Design and Operation of Computerized Chemical Analysis Center
Chemical analysis is a field that has become more and more important in the past few decades. Chemical analysis laboratories all over the world analyze materials and chemicals to determine the properties and composition of those chemicals. To accelerate this process, many chemical analysis centers have opted to use automated laboratory equipment. Computerized chemical analysis centers provide a powerful and reliable tool for performing chemical and spectroscopic analyses.
Computerized chemical analysis centers are designed and operated based on the specific needs of the customer. Generally, these centers are dedicated to processing large quantities of samples and generating high precision data. The basic components of these centers include: instrumentation for sample processing and analysis, instrumentation for data acquisition and storage, and computers for data processing and analysis. Depending on the application, different equipment and components may be used.
The most important component of computerized chemical analysis centers is the instrumentation used for sample processing and analysis. This instrumentation usually includes a sample processing unit that prepares the samples for analysis and a detector that detects and quantifies the chemicals present in the sample. Examples of common equipment used in sample processing include sample injectors, high-pressure liquid chromatographs (HPLCs), gas chromatographs (GCs), and mass spectrometers (MSs). After the samples have been processed, the detector can measure the concentrations of various chemicals and other components.
Along with sample processing instrumentation, the chemical analysis center must also have instrumentation to acquire and store the data generated during the analysis process. Additionally, computers are also necessary to process and analyze the data. Server computers are commonly used for storing the large volume of data generated during the analysis process and for running data analysis programs. Computers equipped with high-level graphical user interfaces (GUI) can be used to control the sample processing and data analysis.
To ensure the accuracy and the integrity of the data, the analysis center must also be equipped with calibrations and quality control systems. These systems are important in ensuring that the data is consistent and accurate across different instruments, different laboratories, and different users. The calibration system can be used to adjust the sensitivity of the instrumentation, while the quality control system can be used to check the accuracy of the data.
In addition to the instrumentation and systems used in the analysis center, the center must also be equipped with personnel who are properly trained and qualified to operate the equipment and interpret the data. This personnel should be familiar with the principles and techniques used in chemical analysis and should have the ability to work independently and interpret the data.
Computerized chemical analysis centers can be an invaluable asset to any laboratory. By combining the accurate and precise instrumentation for sample processing and analysis with proper personnel and quality control systems, these centers can produce reliable and accurate data for industrial, scientific, or medical use. Computerized chemical analysis centers provide a powerful and reliable tool for performing chemical and spectroscopic analyses that can improve the efficiency and accuracy of any laboratory.
