940 Professional IC Vario ONE/HPG - Manual

Significance of the topic

Ion chromatography (IC) is a widely used analytical technique for the precise separation and quantification of ionic species in diverse matrices. Its high sensitivity, robustness and compatibility with automation make it indispensable for environmental monitoring, pharmaceuticals, food safety, water quality and industrial process control. The 940 Professional IC Vario ONE/HPG system enhances these capabilities through advanced hardware and software integration, ensuring reproducible results and streamlined workflows.

Objectives and overview of the manual

This manual provides a comprehensive guide to the setup, operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of the 940 Professional IC Vario and Vario ONE/HPG by Metrohm. It aims to:

• Describe instrument components and intended use
• Detail installation, connection and initial start-up procedures
• Explain routine operation via the MagIC Net software
• Offer maintenance schedules and troubleshooting strategies

Methodology and instrumentation

The 940 Professional IC Vario system features:

• Modular design with three plugin slots for pumps, degassers or detectors
• Metal-free flow path using PEEK capillaries and ultrahigh-purity materials
• High-pressure dual-piston pump (0–500 bar) with integrated chip for data logging
• Eluent and sample degassers to remove gas bubbles
• Pulsation absorber, inline filters (2 µm) and guard columns to protect separation columns
• Precision injection valve with interchangeable sample loops or Metrohm intelligent injection techniques
• Column thermostat (0–80 °C) for temperature control of columns and eluents
• MagIC Net software for instrument control, data acquisition and FDA-compatible documentation

Main results and discussion

The manual demonstrates that proper installation and conditioning of the IC system leads to stable baselines (<0.05 °C temperature stability), low pulsation (<1%) and high reproducibility (<0.1% flow variation). Detailed instructions for valve and pump maintenance, capillary connections and leak sensor integration minimize downtime and extend component life. Troubleshooting tables guide users through common issues such as leaks, pressure drifts, clogged filters or valves.

Benefits and practical application

Key benefits of the 940 Professional IC Vario ONE/HPG include:

• Intelligent components (iPump, iColumn, iCell) for automated status monitoring and traceability
• Compact footprint and modularity for flexible configuration and future expansion
• Transparent wet end design with integrated leak detection
• Seamless gradient capability with dual high-pressure pumps and mixing coil
• User-friendly operation via MagIC Net and simple maintenance procedures

Future trends and possibilities

Emerging trends include further miniaturization of IC systems, integration with mass spectrometry detectors, enhanced online monitoring via IoT platforms and advanced data analytics using AI. Metrohm’s focus on smart components and open software architectures will support evolving regulatory requirements and industry 4.0 initiatives.

Conclusion

The 940 Professional IC Vario ONE/HPG offers a robust, intelligent solution for high-precision ion chromatography. Its modular design, comprehensive software control and simplified maintenance procedures make it a valuable tool for laboratories requiring reliable, reproducible and FDA-compatible analyses.

Reference

No literature references were provided in the source document.