EXPERT-SYSTEMS TO ASSIST ANALYTICAL-CHEMI STRY - EXPERT-SYSTEM NINA FOR METHOD SETUP IN ION CHROMATOGRAPHY

An expert system for method setup in ion chromatography is introduced. It combines the features of method selection, so called ''first guess '', with procedures for retention and selectivity optimization. The do main of ion chromatography is considered and structured from the point of view of an expert system. The necessary informations are gathered from various sources, and the parameters to characterize the important criteria for method setup are defined. Therefore, unique values, so c alled ''Primzahlaquivalente'', based on the multiplication of prime nu mbers are developed to describe all relevant aspects of the problem in only one variable. The knowledge is represented in databases and rule bases. The rules are built in ''if - then'' form and composed of decla rations, exceptions and actions. They are combined with certainty fact ors to represent the probability and heuristics. Algorithms dealing wi th non monotone reasoning are used to find the solutions. An example f or the problem solving mechanism of the expert system is given.