943 Professional Thermostat/Reactor Vario - Manual

Importance of the topic

The ability to control reaction and separation temperatures precisely is essential for high-performance ion chromatography (IC) workflows. Post-column or pre-column derivatization often requires heating to accelerate reaction kinetics and improve detection sensitivity, while column thermostating enhances reproducibility, peak shape and retention stability. The 943 Professional Thermostat/Reactor Vario addresses these needs within a single modular platform.

Objectives and Overview

This manual presents the design, intended use and installation procedures for two variants of the 943 Professional Thermostat/Reactor Vario: the Professional Reactor Vario (2.943.0110) and the Professional Thermostat Vario (2.943.0210). It guides users through setting up the device in IC systems—either as a reactor for post-column derivatization in photometric detection or as a column thermostat for isocratic separations without a dedicated IC instrument.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Device variants: Reactor model with reactor plate supporting up to four 393 µL reactors (max. 120 °C) and Thermostat model with column plate accommodating two separation columns plus a preheating capillary (max. 80 °C).
• Temperature control: 0–150 °C range, stability ±0.05 °C; automatic over-temperature shutdown.
• Fluid routing: Multiple capillary feed-throughs and ducts allow neat integration with upstream columns, detectors and reagent pumps; PEEK or PTFE capillaries minimize adsorption.
• Connectivity: USB for PC control via MagIC Net, MSB bus for peripheral devices (Dosino, stirrer), extension-module port, optional analog output, and leak-sensor interface.
• Accessory support: Stackable configuration with base tray and bottle holder, Extension Module for reagent delivery, backpressure column for high-pressure reagent pumps.

Main Results and Discussion

The manual demonstrates straightforward assembly workflows: routing capillaries through oven feed-throughs, securing columns or reactors on the heated plate with latches, and re-connecting fluid paths to the IC system. Detailed torque-free instructions safeguard sensitive components. Integration with MagIC Net ensures automated recognition, temperature profiling and documentation of reagent flows.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Versatility: One instrument platform for both chemical derivatization reactors and column thermostating.
• Compactness: Stackable design saves bench space and simplifies multi-step IC setups.
• Reproducibility: Precise thermal control improves retention time stability and reaction yields.
• Modularity: Easy addition of reactors or columns to expand throughput or channel count.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances in intelligent components (iColumns, iReactors) and tighter integration with laboratory software promise further automation in IC workflows, including real-time reaction monitoring and adaptive temperature protocols. Emerging applications in environmental trace analysis, bio-ionomics and on-line metabolite profiling will benefit from rapid thermal cycling and multi-reactor configurations.

Conclusion

The 943 Professional Thermostat/Reactor Vario offers a unified, high-precision solution for heated reaction and separation applications in IC. Its modular design, robust fluidic interfaces and seamless software control make it a valuable asset for laboratories demanding flexible derivatization and thermostating capabilities.

Reference

Metrohm AG. 943 Professional Thermostat/Reactor Vario Manual (8.943.8001EN), 2020-08-17.