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CE Module - Capillary Electrophoresis Control

Control of Agilent 7100 CE instrument for vial handling and capillary operations.

Overview

The CE module provides direct control of:

  • Carousel system: 50 positions (1-48 samples, 49-50 parking)
  • Lift positions: inlet (positive electrode), outlet (ground), replenishment
  • Capillary operations: conditioning, flushing, pressure control

Hardware: Agilent 7100 CE system with automated carousel

Module ID: CE1

Vial Management

load_vial_to_position()

Load vial from carousel to specified lift position.

api.ce.load_vial_to_position(vial, position="replenishment")

Parameters:

  • vial (int): Carousel position number (1-48 for samples, 49 for parking)
  • position (str): Target lift position
  • "inlet": Sample injection, positive electrode contact
  • "outlet": Waste collection, negative electrode (ground)
  • "replenishment": Buffer system maintenance

Examples: 

# Load sample for analysis
api.ce.load_vial_to_position(15, "inlet")

# Load waste collection vial
api.ce.load_vial_to_position(20, "outlet") 

# Load buffer vial (default position)
api.ce.load_vial_to_position(1)

Important:

  • Carousel operations only work during voltage application (analysis runtime)
  • Completely blocked during pressure operations
  • Vial must be present in carousel

unload_vial_from_position()

Return vial from lift position back to its carousel slot.

api.ce.unload_vial_from_position(position="replenishment")

Parameters:

  • position (str): Lift position to unload from
  • "inlet": Return sample vial
  • "outlet": Return waste vial
  • "replenishment": Return buffer vial

Examples: 

# Return vials after analysis
api.ce.unload_vial_from_position("inlet")
api.ce.unload_vial_from_position("outlet")

# Return buffer vial (default)
api.ce.unload_vial_from_position()

Warning: NEVER unload inlet or outlet vials during voltage application! Can cause severe electrical damage to electrode system. Replenishment vials can be safely unloaded during voltage application.

get_vial_state()

Get current position and state of a vial within the CE system.

state = api.ce.get_vial_state(vial)

Parameters:

  • vial (int): Vial position number to check (1-50)

Returns:

  • "carousel": Available in tray position, ready for loading
  • "inlet": At inlet lift (sample/buffer introduction)
  • "outlet": At outlet lift (waste/collection)
  • "replenishment": At replenishment lift (buffer maintenance)
  • "out_system": Not detected anywhere in the system

Examples: 

# Check sample preparation status
if api.ce.get_vial_state(15) == "inlet":
    print("Sample ready for injection")

# Monitor multiple vials
for vial in [10, 11, 12]:
    print(f"Vial {vial}: {api.ce.get_vial_state(vial)}")

# Find empty positions
for pos in range(1, 49):
    if api.ce.get_vial_state(pos) == "out_system":
        print(f"Position {pos} is empty")

Capillary Operations

flush_capillary()

Perform high-pressure capillary conditioning flush.

api.ce.flush_capillary(time_flush, wait=True)

Parameters:

  • time_flush (float): Flush duration in seconds
  • wait (bool): If True, shows progress bar and waits for completion. If False, starts flush and returns immediately.

Examples: 

# Standard conditioning flush
api.ce.flush_capillary(60.0)

# Extended conditioning with progress
api.ce.flush_capillary(180.0, wait=True)

# Start flush without waiting
api.ce.flush_capillary(30.0, wait=False)
# Continue with other operations...

Notes:

  • Uses maximum system pressure (~950 mbar)
  • Buffer drawn from inlet vial, expelled through outlet
  • Carousel completely blocked during operation
  • Requires adequate buffer volume

apply_pressure_to_capillary()

Apply precise pressure to capillary for controlled operations.

api.ce.apply_pressure_to_capillary(pressure, time_pressure, wait=True)

Parameters:

  • pressure (float): Pressure in mbar (range: -100 to +100)
  • Positive: Pushes liquid from inlet toward outlet
  • Negative: Creates vacuum, pulls liquid toward inlet
  • time_pressure (float): Duration of pressure application in seconds
  • wait (bool): If True, shows progress bar and waits for completion

Examples: 

# Hydrodynamic injection
api.ce.apply_pressure_to_capillary(50.0, 5.0)

# Vacuum rinse
api.ce.apply_pressure_to_capillary(-30.0, 10.0)

# Gentle conditioning
api.ce.apply_pressure_to_capillary(20.0, 30.0, wait=True)

# Start pressure without waiting
api.ce.apply_pressure_to_capillary(75.0, 3.0, wait=False)

Notes:

  • Injection pressure directly affects sample volume and peak shape
  • Carousel blocked during pressure application
  • Position vials beforehand

System State Dependencies

Carousel Access:

  • Available: During voltage application (analysis runtime)
  • Blocked: During pressure operations, door open, error states

Safety Constraints:

  • Never manipulate inlet/outlet vials during voltage
  • Always check vial presence before loading operations
  • Verify carousel availability before batch operations

Pressure Operations:

  • Block all carousel movement
  • Require inlet vial for source liquid
  • Monitor buffer levels for extended operations