of reversed-phase column behavior. The modeling, based primarily on the work of L. R. Snyder(2, 3), provides realistic chromatographic output for separations implemented over a broad range of operating conditions. The program is intended as a pedagogic aid for people who want to learn HPLC theory and practice. As such, it provides easy, inexpensive access to many of the features of a real instrument without risk of damage, consumption of supplies, and the need for constant supervision. It can be used effectively in instrumentation courses as a training exercise prior to hands-on work with the real instrument.

HPLC main graphic screen.

HPLC uses color graphic depictions of instrument modules, to create the feel of operating an instrument. The simulated instrument, consists of six working modules:

Sample Preparation
Solvent Selection
Column Selection
Detector
Instrument Control Panel/Gradient Programmer
Computer Data System
HPLC for Windows includes all of the features of the original HPLC program (4). These are described in detail in reference 5. It also has these new features:

Unknowns can be created with instructor-defined composition.
Unknowns can be locked so that students must interpret a chromatogram to find the unknown composition.
Sample files and unknowns can be saved to disk.
The instrument control panel is more generic.
The computer data station can save chromatograms to disk.
High-resolution color graphics depict instrument functions.
The improved user interface uses slide bars to set parameters and conforms to Windows conventions.
HPLC for Windows assumes familiarity with the fundamental principles of liquid chromatography, including the concepts of elution, retention time, resolution, peak area, mobile phase; some knowledge of characteristics of reversed-phase columns is helpful. This material is commonly covered in a junior- or senior-level instrumentation course. The program should not be considered a tutorial on HPLC or chromatography in general. Instead, it simulates very accurately the behavior that would occur if a student made the same choices and performed the same manipulations on a real instrument. As such it provides a wealth of firsthand experience about the characteristics of liquid chromatographic separations.
Hardware and Software Requirements
Programs in Series D of JCE: Software require Microsoft Windows version 3.1 or later and associated hardware as defined by Microsoft. We recommend an IBM-PC or compatible computer with a 80386 or higher processor, a minimum of 4 MB of memory, a hard disk, one floppy disk drive to install the software, a mouse, and a Windows-compatible graphics card, such as an IBM VGA or Super VGA adapter with a compatible color monitor. DOS 5.0 or later is highly recommended. Supplied on 3.5-in. disks. There are additional requirements as noted below.
Literature Cited

Rittenhouse, R. C. J. Chem. Educ.: Software, 1988, 1 B, No. 2.
Snyder, L. R.; Dolan, J. W.; Gant, J. R. J. Chromatogr. 1979, 165, 3.
Dolan, J. W.; Gant, J. R.; Snyder, L. R. J. Chromatogr. 1979, 165, 31.
Rittenhouse, R. C. J. Chem. Educ., 1988, 65(12), 1050-1051.

First Published: March 1996
Citation: Rittenhouse, R. C. . HPLC for Windows: A Computer Simulation of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography J. Chem. Educ. Software 3D2
Keywords: Lecture Aid; Computer Room; Simulation; Analytical; Chromatography

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Last Updated: July 19, 2001
Created: December 4, 1996 Created by: J. L. Holmes
Comments to: jceonline@chem.wisc.edu

© 1997 Division of Chemical Education, Inc., American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.



HPLC for Windows: A Computer Simulation of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Robert C. Rittenhouse Walla Walla College, College Place, WA 99324

Note:	This program is included in the Advanced Chemistry Collection (SP-28). To Order Advanced Chemistry Collection

HPLC for Windows is a new and updated version of a program previously published for DOS (1). It includes a number of new features and has all the advantages of a Windows program. Like the earlier HPLC, it combines emulation of a typical modern binary gradient HPLC system with sophisticated modeling of reversed-phase column behavior. The modeling, based primarily on the work of L. R. Snyder(2, 3), provides realistic chromatographic output for separations implemented over a broad range of operating conditions. The program is intended as a pedagogic aid for people who want to learn HPLC theory and practice. As such, it provides easy, inexpensive access to many of the features of a real instrument without risk of damage, consumption of supplies, and the need for constant supervision. It can be used effectively in instrumentation courses as a training exercise prior to hands-on work with the real instrument. HPLC main graphic screen. HPLC uses color graphic depictions of instrument modules, to create the feel of operating an instrument. The simulated instrument, consists of six working modules: Sample Preparation Solvent Selection Column Selection Detector Instrument Control Panel/Gradient Programmer Computer Data System HPLC for Windows includes all of the features of the original HPLC program (4). These are described in detail in reference 5. It also has these new features: Unknowns can be created with instructor-defined composition. Unknowns can be locked so that students must interpret a chromatogram to find the unknown composition. Sample files and unknowns can be saved to disk. The instrument control panel is more generic. The computer data station can save chromatograms to disk. High-resolution color graphics depict instrument functions. The improved user interface uses slide bars to set parameters and conforms to Windows conventions. HPLC for Windows assumes familiarity with the fundamental principles of liquid chromatography, including the concepts of elution, retention time, resolution, peak area, mobile phase; some knowledge of characteristics of reversed-phase columns is helpful. This material is commonly covered in a junior- or senior-level instrumentation course. The program should not be considered a tutorial on HPLC or chromatography in general. Instead, it simulates very accurately the behavior that would occur if a student made the same choices and performed the same manipulations on a real instrument. As such it provides a wealth of firsthand experience about the characteristics of liquid chromatographic separations. Hardware and Software Requirements Programs in Series D of JCE: Software require Microsoft Windows version 3.1 or later and associated hardware as defined by Microsoft. We recommend an IBM-PC or compatible computer with a 80386 or higher processor, a minimum of 4 MB of memory, a hard disk, one floppy disk drive to install the software, a mouse, and a Windows-compatible graphics card, such as an IBM VGA or Super VGA adapter with a compatible color monitor. DOS 5.0 or later is highly recommended. Supplied on 3.5-in. disks. There are additional requirements as noted below. Literature Cited Rittenhouse, R. C. J. Chem. Educ.: Software, 1988, 1 B, No. 2. Snyder, L. R.; Dolan, J. W.; Gant, J. R. J. Chromatogr. 1979, 165, 3. Dolan, J. W.; Gant, J. R.; Snyder, L. R. J. Chromatogr. 1979, 165, 31. Rittenhouse, R. C. J. Chem. Educ., 1988, 65(12), 1050-1051.


News \| Issues \| CD-ROM / Video \| Find It! \| Technical Support \| For Authors
JCE Online \| Journal \| Software \| Internet \| Happenings \| About JCE \| Contact JCE

Last Updated: July 19, 2001 Created: December 4, 1996	Created by: J. L. Holmes Comments to: jceonline@chem.wisc.edu

© 1997 Division of Chemical Education, Inc., American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.