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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 first-hand experience about the characteristics of liquid chromatographic separations.
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