Ordering Numbers of the 930 / 940 Instrument Series

Significance of Configurable IC Instrumentation

Ion chromatography (IC) systems must be tailored to diverse analytical applications spanning environmental monitoring, food safety, and pharmaceutical quality control. A modular ordering scheme for the Metrohm 930/940 series enables laboratories to specify exactly the combination of pumps, ovens, suppressors, degassers, and accessory modules they require, maximizing performance while avoiding unnecessary components.

Aims and Overview of the Series

The primary goal of the document is to explain the numerical coding used to order Metrohm 930 and 940 IC instruments. Each position in the four‐digit code represents a discrete configuration choice: base unit type, oven inclusion, suppression mode, and optional accessory modules. An example ordering number illustrates how a specific combination—such as a single‐pump system with sequential suppression and a third peristaltic pump for sample preparation—is represented.

Methodology and Configuration Scheme

Order codes are structured as follows:

• First digit: pump configuration and oven option (one or two pumps; with or without column oven).
• Second digit: suppression type (non‐suppressed, chemical suppression with or without peristaltic pump, sequential suppression, etc.).
• Third digit: additional peristaltic pumps for sample or eluent preparation (Prep 1, Prep 2, Prep 3).
• Fourth digit: optional modules (high‐pressure gradient pump, low‐pressure gradient pump, degasser, 10-port selection valve).

An ordering number such as 2.940.1530 decodes to “940 Professional IC Vario with one pump, sequential suppression with peristaltic pump, and a third peristaltic pump module.”

Applied Instrumentation

The new generation replaces and extends older Metrohm devices with the following lineup:

• 930 Compact IC Flex (replacing 881/882 Compact IC pro/plus).
• 940 Professional IC Vario (replacing 850 Professional IC).
• 941 Eluent Production Module (replacing Inline Eluent Preparation).
• 942 Extension Module Vario (replacing 872 Extension Module).
• 943 Professional Thermostat / Reactor Vario (replacing 886 Thermostat/Reactor).
• 944 Professional UV/VIS Detector Vario (replacing 887 UV/VIS Detector).
• 945 Professional Detector Vario (replacing 896 Detector).

Main Findings and Discussion

The modular coding system delivers clarity for ordering and supports future system upgrades. Users can mix and match components—suppression units, preparation modules and gradient pumps—to achieve tailored performance. The example mapping demonstrates how complex configurations are reduced to concise numeric sequences.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Standardized codes streamline procurement, reduce errors, and accelerate deployment of IC systems. Laboratories benefit from scalability—adding or replacing modules as analytical demands evolve—without full system reinvestment. The approach enhances method reproducibility and simplifies service and maintenance planning.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Looking ahead, integration of inline eluent synthesis, automated degassing, and advanced gradient capabilities will support high-throughput ion analysis. Digital communication between modules and remote monitoring will further optimize uptime. Expansion of preparative modules will enable seamless coupling of sample cleanup and IC separation.

Conclusion

The Metrohm 930/940 ordering code schema provides a user-friendly framework to configure IC systems precisely to analytical requirements. This modular approach enhances flexibility, cost efficiency, and future expandability across a wide range of ion chromatography applications.

Reference

• Metrohm document 8.108.5027EN – 2013-03