Shutting Down the Chromatography System (SmartShutdown)

After a run, Chromeleon can automatically shut down the chromatography system or set it to standby mode. This automatic shutdown or standby process is called SmartShutdown.

The SmartShutdown Wizard provides step-by-step assistance with the creation of the shutdown or standby program. This helps you to prevent errors that may damage the column, such as stopping the flow while a buffer is in the mobile phase or interrupting the flow at high column temperatures.

SmartShutdown is currently supported for the Summit, UltiMate 3000 and Vanquish systems (excluding the modules for nano and cap), the ICS-3000 IC system, the ICS-5000 IC system, the ICS-Series Photodiode Array Detector, and the ICS-Series Variable Wavelength Detector.

Notes:

The CreatePGM, MonitorTimeBase, and RunBatch privileges are required to use the SmartShutdown Wizard. If you do not have these privileges, you will not be able to open the wizard or connect to a timebase.

SmartShutdown is not supported when the autosampler is shared by two timebases. In this case, an error message appears on the first wizard page.

Chromeleon does not support SmartShutdown for a timebase that includes a flow manager. Therefore, an error message appears if you select a timebase in which a flow manager is configured.

Overview of the wizard

A typical SmartShutdown process includes the following steps:

• The chromatography system is automatically shut down; the pump flow is stopped automatically at the end of the program.

• Certain parts of the system (for example, detector lamps and temperature-controlled modules) are turned off.

A standby program sets the chromatography system to standby mode, so that the application can be re-activated quickly. The main steps in a standby program are:

• The pump flow is automatically reduced at the end of the program.

• The temperature of all temperature-controlled modules (column compartment, thermostatted autosampler, conductivity cell, etc.) is reduced.  

Both programs keep the instruments connected so that they are ready for operation later. In combination with the SmartStartup program, the standby program enables you to quickly prepare a dual system (for example, an UltiMate 3000 x2 Dual-Gradient System, an ICS-3000 dual system, or an ICS-5000 dual system) for a different method of analysis.

To start the wizard

On the Batch menu, select SmartShutdown:

Tip:

You can also start the wizard from the Batch dialog box. Select Edit or Start on the Batch menu, click the Shutdown button, and select Create New Shutdown Program.

The SmartShutdown Wizard guides you through the following steps:

 Selecting the Timebase

 Selecting the Mode

 Determining the Device Settings

 Finishing the Shutdown or Standby Program

Also refer to Control:  The SmartShutdown Wizard.