The Merlin EZ Sequence software generates text files that can be imported into the Turbochrom sequence builder. The Sequence files are the instruction set for the gas chromatography data system. They dictate the instrument and processing method to be used for each sample and assign all hourly data unique (DOS) file names. The Sequence allows the operator to configure sampling for two weeks, generating not only unique hourly file names but also scheduling blanks, calibrations, retention time checks and daily archiving of data. Unique file names are of particular importance on a continuous analyzer. In a single month of operation the system will generate over 1400 raw data files. Merlin’s’ naming scheme for data files includes the site designation, column and sample type (i.e. sample, calibration, blank) and month, day and hour of the day specification. This allows files to be sorted using conventional file handling strategies and to group the files based on some degree of knowledge of their contents. More significantly, by generating these files using a software routine we relieve the operator from tedious typing chores, reduce the potential for errors and free up valuable time.

Fig. 1: Merlin EZ Sequence Software

Blank and Calibrations are scheduled daily and the operator can choose to have these samples automatically run in the first four hours of each day. Under these conditions the Blank and Calibration runs occur on hours one and two or at hours three and four every other day, thus reducing losses of data for these hours to equal halves. Alternatively, these blanks and calibration runs can be scheduled to occur on a rotationally basis throughout the day and night across the monitoring season. This further reduces the loss of data for any given hour to a minimum.

Fig. 2: The Turbochrom Sequence generated from EZ Sequence text file