Chromatograph enterprise: evolution of development

Development of chromatography in Yoshkar-Ola

In 1978, the SPU "Biopreparat" has issued an order on the establishment of the design department of the chromatographic instrumentation in the Bureau of control devices and automatics of the Main Directorate of microbiological industry. This order was immediately given in the action, and in October of the same year, the Department began to function and his staff went to train in departments of chromatography SKB, Academy of Sciences of the Estonian SSR Tallinn, VNIIMP Moscow, OKBA Dzerzhinsk. There, employees learned the basics of chromatography, and later began to meet with leading experts at seminars and conferences. So, year after year, employees of the new Department were trained in chromatography and embodied the acquired knowledge in business. Much of the credit for the formation and development of the team belongs to Pomazanov V. V., Kalinin Yu. T., E. E. Sotnikov, V. V. Brazhnikovu (VNIIMP), Lunev P. A., L. A. Bukharin, V. I. Antsygina (OKB control devices and automation), Alekseev V. F., Johnsson, V. (SKB, Academy of Sciences of the Estonian SSR), Chernyatina A. I., Yashin Y. I. (DARBA), Ludovico V. L., Paramasamy V. M. (Vniikam), Kurtzman, M. A. (Plant "Chromatograph"), Sakodynskaya K. I. (IREA) and many others.

By the end of 1978 intensive development of the very first model of gas chromatograph "Crystal-1"began. At the same time, the plant used the model LCM-80 of domestic production and the chromatograph "3700" Varian as the basis. Despite the inexperience of engineers of the plant, the development was carried out at the most modern level. So, was developed and implemented gas regulators electronic type, electrometer amplifiers for MOS transistors, convenient processor system control and much more. The first chromatographs were produced by a pilot batch in order to equip microbioprom enterprises. Despite the fact that this line of products has not received mass distribution, the production of this equipment can be safely called the first serious step towards the unity of the Department's specialists and the formation of the team as such. Graduates of the Mari Polytechnic Institute were constantly employed by The Department, and the average age of the staff was about 30 years. Along with the development of the chromatograph "Crystal-1", began to produce and implement specialized automatic devices for the study of atmospheric air at the enterprises of Microbioprom: "Fergana-1", "Analyzer-100" and "Analyzer-110".

In 1983 the joint efforts of the design Department, VNIINP and SKB, Academy of Sciences of the Estonian SSR was made the device of a special purpose "GC-11-Crystal-1000". Three years later, in 1986, there was a civil variation of this model — "Crystal-2000". For objective reasons, "GC-11-Crystal-1000" has not received mass recognition, and mass production did not. But "Crystal-2000", which is considered the first .

When the devices were developed, over 50 different inventions were also presented. Many of them were subsequently introduced by the plant in the chromatograph "Crystal-2000" and in other later developments. Among these inventions can be identified:

• five-channel multi-detector;
• small-sized, high-precision column thermostat;
• automatic liquid sample dispenser;
• amplification of signals from a flame-ionization nature and katharometer;
• methods of signal processing of chromatographic equipment.

Formation of "Meta-chrom” enterprise

After a series of inventions another one followed from a development Department - gas chromatograph type "Crystal-3000". The device turned out to be quite successful, and it managed to pass all the acceptance tests in 1992. Unfortunately, at that time the country was experiencing great upheavals, which affected the developers from Yoshkar-Ola. Funds were no longer allocated for the development of new equipment, and the staff of the division were left to themselves. In addition, great difficulties experienced manufacturers, and the development of new products had to be forgotten. A little later, on the basis of the development Department appeared such enterprises as RPC "Meta-chrom" and "SKB "Chromatek". Simultaneously with the production of new chromatographs and the improvement of earlier equipment, the newly established enterprises began to engage in the sale and implementation of manufactured devices, as well as maintenance of devices. Until 2005, the former plant of the OKB of control and automation devices continued to operate in the city, only in the 90s it changed the form of ownership and became known as JSC "Biomashpribor". The current management was replaced by a new owner.

Enterprises "Meta-chrom" and "Chromatek" were successfully developing in Yoshkar-Ola and became competitors. But it had a beneficial effect on the quality of products and on the level of development and implementation. Competing with each other, the factories constantly produced something new, presented original ideas, expanded the scope of the equipment. Today, chromatographs from Yoshkar-Ola are rightly called the best in Russia, and there is a certain merit of manufacturers.

For example, model "Cristallux-4000", manufactured by "Meta-chrom”, was presented at the exhibition in New Orleans in 1998 ("Pittcon'98"), and the chromatograph was marked with the most positive feedback from visitors and organizers.

“Meta-chrom” enterprise today

Despite the economic difficulties in the country today, “Meta-chrom” enterprise does not stop to improve their devices, including chromatographs. In 2003 the plant began to produce new, improved model — chromatograph "Cristallux-4000 M". This release was timed to the hundredth anniversary of the discovery of MS color chromatography and continues to this day. In 2009, on behalf of Gazprom, the plant began to develop industrial chromatograph "Petrochrom-4000" for the exploration of natural gas. At the same time, the development of the Vulkan-2005 measuring complex was completed. This complex is designed to test the thermal stability of various substances, including gunpowder.

Table of main characteristics