An analytical instrument having a syringe size identification functionality includes a syringe pump with syringe having size V.sub.syri, an electric drive, a valve downstream of the syringe, a pressure sensor between the syringe and the valve, a constant downstream volume V.sub.c and a processor configured to control the electric drive to move the plunger from L.sub.0 for detecting pressure P1 to a pressure detection position L.sub.d for detecting P2 using the pressure sensor. The processor is configured to calculate the theoretical pressure P2* using a modified version of Boyle's law: P2*=P1(V.sub.syri+V.sub.c)/(V.sub.syri(1x)+V.sub.c) and compare the theoretical pressure P2* with the detected pressure P2. When the theoretical pressure P2* equals the detected pressure P2, the analytical system is released for use.

A method for producing multi-dimensional spectral models of a production system. Input data is received from a plurality of spectral markers that are disposed in the production system, the spectral markers providing reference points for multiple readings taken by mobile or stationary sensors to be matched. Each of the spectral markers within the three-dimensional space are read to determine a unique spectral signature corresponding to each one of the spectral markers, the spectral signature having a pattern of spectral values that is unique to each one of the corresponding spectral markers. The determined spectral signatures of each of the plurality of spectral markers are associated with a unique identification which are then provided to a robot within the three-dimensional space. The multi-dimensional spectral model is then reconstructed using the assigned locations. The spectral markers also double as sensors and can transmit readings along with their unique spectral signatures.

A column device for an automatic analyser. The automatic analyzer comprises a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) module. The HPLC module comprises a fixation device configured to automatically fix and release a chromatographic column. The column device comprises a column jacket and a capillary. The capillary comprises predetermined dimensions and is disposed within the column jacket. The column device is configured to be installed at the HPLC module using the fixation device. Further, an automatic analyzer is disclosed.