CAMAG

TLC SCANNER 4

WORLD LEADER IN PLANAR

CHROMATOGRAPHY

The TLC Scanner 4 is the most advanced workstation

for densitometric evaluation of TLC/HPTLC
chromatograms. It can also be used for densitometric
measurements of other planar objects.

All functions of the scanner are controlled by the software winCATS.

Only the positioning of the object to be scanned is performed manually. If desired the operator can switch on the internal illumination to
control or adjust the scan start position.
Optimal settings for electronic amplification are automatically selected
for measurements in absorption and fluorescence mode.

Perfect evaluation with winCATS

The well structured and easy to use winCATS software controls and
monitors all functions of the scanner and processes data up to the
final result.
The winCATS standard program for the TLC Scanner 4 features:

Short measurement times

Measurement of up to 36 tracks with up to 100 substances per track

Integration either with automatic or manual baseline correction /

peak assignment

Automatic or easy manual assignment of substance names to peaks

Automatic recording of spectra of all detected or selected peaks

Printout or export of color graphics of measurement data

Report printout of the entire analysis including all measurement

data and images of the TLC/HPTLC plate

A number of winCATS program options allow the user to fit

the evaluation system to the respective need. The following
options are available:

Quantitative evaluation
supports the following calibration modes: single level calibration, multi level calibration with linear or nonlinear regression using internal or external standards. Statistics are
available as relative standard deviation (cv) or confidence
interval (ci).

Sub-component evaluation
(included in the option Quantitative Evaluation) can be used
to quantify unknown peaks by relating them to the main component as is prescribed by European or US pharmacopoeias
(Related Compounds).

Dual-wavelength scan
The chromatogram is scanned at two individually selectable wavelengths. During integration the signal from the second wavelength
is subtracted from that of the first wavelength to eliminate matrix
effects. Dual-wavelength scanning is also useful for the quantitation of incompletely resolved peaks.

Multi-wavelength scan
The chromatogram can be scanned automatically at up to
36 different wavelengths. This permits multiple measurements between 190 and 900 nm in order to achieve optimum selectivity.

For quantitation, data from the optimum wavelength scan of each

fraction can be selected. This software function is unique in ThinLayer Chromatography!

Scanner qualification (Selftest)

This option offers automatic monitoring of the mechanical, optical and electronic functions of the scanner. Results are evaluated,
documented and saved. If appropriate, lamp positions and monochromator alignment can be automatically adjusted.

Track optimization
Each track of a chromatogram is scanned several times with small
lateral offset. From this data the optimum track following the peak
maxima is calculated and used for quantitation. Thereby distorted
chromatograms can be correctly evaluated.

Spectrum library
Enables the user to create his own library files, which provides
the only way the user can save and compare spectra recorded on
different plates.

Note
The TLC Scanner 4 with winCATS is compliant with the requirements
of GMP/GLP and can be IQ/OQ qualified.
If you want to use the instrument in a 21 CFR Part 11 environment,
the option 21 CFR Part 11 compliance ready is required for each
winCATS workstation.

CAMAG TLC Scanner 4

2|3

CAMAG TLC SCANNER 4

Key features

Measurement of reflection, either in absorbance or fluorescence

mode

Object formats up to 200 200 mm

Spectral range from 190 to 900 nm

Automatic start of all lamps: deuterium, halogen-tungsten, and

high pressure mercury lamp

Data step resolution 25 200 m

Scanning speed 1 100 mm/s

Spectra recording speed up to 100 nm/s

Automatic selection of electronic amplification

Rapid data transfer

Planar chromatogram

Analog curve

Calibration function

User-friendly operation
All functions of the scanner are controlled by winCATS software.
The electronic amplification is set automatically. In fluorescence mode this is performed by a
quick scan, which measures the complete plate, e.g. 18 tracks in 20 seconds, and determines
the optimized settings from the result. In absorbance mode only one track is quick scanned;
either track 1 (automatic mode) or a track of choice (manual mode).
The 16 bit A/D converter ensures optimum resolution of the signal. This is particularly useful
for the measurement of both low absorbance and weak fluorescence signals.
Scanner operation with winCATS software is convenient and easy to learn.

The object, here a 20 10 cm HPTLC plate, is

simply positioned on the scanning table.
The coordinates are displayed during manual
positioning of the stage and can be transferred into the program by mouse-click.

CAMAG TLC Scanner 4

4|5

Lamp selector

Entrance lens
system

Monochromator
entry slit

Monochromator grating

THE OPTICAL SYSTEM:

FEATURES AND TECHNICAL DETAILS
The Optical System

Any of the three light sources, high pressure mercury lamp, deuterium lamp, or halogen-tungsten lamp can be positioned in the light
path by a motor drive.
The signal of the measuring photomultiplier is continuously offset
against the signal of the reference photomultiplier.
This compensates for lamp aging and short-time fluctuations. It also
reduces the warm-up time required to reach lamp stabilization.
All components of the optical system, lamps, monochromator, scanning stage, and photomultiplier are mounted on one sturdy metal
support. This ensures high precision of the detector signal.

Mirror

Light sources

Deuterium lamp, usable continuum 190 450 nm

Halogen-tungsten lamp, usable continuum 350 900 nm

High-pressure mercury lamp, line spectrum 254 578 nm

The lamp, which is positioned in the light path, is automatically ignited.

All lamps are current stabilized.

Pilot lamp and compartment illumination

The slit is automatically illuminated with visible light when the compartment illumination is switched on. The scanning compartment is
illuminated with a 4 watt fluorescent tube UV 254 nm which the user
can replace by a UV 366 nm or a white light tube.

For scanning at wavelengths below 200 nm it is advisable to flush

the monochromator with nitrogen. The scanner is equipped to do
this.

A monochromator bandwidth of 5 nm or 20 nm can be selected.

5 nm bandwidth is used for spectra recording, multi-wavelength
scanning, and always when spectral selectivity is required.
20 nm bandwidth offers higher light intensity (improves the signalto-noise ratio and thus the reproducibility of the measurement) and
enables measurement of several fractions with slightly different
absorption maxima in one scan.

Apochromatic suprasil-fluorite lens system, transmission range

190 900 nm, astigmatic entry lens for optimal slit illumination;
automatic switching between micro and macro position for optimal
light intensity.

The lens system with 190 900 nm transmission range features

automatic positioning for micro and macro slit sizes. This ensures
that the light energy available with small slits in the micro position
is almost the same as that for the corresponding slit in the macro
position, which is four times larger.

Concave holographic grating, 1200 lines/mm, bandwidth selectable 5

or 20 nm, wavelength range 190 900 nm; monochromator driven by
stepper motor, reproducibility of wavelength setting better than 0.2 nm,
accuracy better than 1 nm; connector for flushing with nitrogen.

The light beam strikes the object at right angle. The photomultiplier
is aligned at an angle of 30.

Maximum speed of spectra recording 100 nm/s, positioning at

200 nm/s.

Optical system

Monochromator

Disk with slit

apertures

Lens system, can

be positioned
for micro and macro
slit image

Mirror

Reference
photomultiplier

Beam splitter

Measuring
photomultiplier

Scanning object

Secondary filter

Mains voltage

Motor-driven filter wheel with three automatically selected filters for

the elimination of second order wavelengths; 400 nm cut-off filter for
fluorescence measurements; three positions for user selected filters.

115 V and 230 V selectable; 50/60 Hz; maximum energy use 180 W
(tungsten and mercury lamp ignited).

A/D converter

Scanning slit

16 bit, 2-channel A/D converter, 100 ms per double conversion.

Revolving disk with 20 fixed apertures; length of slit images selectable between 0.2 and 12 mm, width between 0.1 and 1.2 mm in
42 combinations.

Connections/interfaces

Detector
Two matched broad band photo multipliers, multi alkali type, spectral
sensitivity 185 900 nm.

Serial interface RS232 for communication to the computer, EquiLink

for connection to winCATS software.

Dimensions
Width = 590 mm, depth = 650 mm, height = 367 mm; net weight 39 kg.

Stage drive
Independent in both directions by stepper motors, micro step driven for smooth movement; reproducibility of positioning better than
50 m in Y-direction, better than 100 m in X-direction; maximum
scanning speed 100 mm/s, positioning at 150 mm/s.

CAMAG TLC Scanner 4

6|7

Manual Input

Stationary Phase

Sample
Preparation

Software Controlled

Nanomat

Horizontal
Developing Chamber

Immersion Device

Developing Chamber

Spray

Definition

Sample
Application

Chromatogram
Development

Samples

Automatic TLC
Sampler ATS 4

Automated Multiple
Development AMD 2

Standards

Linomat 5

Automatic Developing
Chamber ADC 2

Derivatization

winCATS SOFTWARE
winCATS for all steps of instrumental
Thin-Layer Chromatography

The winCATS standard program for the TLC Scanner 4 supports:

CAMAG has been developing software for densitometric evaluation

of TLC/HPTLC chromatograms since 1980.

Short measurement times

Measurement of up to 36 tracks with up to 100 substances per track

Integration either with automatic or manual baseline correction /

peak assignment

Automatic or easy manual assignment of substance names to peaks

Automatic recording of spectra of all detected or selected peaks

Printout or export of color graphics of measurement data

Report printout of the entire analysis including all measurement

data and images of the TLC/HPTLC plate

winCATS is the result of a unique integrated software concept

covering all steps of Instrumental Thin-Layer Chromatography. The
user can combine the individual modules to create a complete solution that meets all requirements with respect to instrument control,
data acquisition, evaluation and documentation.
The modular design of winCATS allows selecting or disabling the individual steps of Thin-Layer Chromatography according to the task
at hand.
The program offers a unique combination of features:

winCATS combines high performance with easy handling

winCATS offers a two-stage on-screen help system, a brief info line

and a detailed explanatory help text

winCATS features a structured data management and high data

safety with easy access to network and project directories

winCATS stores the complete set of parameters used together with

all data from scanning raw data to documentation in one single
file, and prints everything if desired

winCATS complies with the rules of GMP/GLP and 21 CFR part 11

winCATS features

Image Import
Image Annotation

Detection

Evaluation

TLC Scanner

Quantitative
Evaluation

Scanner Selftest
Dual-Wavelength Scan

Documentation

Report

TLC Visualizer

21 CFR Part 11
(FDA Regulation)

Image
Enhancement

Spectrum
Library

Image
Comparison

Multi-Wavelength Scan
Track Optimization

Modular design

Workflow

The modular design of winCATS allows selecting or disabling

the individual steps of Thin-Layer Chromatography according
to the task at hand.

Using the explorer type view the operator at all times remains
in control over all active steps of the workflow. These are:

Selection of plate material and its pre-treatment

Definition of samples, standards, and the calibration method

if applicable

Sample application

Chromatogram development

Derivatization (pre and/or post chromatographic)

Detection

Spectra recording

Quantitative evaluation

Documentation

winCATS program options for TLC Scanner 4

Quantitative evaluation
Spectrum library
Track optimization
Dual-wavelength scan

page 12
page 14
page 14
page 15

Multi-wavelength scan
Scanner selftest
21 CFR Part 11 compliance ready

CAMAG TLC Scanner 4

page 15
page 16
page 16

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TLC SCANNER 4 AND winCATS

Data input

Measurement

For routine analysis winCATS starts off with a method file containing all relevant data for the current task such as instruments,
parameters, etc. This method can be validated for GxP work.

The TLC Scanner 4 scans the plate and transfers raw data back
to winCATS where baseline correction and peak recognition is
performed automatically in the background.

From this method an analysis file is generated and parameters unique

to the actual analysis, i.e. sample names, amounts, etc. are adapted.
After all steps in the method leading up to densitometric evaluation
are completed, the plate is positioned on the stage and scanning is
started.
Slit dimensions, scanning speed, light source, wavelength, etc. have
already been defined within the winCATS method.

A display of integrated peaks with substance names. This display mode enables manual baseline correction and peak integration by mouse-click.

Data input of scan parameters

Spectra list

Evaluation

Recording of spectra

By clicking the right mouse key on an analog curve the display

can be swivelled and tilted, and additional information can be
displayed.

winCATS can automatically record spectra as soon as all peak

positions are known. Spectra can be displayed individually or
overlaid in one diagram.

Analog curves can be displayed either individually or in a 3D diagram.

Both can be printed in color together with the analysis report.

Spectra can be measured from 190 to 900 nm. If the emission range of
the deuterium lamp is exceeded, the scanner automatically switches
to the halogen-tungsten lamp. Both lamps remain ignited.

All 3D diagrams can be swivelled and tilted for easy evaluation.

Excerpts from a winCATS report (can be personalized by user)

CAMAG TLC Scanner 4

10 | 11

QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION
Quantitative evaluation is based on the comparison of peak
heights or peak areas of the unknowns with those of calibration standards chromatographed on the same plate.

Flexible input screens for calibration data

Depending on the task at hand single-level or multi-level calibration

can be selected.

According to the European and the US Pharmacopoeia, related compounds can be quantified by comparison with small amounts of the
main component in case their identification is not required. This main-/
subcomponent evaluation is part of the standard quantitative evaluation program.

Calibration modes

Single-level calibration is suitable for analyses where the concentration of the unknowns shall be checked within narrow limits. Singlelevel calibration requires reduced calibration efforts.

Multi-level calibration is used when the target values are expected in a comparatively wide range. winCATS offers a choice of four
calibration modes , the selection is made based on which mode
gave the best result during method validation.

Linear regression is a useful function when the calibration range

is narrow or the absolute amounts per fraction are small, which is
often the case by fluorescence scanning.
Non-linear regression becomes necessary when a wider calibration
range is needed and/or the absolute amounts per fraction are high.

winCATS offers a wide choice for data input: from entering amount
per fraction to entering amounts from balance readings or from
stock solutions.

Identity and purity checking by spectra comparison

The software option quantitative evaluation includes identity and purity checking of substances by spectra comparison. For identity checking spectra recorded at the peak maxima are compared with those
of standard substances. The user can define a limit for the correlation
coefficient, or let winCATS calculate identities by statistical criteria.
For purity checking spectra are recorded at peak maximum and at
both slopes. These spectra are then compared by winCATS either to
match user specifications or according to statistical criteria.

Polynomial regression is suitable for calibration over a wide

concentration range.
Michaelis-Menten regression is suitable for calibration over a
wide concentration range and for high amounts of substances. The
Michaelis-Menten function type 1 passes through the origin. In cases where this behavior is not suitable, Michaelis-Menten type 2 may
be chosen.

Ordering information
027.6315 Quantitative chromatogram evaluation

Application example
Analysis of 25 water-soluble food dyes in food
HPTLC is the most effective, rapid and cost-efficient solution for
the analysis of water-soluble food dyes in food. Up to 20 runs
can be chromatographed under identical conditions (by use of
the Automatic Developing Chamber ADC2) within 12 minutes
(see CBS 105 or www.camag.com).

25 food dyes (split in 3 mixtures, application volumes of 1, 2, and 3 L)

and 6 food samples (application volumes of 2 L; energy drink (ED),
yoghurt (Jog), fruit drink (FD), bakery ink formulation (BI))

Multi-wavelength scan of mixture 1 (superposition of absorption

curves at 6 wavelengths).

Calibration function of the red food dye E122 (x) and determination in
fruit drink, energy drink and bakery ink formulation (+).

Calibration function of the blue food dye E131 (x) and determination
in the yoghurt sample (+).

CAMAG TLC Scanner 4

12 | 13

SPECTRUM LIBRARY

TRACK OPTIMIZATION

Recording, displaying and comparing spectra of substances

chromatographed on one plate is included in the standard
Scanner software.

With this software option a distorted chromatogram can be

corrected.

In order to compare spectra of substances chromatographed on different plates or to compare spectra with those of a spectra collection,
the software option spectrum library is required.
The spectrum library can be used during substance assignment for
validation of assigned substances as well as for identification of
unknown fractions.
During the search process for identification the spectrum library shows
a hit list of the closest substances including their spectra.

Ordering information
027.6342 Spectrum library

Each track is scanned several times with small lateral offset. The number of scans and the distance in between is selected according to the
requirements of the particular chromatogram. When all scans of one
track are completed, the software selects the maximum signal for all
peaks. Only those data are then used for the calculation of the result
from the corrected chromatogram.
Note:

When used with chromatograms with proper track alignment, the results
obtained with or without track optimization are about the same

In case of distorted chromatograms, results obtained with track

optimization are comparable to those of a good chromatogram
scanned without track optimization

Ordering information
027.6344 Track optimization

DUAL-WAVELENGTH SCAN AND MULTI-WAVELENGTH SCAN

The software option dual-wavelength scan serves for background correction. The chromatogram is scanned with two
wavelengths, the measuring and the reference wavelength,
which each can be selected between 190 and 900 nm.
As measuring wavelength one will usually select the wavelength
of the absorption maximum of the substance to be calibrated. The
reference wavelength should be sufficiently apart from this maximum
absorbance in order to achieve good sensitivity, however, not too
far away as otherwise irregularities in the layer will not be reliably
compensated. A preceding recording of the spectrum is helpful for
selecting the right combination of wavelengths.

Ordering information
027.6346 Dual-wavelength scan

The option multi-wavelength scan is a useful tool for the

quantitation of analyte mixtures with components differing in
absorption maxima.
The plate tracks can be scanned consecutively at up to 36 different
wavelengths between 190 and 900 nm and the peak data is stored
in one analysis file. During the consecutive quantitative evaluation
each component can now be automatically evaluated at its maximum
absorbance. This way the user is relieved from manually evaluating
the same plate at different wavelengths.
For identity checking the 3D view of the multi-wavelength scan is
another very helpful tool. The 3D views can be scaled, swivelled and
tilted, and then copied to clipboard or saved as a bitmap file for use
in other software, e.g. Word.

Ordering information
027.6348 Multi-wavelength scan

CAMAG TLC Scanner 4

14 | 15

21 CFR PART 11
COMPLIANCE READY

SCANNER SELFTEST
With this option an automatic selftest of the TLC Scanner 4 and
a report can be generated.

This option is required for compliance with the FDA regulation

regarding the recording of electronic data and signatures.

In the scanner selftest procedure the following checks are

performed:

Features :

Wavelength accuracy of the monochromator

Stage positioning

Condition and alignment of all lamps

Condition and alignment of the optical system

Condition of the electronic system

Safety of data acquisition and operation by user identification with

password

Secure storage of all results including raw data ensures complete

data integrity and tracking

Documentation of all activities in History Log/Audit Trial for secure tracking of electronic signatures according to 21 CFR Part 11
requirements

The complete qualification procedure can be carried out automatically

or manually in sections. Certain deficiencies in lamp alignment and
monochromator adjustment can be automatically corrected.
Example
The stage with the test pattern (straight line) is moved multiple
times at 0.1 mm increments in Y direction across the slit. The resulting analog curve is evaluated by the program. This test gives
information about:

Uniformity of slit illumination with the respective lamp, and

Correct alignment of the lamp and the optical system

The result of each test is displayed on screen and can be printed as

part of the qualification report. The report contains the target values
and the values actually found together with a pass/fail judgment.
The option scanner selftest is required when the instrument shall be
operated in a GxP environment.

Ordering information
027.6340 Scanner selftest

Ordering information
027.6380 21 CFR Part 11 compliance ready

INSTRUMENT QUALIFICATION

INSTRUMENT SERVICE

For customers working in a GMP/GLP environment, CAMAG

offers Installation Qualification (IQ) and Operation Qualification (OQ) as service.

For all CAMAG instruments for which we offer IQ/OQ qualification we also offer service contracts.

The Installation Qualification (IQ) is performed at the site and at the

time of installation. It documents that all specifications and parameters comply with the manufacturers specifications, environmental
parameters and safety requirements.

A service contract includes:

Preventive maintenance once per year or as required

Adjustments and tests

Optional performance of the qualification (OQ) at the same time

The Operation Qualification (OQ) is initially performed subsequent to

IQ and is repeated at certain intervals recommended by the manufacturer or defined by the customer. It documents that all modules
of the qualified system function properly within the specified operating ranges.
The Performance Qualification (PQ) is an ongoing process which documents that the instrument or system is suitable for the given task. Thus
only the user can perform PQ, employing his substances, following
his task description and his test procedures (SOPs).

CAMAG TLC Scanner 4

16 | 17

TECHNICAL DATA
Light sources

Deuterium lamp, usable continuum 190 450 nm

Halogen-tungsten lamp, usable continuum 350 900 nm
High-pressure mercury lamp, line spectrum 254 578 nm

Scanning slit
Revolving disk with 20 fixed apertures; length of slit images selectable between 0.2 and 12 mm, width between 0.1 and 1.2 mm in
42 combinations.

The lamp, which is positioned in the light path, is automatically ignited.

All lamps are current stabilized.

Detector

Pilot lamp and compartment illumination

Two matched broad band photo multipliers, multi alkali type, spectral
sensitivity 185 900 nm.

The slit is automatically illuminated with visible light when the compartment illumination is switched on. The scanning compartment is
illuminated with a 4 watt fluorescent tube UV 254 nm which the user
can replace by a UV 366 nm or a white light tube.

Optical system

Stage drive
Independent in both directions by stepper motors, micro step driven
for smooth movement; reproducibility of positioning better than 50
m in Y-direction, better than 100 m in X-direction; maximum scanning speed 100 mm/s, positioning at 150 mm/s.

Apochromatic suprasil-fluorite lens system, transmission range

190 900 nm, astigmatic entry lens for optimal slit illumination; automatic switching between micro and macro position for optimal light
intensity.

115 V and 230 V selectable; 50/60 Hz; maximum energy use 180 W
(tungsten and mercury lamp ignited).

Monochromator

A/D converter

Concave holographic grating, 1200 lines/mm, bandwidth selectable 5

or 20 nm, wavelength range 190 900 nm; monochromator driven by
stepper motor, reproducibility of wavelength setting better than 0.2 nm,
accuracy better than 1 nm; connector for flushing with nitrogen. Maximum speed of spectra recording 100 nm/s, positioning at 200 nm/s.

Secondary filter
Motor-driven filter wheel with three automatically selected filters for
the elimination of second order wavelengths; 400 nm cut-off filter for
fluorescence measurements; three positions for user selected filters.

Mains voltage

16 bit, 2-channel A/D converter, 100 ms per double conversion.

Connections/interfaces
Serial interface RS232 for communication to the computer, EquiLink
for connection to winCATS software.

Dimensions
Width = 590 mm, depth = 650 mm, height = 367 mm; net weight 39 kg.

ORDERING INFORMATION
027.6200 CAMAG TLC SCANNER 4
for scanning by absorbance and fluorescence, equipped for objects up to 200 200 mm, wavelength range
190 900 nm, complete with deuterium lamp, tungstenhalogen lamp, and mercury vapor lamp, including Equilink
(027.6312) to winCATS, but without winCATS license.

winCATS Software and options:

027.6300 winCATS license including one year of internet
update service
027.6315 Quantitative chromatogram evaluation
027.6342 Spectrum library
027.6344 Track optimization
027.6346 Dual-wavelength scan
027.6348 Multi-wavelength scan
027.6340 Scanner selftest
027.6380 21 CFR Part 11 compliance ready
You can order the CAMAG TLC Scanner 4 as a complete
system:
027.6288 CAMAG TLC Scanner 4, complete system
027.6200 CAMAG TLC Scanner 4, for scanning by
absorbance and fluorescence, equipped for
objects up to 200 200 mm, wavelength
range 190 900 nm, complete with deuterium lamp, tungsten-halogen lamp, and
mercury vapor lamp
027.6312 Equilink to establish a 2-way communication
between the scanner and winCATS
027.6300 winCATS license including one year of
internet update service
027.6315 winCATS option Quantitative chromatogram evaluation
027.6340 winCATS option Scanner selftest

CAMAG TLC Scanner 4

18 | 19

CAMAG (Germany)
Bismarckstrasse 2729
D-12169 Berlin
Phone +49 30 516 555 0
Fax
+49 30 795 70 73
E-Mail [email protected]

CAMAG Scientific (USA)

515 Cornelius Harnett Drive
Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone (800) 334 3909
Fax
(910) 343 1834
E-Mail [email protected]

www.camag.com

WORLD LEADER IN PLANAR

CHROMATOGRAPHY

SCAN4 10-E 996.2042

CAMAG (Switzerland)
Sonnenmattstrasse 11
CH-4132 Muttenz 1
Phone +41 61 467 34 34
Fax
+41 61 461 07 02
E-Mail [email protected]