GE Healthcare

KTApurifier
Getting Started

Important user information

All users must read this entire manual to fully
understand the safe use of KTApurifierTM.
WARNING!
The Warning sign highlights an instruction
that must be strictly followed in order to
avoid personal injury. Be sure not to
proceed until the instructions are clearly
understood and all stated conditions are
met.
CAUTION!
The Caution sign is used to call attention
to instructions or conditions that must be
followed to avoid damage to the product
or other equipment. Be sure not to
proceed until the instructions are clearly
understood and all stated conditions are
met.
Note!
The Note sign is used to indicate
information important for trouble-free and
optimal use of the product.

CE Certifying
This product meets all requirements of applicable
CE-directives. A copy of the corresponding
Declaration of Conformity is available on request.
The CE symbol and corresponding declaration of
conformity, is valid for the instrument when it is:

used as a stand-alone unit, or

connected to other CE-marked GE Healthcare

instruments, or

connected to other products recommended or

described in this manual, and

used in the same state as it was delivered from GE

Healthcare except for alterations described in this
manual.

Contents

Contents
1

About this guide

1.1
1.2

The system and the software

2.1
2.2
2.3

3
4

Preparing the system for a run

Final checks .......................................................................................................29

Setting up and starting the method ......................................................29

Viewing a run
6.1

System connection ........................................................................................25

Preparing the flow path components ...................................................25

Starting a run
5.1
5.2

General .................................................................................................................. 9
UNICORN overview ........................................................................................14
Help .......................................................................................................................17

Creating a method
4.1
4.2

Pre-requisites ..................................................................................................... 8
Typographical conventions ......................................................................... 8

During a run ......................................................................................................33

Viewing and printing the result

7.1
7.2
7.3

Viewing ................................................................................................................37
Printing and creating a report ..................................................................40
Printing all method instructions with explanations ........................42

Going further

Short instructions

KTApurifier Getting started 28-4079-54 Edition AA

Contents

vi

KTApurifier Getting started 28-4079-54 Edition AA

About this guide 1

About this guide

This guide is written for users who are not familiar with UNICORN software and
KTApurifier. Here you will learn the basics of UNICORN and how to operate
KTApurifier from UNICORN.
UNICORN is a software package for control and supervision of the KTAexplorer
chromatography system. It runs on an IBM-compatible PC under Windows, and
includes hardware for interfacing the controlling PC to the chromatography liquid
handling parts of KTAexplorer.
In this guide you will learn how to:

create methods

prepare the system for runs

perform runs

make simple evaluations

make reports

perform automatic method optimization (Scouting) (optional)

prepare automatically buffers of any pH (BufferPrep) (optional)

Follow the guide from page to page in front of the computer. The time will be well
spent.
Note: To follow the instructions it is not necessary to read the comments (written
with smaller font) containing additional information.

KTApurifier Getting Started 28-4079-54 Edition AA

1 About this guide

1.1 Pre-requisites

1.1

Pre-requisites

Before using the system, see the separate installation chapter in KTApurifier
User Guide:

the system and the software must be installed and functioning, and

the monitor and the pump must be calibrated

as described in the guide.

IMPORTANT! Before using KTApurifier, read all the safety information in
KTApurifier User Guide.

1.2

Typographical conventions

Menu commands, field names and dialog box prompts are identified in the text
by bold italic text. A colon separates menu levels, thus File:Open refers to the
Open command in the File menu.
Hardware items, for example, keyboard key names, key combinations, key
sequences, hard key names on the equipment and connector port names located
on the equipment are identified in the text by bold text.

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The system and the software 2

The system and the software

2.1

General

KTApurifier is a fully automated liquid chromatography system designed for

method development and research applications.
Two versions are available; KTApurifier with monitor UV-900 for multiple
wavelengths detection and KTA purifier UPC with monitor UPC-900 for the
combined measurement of UV-absoption, pH and conductivity.

pu ri
KTA

pu ri
KTA

fier

KTApurifier

2.1.1

fier

KTApurifier UPC

KTApurifier

The separation unit of the chromatography system has two main modules which
are stacked on the left-hand side of a base platform. They are:

Pump P-900, a family of binary high performance gradient pumps.

In KTApurifier 100, the flow rate is up to 100 ml/min and the pressure up to
10 MPa (pump designation is P-901).
In KTApurifier 10, the flow rate is up to 10 ml/min and pressure up to 25 MPa
(pump designation is P-903).

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2 The system and the software

2.1 General

Monitor UV-900, a multi-wavelength UV-Vis monitor for simultaneous

monitoring of up to 3 wavelengths in the range 190-700 nm.

If installing a fraction collector, it should be placed on the right-hand side of the

system.
Components, such as the mixer, column and different valves, are mounted on the
right side of the system.
The separation unit is controlled from UNICORN software.
Column

Box-900

Injector valve
INV-907

INV-907

Monitor UV-900

M-925

Mixer chamber

Pump P-900
(P-901/903)

Mixer M-925
ON/OFF button

KTApurifier

Pump P-900 and Monitor UV-900 can also be controlled individually from the
modules, without UNICORN software. In this guide, however, you will only learn
how to operate the chromatography system from UNICORN.
Switch on the chromatography system with the ON/OFF button located on the
front of the base platform to the bottom left.

10

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The system and the software 2

2.1.2

KTApurifier UPC

The separation unit of the chromatography system has two main modules which
are stacked on the left-hand side of a base platform. They are:

Pump P-900, a family of binary high performance gradient pumps.

In KTApurifier 100, the flow rate is up to 100 ml/min and the pressure up to
10 MPa (pump designation is P-901).
In KTApurifier 10, the flow rate is up to 10 ml/min and pressure up to 25 MPa
(pump designation is P-903).

Monitor UPC-900, a high precision on-line combined monitor for measuring

UV absoption, conductivity and pH (optional)

If installing a fraction collector, it should be placed on the right-hand side of the

system.
Components, such as the mixer, column and different valves, are mounted on the
right side of the system.
The separation unit is controlled from UNICORN software.

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11

2 The system and the software

2.1 General

Optical unit (UV cell)

Injection valve
INV-907

Column
INV-907

Conductivity cell
Monitor
UPC-900

M-925

Mixer M-925
Mixer chamber

Pump P-900

Flow restrictor

KTApurifier UPC

Pump P-900 and Monitor UPC-900 can also be controlled individually from the
modules, without UNICORN software. In this guide, however, you will only learn
how to operate the chromatography system from UNICORN.
Switch on the chromatography system with the ON/OFF button located on the
front of the base platform to the bottom left.

12

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The system and the software 2

Comment:
The flow path between the different components in the system is shown and described
below. It is not necessary to go through this in detail to make your first runs.
System pump

Sample

Mixer

Column

Monitoring
UV-monitor

Injection valve

Fractionation

Conductivity monitor
Outlet valve
(KTApurifier)
(optional)

Flow
restrictor

On-line filter
(KTApurifier)
pH-monitor
(optional)

Switch valves
(optional)

Outlet fraction

Waste

A1

A2

B1

B2

To
fraction collector
(optional)

Waste

The pump has four pump heads, two for pump A and two for pump B. Pump A is the one
closest to the front.

Pump inlets A and B are immersed in buffer A and B respectively. The buffer solutions
are pumped to a mixer by the pump. Inlets A1 and B1 are placed in buffer A and B
respectively. Inlets A2 and B2 are used when buffers are prepared automatically by
Bufferprep. They can also be used for changing buffer during the method run.

The flow path continues from the mixer to the injection valve. (For KTApurifier, via an
online filter).

A sample loop is connected between ports 2 and 6 on the injection valve. The sample
loop is filled manually using a syringe and a fill port connected to port 3 in the injection
valve.

After the injection valve, the flow is directed through the column, the UV cell in the
optical unit and the conductivity cell located below the optical unit.

The flow path then continues through the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor generates
a constant backpressure to eliminate the risk of air bubbles entering the UV cell.

In KTApurifier the flow continues to the outlet valve, which is used to switch the outlet
flow to waste, fraction collection or outlet fraction.

If Frac-920 is included, the flow direction valve on Frac-920 directs the flow to the
collection tubes or to waste.
If Frac-950 is included, the flow is directed to the accumulator (if connected), and then
to the collection tubes or to waste.

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13

2 The system and the software

2.2 UNICORN overview

2.2

UNICORN overview

Switch on the computer. Log on to Windows by first pressing Ctrl-Alt-Del

and then clicking OK. After a while the Windows desktop appears.

Start UNICORN by double-clicking on the UNICORN icon.

An information window appears during start-up.

In the Logon dialog, select a user from the Users list and enter the password.
If you log in for the very first time, select user default and enter the password
default. Click OK.
Note: You should enter users and individual passwords before starting using
KTApurifier on a regular basis. See UNICORN User Manuals.

14

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The system and the software 2

Eventually, the UNICORN Manager appears on the screen.

UNICORN Manager module is the central part of the UNICORN displays. It is

mainly used for file handling and administration. From this module you
navigate through the control system.
In the Methods pane to the left, all method files that you create are
displayed. A method file contains a series of instructions for controlling a run.
In the Results pane to the right, all result files are displayed. A result file is the
result from a run, including all documentation (e.g. the method used) and the
generated chromatogram.

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2 The system and the software

2.2 UNICORN overview

In general, UNICORN consists of 4 different modules of which UNICORN Manager

is one. The other modules are represented by icons in the toolbar. These modules
are:

Method Editor

Opens a dialog window for creating new methods.

System control

Opens a dialog window for controlling the system

and running your methods.

Evaluation

Opens a dialog window for evaluating your results.

To swap between the modules, click their respective button in the task bar at the
bottom of the screen.

Additional buttons are provided in the toolbar. These are:

Instant run

Opens a dialog window where you directly can

create a method to run. This is handy for starting
routine runs instantly.

Logon/Logoff

Opens a dialog window to control the log-on/log-off

process.

Method Queue*

Opens a dialog window for defining a new Method

Queue.

Existing Method
Queue

Opens a dialog window for showing the Method

Queue that is running.

16

Method Queues are used to link several methods together.

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The system and the software 2

2.3

Help

Comprehensive on-line help is available.

To get help about an instruction or module:

Place the cursor on the instruction/module and press the F1 key, or

Click on the Help menu in the upper right corner of each module and select
Help for...... to get general help about the current instruction or module and
find new help topics, or Index for a specific topic.

In any dialog, click on the Help button to get help with using the current active
dialog.

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2 The system and the software

2.3 Help

18

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Creating a method 3

Creating a method
UNICORN control software is supplied with a Method Wizard used for creating
new methods. The Method Wizard consists of a number of dialogs in which you
answer questions and receive instructions on how to create your method. The
options in subsequent dialogs depend on the choices you have made in the
previous dialogs.
The Method Wizard covers the most commonly used chromatographic
techniques.
Note: KTApurifier UPC screen shots are shown in the example .
To create a method:

Click the
started.

icon in the Method Editor module. The Method Wizard is

or
Select File:New in the Method Editor module. The New Method dialog
appears.
Select Wizard

Select system

Click OK
To get detailed help texts,
click Help.

Select Wizard from the Use options.

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19

3 Creating a method
2.3 Help

Select which system you want to use.

Click OK. The Method Wizard is started.

Select a chromatographic technique, for example Anion_Exchange from the

Main Selection list.

Select the column you intend to use. The correct column volume, the
recommended flow rate, and the correct pressure limit for that column will
then be automatically implemented in the method.
Note: If you cannot find your column in the list, you can add one. Refer to the
UNICORN User Manual.
Note: If you manually alter the default values of the column, and thereby
exceed the recommended values for the selected column, you will get
a warning when you save your method.
Note: If you want to perform a test run without a column, you should still
select a column (a small one is recommended) to get suitable default
parameters in the method. Then, when running the method, use a
piece of tubing to replace the column.

20

KTApurifier Getting Started 28-4079-54 Edition AA

Creating a method 3

If required, select Flexible Flow Rates and/or Flow Regulation of the System
Pump.

Click Next to go through the subsequent dialogs. In each dialog, select the
appropriate parameter values.
Note: The options available in the Method Wizard depend on the current
system configuration. For example, if a fraction collector is installed,
options for setting up the fractionation will appear in the Method
Wizard.
Note: Click Help in the dialog for more information on the options in the
Method Wizard.

Click Finish in the last dialog. The Run Setup window appears. If not, select
View:Run Setup.

Click here to select page

Run setup consists of a number of pages. You select a page by clicking the
respective tab at the top of the window.
Some of the more important pages are described below.
7

On the Variables page, the method is presented by a number of blocks. The

blocks represent the typical steps in a chromatographic run:

Start instructions

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21

3 Creating a method
2.3 Help

Column equilibration

Sample injection

Wash out unbound sample

Fractionation

Gradient

Clean after elution

Re-equilibration

Some of the blocks contain a number of variables with suitable default

values. The values can be changed to suit your application. Some of the
variables are normally hidden but can be shown by checking the Show
details box.
8

Click the Gradient tab to view the method graphically.

The length of each block is marked at the bottom of the graph. Click the xaxis to view the method in time, volume or column volumes.

22

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Creating a method 3

Click the Start Protocol tab to decide which of the Run Setup pages is to be
displayed at the start of a method run.

10 To save the method, select File:Save. In the Save As dialog, enter a name.
Store the method in the directory of your choice by double-clicking on a
directory. Click OK.
In UNICORN Manager module, the method name appears in the Methods
pane. The method name, followed by three consecutive numbers starting
with 001 will then be used as default name for the result file of your method
after runs.
Now you are ready to start a run. Go to Chapter 5 "Starting a run".
For more information on:

fraction collection, refer to KTApurifier User Guide

using Scouting in a method, refer to KTApurifier User Guide

using BufferPrep in a method, refer to KTApurifier User Guide

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23

3 Creating a method
2.3 Help

24

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Preparing the system for a run 4

Preparing the system for a run

4.1

System connection

Click the 1. System Control button in the Task bar at the bottom of the
monitor.

If YES is displayed in the Connection panel in the Run Data pane, UNICORN
is connected to a system. Check that it is the correct system. The system
name is displayed in the title bar of the window.
If it is the correct system, go to 4.2 in "Preparing the flow path components".

If wrong system is connected or if the Connection panel says NO, select

System:Disconnect and then click OK.

Select System:Connect. The System Connect dialog window appears:

Select your system from the list. If you are not connected to a network, only
one system will be shown. Click OK.

When connected, YES is displayed in the Connection panel in the Run Data
pane. You only have to connect once. If you do not select
System:Disconnect, you will be automatically connected to the system the
next time you login to UNICORN.

4.2

Preparing the flow path components

Preparing the tubing

1 Use the correct tubing kit for the column you intend to use. See KTApurifier
User GuideRecommended tubing and columns. For most columns the i.d.
0.50 tubing kit can be used in KTApurifier 10 and the i.d. 0.75 tubing kit in
KTApurifier 100.
Note: If using Frac-920 with KTApurifier 10, we recommend a maximum
flow rate of 3.5 ml/min with the i.d. 0.25 mm tubing kit. At higher flow
rates, the drops will turn to a continuous liquid stream.

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25

4 Preparing the system for a run

4.2 Preparing the flow path components

Note: If tubing with too large inner diameter is used, the peaks will become
broader than necessary. If tubing with too small inner diameter is
used, the backpressure from the tubing might become higher than the
maximum pressure for the column and the run will stop immediately
after it is started.
2

Immerse inlet tubing A in buffer A and inlet tubing B in buffer B (A2 and B2
respectively, if you changed this in the method).

Make sure that the waste tubing from the flow restrictor is put into an empty
waste bottle.

If there is air in the inlet tubing or if you suspect air in the pump, purge the
pump with a syringe as described in KTApurifier User GuidePreparing
KTApurifier or in Pump P-900 User Manual.

If pH measurement is desired calibrate the pH monitor. Refer to the UNICORN

User Manuals or the Monitor pH/C-900 User Manual. Mount the pH electrode
in the flow cell.

Checking the monitors

1 Make sure that the correct UV cell (2 or 5 mm) and filter is installed, and the
correct wavelength set in the optical unit. See Monitor UV-900 User Manual
and Chapter 2 in Monitor UPC-900 User Manual.
2

Make sure that pressure sensor, conductivity cell and pH electrode (optional)
are calibrated according to the intervals listed in KTApurifier User Guide
Calibration procedures.

Connecting the column

Connect the column between the injection
valve, port 1, and the inlet port of the UV cell.

Note: The inlet port of the 5 mm UV cell is on

top of the optical unit. The inlet port of
the 2 mm UV cell is underneath the
unit.

26

5 mm UV cell

2 mm UV cell

The illustration shows the

UV-cell installation on the
KTApurifier UPC.

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Preparing the system for a run 4

Filling the inlet tubing

1 Click the System Control button in the Task bar at the bottom of the monitor.
2

Fill the inlet tubing with the correct solutions by selecting Manual:Pump.
Select instruction PumpWash and set PumpA and PumpB to ON.

Click Execute to fill the inlet tubing. The injection valve will automatically
switch to waste during the pump wash.

When the pump wash is finished, click End in the System Control toolbar.

Filling the sample loop or Superloop

1 Make sure that the correct loop or Superloop is mounted between port 2
and 6 on the injection valve.

Connect an injection fill port or a union luer female/1/16" male to port 3 on

the injection valve.

Apply the sample manually with a syringe. More information on filling the
loops is found in KTApurifier User GuideSample application.

When using the fraction collector

1 Check that the tubing from the flow restrictor is connected to the fraction
collector.
2

Put the waste tubing from the fraction collector into a waste bottle.

Insert a sufficient number of tubes into the fraction collector.

Note: The delay volume (UV cell to fraction collector outlet) is not set at system
delivery because it depends on the length of your outlet tubing. To set the
delay volume in UNICORN, see KTApurifier User GuideSetting the delay
volume.

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27

4 Preparing the system for a run

4.2 Preparing the flow path components

28

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Starting a run 5

Starting a run
5.1

Final checks

Before starting any method, we recommend a number of checks to make sure

that no problems occur once the run has been started.
1

Check that the inlet tubings are immersed in the correct bottles for the
method selected.

Check that there is sufficient eluent available.

Check that the waste bottle is not full and will accept the volume diverted to
it during the run.

Check that the pump has been purged (i.e. no air in the inlet tubing). If not,
purge the pump with a syringe as described in KTApurifier User Guide
Preparing KTApurifier or in Pump P-900 User Manual.

Check that the correct column has been fitted and equilibrated (if not
included in the method).

Check that the correct mixer chamber and tubing are installed for the
method selected.

Check that the fraction collector (optional) has sufficient tubes fitted and is
connected to the flow restrictor.

5.2

Setting up and starting the method

Note: KTApurifier UPC screen shots are displayed in the example below.
1

Click the System Control icon.

Select File:Run.... Select the method to start. Click OK (the method will not
start yet).
The method run is initiated in a series of pages in Run Setup in System
Control.
Note: Only the pages set in the Start Protocol for the method will appear
during the initialization. Some of the pages are briefly described in the
steps below.
When a page is done, click Next to proceed.

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29

5 Starting a run
5.2 Setting up and starting the method

If using Frac-950, the Frac-950 page will appear if it has been selected in the
Start Protocol.
On the Frac-950 page you can define the order of fractionation and set up
the last tube used. The system will be paused when the last tube is reached
and the fractionation will stop.

30

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Starting a run 5

The Variables page is the same page as in the Method Editor. Here you can
verify and fine tune the method before you proceed. This is very convenient
when repeating runs with minor adjustments.

Some variables are normally hidden. Check the Show details box to view
them.
5

On the Evaluation Procedures page you select the automated operations

you want the system to perform after the run. Select Print_Chromatogram
to have an automatic print-out after the run.

The Method Information page contains a summary of the information about

the run. Under the Method Duration tab the approximate volume of buffer
used (A+B) is shown as well as how long time the method will take.

On the Result Name page you name the result file and define where it should
be stored. By default, the result file name will either be the same as the
method name, the date of the run or a pre-defined name. The name is
followed by a three-digit sequence number starting with 001. You can
change this name and select a new directory by clicking Browse...

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31

5 Starting a run
5.2 Setting up and starting the method

Click START. The run will start. You can view the run in the System Control
module.

The Curves pane shows

curves during the run.

The Flow scheme is a

graphical representation of
the system flow path.

32

The Run Data pane shows

current values for running
parameters

The Logbook pane shows when the

instructions in the method are executed
during the run.

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Viewing a run 6

Viewing a run
6.1

During a run

6.1.1

Monitoring the run

Viewing progress
The progress of the method being used can be viewed in detail on UNICORN and
the status of certain parameters of the instrument modules can be viewed
directly on their front panel displays.
The System Control module in UNICORN displays the current status of
KTApurifier and can display up to four panes for monitoring different aspects of
the run.
Click the Customize panes toolbar button or choose View:Panes from the menu
to select which panes to display.
Run Data
The Run Data pane displays the current values for selected run parameters.
To customize the Run Data pane:
1

Right-click in the Run Data pane and select Properties, or select

View:Properties from the System Control menu.

Select the run data items to be displayed and click OK.

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6 Viewing a run
6.1 During a run

Curves
The curves pane displays the monitor signal values graphically.
To customize the Curves pane:
1

Right-click in the Curves pane and select Properties..., or select

View:Properties from the System Control menu to select the curves to be
displayed. All curves are always stored in the result file.

Click the different tabs in the Curve Properties pane to set the properties for
the different curves. Normally the curves are scaled with auto scaling, i.e. the
scale is adjusted continually to the highest and lowest values for each curve.

To fix the Y-axis scale for a curve, mark the curve, click Y-axis, click Fixed, and
enter the max. and min. values. You can repeat this for other curves. Click OK.

To maximize the Curve Data pane, position the cursor in the Curve Data
pane. Click the right mouse button and select Maximize. Go back to normal
size by clicking Restore.

To shift to a scale for another curve click the Y-axis scale, or click the curve
name at the top of the Curve Data pane. The color of a curve, its Y-scale, and
its name are always the same. Click the X-axis to shift between time and
volume.

Flow scheme
The flow scheme is a graphical representation of the flow path in
the chromatography system. During a run, the flow scheme shows open flow
paths and monitor signals with numerical displays.

34

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Viewing a run 6

Logbook
All actions and unexpected conditions such as warnings are logged for every run,
with date, time and current username. The logbook provides a complete history
of any given run. The log is saved in the result file.
Front panel display
The front panel displays of Monitor UV-900, Monitor UPC-900 and Pump P-900
can be set to show their current status. In each case, the main operating menu
display shows the most important parameters.
The main operating menu of Pump P-900 shows the current flow rate together
with a mode indication, pressure and %B, if used.
The available modes are:

Run 13.40 ml/min

2.00MPa
45.5%B

Run
End
Pause
Hold

1[215] 1.123
1[254] 0.02345
1[280] 0.1234

The pump is running with the set flow rate.

The system is not running.
The pump is stopped but the set flow rate and the
gradient values are retained.
The gradient is held at the value displayed and the pump
continues to run. The method is held in its current status.

KTApurifier: The main operating menu of the Monitor UV-900 shows the
absorbance values with 4 digits for up to 3 active wavelengths.The display for the
AU third wavelength is reached by turning the dial clockwise. It is also possible to
view all three wavelengths simultaneously by turning the dial one step further
(only three digits).

AU
AU

AU
Cond% Tc pH
0.00002 015.0
12.50

pH12.50
Tc 22.4C
735.8mS/cm Tc 78.8%

KTApurifier UPC: The main operating menu 1 of Monitor UPC-900 shows the
absorbance value with 6 digits for the selected wavelength, the conductivity as a
percentage of full scale and the pH value (optional).
By turning the dial one click, an alternative display of the conductivity is shown
(main menu 2). This display shows pH, temperature and the actual conductivity
value in mS/cm or S/cm, together with the percentage value.

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6 Viewing a run
6.1 During a run

36

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Viewing and printing the result 7

Viewing and printing the result

If you are satisfied with the automated printout obtained after the run (if
selected), you do not need to alter anything described in this section. However, if
you want to alter the chromatogram layout, this section will teach you the basics
of the Evaluation module.

7.1

Viewing

After a run you can view the result. Click the UNICORN Manager icon.
Double-click a result file icon in the list to the right.

The Chromatogram window is opened automatically in the Evaluation

workspace when you open a result file. The Chromatogram window
contains all the curves. Note that the term chromatogram is used here when
talking about the whole window containing all the different curves.

The result file from a run holds a complete record of the run, including method,
system settings, curve data and run log.

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37

7 Viewing and printing the result

7.1 Viewing

Note: Original raw data curves can never be modified, renamed or deleted from
a result file.
3

Maximize the Chromatogram window by clicking the square in the upper

right corner.

All changes regarding the presentation of the curves are done in the
Chromatogram Layout window. Position the cursor in the Chromatogram
window. Right-click and select Properties...., or select Edit: Chromatogram
layout... to activate this window.

Select the curves to view under Curves.

The curves are named as Result001:1_"curve" where a curve can be, for
example, UV_wavelength, pressure...etc. Click OK at the bottom of the
Chromatogram Layout window.

To zoom in on the curves, click-and-drag in the chromatogram with the left

mouse button. A rectangle appears on the screen. When you release the
mouse button, the part within the rectangle will be enlarged. You can zoom
further on the enlarged part.

Highlight curves to view

To return to the complete chromatogram, right-click and select Undo or

Reset zoom.
7

38

To change to a scale for another curve, click on the Y-axis scale. The style
and color of a curve, its Y-scale and its X-scale can all be changed.

KTApurifier Getting Started 28-4079-54 Edition AA

Viewing and printing the result 7

Open the Chromatogram Layout window again. Click on the Y-axis and Xaxis tabs to set the scale for the different curves. Normally, the curves are
scaled with auto scaling (i.e. the highest and lowest values for each curve set
the scale).

To fix the Y-axis scale, mark a curve, click Fixed, and enter the max. and min.
values for that curve. You can repeat this for other curves.

10 To fix the X-axis scale, click Fixed in the X-axis field, and enter the min. and
max. values for the X-axis. Click OK.
11 Click OK at the bottom of the Chromatogram Layout window to execute all
the changes.
12 When you have made the necessary changes in the Chromatogram layout
window, they can be saved as a new layout:

Click the Layout Library tab at the top of the Chromatogram layout
window.

Click Save current layout as and type a name. Click OK.

Layouts can be selected in Save current layout and all your saved
selections will apply. Saved layouts can be applied to any result file.

13 Minimize the chromatogram window by clicking on the smaller squares in

the upper right corner.

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39

7 Viewing and printing the result

7.2 Printing and creating a report

14 Click the View Documentation button. A number of pages appear as in the

Run Setup in the Method Editor. All documentation about the run is stored
here, e.g. the method, answers to questions, variables, logbook...etc. For
example, click the Notes and Logbook pages to check the contents. Close
the Documentation window by clicking the X in the upper right corner.

7.2

40

Printing and creating a report

To print the chromatogram, select File:Report. The Generate Report dialog

opens.

Select, for example, format (Global) Chromatogram. This will create a report
containing the chromatogram and the questions on one page.

KTApurifier Getting Started 28-4079-54 Edition AA

Viewing and printing the result 7

Click Preview to view the report on the screen.

7.2.1

Adding information to the report

Click Edit Mode to enable changes in the report.

To add an empty page to the report, click Add Page.

Select from the Insert menu, the item to include. Items available are:

Free text

Picture

Text method

Chromatogram

Documentation

Evaluation log

Quantitate and molsize (optional)

KTApurifier Getting Started 28-4079-54 Edition AA

41

7 Viewing and printing the result

7.3 Printing all method instructions with explanations

Move the mouse pointer into the page area of the window. You will notice
that the mouse pointer has an additional symbol according to the item type
you selected to insert.

Click-and-drag to create a box of the desired size. Release the mouse button.
A dialog is displayed specific to the type of item inserted. Make the
appropriate selections in the dialog and then click OK to view the inserted
item.

7.2.2

Change page layout

If you want to change the page layout, select Edit:Page Setup. The Page
Setup dialog opens and you can, for example select page size and items to
be included in the header and in the footer. The information selected here will
be printed in the report. Click OK.

Click Print to print the report.

7.3

42

Frac-950 (optional).

Printing all method instructions with explanations

Select Method Editor:File and click Print. This opens a window containing
instructions that are printable.

Make sure that the Instruction Set box is checked and clear any unwanted
items.

Click Print to print the instructions.

KTApurifier Getting Started 28-4079-54 Edition AA

Going further 8

Going further
Once you are used to the system and software you may want to learn more
about it and its capabilities. Below is a list of operations and descriptions that you
may find of interest, they are cross-referenced to other manuals in the
KTApurifier manual package.
To learn about

Read manual/section

Purifying E. coli proteins

2 in the Method Handbook

Purifying synthetic peptides

3 in the Method handbook

Purifying oligonucleotides

4 in the Method Handbook

Different sample applications options

KTApurifier Optional Configurations

User Manual

Different fraction collection options

KTApurifier Optional Configurations

User Manual and KTApurifier User
Guide

BufferPrep details

KTApurifier User Guide

Columns and recommended tubing

KTApurifier User Guide

Changing tubing kits

KTApurifier User Guide

Calibrating monitors and pumps

UNICORN 5.10 User Manuals

Comparing chromatograms

UNICORN 5.10 User Manuals

Intergrating curves

UNICORN 5.10 User Manuals

Measuring HETP and resolution

UNICORN 5.10 User Manuals

Exporting curves and data to other

programs

UNICORN 5.10 User Manuals

Finding information about a certain

menu instruction in UNICORN

Click on Help button in the dialog box

that appears, or look in the index in
UNICORN 5.10 User Manuals

KTApurifier Getting Started 28-4079-54 Edition AA

43

8 Going further
7.3 Printing all method instructions with explanations

44

Controlling Pump P-900, Monitor UV900 and Monitor UPC-900 from the
dials on the instruments themselves

KTApurifier User Guide to unlock the

dials. Chapter 3 in the User Manual for
each instrument, found in the binder
KTAdesign Components.

Details about each component

See each individual manual in the

binder KTAdesign Components

Security features

UNICORN 5.10 User Manuals

Controlling the system from a remote

computer

UNICORN 5.10 User Manuals

KTApurifier Getting Started 28-4079-54 Edition AA

Short instructions 9

Short instructions
The following short instructions are intended as a guide for users who are fully
familiar with the safety precautions and operating instructions described in this
manual. The instructions assume that the unit is installed according to the
installation instructions.
1

Select File:Method Wizard in the Method Editor module or click

If necessary, select a system and click OK.

Go through the selections on the Method Wizard pages (click Next to go to

next page).

Click Finish on the last page.

Select File:Save in the Method Editor module and give the method a name.
Click OK.

Click the System Control button in the task bar

Select File:Run. Select the method and click Run.

The start protocol will appear. Check the method on the Variables page and
change values as you require. Click Next a few times.

On the Evaluations procedures page, select Print_Chromatogram to get a

print-out automatically after the run.

10 Click the Start button on the last page, the run starts.

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45

9 Short instructions
7.3 Printing all method instructions with explanations

46

KTApurifier Getting Started 28-4079-54 Edition AA

Index
A
air
in the inlet tubing ....................................................................................................................................... 26
in the pump .................................................................................................................................................. 26
C
column .............................................................................................................................................................. 10, 11
conductivity cell
flow path ....................................................................................................................................................... 13
connecting the column ...................................................................................................................................... 26
E
evaluation
shortcut button .......................................................................................................................................... 16
evaluation procedures ....................................................................................................................................... 31
existing method queue
shortcut button .......................................................................................................................................... 16
F
final checks ..............................................................................................................................................................
flow path ...................................................................................................................................................................
description ....................................................................................................................................................
flow rate
KTApurifier 10 ..................................................................................................................................... 9,
KTApurifier 100 .................................................................................................................................. 9,
flow restrictor
flow path .......................................................................................................................................................
fraction collector
flow path .......................................................................................................................................................
placement ............................................................................................................................................ 10,

29
13
13
11
11
13
13
11

H
help .............................................................................................................................................................................. 17
I
injection valve
flow path ....................................................................................................................................................... 13
inlet A1
flow path ....................................................................................................................................................... 13
inlet B1
flow path ....................................................................................................................................................... 13
L
log on to Windows ............................................................................................................................................... 14
log-on/log-off
shortcut button .......................................................................................................................................... 16

KTApurifier Getting Started 28-4079-54 Edition AA

47

M
method editor
shortcut button ........................................................................................................................................... 16
method files
displayed in the Methods pane ........................................................................................................... 15
method queue
shortcut button ........................................................................................................................................... 16
mixer .................................................................................................................................................................. 10, 11
flow path ........................................................................................................................................................ 13
modules
shortcut buttons ......................................................................................................................................... 16
monitor UV-900 ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
O
ON/OFF button .............................................................................................................................................. 10, 12
P
password ................................................................................................................................................................... 14
preparing the flow path components ......................................................................................................... 25
pressure
KTApurifier 10 ..................................................................................................................................... 9, 11
KTApurifier 100 ................................................................................................................................... 9, 11
printing method instructions ........................................................................................................................... 42
pump P-900 ....................................................................................................................................................... 9, 11
R
result files
displayed in the Results pane .............................................................................................................. 15
Run Setup window ................................................................................................................................................ 21
S
sample loop
flow path ........................................................................................................................................................ 13
Start protocol .......................................................................................................................................................... 23
start UNICORN ........................................................................................................................................................ 14
switch on the chromatography system ............................................................................................ 10, 12
system control
shortcut button ........................................................................................................................................... 16
U
UNICORN Manager ............................................................................................................................................... 15
user .............................................................................................................................................................................. 14
UV cell
flow path ........................................................................................................................................................ 13
V
valves ................................................................................................................................................................. 10, 11
W
wavelengths ............................................................................................................................................................ 10

48

KTApurifier Getting Started 28-4079-54 Edition AA

www.gehealthcare.com/lifescience
GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB
Bjrkgatan 30
751 84 Uppsala
Sweden

Drop Design, KTA, KTApurifier, KTAexplorer, Superloop and UNICORN are

trademarks of GE Healthcare companies. GE, imagination at work and GE
monogram are trademarks of General Electric Company.
Microsoft and Windows are either trademarks or registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United State and/or other countries.
All goods and services are sold subject to the terms and conditions of sale of
the company within GE Healthcare which supplies them. GE Healthcare
reserves the right, subject to any regulatory and contractual approval, if
required, to make changes in specifications and features shown herein, or
discontinue the product described at any time without notice or obligation.
Contact your local GE Healthcare representative for the most current
information.
UNICORN: Any use of this software is subject to GE Healthcare Standard
Software End-User License Agreement for Bio-Sciences Software Products.
2006 General Electric Company All rights reserved.
GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB, a General Electric Company.
GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB
Bjrkgatan 30, SE-751 84 Uppsala, Sweden
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Getting Started 28-4079-54 AA 03/2006