Chromatography Data System (CDS) Workstation – Hailong GC/LC Universal Software Platform

Overview

The Hailong Chromatography Data System (CDS) Workstation is a validated, PC-based software platform engineered for acquisition, processing, visualization, and reporting of analog voltage signals from chromatographic detectors. Designed to interface with both gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC) hardware, it implements real-time analog-to-digital conversion at configurable sampling rates, enabling precise peak detection, baseline correction, retention time alignment, and quantitative integration per ICH Q2(R2) and USP guidelines. Unlike proprietary OEM firmware, this CDS operates as an open architecture solution—supporting standard RS-232, USB virtual COM, and Ethernet TCP/IP communication protocols—to ensure interoperability with third-party detectors and legacy GC/LC systems. Its core signal processing engine applies Savitzky-Golay smoothing, adaptive thresholding, and second-derivative peak finding algorithms to minimize integration errors in complex matrices.

Key Features

• Multi-channel synchronized data acquisition: Supports dual-channel and triple-channel configurations for parallel detector monitoring (e.g., FID + TCD, or UV + FL) with independent gain, offset, and filter settings per channel.
• Regulatory-compliant audit trail: Full electronic record of all user actions—including method edits, reprocessing events, integration parameter changes, and report generation—with timestamped, immutable entries meeting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic signatures and data integrity.
• Modular application suites: Pre-validated, domain-specific modules include TCM fingerprint similarity evaluation (based on correlation coefficient and congruence index per Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 Edition), GPC molecular weight distribution calculation using universal calibration curves, transformer oil dissolved gas analysis (DGA) per ASTM D3612 and IEC 60599, and TVOC summation per ISO 16000-6 for indoor air quality reporting.
• Method-driven workflow: Users define instrument control parameters (oven ramp rates, injection volumes, mobile phase gradients), integration rules (tangent skim, vertical drop, exponential skimming), and report templates within reusable method files—enabling consistent execution across shifts and analysts.
• Export flexibility: Raw data (.cdf, .dx), processed results (.csv, .xlsx), and annotated chromatograms (.pdf, .tiff) are exportable with embedded metadata (sample ID, operator, date/time, instrument serial number) for LIMS integration.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The workstation accepts analog output signals ranging from ±1 V to ±10 V full scale, compatible with standard chromatographic detectors including flame ionization (FID), thermal conductivity (TCD), electron capture (ECD), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), diode array (DAD), fluorescence (FL), and refractive index (RI) detectors. It supports calibration via external standards and internal standard normalization methods. All analytical modules comply with relevant regional regulatory frameworks: TCM fingerprint analysis adheres to State Drug Administration (NMPA) Technical Guidelines for Quality Standard of Traditional Chinese Medicines; petroleum PONA and simulated distillation modules conform to ASTM D5134, D2887, and D7169; and indoor TVOC quantification follows ISO 16000-6 and EPA TO-17 methodologies. The system architecture supports GLP and GMP environments through role-based access control (RBAC), electronic signature enforcement, and periodic backup verification logs.

Software & Data Management

Built on a .NET Framework 4.8 runtime with SQLite embedded database backend, the CDS ensures local data sovereignty and eliminates dependency on cloud infrastructure. Raw chromatograms are stored in vendor-neutral, time-stamped binary format with header metadata compliant with ANDI/MSD (Analytical Data Interchange) specifications. Data archiving supports automated daily compression and encrypted offsite backup via SMB or SFTP. The integrated report generator produces PDF reports containing chromatograms, peak tables, calibration curves, statistical summaries (RSD%, linearity R²), and compliance statements—each digitally signed and watermarked. Audit trail exports are generated in XML format for external review by QA/QC or regulatory auditors.

Applications

This workstation serves laboratories engaged in pharmaceutical stability testing (ICH Q1–Q5), environmental monitoring (EPA Method 8260/8270), food safety (AOAC 2012.01 for pesticide residues), petrochemical QC (ASTM D1319 for hydrocarbon types), traditional medicine quality control (Chinese Pharmacopoeia monographs), and forensic toxicology (SWGDAM validation guidelines). Its modular design allows targeted deployment—for example, a wine lab may license only the Baijiu volatile compound module with custom retention time locking for ethyl acetate and isoamyl alcohol, while a polymer characterization lab activates the GPC module with Mark-Houwink parameter libraries for polystyrene and polyethylene standards.

FAQ

Does the workstation support direct control of GC/LC hardware (e.g., oven temperature, autosampler)?

No—it is a data acquisition and processing system only. Instrument control requires separate hardware drivers or OEM software; this CDS interfaces exclusively with analog detector outputs.
Can raw data be reprocessed with different integration parameters after acquisition?

Yes. All raw signal files retain full fidelity; users may apply alternative baselines, peak width thresholds, or deconvolution filters without signal degradation.
Is validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ protocols) provided?

Yes—Hailong supplies a complete validation toolkit including test scripts, acceptance criteria, and template reports aligned with Annex 11 and GAMP 5 principles.
What operating systems are supported?

Windows 10 (64-bit) and Windows 11 (64-bit), with .NET Framework 4.8 pre-installed. Virtual machine deployment is permitted under licensed terms.
How is software licensing managed?

Perpetual node-locked licenses tied to host MAC address; annual maintenance includes module updates, security patches, and technical support via secure remote access.