OUTLINE

This module calculates how several stock solutions should be mixed to produce desired concentrations in a resulting buffer. Stock solutions can be mixtures themselves: for example, the program can account for several buffer components carried in with a stock of one of the components, when calculating a reaction mixture.
Up to 8 components (solutes) can be provided at the same time. Of those, up to 4 can be multi-component mixtures themselves.

To get the answers, the program has to solve up to 4x8 matrix, which explains why it can be difficult to make buffers even from a few components, when some stocks introduce more than one solute.


A SIMPLE CALCULATION

For a simple calculation, one solute (S), its stock concentration (C), concentration desired (f/c) and total volume desired (Sigma volume) are entered. In the output, the program calculates volumes of solute S and water (or solvent) to add.

If the stock concentrations are too dilute, the resulting volumes may become negative and will highlighted red.


VIEWING, PRINTING AND SAVING

To view the results:

values can be pasted raw by raw to the main text box using S, C, f/c or V buttons, or all at once using the GO! button.

The ">" button will expand the data for browsing or editing. The data can also be viewed in color via the C button on the left side or using  print preview button. The printer can be selected through File menu.
The M check box prompts printing the cross-component matrix for components 4-7. 
All dilution entries can be saved as a *.dca file and opened later using the File menu.


AUTOMATION

It is possible to calculate and print concentration series.
One approach would be to select desired cells by double-clicking (this will highlight them)
and transforming them by pressing the T button to the left. Parameters for transform are located
under the Settings menu.

Another approach involves full automation in the Auto sample menu. 
There, one specifies a component to vary, its lowest and highest concentrations, and the scale to use for increments (linear or log). 

Pressing GO! button will vary concentrations of components 1-8 in the range specified and fill the output text box. The results can be printed or saved as a colored PDF file by printing to PDF.