Metrohm IC Net 2.3 User Manual

CH-9101 Herisau/Switzerland

Internet www.metrohm.com

E-Mail [e-mail]

6.6034.033

Metrodata IC Net 2.3 SR5

8.102.0043 Software Manual

06.2008 / pkl

All Rights Reserved.

Printed in Switzerland by Metrohm AG, CH-9101 Herisau 2008

				Table of contents
			Table of contents
1	Introduction ...............................................................			1
	1.1	Purpose of program ......................................................................		1
	1.2	What’s new in «IC Net 2.3 SR5»? .................................................		2
	1.3	Information about the software manual ......................................		3
	1.4	Notation and pictograms ..............................................................		4
	1.5	Installation......................................................................................		5
		1.5.1 Hardware requirements for the PC .........................................		5
		1.5.2	Software Installation ................................................................	5
		1.5.3	Software update ......................................................................	7
		1.5.4	Software deinstallation ............................................................	8
		1.5.5	Demo version ..........................................................................	8
		1.5.6	Registration .............................................................................	8
2 Fundamentals of the operation ................................				9
	2.1	Starting/closing the program........................................................		9
		2.1.1 Start the «IC Net» program ......................................................		9
		2.1.2 Close the «IC Net» program ....................................................		9
	2.2	Glossary .......................................................................................		10
	2.3	Overview of program windows...................................................		12
	2.4	Main window elements................................................................		12
	2.5	Icons of the main window...........................................................		13
	2.6	Overview of file types..................................................................		14
	2.7	Context-sensitive menus ............................................................		15
	2.8	Keyboard and mouse functions .................................................		15
	2.9	Help...............................................................................................		16
3	Software settings ....................................................			17
	3.1	Fonts.............................................................................................		17
	3.2	Security system ...........................................................................		17
		3.2.1	Security Options window.......................................................	18
	3.3	Audit Trail.....................................................................................		21
	3.4	Global settings.............................................................................		23
4	Systems ...................................................................			27
	4.1	System creation...........................................................................		27
		4.1.1	System wizard .......................................................................	27
		4.1.2	System window .....................................................................	29
IC Net 2.3
					I

Table of contents
	4.1.3 Add devices to an existing window.......................................		30
4.2	System file handling ...................................................................		30
4.3	System functions ........................................................................		31
	4.3.1 Connect and disconnect system ..........................................		31
	4.3.2 Start/stop hardware and record baseline..............................		31
	4.3.3	Start/stop determinations ......................................................	32
	4.3.4	Options for determinations....................................................	33
4.4	System settings...........................................................................		35
	4.4.1	Modify system window ..........................................................	35
	4.4.2	Watch window display...........................................................	35
	4.4.3	Set start mode .......................................................................	35
	4.4.4	Install new devices ................................................................	36
	4.4.5	Install existing devices...........................................................	36
	4.4.6	Print system parameters........................................................	36
	4.4.7	Show system parameters......................................................	37
	4.4.8	Links.......................................................................................	37
4.5	System state window ..................................................................		37
	4.5.1	Status messages...................................................................	37
	4.5.2	General error messages........................................................	38
	4.5.3 Error messages for 761 Compact IC ....................................		38

	5 Interfaces ................................................................			40
5.1		Interface installation ...................................................................		40
		5.1.1 Add interfaces with system wizard........................................		40
		5.1.2 Add interfaces in workplace window.....................................		41
		5.1.3	Delete interfaces....................................................................	42
5.2		762 IC Interface............................................................................		42
		5.2.1 762 IC Interface features .......................................................		42
		5.2.2 762 icon on the toolbar..........................................................		42
		5.2.3 762 icons in the system window ...........................................		43
		5.2.4 762 IC Interface window ........................................................		43
		5.2.5 762 Event output lines ...........................................................		46
5.3		830 IC Interface............................................................................		49
		5.3.1 830 IC Interface features .......................................................		49
		5.3.2 830 icon on the toolbar..........................................................		50
		5.3.3 830 icons in the system window ...........................................		50
		5.3.4 830 IC Interface window ........................................................		50
		5.3.5 830 Event output lines ...........................................................		54
5.4		771 Compact Interface ................................................................		58
		5.4.1 771 Compact Interface features............................................		58
		5.4.2 771 icon on the toolbar..........................................................		58
		5.4.3 771 Compact Interface window.............................................		58
5.5		Metrohm PC Board......................................................................		60
5.6		Global timer .................................................................................		61
		5.6.1	Timer icon ..............................................................................	61
		5.6.2	Timer program.......................................................................	61
				IC Net 2.3
II

				Table of contents
6 Devices ....................................................................				63
6.1	Device installation .......................................................................			63
	6.1.1	Install devices at system creation .........................................		63
	6.1.2	Install new devices in system window...................................		65
	6.1.3	Install existing devices in system window.............................		65
	6.1.4	Delete devices.......................................................................		65
6.2	Watch window..............................................................................			65
	6.2.1	Watch window icon ...............................................................		65
	6.2.2	Watch window settings..........................................................		66
6.3	732 IC Detector ............................................................................			68
	6.3.1	732	IC Detector features .......................................................	68
	6.3.2	732	IC Detector icon..............................................................	68
	6.3.3	732	IC Detector window ........................................................	69
6.4	819 IC Detector ............................................................................			75
	6.4.1	819	IC Detector features .......................................................	75
	6.4.2	819	IC Detector icon..............................................................	75
	6.4.3	819	IC Detector window ........................................................	75
6.5	761 Compact IC............................................................................			82
	6.5.1	761	Compact IC features ......................................................	82
	6.5.2	761	Compact IC icon ............................................................	82
	6.5.3	761	Compact IC window.......................................................	83
	6.5.4	Hardware settings .................................................................		90
6.6	817 Bioscan..................................................................................			94
	6.6.1	817	Bioscan features.............................................................	94
	6.6.2	817	Bioscan icon...................................................................	94
	6.6.3	817	Bioscan window .............................................................	94
6.7	871 Advanced Bioscan..............................................................			102
	6.7.1	871	Advanced Bioscan features .........................................	102
	6.7.2	871	Advanced Bioscan icon ...............................................	102
	6.7.3	871	Advanced Bioscan window..........................................	102
6.8	733 IC Separation Center ..........................................................			113
	6.8.1	733	IC Separation Center features......................................	113
	6.8.2	733	IC Separation Center icon ............................................	114
	6.8.3	733	IC Separation Center window.......................................	114
6.9	820 IC Separation Center ..........................................................			118
	6.9.1	820	IC Separation Center features......................................	118
	6.9.2	820	IC Separation Center icon ............................................	119
	6.9.3	820	IC Separation Center window.......................................	120
6.10	709 IC Pump ...............................................................................			125
	6.10.1	709	IC Pump features..........................................................	125
	6.10.2	709	IC Pump icon................................................................	125
	6.10.3	709	IC Pump window ..........................................................	126
6.11	818 IC Pump ...............................................................................			129
	6.11.1	818	IC Pump features..........................................................	129
	6.11.2	818	IC Pump icon................................................................	129
	6.11.3	818	IC Pump window ..........................................................	130
6.12	Metrohm 709 Solvent Delivery Unit..........................................			134
IC Net 2.3
					III

	Table of contents
		6.12.1 Metrohm 709 SDU features.................................................		134
		6.12.2 Metrohm 709 SDU icon .......................................................		134
		6.12.3 Metrohm 709 SDU window..................................................		134
6.13		Metrohm 818 Solvent Delivery Unit ..........................................		139
		6.13.1 Metrohm 818 SDU features.................................................		139
		6.13.2 Metrohm 818 SDU icon .......................................................		139
		6.13.3 Metrohm 818 SDU window..................................................		139
6.13		752 Pump Unit ............................................................................		144
		6.13.1 752 Pump Unit features.......................................................		144
		6.13.2 752 Pump Unit icon .............................................................		144
		6.13.3 752 Pump Unit window........................................................		144
6.14		753 Suppressor Module.............................................................		147
		6.14.1 753 Suppressor Module features........................................		147
		6.14.2 753 Suppressor Module icon ..............................................		147
		6.14.3 753 Suppressor Module window.........................................		147
6.15		754 Dialysis Unit.........................................................................		150
		6.15.1 754 Dialysis Unit features ....................................................		150
		6.15.2 754 Dialysis Unit icon ..........................................................		150
		6.15.3 754 Dialysis Unit window.....................................................		150
6.16		793 Sample Prep Module ...........................................................		153
		6.16.1 793 Sample Prep Module features......................................		153
		6.16.2 793 Sample Prep Module icon............................................		153
		6.16.3 793 Sample Prep Module window ......................................		153
6.17		812 Valve Unit.............................................................................		156
		6.17.1 812 Valve Unit features........................................................		156
		6.17.2 812 Valve Unit icon..............................................................		156
		6.17.3 812 Valve Unit window ........................................................		157
6.18		816 IC Eluent Selector................................................................		159
		6.18.1 816 IC Eluent Selector features...........................................		159
		6.18.2 816 IC Eluent Selector icon .................................................		159
		6.18.3 816 IC Eluent Selector window............................................		159
6.19		828 IC Dual Suppressor .............................................................		162
		6.19.1 828 IC Dual Suppressor features ........................................		162
		6.19.2 828 IC Dual Suppressor icon ..............................................		162
		6.19.3 828 IC Dual Suppressor window.........................................		162
6.20		833 IC Liquid Handling Unit.......................................................		165
		6.20.1 833 IC Liquid Handling Unit features ..................................		165
		6.20.2 833 IC Liquid Handling Unit icon.........................................		165
		6.20.3 833 IC Liquid Handling Unit window ...................................		166
6.21		837 IC Degasser..........................................................................		169
		6.21.1 837 IC Degasser features....................................................		169
		6.21.2 837 IC Degasser icon..........................................................		169
		6.21.3 837 IC Degasser window ....................................................		170
6.22		750 Autosampler ........................................................................		173
		6.22.1	750 Autosampler features ...................................................	173
		6.22.2	750 Autosampler icon .........................................................	173
		6.22.3	750 Autosampler window ....................................................	174
				IC Net 2.3
IV

			Table of contents
6.23	766 IC Sample Processor..........................................................		177
	6.23.1 766 IC Sample Processor features .....................................		177
	6.23.2 766 IC Sample Processor icon............................................		177
	6.23.3 766 IC Sample Processor window ......................................		178
6.24	788 IC Filtration Sample Processor .........................................		186
	6.24.1 788 IC Filtration Sample Processor features.......................		186
	6.24.2 788 IC Filtration Sample Processor icon.............................		186
	6.24.3 788 IC Filtration Sample Processor window .......................		187
6.25	Metrohm Spark Triathlon Autosampler ...................................		195
	6.25.1	Triathlon Autosampler features ...........................................	195
	6.25.2	Triathlon Autosampler icon .................................................	195
	6.25.3	Triathlon Autosampler window............................................	196
6.26	838 Advanced Sample Processor ............................................		220
	6.26.1 838 Advanced Sample Processor features ........................		220
	6.26.2 838 Advanced Sample Processor icon...............................		220
	6.26.3 838 Advanced Sample Processor window .........................		221
6.27	861 Advanced Compact IC........................................................		238
	6.27.1 861 Advanced Compact IC features...................................		238
	6.27.2 861 Advanced Compact IC icon.........................................		238
	6.27.3 861 Advanced Compact IC window ...................................		239
	6.27.4	Hardware settings ...............................................................	245
6.28	844 UV/VIS Compact IC.............................................................		249
	6.28.1 844 UV/VIS Compact IC features ........................................		249
	6.28.2 844 UV/VIS Compact IC icon ..............................................		249
	6.28.3 844 UV/VIS Compact IC window.........................................		249
	6.28.4	Hardware settings ...............................................................	258
	6.28.5	Spectrum window................................................................	262
6.29	Data recorder .............................................................................		264
	6.29.1	Data recorder icon...............................................................	264
	6.29.2 Select processing method and data source.......................		265
6.30	System timer ..............................................................................		267
	6.30.1	Timer icon............................................................................	267
	6.30.2	Timer program.....................................................................	267

7 Methods		.................................................................	268
7.1	Method file handling..................................................................		268
7.2	Passport .....................................................................................		268
	7.2.1	General ................................................................................	269
	7.2.2	Sample ................................................................................	270
	7.2.3 ................................................................................	Column	271
	7.2.4 ...................................................................................	Eluent	272
	7.2.5 .............................................................................	Comment	273
7.3	Method .............................................................................setup		274
	7.3.1 ................................................................................	General	274
	7.3.2 ...............................................................................	Measure	274
	7.3.3 ...................................................................................	Filters	275
	7.3.4 ...........................................................................	Processing	276
IC Net 2.3
				V

Table of contents
	7.3.5	Export...................................................................................	278
	7.3.6	Math.....................................................................................	279
7.4	Integration...................................................................................		281
	7.4.1	General information .............................................................	281
	7.4.2	Setup ...................................................................................	282
	7.4.3	Events ..................................................................................	284
7.5	Calibration and quantification...................................................		289
	7.5.1	General information .............................................................	289
	7.5.2	Notations .............................................................................	290
	7.5.3	External standard calibration...............................................	291
	7.5.4	Component table.................................................................	291
	7.5.5	Peak identification ...............................................................	294
	7.5.6	Concentration table .............................................................	295
	7.5.7	Calibration curve..................................................................	297
	7.5.8	Update calibration ...............................................................	299
	7.5.9	Calibration data handling ....................................................	300
7.6	Report output..............................................................................		301
	7.6.1	Report options window........................................................	301
	7.6.2	Items to report .....................................................................	302
	7.6.3 More items to report ............................................................		304
	7.6.4	Report destination ...............................................................	307
	7.6.5	Peak table............................................................................	307
	7.6.6	Template options.................................................................	310
	7.6.7	File output options...............................................................	310
	7.6.8	Report elements ..................................................................	311

	8 Chromatograms.....................................................			316
8.1		Chromatogram window .............................................................		316
8.2		Chromatogram file handling......................................................		317
		8.2.1	Open chromatogram...........................................................	317
		8.2.2	Save chromatogram............................................................	319
		8.2.3	Close chromatogram...........................................................	319
		8.2.4	Delete chromatogram .........................................................	319
		8.2.5	Export chromatogram .........................................................	319
		8.2.6	Import chromatogram .........................................................	320
8.3		Graphical representation...........................................................		321
		8.3.1	Appearance .........................................................................	321
		8.3.2	Other graphical functions ....................................................	324
8.4		Peak editor..................................................................................		326
		8.4.1 Switching on/off the peak editor..........................................		326
		8.4.2	Peak editor functions...........................................................	326
		8.4.3	Moving the cursor................................................................	327
8.5		Printing........................................................................................		328
		8.5.1 Page layout for printing .......................................................		328
		8.5.2	Printer settings.....................................................................	329
		8.5.3	Print preview ........................................................................	329
		8.5.4	Printing.................................................................................	329
				IC Net 2.3
VI

		Table of contents
8.6 Miscellaneous functions...........................................................		330
8.6.1	Reintegration .......................................................................	330
8.6.2	Recalibration........................................................................	330
8.6.3	Electronic signature.............................................................	330
8.6.4 Subtraction of a chromatogram ..........................................		332
8.6.5	Compare chromatogram.....................................................	333
8.6.6	Data compression ...............................................................	334
8.6.7	Invert chromatogram...........................................................	335
8.6.8	Autodatabase ......................................................................	335
8.6.9	Excel report..........................................................................	336

9 Sample queue........................................................			343
9.1 Sample queue file handling ......................................................			343
	9.1.1	Open sample queue............................................................	343
	9.1.2	Save sample queue.............................................................	343
	9.1.3	Delete sample queue ..........................................................	343
9.2	Sample queue control ...............................................................		344
	9.2.1 Sample queue overview table .............................................		344
	9.2.2	Start sample queue .............................................................	345
	9.2.3	Pause sample queue ..........................................................	345
	9.2.4	Cancel last run.....................................................................	346
	9.2.5	Reset sample queue ...........................................................	346
9.3	Sample queue editor .................................................................		346
	9.3.1 Open queue editor window.................................................		346
	9.3.2 Sample queue editor functions ...........................................		347
	9.3.3	Print sample queue .............................................................	348
	9.3.4 Close sample queue editor .................................................		348

10 Batch reprocessing ...............................................			349
10.1	Batch reprocessing queue file handling..................................		349
	10.1.1 Open batch reprocessing queue ........................................		349
	10.1.2 Create new batch reprocessing queue...............................		349
	10.1.3 Save batch reprocessing queue .........................................		350
10.2	Perform batch reprocessing.....................................................		350
	10.2.1	Reprocess options window.................................................	350
	10.2.2	Merge chromatograms........................................................	357
10.3	Batch reprocessing queue editor.............................................		358
	10.3.1 Open batch reprocessing queue editor window ................		358
	10.3.2 Batch reprocessing queue editor functions........................		359
	10.3.3 Print batch reprocessing queue..........................................		359
	10.3.4 Close batch reprocessing queue editor..............................		359

11 Appendix ................................................................		360
11.1	Software license ........................................................................	360
11.2	Declaration of conformity – Software validation ....................	362
11.3	Ordering designations ..............................................................	362
IC Net 2.3
			VII

Table of contents

11.3 Index............................................................................................

363

VIII	IC Net 2.3

1.1 Purpose of program

1 Introduction

1.1Purpose of program

«IC Net 2.3» is the name of the data acquisition and control software for PC-controlled ion chromatographic systems consisting of Metrohm and Bischoff instruments. The current version is a true 32-bit application. It was designed specially to operate under Windows 2000, Windows XP ans Windows Vista and uses all its benefits.

The «IC Net 2.3» program can be used to create systems for recording and evaluating chromatograms. Time programs can also be created in which a large number of instrument functions can be triggered for each program step. It is also possible to use programmable signals to control external instruments.

The operating software meets all the requirements you could place today on a modern integration software: single or multipoint calibration, internal or external standard, selectable algorithms for non-linear calibration, various integration modes with integration parameters and integration events, different methods for peak recognition, peak editor, free scaling, superimposing several chromatograms, use of sample tables and batch reprocessing; a powerful and GLP-conform report generator with output interfaces for monitor, printer and external databases.

The «IC Net 2.3» software can be configured and used in order to comply with the Electronic Records and Signatures Rule, known as 21 CFR Part 11, established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For this purpose, the program contains password protection, user administration, electronic signatures, audit trail and administration of methods and results in databases. To use the 21 CFR Part 11 features of «IC Net 2.3» the operating system Windows 2000 or Windows XP with NTFS file system is required.

IC Net 2.3

1

1 Introduction

1.2What’s new in «IC Net 2.3 SR5»?

New Operating system

With Service Release 5 operation of IC Net 2.3 under Windows Vista is possible.

IC Net 2.3 SR5 operating under Windows Vista does not comply to 21 CFR Part 11!

Autodatabase cannot be used with Windows Vista.

2	IC Net 2.3

1.3 Information about the software manual

1.3Information about the software manual

This 8.102.0001 Software Manual provides a comprehensive overview of the operation of the «IC Net» program. The manual is organized as follows:

Section 1	Introduction
	Installation
Section 2	Fundamentals of the operation
	Program elements and features
Section 3	Software settings
	Fonts, security system, global settings
Section 4	Systems
	Creation of new systems, interfaces and devices,
	determinations
Section 5	Interfaces
	Installation, control and parameter settings of inter-
	faces
Section 6	Devices
	Installation, control and parameter settings of de-
	vices
Section 7	Methods
	Method parameters, integration, calibration, quanti-
	fication, report
Section 8	Chromatograms
	Chromatogram appearance, peak editor
Section 9	Sample queue
	Sample queue control and editor
Section 10	Batch reprocessing
	Reprocessing of chromatograms
Section 11	Appendix
	Software license, declaration of conformity, ordering
	designations, index

To find the required information, you will find it an advantage to use either the Table of contents or the Index at the back.

This Software Manual describes only the installation and operation of Metrohm instruments. For details concerning the Bischoff instruments, please refer to the on-line help in the program and to the Bischoff instruction manuals.

Additional publications about ion chromatographic analyses are available on request free of charge from your Metrohm agency. The 8.792.5003 Metrohm Monograph «Practical Ion Chromatography» provides an introduction to the theoretical fundamentals and general information on separating columns and sample pretreatment.

IC Net 2.3

3

1 Introduction

The 8.732.2013 IC Applications Collection contains all the

Application Notes on the subject of ion chromatography and can be updated at any time by downloading the latest applications from the Internet under «www.metrohm.com». Last, but not least, you will find detailed information on the separating columns available from Metrohm and on special IC applications in the relevant "Application Bulletins".

1.4Notation and pictograms

The following notations are used in this software manual:

Range					Menu item, parameter or entry value
SYSTEM STATE					Program window
<OK>					Button
[ Ctrl ]					Key
					Danger/Warning
					This symbol indicates a possible risk of death
					or injury to the user and possible damage to
					the instrument or its components by
					electricity.
					Danger/Warning
					This symbol indicates a possible risk of death
					or injury to the user and possible damage to
					the instrument or its components.
					Caution
					This symbol marks important information.
					First read the associated directions before
					you continue.
					Comment
					This symbol marks additional information and
					tips.

4	IC Net 2.3

1.5 Installation

1.5Installation

1.5.1Hardware requirements for the PC

Computer	Pentium III with 450 MHz or higher
Operating system	Windows® 2000, Windows® XP und
	Windows® Vista
Free space on hard disk	15 MB for program files
	50 MB recommended for data files
Working memory RAM	128 MB for Windows® 2000
	256 MB for Windows® XP
	1024 MB for Windows® Vista
Graphics resolution	800×600, better 1024×768 or more
Printer	Any printer supported by the operat-
	ing system

1.5.2Software Installation

To use the 21 CFR Part 11 features of «ICNet 2.3» the operating system Windows 2000 or Windows XP with NTFS file system is required.

If you want to update from IC Net 2.2 to IC Net 2.3, proceed as described in section 1.5.3.

Insert installation CD into CD drive. Select <Start> and Run. Find the file setup.exe on the CD and click on <OK>. Click on IC Net in the selection menu and follow the setup program instructions.

IC Net 2.3

5

1 Introduction

To change from an IC Net installation (without 21 CFR part 11 features) to an IC Net Compliant (with 21 CFR part 11 features) installation (and back) you have to remove the previous installation! Pay attention to the corresponding dialog in the setup program.

The two software packages «IC Net 2.3» and «Autodatabase 1.0» will be installed in the desired directory. Icons are created in the program folder, in the startup folder, and on the desktop.

Under Windows Vista IC Net will be installed without 21 CFR part 11 features and without Autodatabase.

In addition to the program files of the «IC Net» program, the following folders are installed:

	Accounts	Folder for user data, access is closed.
	Data	Folder for storage of chromatogram files (*.chw)
		and batch reprocessing files (*.bar) with several
		examples.
	Devices	Folder for storage of device files.(*.dev).
	Flog	Folder for Audit Trail files, access is closed.
	Log	Folder for storage of exception files (*.exc), His-
		tory files (*.hst) und Log files (*.log).
	Methods	Folder for storage of data acquisition method
		files (*.mtw) and sample queue files (*.que) with
		several examples.
		IC Net 2.3
6

1.5 Installation

Reports Folder for storage of report files (*) and graphic files (*.wmf).

Services Folder for user administration.

Systems Folder for storage of system files (*.smt).

For Windows Vista a special update is required to display the online help of IC Net.

For licensing reasons you have to download the update file from the Microsoft web page. On the installation CD in the folder "Vista Update for HLP help" you find the link "Download WinHelp.url" to the corresponding Microsoft web page. Download the file you need and save it.

Proceed as follows to install the update:

1.Shut down IC Net, if it is running.

2.Execute the update file (with double-click) and follow the instructions given in the setup program.

1.5.3Software update

For software update from IC Net 2.2 to IC Net 2.3, proceed as follows:

1.Switch on PC and start operating system.

2.If you want to save chromatograms, methods and system files created by IC Net 2.2, backup the folders Data, Methods, and Systems in another directory on the hard disk.

3.If you want to save data created by Autodatabase 1.0, backup

the folders Filters, Report templates, and User database in another directory on the hard disk.

4.Deinstall the IC Net 2.2 software by selecting <Start> / Settings / Control panel, double-clicking the Software icon, selecting

Metrohm IC Net 2.2 in the list and clicking on <Add/remove>. All program files and icons should be removed.

5.Delete the folder IC Net 2.2 in the program folder.

6.Install the IC Net 2.3 software (see section 1.5.2).

7.Copy the IC Net 2.2 backup files of the folders Data, Methods, and Systems into the folders ..\IC Net 2.3\IC Net\Data, ..\IC Net

2.3\IC Net\Methods, and ..\IC Net 2.3\IC Net\Systems.

IC Net 2.3

7

1 Introduction

8. Copy the Autodatabase backup files of the folders Filters, Report templates, and User database into the folders ..\IC Net

2.3\Autodatabase\Filters, ..\IC Net 2.3\Autodatabase\Report templates, and ..\IC Net 2.3\Autodatabase\User database.

The folder ..\IC Net 2.3\IC Net\Data is protected against unauthorized access and manipulation, if the 21 CFR Part 11 compliance is enabled. To copy the chromatograms from the backup Data folder into the ..\IC Net 2.3\IC Net\Data folder start IC Net 2.3 and open the Chromatogram open window (see section 8.2.1), select the backup Data folder, mark the chromatograms and copy them into the ..\IC Net 2.3\IC Net\Data folder.

If you replace IC Net 2.3 with a newer service release, the INSTALLSHIELD WIZARD window appears. Choose the option Repair and click Next>. The new version is installed over the old one.

1.5.4Software deinstallation

Select <Start> / Settings / Control panel. Double-click the Software icon. Select Metrohm IC Net 2.3 in the list and click on <Add/remove>. All program files and icons should be removed.

1.5.5Demo version

If the «IC Net Software 2.3» is installed on a PC without installation of IC system components, this software can be used as a demo version which is restricted to the display and recalculation of already recorded chromatograms.

1.5.6Registration

Please send us your 8.110.8207 Registration card as soon as possible. Only registered users will get updated program versions at a special price.

8	IC Net 2.3

2.1 Starting/closing the program

2 Fundamentals of the operation

2.1Starting/closing the program

2.1.1Start the «IC Net» program

Start the program

Double-click this icon or the ICNet.exe file to start the «IC Net 2.3» program. The IC Net login window appears:

Enter your User name and your Password and click on <Log In>.

After software installation at the first start of the software, the Add User window opens (see section 3.2.1)and a user with Administrator access level is created. It is recommended to create users as a first action after the installation. For the definition of users, see section 3.2.

2.1.2Close the «IC Net» program

IC NET / File / Exit (Alt+F4)

Exit the «IC Net 2.3» program.

The program is also quit by clicking on in the upper right part of the main window.

IC Net 2.3

9

2 Fundamentals of the operation

2.2Glossary

Batch reprocessing

Batch reprocessing is understood to be the subsequent reprocessing of a series of chromatograms which have been loaded in a batch reprocessing queue. During reprocessing with a selected method the settings for calibration, integration, passport, appearance and report can be altered at will (for details, see section 10).

Calibration

Calibration is used to describe the method of determining the relationship between the peak height or peak area found for one component and its concentration in the sample. The result of the calibration is a calibration function (calibration curve), which shows the relationship between the amount of sample and the evaluated quantity.

The determination of the calibration function with reference solutions can be carried out as a one-point or as a multiple-point calibration. The calibration method which is mainly used in ion chromatography is the external standard calibration (absolute calibration); calibration with an internal standard (relative calibration) or tabulated calibration are also possible (for details, see section 7.5).

Chromatogram

A chromatogram is a graphic plot of the elution curve (signal vs. time) recorded following a chromatographic separation on a separating column.

Chromatograms are stored as chromatogram files (*.chw) in the Data directory. As well as the measuring data the chromatogram files also contain the method parameters and system settings which have been used for data recording, data processing and remote control (for details, see section 8).

Determination

In order to carry out a determination a suitable system must be selected for the separating problem. The result of the determination is a chromatogram, in which the measuring data and results of the determination are stored (for details, see section 8).

Device

The «IC Net» program supports remote control for Metrohm and Bischoff instruments. Each instrument within a system is a device. Devices are stored as device files (*.dev) in the Devices directory. All Metrohm devices start with Me*.dev and all Bischoff devices start with Bi*.dev (for details, see section 6).

Integration

Integration is to be understood as being the method for determining the peak area and peak height with the aid of approximate baselines. The integration algorithm included in the program is in-

10	IC Net 2.3

2.2 Glossary

fluenced by the integration parameters and the optionally programmable integration events which are defined in the method. In addition, the integration can be manually corrected later with the aid of the peak editor (see section 8.4), for details see section 7.

Interface

The «IC Net» program supports remote control for interfaces available from Metrohm and Bischoff. Interfaces generally convert analog signals to digital form, which can be handled by the computer. Interfaces are stored as device files (*.dev) in the Devices directory. All Metrohm interfaces and Metrohm devices start with Me*.dev; all Bischoff interfaces and Bischoff devices start with Bi*.dev (for details, see section 5).

Method

A method contains all information necessary for data acquisition, integration, peak evaluation and quantification. It can be considered as the chromatogram template, i.e. chromatogram without raw data. Methods are stored as method files (*.mtw) in the Methods directory.

Each system is linked to a method. This method is called processing method and is opened automatically at the start of a new determination (for details, see section 7).

Sample queue

A sample queue is used for the automated processing of series of samples, particularly in combination with a sample changer (for details, see section 9).

System

The combination of Metrohm and Bischoff devices connected to an interface is called a system. The system includes all the settings of the devices, their time program, the data acquisition parameters and the processing method which have been optimized for the specific separating column and the determination to be carried out with it. A system is used to start single determinations or determinations with the help of a sample queue.

Systems are stored as system files (*.smt) in the Systems directory (for details, see section 4).

Workplace

The workplace contains all interfaces and systems connected to the PC COM. The icons of all these active interfaces and systems are shown on the toolbar. They can also be displayed in the Workplace window opened by selecting the Options / Devices setup menu item.

IC Net 2.3

11

2 Fundamentals of the operation

2.3Overview of program windows

«IC Net 2.3» consists of different windows whose functionality is linked together. The different windows are:

IC NET	Main program window with menus for file
	administration, printing, method modifica-
	tion, options, login and user rights, window
	handling.
CHROMATOGRAM	Chromatogram window for graphic plot of
	running or recorded chromatograms.
SYSTEM	System window for control of interfaces and
	devices.
SYSTEM STATE	System state window for status messages.
WATCH WINDOW	Watch window for live display of instrument
	values.
QUEUE EDITOR	Queue editor window for edition of sample
	queue tables and batch reprocessing ta-
	bles.

2.4Main window elements

The elements of the IC NET main window are the menu bar, the toolbar and the status bar, indicating prompts and logged-in user.

Menu bar

Toolbar

Status bar

	Prompts, information	Logged-in user
		IC Net 2.3
12

2.5 Icons of the main window

2.5Icons of the main window

The following icons are displayed in the IC NET main window:

Open chromatogram

Save chromatogram

Open last batch reprocessing file

Make report

Print preview

Send chromatograms to Autodatabase

Print chromatogram

Passport

Method setup

Integration

Components

Cascade all opened chromatogram windows

Vertical tiling of open chromatogram windows

Horizontal tiling of open chromatogram windows

Appearance

Enable/disable peak editor mode. If the Peak editor mode is enabled, the peak editor icons appear.

View all

Help

Lock system

762 IC Interface

762 IC Interface

771 Compact Interface

Connected system

Global timer

IC Net 2.3

13

2 Fundamentals of the operation

2.6Overview of file types

The following file types are produced by the «IC Net» software:

*.adb Autodatabase file

Contains chromatogram and method data of all determinations.

*.bar Batch reprocessing file (binary file)

Contains batch reprocessing data. The *.bar file is stored automatically in the Data folder.

*.cal Calibration file (binary file)

Contains calibration data, which can be exported with IC

Net / Method / Calibration / Export calibration.

The *.cal file is stored automatically in the Methods folder.

*.chw Chromatogram file (binary file)

Contains chromatogram, system and method data of a determination.

The *.chw file is stored automatically in the Data folder.

*.exc Exception file (ASCII file)

Contains exceptions from normal running and error messages.

The *.exc file is stored automatically in one of the day subfolders of the Log folder.

*.hst History file (ASCII file)

Contains history of commands and program actions. The *.hst file is stored automatically in one of the day subfolders of the Log folder.

*.log Log file (ASCII file)

Contains log file of data communication between PC and instruments.

The *.log file is stored automatically in one of the day subfolders of the Log folder.

*.mtw Method file (binary file)

Contains the data acquisition method, which can be linked to a system.

The *.mtw file is stored automatically in the Methods folder.

*.que Sample queue file (binary file) Contains a sample data table.

The *.que file is stored automatically in the Systems folder.

14	IC Net 2.3

2.7 Context-sensitive menus

*.rtt Report file (ASCII file) Contains a report template.

The *.rtt file is stored in the program folder.

*.smt System file (ASCII file) Contains the system settings.

The *.smt file is stored automatically in the Systems folder.

*.dev Device file (ASCII file) Contains drivers for devices.

The *.dev file is stored in the Devices folder.

2.7Context-sensitive menus

Some of the menu functions of the program windows are also accessible by clicking on the desired window or item and pressing the right mouse button. The pop up windows have different contents and functions depending on the selected active window or item type.

2.8Keyboard and mouse functions

The mouse can be used to carry out the normal program operating functions such as the selection of menu items and fields. It can additionally be used for magnifying a section of a chromatogram (zooming). To zoom a portion of the plot it is necessary to place the mouse cursor to the upper left corner of the square to zoom, press the left mouse button and drag the cursor to the lower right corner of the rectangle. After releasing of the left mouse button the selected region will be zoomed full-screen. If the cursor is active in the peak editor mode then it can be moved by pressing down the right-hand mouse key.

The keyboard can also be used to scale a chromatogram in the window, as described below.

Keyboard quick reference
Cursor is inactive:
[ up ]	Increases sensitivity on the Y axis.
[ down ]	Reduces sensitivity on the Y axis.
[ right ]	Expands a chromatogram on the X axis.
[ left ]	Shrinks a chromatogram on the X axis.
[ Ctrl ] + [ Home ]	Autoscale procedure on the X axis (shows
	all on X).
[ Ctrl ] + [ End ]	Autoscale procedure on the Y axis (shows
	all on Y).
[ PageUp ]	Shifts a chromatogram on 1/10 part of a
	screen upwards.
IC Net 2.3
		15

can be clicked to jump to a different Help topic.

identify the dialog item, parameter or button in the corresponding window.

identify important information.

2 Fundamentals of the operation
[ PageDown ]	Shifts a chromatogram on 1/10 part of a
	screen downwards.
[ Shift ] + [ up ]	Increases a distance between channels of a
	chromatogram.
[ Shift ] + [ down ]	Reduces a distance between channels of a
	chromatogram.
[ 0 (Zero) ]	Adjusts a zero on the last point of a chro-
	matogram (running chromatogram) or its
	lowest level (finished run).
Only part of the chromatogram is on screen:
[ Ctrl ] + [ right ]	Moves one window right (without change of
	scale on X and Y axes).
[ Ctrl ] + [ left ]	Moves one window left (without change of
	scale on X and Y axes).
[ Home ]	Shows the beginning of a chromatogram
	(without change of scale on X and Y).
[ End ]	Shows the end of a chromatogram (without
	change of scale on X and Y).
[ 0 (Zero) ]	Adjusts a zero on the lowest level in the
	window.
Cursor is active:
[ 0 (Zero) ]	Adjust a zero in site of the cursor.
[ right ]	Moves cursor left to right.
[ Shift ] + [ right ]	Quickly moves cursor left to right.
[ left ]	Moves cursor to the left.
[ Shift ] + [ left ]	Quickly moves cursor to the left.
[ Home ]	Moves cursor to beginning of a window.
[ End ]	Moves the cursor to end of a window.
[ Shift ] + [ End ]	Sets the beginning of a window in site of
	the cursor.
[ Shift ] + [ Home ]	Sets the end of a window in site of the cur-
	sor.

2.9Help

By clicking on , by clicking on , by selecting the Help / Contents menu item, or by pressing the [ F1 ] key you can get on-line help on the current topic anywhere in the program.

Green texts

Violet texts

Blue texts

16	IC Net 2.3

Times New Roman / Bold / 10 pt.

MS Sans Serif / Bold / 8 pt.

Courier New / Standard / 10 pt.

MS Sans Serif / Standard / 8 pt.

3.1 Fonts

3 Software settings

3.1 Fonts

IC NET / Options / Fonts

This option allows the selection of fonts used by the system.

Font for dialogs... Selection of font used for dialog boxes. Default setting:

Font for reports... Selection of font used for report output to the screen or printer.

Default setting:

Font for tables... Selection of font used for data presentation in tables on the screen. It is not used for presentation of tables in the report.

Default setting:

Font for plots... Selection of font used for labels on chromatogram plots and calibration curves. Default setting:

Save fonts configuration

Save chosen font configuration.

If you want to reset the modified font settings to the initial default settings, delete the fonts.cfg file in the program path.

3.2 Security system

	In accordance with GLP and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements the
	«IC Net» software supports security with password protection of
	the system. Every user has his own User Name, Password and Ac-
	cess Level that restricts the set of possible actions.
	IC Net / Options / Security opens the user administration of IC Net.
	When this menu item is chosen, the System log in window is
	called up first (see section 2.1.1).
	The access to the user administration is restricted according to
	the Access level of the user, therefore different windows are called.
IC Net 2.3
		17

3 Software settings

User Window Possible actions

Novice,	New Password	This window allows the user to
Master		change his Password.
Administrator	Security options	This window allows editing the
		User List and the Password Op-
		tions, it is also possible for an

administrator user to change his

Password.

3.2.1Security Options window

IC NET / Options / Security

This window contains the user administration and password options. Only a user with Administrator access level can open it. It consists of the two tabs User List and Password Options.

The Security Options window is accessible only to Administrator users. If there is no Active Administrator, e.g. because he has forgotten his password, you have to reinstall the «IC Net» software to gain access. Therefore it is highly recommended to create a second Administrator user as a backup. Store his password in a safe place.

User List

The User List displays the User name, Full Name, access Level and user Status of each user created. The list can be sorted alphabetically according to one of the four columns by clicking the title. A star ( * ) at the end of the title indicates the sorting criterion.

<Add user>	Add new user to the User's List, opens the Add
	User window.

18	IC Net 2.3

3.2 Security system

<Modify user> Edit current user's settings (username, full name, access level, status), opens the Modify User window.

<Password> Change the password of the administrator logged in. Opens the New Password window.

Add/Modify User

	User	User name of the user.
	Full Name	Full name of the user, this name is displayed
		in the status bar of the main window through-
		out an IC Net session.
	Level	Access level of the user.
	Novice	Restricted access to program functions. Al-
		lows only start and stop of determinations us-
		ing existing system and method files and
		manual control of the devices. Modifications of
		system, method and data files are not al-
		lowed.
	Master	Access to all program functions with few ex-
		ceptions: the user cannot set Global prefer-
		ences, open the Workplace window, change
		hardware settings of interfaces and devices,
		change Security options.
	Administrator	Access to all program functions. This level
		should be switched on only while installing the
		system or in the case of configuration change.
		The administrator user is authorized to change
		name, access level and status of other users.
	Status	Status of the user.
	Active	The User is able to work with «IC Net» within
		the limitations of the access Level assigned to
		him by the Administrator.
	Inactive	The User is not able to work with «IC Net». The
		user Status is also set Inactive if the number of
IC Net 2.3
			19

3 Software settings

failed Login attempts exceeds the limit set in

the Password Options.

The user can be set Active again by the Administrator.

Removed The User is not able to work with «IC Net», he is removed from the system but he is still listed in the User List.

The user can be set Active again by the Administrator.

Password Options

This tab allows to specify Password and Login related security settings.

Minimum Password Length

Minimum number of characters for the Pass-

word.

Range: 2...10, default 6.

Maximum number of login attempts

If the number of failed Login’s exceeds this value, the User is set Inactive.

Range: 2...10, default 3.

Password Validity

Number of days the Password of a User remains valid. If the password is expired, the user is prompted at the system log in to change his password.

Range: 1...999, default 365.

20	IC Net 2.3