TECHNIQUES FOR DETERMINING EQUILIBRATION AND STABILITY IN SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS

摘要

A method of performing experiments on samples (102) may include receiving from a computer (116) criteria defining a starting state for performing an experiment in a system (100) including a scientific instrument (104) and one or more detectors (112); determining whether the starting state is established in the system (100); and, responsive to the starting state being established, allowing the experiment, that analyzes a sample (102) using the scientific instrument (104), to proceed. Determining whether the starting state is established may include automated monitoring of at least one parameter such as system pressure, column temperature or detector signal, for at least one data channel, and determining whether all such parameters simultaneously meet associated conditions of the criteria for specified time periods. The method may include automatically monitoring the system and re-establishing the starting state prior to performing each of one or more subsequent experiments. The method may include automatically monitoring and establishing a second starting state prior to performing each of one or more additional experiments.