Off-line optimisation in HPLC separations

After discussing the main advantages and disadvantages of experimental and off-line simulated optimisation in chromatography, some implementations of a simulation method, which now uses real coded hybrid genetic algorithms as the searching for the optimum strategy, will be presented. The clear advantages of this type of algorithm as compared to the more conventional sequential simplex should be pointed out. Several genetic operators not used before in this context have been adapted to run inside the chromatographic optimisation engine and the first preliminary conclusions presented. Also, a new optimisation criterion based on customisation of chromatographer's needs that can be used as the fitness function, together with others more conventional objective functions should be presented hero.